What is Broadband

What does broadband really mean?

Why not dial up or DSL?

Sure, you can get connected with dial up internet service, which is easy to use...until you need to move big files and information FAST. Large files take a lot of time to send through conventional telecommunications systems, creating a “bandwidth bottleneck”. It’s this “bottleneck” that eats up your time and money.

As businesses and casual users of the internet know, a dial up modem connection used to be enough to meet most needs. But now, accessing information via modem seems to be painfully slow. As we become more dependent on email and the internet, we realize the limitations of our connections.

Speed isn’t the only fiber optic advantage!

In addition to sending simple computer files and email, broadband gives you the ability to send and receive information that is becoming more complex, not only in the types of files created; but in the types of services that are accessible through a single broadband connection.

• Voice: via telephone service, internal business needs
• Video: video conferencing, entertainment services, television programming, video on demand
• Data: internet, business networking, security, telemedicine, distance learning

The Federal Communications Commission uses the term "advanced telecommunications capability" to describe services and facilities with an upstream (customer-to-provider) and downstream (provider-to-customer) transmission speed exceeding 200 kilobits per second (kbps). The FCC uses the term "high-speed" for those services with over 200 kbps capability in at least one direction. The term “high-speed services” includes advanced telecommunications capability.

Mason County PUD No. 3 offers wholesale telecommunications services that have speeds over 50,000 times faster than what the federal government defines as “high speed service”.

Let’s face it. True broadband that can deliver on the promise of advanced telecommunications services starts at speeds faster than 200 kbps (1 megabit per second) and goes up from there.

An ever increasing demand for faster computer networks; complex information services delivered via the internet; the need to upgrade telephone and video networks business and residential use; and, the unknown future demands for bigger and faster pipes for data services means access to broadband is important for our community.

How will the fiber optic service be different from what I have today?

The main difference is choice as indicated in the following:

Internet Services
The fastest in Mason County! On the fiber optic service, you will have an extremely fast connection to the internet and lightning quick data transfers from your favorite Web sites.

Television Services - More Choices
When available on the PUD 3 fiber optic backbone, television service will increase with a larger selection of channels, clearer pictures and direct access to the Internet from your television set through digital video.

Telephone Services - Convenience
Where available on the PUD 3 fiber optic backbone, you will be able to talk on the phone AND surf the Web at the same time! There's no need for additional phone lines. You'll also have a wide selection of local telephone and long-distance providers to choose from.