Blog - Softcom Internet Communications, Inc.

Mozilla, Etsy and more join the fight for net neutrality

January 16, 2020 General News, Internet Service Area News

Consumer groups and tech companies including Mozilla are continuing the fight to overturn the FCC’s latest ruling and bring about the return of net neutrality. The maker of the popular Firefox web browser joined other influential companies such as Etsy and Vimeo, along with public-interest advocates, to ask a panel of judges to rehear a case that upheld an FCC decision to repeal open-Internet rules.

Let’s stop for a second a review what net neutrality is. In December of 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed the Open Internet Order, requiring internet service providers (ISPs) to give everyone equal access to everything they use the internet for. This order also prevented ISPs from creating pay-to-play “fast lanes” for faster delivery of content to those who could afford to pay more.

Elevate Your Internet with Softcom Smart Routers

January 7, 2020 4G LTE, Equipment Upgrades, General News

We have some exciting news! We’re happy to introduce the Softcom Smart Router, now available to all Softcom customers. These cutting-edge routers have been developed with the end goal of making our customers’ experience better, faster, stronger, and with an increased ability to control key issues for both home and business users.

If you love the idea of easy device management, robust parental controls, streamlined troubleshooting and advanced customization options, this is what you’re looking for.

Smart Routers are available to Softcom customers for a low monthly rental fee of $10.00. For customers that wish to set up a mesh network, it will be $5.00 per month per device (a minimum of 2 devices).

Streaming bundles and special offers give customers more alternatives

December 17, 2019 On-Line Streaming, Tips and Helpful User Information

If streaming price hikes or problems with unreliable apps are giving you a headache, you’ve always got alternatives. Special bundles offered by companies joining forces to give you better alternatives and more incentives for your dollars means you’ve still got choices – you just have to know where to look.

Because everyone has unique needs when it comes to streaming, there isn’t one solution that fits all. However, to help you explore some alternatives, we’ve outlined a few options that are being offered during this holiday season.

Best apps for holiday fun, family and safety

December 12, 2019 Tips and Helpful User Information

While we do highly recommend unplugging from your phones and tech when celebrating with friends and family this holiday season, sometimes the right app might turn out to be a lifesaver. So just in case, we’ve provided a list of some of the best apps that might come in handy.

Weather watching

DARK SKY: Winter weather can be fickle, even here in California. The Dark Sky app provides detailed information and predicts when it will rain or snow, down to the minute, at your exact location to help you plan for the day or week. The app uses your phone’s GPS to know exactly where you are standing and works remarkably well. Both free and paid versions are available for Android and Apple devices.

Disney Plus Streaming App Launch Difficulties

December 9, 2019 On-Line Streaming, Tips and Helpful User Information

If you’re one of the many people excited for the new Disney Plus streaming app (aka Disney+), but disappointed with slowness or even unable to connect, you’re not alone. The new streaming service officially launched last month, but server issues and security concerns are causing many viewers to call it “Disney minus.”

In a streaming world where Netflix and Hulu still lead the charge with quick, easy streaming service, the launch of a new streaming app backed by a digital powerhouse like Disney has been eagerly anticipated by everyone from Frozen fans to Star Wars devotees. More than 10 million people subscribed to Disney Plus in its first day online, eagerly anticipating access to more than 500 movies and 7,500 TV shows.

How Encrypted DNS Servers Can Support Internet Browsing Privacy

December 4, 2019 General News, Online Security, Tips and Helpful User Information

Looking for more ways to keep your browsing information private? Understanding how DNS (Domain Name Service) requests work, and how they expose the minutia of your internet activity, is a good place to start. Every time you visit a new website, your computer submits a request to the DNS servers system so it can translate the domain name to an IP address.

Let’s put it this way – DNS server information is like a detailed phone record showing all of your Internet use. And because DNS servers are what connect you to your internet service provider (ISP), this means that they can see what websites you are visiting, as well as when and how often you visit them.

How the internet can protect your finances and home for the holidays

November 27, 2019 Online Security, Tips and Helpful User Information

If you think you’ve got some time before the holidays are officially here, you’d be wrong. Black Friday deals are already in our Inboxes – and it’s not even Black Friday yet! Costco has had Christmas merchandise out since September. And Amazon Prime packages are piling up on porches as parents get a head start on holiday shopping. Along with the fun and good cheer of the season, however, comes a darker side with hackers, phishers, porch pirates and other not-so-jolly characters working hard to take advantage of distracted shoppers and deal-seekers.

To keep your season merry and bright, we’ve rounded up a few tips for using the internet to protect your finances, purchases, home, and even your happiness.

Federal court says FCC can’t block state laws supporting net neutrality

November 26, 2019 General News, Tips and Helpful User Information

A federal appeals court recently ruled that while most of the FCC’s ban on net neutrality can stand, the FCC did not have legal authority to ban states from implementing their own laws. This net neutrality update comes after a nearly year-long lawsuit filed by the Mozilla Corporation vs. the FCC appealing the FCC ban of net neutrality.

A few months ago we shared our thoughts about the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of net neutrality and what could happen because of it. Net neutrality can be very difficult to understand, that’s why we laid it all out in an article on our blog, along with our official position that can be accessed here:

“Our Position on Net Neutrality”

How Cloud Computing is Changing the Way Companies Do Business

November 20, 2019 4G LTE, General News, Tips and Helpful User Information

Cloud computing. You’ve heard of it, but you might be thinking “where is this cloud and how does it work?” We’ve been hearing from customers – both business and residential – who are making the switch to cloud-based systems. If you’d like to learn more about how the cloud works, and how it will change the way you work, we’ve got you covered.

What is cloud computing?

For starters, using cloud-based systems allows you to store and access data, software, and programs via the internet instead of using physical storage drives. The technology is quick, user-friendly, secure, affordable, and flexible. You can access it anywhere, anytime as long as you have internet access.

Wireless Internet Service That Goes Above and Beyond

November 12, 2019 General News, Tips and Helpful User Information

Loved Toy Story? There’s something we share in common with Buzz Lightyear… a love of going to infinity and beyond for our customers. But seriously, our commitment to exceptional service often takes us well beyond the norm. In an industry where it’s common to be on hold for over 30 minutes, take weeks to schedule on-sight customer service, get a blank look when asking about customized solutions, or work with the same technician more than once, here’s how we stand out in providing our wireless internet service and more:

THE BEST SET UP – NO MATTER WHAT: Sometimes installing a new wireless network can mean going into some pretty out-of-the-way places for running cabling or places routers. Our fearless technicians boldly shimmy through crawlspaces, tiptoe through attics and install our equipment in the best possible locations, no matter where they are. And if the job calls for more than one person, you get as many as you need to make sure it’s done right.

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