Mason County PUD3: Telecommunications.



	Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Choosing a Broadband Supplier

Where the Mason County PUD No. 3 fiber optic network is available, you have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this true broadband service.

Because data communications is becoming an important part of your life, choosing the right provider of fiber optic services is critical. PUD 3 has built the backbone, but it is only a wholesaler. Several local fiber retailers have arranged to provide service to residences and businesses. The retailers provide the final hookup to the home or business, billing and customer service.

You will need to fill out an application for service before a hookup can take place.

Residential applications are available for download (PDF) (Word) or through an authorized PUD 3 fiber optic network retailer.

Applications for business connections are available for download (PDF) (Word) or through an authorized PUD 3 fiber optic network retailer

There are many questions to ask before deciding on a retailer for your fiber optic service.

How much does the fiber service cost?

Monthly service charges and hookup fees vary among retailers. Shop around for a deal that’s best for you.

Do you provide the home connection as part of the service charge or is it an additional fee?

These charges vary among retailers. Ask if the retailer offers a package deal or has a special promotion for starting service.

Is my home ready for fiber?

Probably not! You will most likely require some new or additional cable in your home to receive the services offered on the fiber optic service. Speak to one of the retailers about cabling needs. They can assist you in specifications and finding a qualified contractor.

What kind of customer service do you offer?

One question to ask yourself is, “what kind of customer service do I need?” If you are new to the internet, or if you aren’t a natural born techie, you may want a help desk to call for questions.

Depending on your customer service comfort level and the local level of service provided by each retailer, these questions may affect your choice.

Ask about the customer service hours offered. Are they available 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Are they only available during business hours?

Are you a broadband specialist?

Can you provide scalable service for future growth?

Will you offer other fiber optic network services when they are available?

Does the retailer provide or plan to expand into phone and video services on the Mason County PUD No. 3 fiber optic network? If you are interested in multiple services, you may want to receive them all through one provider.

For information about available services, how to apply and get connected, contact the PUD or any of the retailers listed below:

Attn:
Lisa Hayes or Jason Robertson

329 W. Railroad, Suite 203
(360) 432-9625

Shelton, WA 98584

Email:
jason@Adjicent.com

Attn:
Jennifer Howard

100 CenturyTel Drive
(866) 820-6522

Monroe, LA 71203

Email:
jennifer.howard@centurytel.com

Attn:
Customer Service

E 300 Dalby Rd
(360) 898-2481

Union, WA 98592

2218 Olympic Highway North

Shelton, WA 98584

Email:
info@hctc.com

Attn:
Steve Schiller

4550 3rd Ave SE, Suite 104
(360) 456-5640 / (888) 820-7559

Lacey, WA 98503

Email:
info@reachone.com

Attn:
Customer Support

81 Tower Blvd
(888) 678-9891

Elma, WA 98541

Email:
support@techline.com

In the development of your communications and data strategy, there may be times that you need to establish reliable, high speed network connections outside the Mason County PUD No. 3 service area. PUD 3 is pleased to announce that the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) can help meet the challenges of short network hops from county to county, or longer haul telecommunications needs.
If your business needs to establish network connections from the area served by PUD 3 retail service providers to another location…or you need to bring service here, NoaNet can help with the heavy lifting.
For more information about NoaNet and how they can help you, follow this link http://www.noanet.net/home-flash.shtml or call (866) 662-6380.