General News Archives - Softcom Internet Communications, Inc.

New study predicts over 5 million will cut cord in 2018

September 12, 2018 General News, Internet Service Area News, On-Line Streaming, Tips and Helpful User Information

A recent report that studied the TV watching and cord-cutting behaviors of viewers in the Unites States highlights the acceleration of people choosing to terminate their paid-TV services at such a rate that they predict that by the end of 2018 nearly 5.4 million consumers will have severed all ties to tradition television access.

Consulting firm Cg42 published the “2018 Cord Cutter & Cord Never Study” sharing their in-depth analysis of both US consumers who opted out of subscription-based Paid-TV service in the last several years (aka: Cord Cutters) as well as US consumers who have never subscribed to paid-TV service (aka: Cord Nevers).

How to lower your electricity bills this summer

August 15, 2018 Community News, General News, Tips and Helpful User Information

Summer’s heat can be fun when you’re heading to the beach or out for a picnic, but not so much fun when it comes to utility bills. It makes sense that as energy use goes up during the summer, so does your bills. That’s why we’ve put together this list of easy ways to save energy while still enjoying your summer. URL

#1: Watch for energy vampires

Energy vampires are appliances or other devices that slowly drain small amounts of electricity, even when not in use, that add up over time. Things like toasters, coffee makers, and digital photo frames are a few examples. Just turning them off doesn’t do the trick. You must unplug them when not in use to stop the energy drain.

How summer heat can affect your internet

August 6, 2018 Community News, General News, Tips and Helpful User Information

Summer heat – it wilts flowers, melts ice cream, and makes your internet stop working. Two of these statements are true, but the last one not so much. While summer heatwaves can affect your internet, it’s not a common issue and usually easily addressed. Here’s how heat can affect internet connectivity, and what to do if you suspect the heat’s wilting your online connection.

One common issue during heatwaves are blackouts or brownouts from overloaded electric grids. Electricity powers the towers that provide your internet signal. Electricity also powers the routers and computers you use to receive those signals. Unexpected power outages can negatively affect all of the above. High tech operating systems are complex and in normal conditions when they are shut off will go through a standard shutdown sequence to make sure all running processes have correctly terminated before powering off. A sudden loss of electricity can interrupt important signals and connections and cause systems to experience slow restarts or even leave them in an inoperable state that requires technical support.

How the digital divide affects your life

July 25, 2018 Community News, General News, Tips and Helpful User Information

Is your life affected by the digital divide? Rural communities are one of the groups most affected by this phenomenon, but new technologies and awareness of the issues is helping to close the gap slowly. In fact, providing internet access to people who live in rural communities is a big step for leveling the playing field, with the power to transform education, income, communications, healthcare and other basics of life.

What is the digital divide?

What do I need to protect my home while I’m away?

July 17, 2018 General News, Online Security, Tips and Helpful User Information

Summer is a great time to get away, but empty homes can be a magnet for thieves and trouble. Studies show that burglaries happen more often in the summer than in the winter, a number that makes sense considering windows or doors often left open to let in the warm breezes and fresh air and homes left empty for days or weeks as homeowners enjoy their vacations.

New technologies that only require the use of devices with internet access in the home that communicate with smart phones are making a big difference, though, by alerting homeowners to potential problems as they occur or even stopping them before damage is done.

Check out these ideas you can integrate into your own home.

Secrets for a smoother customer support experience

July 9, 2018 Ask The Experts, General News, Tips and Helpful User Information

We get it, when things go wrong, calling a tech support line isn’t at the top of your list. Long wait times, bouncing from person to person, and frustrating non-answers are common with other industry help desks. But here at Softcom, we’ve taken all of that out of the equation.

Believe it or not, calling or chatting with our customer support specialists for your internet connection issues or questions doesn’t have to ruin your day.

All it takes is a little preparation and a few easy expectations and we’ll make your day better – faster. Here’s how:

Softcom Plans for Fun Summer Events Near You

June 26, 2018 Community News, General News

Softcom team members will be attending a variety of fun and festive events in our community this summer and we hope you’ll meet us there. Representatives will be staffing booths and meeting with community members in person to share information about our company, our services, and the exciting improvements in high-speed internet access for people who live and work in remote communities. We invite friends, customers and anyone interested in what we do to swing by our booth, ask any questions you might have, and find out more about how we can make home, school, work and play so much easier.

June 30: Independence Day Parade

Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. but it’s popular so be sure to come early and get your spot to see the sights and enjoy. Last year’s parade marked the return of the popular military vehicle caravan featuring retired military vehicles and the possibility of a helicopter joining as well. The day also includes the 6^th Annual Officer Tonn Memorial 5K Run/Walk, a Fireworks Celebration, Fireworks in the Pool, Horseshoe Tournament, Live Bands, a Kids Zone, and much more. Information about the day’s festivities, parade route, and more can be found HERE.

New tower upgrades coming to Herald West, Acampo

June 15, 2018 4G LTE, Equipment Upgrades, General News, Internet Service Area News

The good news just keeps rolling in and we’re happy to share the progress of our latest technology and equipment improvements. The 4G LTE upgrades we announced last month for the Herald East tower have been completed and local Softcom customers are sending us positive feedback of faster, stronger internet service.

With that mission accomplished, we’re moving on to start on similar improvements for the Herald West and Acampo towers, with more in store later in the year. These upgrades have the added benefit of giving us the ability to add new customers and expand our service areas while also improving the quality of service for current customers, a win-win situation for all.

Exciting news: The Galt fiber optic cable installation project is a go!

May 31, 2018 Community News, Equipment Upgrades, Fiber Optics, General News, Internet Service Area News

We’re excited to share with you some exciting news: The Galt City Council has unanimously approved for Softcom to provide the City of Galt government with high-speed Internet access delivered by fiber-optic cable, a project that will provide nearly every city facility with significant improvements in their Internet access.

Fiber-optic cable is the industry standard for providing the fastest and most reliable Internet connection across the last mile — the section of the network connected to homes and businesses. Fiber provides the highest possible Internet speeds and data capacity, without having to rebuild new networks in the future once initial cable has been installed.

Tips to avoid identity theft online

May 15, 2018 Ask The Experts, General News, On-Line Streaming

Identity theft continues to be a major concern, especially for those who shop or do business online. In fact, identity theft hit a record high in 2017, with more than 16.7 million people affected, according to recently released statistics. As consumers have become savvier, and new security measures such as credit card chip technology are fighting back, identity theft thieves are shifting their focus online. By stealing passwords and personal information, they can open accounts, order products, access existing funds and create all sorts of havoc in a very short amount of time.

We’ve addressed email phishing scams and how to outsmart them, plus tips for keeping your family safe online, and are continuing in our effort to help you have the best experience online with even more tips here for avoiding the dangers of identity theft online.

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