Open Range Internet Service via WiMax
:: Mon, Jul 5 2010
A number of our customers in downtown Lewisburg and its surrounding community have asked us to comment on the new Open Range internet service being offered as of June 2010. We think the service is a great idea and does fit a niche market so we thought we would try to discuss its pros and cons as well as outline where we see it being a fit for users in the area.
PROS:
- For $60 you can get phone and internet service.
- Your existing phones can plug into it so you do not need new phones.
- The unit is portable so you could take it between home and work if you wanted. Note that you need to live and work in the Lewisburg borough area. We are not sure how far into the “suburbs” of Lewisburg that it travels.
- You can shed your ties with Windstream.
- The device also functions as a wireless router for your home or office.
CONS
- The internet speed is a dismal 1.5mbps. That is likely fine for the average web surfer but it is not great for businesses or homes with multiple users who need fast internet access.
- The phone service is VOIP. That means your phones and PCs SHARE the same connection so their could be times when the phone service is choppy. That could be an issue for businesses that are on the phone alot, especially with multiple people making phone calls.
- To date, OpenRange cannot port Windstream phone numbers. That is, you can’t take your 524 or 523 or 522 phone number with you. Most businesses can’t afford to lose their current number so we see this as a major hurdle right now and hope OpenRange can solve this issues
We believe this device is ideal for small businesses with 1-2 PCs, no major internet speed requirements, and only 1-2 phone lines. Remember, you likely can’t use your fax through this connection so you will still have to pay for separate fax lines most likely. To use this service, you need to be in the vicinity of Linntown and downtown Lewisburg.
We wish OpenRange success and hope their service provides our customers an alternative and keeps the ISP market competitive in our area.
Posted by: summitwp-admin1234
