Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ’s

When it comes to our Wireless Residential Internet, many people wonder what makes our services different from other options.

This F.A.Q. is designed to explain the basic differences between WISP and technologies like Satellite and Cellular.

WISP

FIBER

What is a WISP?

WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Provider) use fixed wireless broadband technology to deliver the same high speeds and service of traditional broadband providers but delivered wirelessly as opposed to through buried cables.

Typically, a small antenna is placed on your home or office that receives a direct signal from a WISP tower near by. Unlike technology used for cellular data, the wireless connection from your home “end point” and the tower allows for fast reliable service via a fixed wireless connection. This prevents the interrupted data experienced by cell phone users that often happen as signals bounce from one tower to another.

How is a WISP different from DSL?

DSL internet service requires a phone line connected to your house and the monthly fees that go along with it. DSL’s quality of service is effected by distance from the provider’s hub and how many other customers are on at the same time.

WISPs offer consistent speeds throughout the day and service doesn’t degrade from one house to the next. Availability of DSL has no bearing on whether you can get Internet access from a WISP. Plus, with the number of WISPs growing rapidly fewer and fewer areas are reliant on obsolete DSL technology. Providers on the UWN consistently offer better performance at lower prices than the DSL competition.

How is a WISP different than Cable?

Traditional cable broadband service via your TV provider is only available if the provider has already dug trenches and buried wires to your home or business. And for most, cable broadband also means you are pressured into purchasing a contract “bundle” of phone and TV services to get their best prices.

Availability of cable broadband has no bearing on whether you can get Internet access from a WISP. Once a tower is broadcasting, wireless broadband is available to just about everyone for miles in every direction. A local wireless internet service provider provides competitive speeds and excellent customer service, often at lower prices. Plus, the added value of never having to deal with “big cable” again.

How is a WISP different than Satellite Internet?

Satellite technology has similar reach to WISPs but, it suffers from data lags called “latency” as the signals literally travel to space. Data usage caps are common and costs tend to be higher than those offered by fixed wireless providers.

Wireless high speed broadband from a local WISP can prove an excellent alternative to satellite in rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure has not yet been laid and customers are stuck with slow, expensive service.

How is a WISP different than Cellular Hotspots or Mobile Broadband?

While “mobile broadband” sounds very similar to “wireless broadband” the technologies are very different. The wireless connections offered by a WISP deliver a high speed signal (up to 150 Mbps in some areas) directly to your home or office via one fixed connection, rather than by piggy backing off a number of cellular towers in the area.

To get the portability required in a cell phone, the technology sacrifices reliability and signal strength. Service quality suffers as your data bounces from one tower to another and can get dropped the farther you are from the tower and during periods of bad weather such as rain and fog.

Does WISP work for businesses as well?

Wireless broadband internet can certainly be a good solution for small businesses. With services from a WISP, businesses can scale their bandwidth, data and service needs as they grow. Your local WISP has experience bringing high speed service to businesses in your area, and a quick chat about your needs can help them offer a custom plan for you and your team, rather than the one-size-fits-all “business bundle” offered by cable providers. 

For more bandwidth and enterprise grade reliability, buried fiber may be a better solution. Give us a call today to talk with our team and we will help you find the best solution for your business.

Will my service be effected by weather?

Certain Wireless technologies (Satellite, cellular, for example) can be affected by weather, however members of the UWN can calibrate the frequencies used by WISP technologies to reduce and eliminate what is known as “rain fade.”

How do I ensure my network is secure?

While each ISP deploys different security protocols, the most vulnerable point of a connection is the end customer’s wifi network. Keeping your home network secure is key to making sure your connection stays clean. A few things to remember:

Always encrypt your network – A WiFi network without a password is like a home without a door, you are just asking for unwanted guests.
Change the default settings – Your router typically comes with common default settings for the network name, password, and IP address. It is best to change all of these as soon as you can.
Use a strong password – Avoid you name, your dog’s name, your phone number etc. – if your neighbors could guess it, its not secure. Alway combine letters, numbers, characters and cases.
Learn more by speaking with your local WISP, or check out this handy guide from CNET.

What if I have technical questions?

The best part about working with a WISP is that your local provider is there to answer all of your questions, without entering the maze of automated phone prompts and hours of wait time. Take a quick look on the UWN for your local WISP, give them a call or shoot them an email with any specific questions you have. There is a team of real, local people behind every WISP, and they all take pride in delivering great customer service.

How reliable is the service?

 WISP technology allows for 99.9% uptime, meaning as close to constant as possible, which is the same guarantee offered by large tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Social Media sites.

 

Will I be able to stream video from Netflix, Amazon, etc.?

We offer plenty of speed and bandwidth to handle binge watching your favorite shows and movies, large downloads and video conferencing. Plus, our plans offer unlimited downloads, so you dont have to worry about a data cap allowance.

 

What is Fiber to the Home (FTTH)?

Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is a high-speed internet service that delivers fiber-optic connectivity directly to your home, providing faster, more reliable, and higher-capacity internet compared to traditional broadband options like DSL or cable.

How is fiber internet different from cable or DSL?
  • Fiber: Uses light signals through glass strands, providing faster speeds (up to 1 Gbps or more), lower latency, and consistent performance.
  • Cable: Uses copper wiring, which can slow down during peak usage times.
  • DSL: Relies on phone lines and offers significantly lower speeds compared to fiber.
What are the benefits of Fiber to the Home?

Ultra-fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and video calls
More reliable connection with minimal slowdowns
Low latency for smooth online gaming and video conferencing
Supports multiple devices without lag
Future-proof technology with scalable speed options

What internet speeds are available with Smartlink Fiber?

Smartlink offers a variety of fiber plans, including:

  • [100 Mbps] – Great for basic browsing and streaming
  • [500 Mbps] – Ideal for households with multiple users and devices
  • [1 Gbps] – Best for high-bandwidth activities like gaming, 4K streaming, and smart home devices
Is fiber internet available in my area?

Contact Smartlink Customer Support to see if fiber is available at your location.

How does the installation process work?
  • Step 1: Our team will schedule a visit to install the fiber line from the street to your home.
  • Step 2: A technician will install the fiber modem/router inside your house.
  • Step 3: We test the connection to ensure everything is working perfectly.
  • Step 4: You’re ready to enjoy blazing-fast fiber internet!
How long does installation take?

Most installations take 2-4 hours, depending on your home’s layout and fiber accessibility.

Do I need to buy any special equipment?

Smartlink provides a fiber modem/router as part of your service. 

Does weather affect fiber internet?

No. Unlike cable and DSL, fiber-optic internet is not affected by bad weather, electrical interference, or congestion during peak hours.

Can I use fiber internet for streaming and gaming?

Absolutely! Fiber internet delivers low-latency, high-speed connections, making it perfect for online gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and video conferencing without buffering.

How much does fiber internet cost?

Pricing varies based on your plan. 

Is there a contract for fiber service?

Smartlink offers a 30-day no-contract trial period. If you’re satisfied, you’ll enter into a 12-month contract with auto-renewal.

What if I need to cancel my service?

You can cancel your service anytime after your 12-month contract ends. Early termination fees may apply if canceled within the contract period.

What should I do if my fiber internet is not working?

Try these troubleshooting steps:
1️⃣ Restart your router and modem.
2️⃣ Check for service outages in your area by visiting [Smartlink Status Page].
3️⃣ Ensure cables are properly connected.
4️⃣ Contact Smartlink Support if issues persist.

Can I upgrade my fiber speed later?

Yes! You can upgrade or downgrade your speed at any time by contacting Smartlink Customer Support.