Internet FAQs

Broadband refers to a high-speed internet connection that is continuously active and faster than dial-up systems. Broadband is common in most urban areas and can include systems such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Cable Modern, Wireless and more.

Broadband is a form of internet service. Wi-Fi creates the ability for devices to connect to the internet without wires. The majority of modems and routers have Wi-Fi built-in using the broadband connection.

Fiber optics are thin strands of pure glass about the diameter of a human hair arranged in bundles called fiber-optic cables that use light instead of electricity to carry a signal.

Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) is the installation and use of fiber-optic cables directly to your home (or business). Fiber technology can carry virtually unlimited amounts of information over extreme distances, whereas copper wire data rates are limited to a minuscule fraction of what fiber can do. After a few thousand yards with copper wire data, the rate dramatically slows and eventually ceases to function as the distance increases. Connecting homes with fiber-optic cables enable homes to receive the full spectrum of information, communication and entertainment without limits.

A dedicated fiber connection means more bandwidth than ever before. This also means more features and benefits for phone services and better quality television services.

Less Clutter: With a fiber connection, your TV doesn’t need antennas that clutter your home (inside or out), no overhead wires and no image compression that limits the pleasure of viewing.

Greater Capacity: Fiber-optic internet means more bandwidth than ever before, meaning there is a greater capacity to keep your internet working at high-speeds.

Greater Reliability: Being made of glass, fiber is not affected by certain weather conditions such as lightning. It does not degrade and because it is most often installed underground, it is immune to storms, fires and pole damage.

Cost-Effective: Fiber-optic internet brings a better, faster connection, added home value and requires significantly less maintenance than other types of internet connections. Together, these benefits make it more cost-effective and beneficial for your home.

Future Proof: Once installed, upgrades, if needed, only involve replacing the electronics and not the cable itself. That’s why fiber networks are said to be “future proof.”

By using directional boring methods (or horizontal directional drilling — HDD), disturbances to your property are minimized. Construction is kept almost entirely underground with minimal impact to the surface. Some surface disturbance could be needed to bring the cable out of the ground. Our goal is to leave your yard and landscape equal to or better than we found it.

Absolutely. A dedicated fiber connection is considered an upgrade to the property. In some cases, it is the most valued utility connection.  Market Researchers at the Fiber-to-the-Home Council estimated that a fiber connection can add up to $5,000 to your home value.

In regulated areas, a battery is needed in the case of power surges and power outages. Unlike copper wire-based technology, the fiber network does not power itself. Under normal circumstances, the battery signals light from the central office, through the fiber cables, to your home. During an outage, the battery keeps electronics alive.

The battery will last eight hours or longer unless used excessively during the outage. Once the power is back on it will recharge itself.

The optical device on the outside of your home is connected to a power supply we put inside your home. That power supply has the battery built-in making it necessary for regulated areas.

We are constantly working on expanding our network. If you currently aren’t in a serviceable area, please contact us for more information.

First, you need to know how much bandwidth you currently have. You can use the Beehive Broadband Internet Speed-testing Tool to figure that out. Then, you will be able to compare that with our high-speed internet packages to find the best option for your needs. See ‘What fiber-optic internet plans do you offer?’ in the FAQs for more information.

1Gbps does not mean that you are guaranteed to get 1Gbps every time you run a speed test. Beehive Broadband delivers 1Gbps to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT), but what speeds you experience will depend on the personal equipment you are using in your home. For example, you might only be seeing 100Mbps on a speed test because the laptop, iPad, etc. you’re using is only capable of 100Mbps. Using wireless/Wi-Fi can cause slower test results as well. Another thing to take into account when running a speed test is how many other devices are currently consuming data. The speed test will reflect how much is available and won’t take into consideration what is already in use.

We offer four different fiber-optic internet plans. Currently, some plans are not available to every location we service, but we are always expanding. To see what plans you are eligible for, use our Check My Address page or contact a service representative for more information.