While National Capital FreeNet does serve the 613 and 819 area codes, we are unable to provide DSL service to every address in the region. This is not a lack of interest on our part, but limitations of Bell’s wired infrastructure as presently deployed. NCF’s DSL service is delivered over Bell’s wiring, so we are limited by Bell’s installed infrastructure. This leaves some, mostly rural, areas with no DSL service.
This page will attempt to cover the alternatives available to you if you happen to live in one of those areas where DSL is not available.
National Capital FreeNet offers cable internet service in the region over Rogers cable infrastructure. If cable TV is available in your area, then cable internet should be too. Get in touch with our HelpDesk to see if your address validates for service.
Advantages
Disadvantages
At least one company Xplornet provides 4G satellite internet service in our region. Some NCF members using this service have reported speeds of about 5 Mbps download and 0.5 Mbps upload, making it comparable to DSL for speed.
Advantages
Disadvantages
There are ISPs in the area that provide wide-area wireless high speed internet.
One of these is goZoom. They offer radio-based internet via line-of-sight on frequencies of 900 MHz, 2.4 or 5.4 GHz and non-line-of-sight services on 900 MHz from fixed, ground-based antennas that cover “Carp, Marathon, Kinburn, Fitzroy, Arnprior, Flat Rapids, Locwinnoch, Glasgow, Horton, Bromley, Sand Bay, Norway Bay, and the Ottawa River Corridor from Arnprior to Castleford.” They also have a map that shows their service area.
The goZoom website indicates that their service costs $39 to $89 (including radio rental) per month with a $199 hardware installation fee. They indicate that they offer 2.5-10 Mbps download speeds for residences with no data caps. Installation may be more expensive if a tower antennae is required.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Locations that have cellphone service may have internet service available from the phone companies in your area.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Most people will find that the cost of cellphone-based internet and its slow speed are deterrents, but it may be economical for just checking e-mail and similar applications, if your usage requirements are light.
Some smaller rural communities have their own local DSL systems set up, such as Landsdowne Tel which serves the Village of Landsdowne.
The internet started with dial-up and it is still available from NCF for $60 per year. If you can reach Ottawa by telephone then you can get dial-up service, although long distance charges may apply if Ottawa is outside your local calling area.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Many people disdain dial-up, but if you only need to check your e-mail and perhaps the news, on-line banking and similar simple uses then dial-up may be just the right match for you. It isn’t really suitable for watching videos, on-line gaming or VOIP, though.
All NCF membership accounts include dial-up service. Getting Started (Dial-up) explains how to use it.
The federal government in the past has made promises about rural broadband, but not much has happened as a result. A December 2016 CRTC decision may change that, though.
The Eastern Ontario Regional Network was created by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus. Their mission is to “provide higher speeds and bandwidth to at least 95 per cent of homes and businesses in Eastern Ontario. The network is being built with the support of federal, provincial, municipal, and private sector partners”.
If you don’t currently have high-speed internet, this and other initiatives may end up providing service to you in the future.
NCF would never advocate that members move residences to get better internet service but we have had so many discussion with members who wish they verified their internet options before committing to changing their address.
We have talked to a number of people who have looked at rural estate living, but have decided against it when they discovered that DSL was not available in the proposed new housing development.
This is all just some food for thought if you are considering moving to the countryside - ask about internet service first to avoid being disappointed or have family members disappointed.
If you are aware of services we have missed naming here, please let us know and we will update the page. You can put in an [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/officeMsg.jsp? office message] or call the NCF HelpDesk at (613) 721-1773 ext. 0. The NCF DSL HelpDesk Discussion Group is also a good place to discuss alternative services and get members’ input on how well they work, costs and other information.
