4G “Ultra Broadband” Network Coming to Michigan!

We’re about to turn on a 4G network in Michigan’s Thumb, which will be the first in the region to offer full broadband with very high-speed connections!

About the 4G Network:

• The 4G network will support ultra-broadband Internet access, IP telephony, gaming services, and streaming multimedia.
  
• SpeedConnect will offer many options to connect to the 4G network including indoor modems, outdoor modems, USB devices and personal MiFi routers.
  
• MiFi is a personal wireless router that acts as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The MiFi can be connected to SpeedConnect’s 4G network and provide Internet access for up to 5 devices. The MiFi works at a distance up to 10m or 30 ft., and will provide Internet or network access to any WiFi-enabled peripheral device.
  
• Speed of the 4G service will provide up to 7Mbps (download speed) x 1Mbps (upload speed) connections.
  
• SpeedConnect will deploy 4G technology on 24 tower locations throughout the Thumb. Communities that will be served include: Frankenmuth, Pigeon, Unionville, Sebewaing, Akron, Fairgrove, Caro, Cass City, Bad Axe, Ubly, Harbor Beach, Kinde, Kingston, Clio, Mayville, Millington, Marlette, Sandusky, Deckerville, Minden City, Argyle, Snover, Carsonville, North Branch, and Peck.

This 4G service will also have a “pay as you go” service option, for the ability to recharge a broadband account without monthly recurring fees.

The 4G network launch is part of SpeedConnect’s extended investment in expansion, technology and coverage/capacity upgrades and in both Iowa and Michigan.

Iowa Upgrades

SpeedConnect’s General Manager Tony Lounsberry details our most recent technology investments including Vinton, Hiawatha and Bettendorf:

Double Internet capacity for Vinton, Iowa. “Upgrading our microwave backhaul path from Cedar Rapids to Vinton creates less latency and doubles the capacity for all our customers off our Vinton tower location” said Lounsberry.

Three new, high-powered antennas on the Hiawatha Water Tower located on N 20th Ave at Boyson Rd., improving capacity and boosting coverage for Hiawatha, Palo, Robins and parts of Cedar Rapids and Center Point.

Replacement of a single, older antenna with three high-powered antennas at 275 feet on a tower at Scott Community College in Bettendorf. Lounsberry said this upgrade increases internet capacity and boosts coverage in Bettendorf, Davenport, Le Claire, and Moline.

Lounsberry said the upgrade investments will continue: “Our goal is aggressive because we’re driven to build the best-for-streaming Internet experience in Eastern Iowa. We’re very pleased to be making so many new customers pleased.”

Cut the Cable

Many of us pay for Internet and cable, but do we have to? Can we get the TV content we’re used to if we cut the cable? The answer, increasingly, is “yes.”

Local Channels: an antenna or for digital programming, you’ll need a TV with a digital tuner and an antenna that receives UHF and VHF signals. Go to antennaweb.org to get an idea of what stations you can receive based on your address.

Networks: Most major networks and cable channels offer streaming shows and episodes. Video is everywhere: breaking news on CNN, MSNBC and other sources, and television and movie programming expands seemingly every day. Even the major networks often post their current shows within 24 hours.

“Premium” Content: There are a surprising number of options offering free or inexpensive content. Mashable.com put together a ratings list of the best-for-streaming content via the web:

1. Netflix

Featuring one of the largest streaming content libraries and capturing subscribers by the millions, Netflix is one of the big players in the streaming media space.

PC/Mac Access: Yes, using a web browser (requires Microsoft Silverlight), Windows 7 Media Center, Plex, or Boxee.

Mobile Device Support: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Windows Phone 7. Android is coming soon.

Connected Device Support: Roku, TiVo, the new Apple TV, Google TV, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and countless HDTV sets, Blu-ray players and other devices.

Price: Streaming only plans start at $7.99 a month

Selection: Netflix has an ever-expanding selection of TV shows and movies and the company has made it clear it isn’t afraid to open up its wallet to bring more streaming content to its compatible devices.

2. Amazon Video On Demand

Amazon Video On Demand has become much more successful, and by shifting from downloading to streaming, the retail giant can offer a better selection of film and television content to rent or own. Taking a cue from Netflix, Amazon has also partnered with a growing list of device makers to include support for its service on television sets, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and DVRs.

PC/Mac Access: Yes for streaming via the web browser. Offline viewing requires Windows.

Mobile Device Support: Limited. If you have an older Creative Zen or Archos device or select Nokia smartphones, you might be able to play back downloaded Amazon Unbox content. Otherwise, this is a service designed for the web browser or TV set.

Connected Device Support: Roku, Logitech Revue, TiVo, select Sony and Panasonic Blu-ray players, and TVs from Samsung, Panasonic, Vizio and Sony. Amazon maintains this list of supported devices.

Price: Movies and TV shows are available for purchase or rental a la carte. TV episodes are sold for $1.99 each and select shows can also be rented for $1.39 an episode. New release films are $3.99 for a rental and generally $14.99 to own. Amazon offers specials for users who want a season’s pass of a TV show, as well as special offers on new releases and catalog titles.

Selection: Amazon has a solid selection of old and new hits for movies and most current U.S. TV shows, including premium cable shows from HBO or Showtime.

3. Hulu Plus

When Hulu first hit the scene back in 2007, many scoffed at the idea that streaming TV shows in a web browser could work. If you ask Hulu’s backers — News Corp., NBC Universal, Disney and Providence Equity Partners — it’s possible Hulu has worked too well.

Hulu Plus was conceived as a way to not only monetize Hulu, but also provide a better selection of catalog content and official support for mobile devices, televisions and set-top boxes.

PC/Mac Access: Yes, via Hulu.com and the Hulu Desktop application.

Mobile Device Support: iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Android support for select Android 2.2 devices is coming soon.

Connected Device Support: Roku, PlayStation 3, TiVo Premiere (soon), Xbox 360 (soon) and select HDTV and Blu-ray players from Vizio, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Haier and Samsung.

Price: $7.99 a month.

Selection: Good selection of current TV shows and some movies. Hulu Plus doesn’t feature every title from the regular Hulu.com, but it does feature more episodes of certain series, full back catalogs for some classic shows and offers users access to 720p streaming content for compatible programming. Many (but not all) Hulu Plus programs are served ad free.

4. Vudu

In March, Walmart acquired Vudu, and the company has continued to expand its device support. Last month, Vudu announced that it will begin streaming 3D HDTV content.

PC/Mac Access: Yes, via Boxee. This requires downloading and installing Boxee and then adding the Vudu app.

Mobile Device Support: None. Vudu does offer an iPhone app that lets you browse, search and rent content from an iPhone or iPod touch for playback on a Vudu compatible device.

Connected Device Support: Limited but growing. Vudu is accessible via the PS3, Boxee Box and a growing number of HDTV and Blu-ray players from Vizio, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Toshiba and more.

Price: A la carte. Vudu offers $2 for 2-day specials on some titles, but most movies are $4.99 for an HD rental and $5.99 for an HDX rental. Most rental windows are 24 hours, but you can watch content on multiple devices.

Selection: More than 17,000 movies and TV shows, Vudu usually gets new releases the same day as the DVD hits stores.

5. iTunes

The latest Apple TV streams content directly from the server. The iTunes media ecosystem is more limited than some of the other services — it works in iTunes or on Apple devices, period — but the ubiquity of iTunes and the variety of content shouldn’t be easily dismissed.

PC/Mac Access: Yes, iTunes software required.

Mobile Device Support: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. Purchases work on older iPod devices too.

Connected Device Support: Apple TV.

Price: TV show rentals are $0.99 and movie rentals start at $2.99 for SD and $3.99 for HD. TV show rentals are 48 hours, movies are 24 hours. Most content can also be purchased.

Selection: iTunes has a solid selection of titles for purchase, including most current TV shows and a good selection of new releases. The rental selection isn’t as strong and catalog content lags behind some of the offering from Amazon.

Order today,
get connected tomorrow!

Other Internet providers can take days or even weeks to connect you. In most cases, if you order our service today, we can connect you tomorrow! That’s SpeedConnect!