Your Wi-Fi router is the invisible glue that holds your smart home together. Wi-Fi routers have come a long way in the past few years or so, but not many people really know what a Wi-Fi router is or why the router you choose matters. We thought we’d put together a quick overview, as choosing the best Wi-Fi router has become all the more important for keeping us online and connected throughout the ongoing pandemic.
We have been made aware that another company has been reaching out to Softcom customers recently and making false statements about Softcom’s state of business. This is a blatant attempt to falsely try to scare our customers into switching service providers.
These statements include (but are not limited) to the following:
>> Our company is financially sound.
>> We are not going out of business; in fact, we are in the midst of a multi million-dollar equipment upgrade to our entire network to be able to offer speeds of several hundred megabits per second to most of our service area. (In fact, we’ve been posting regularly about this on our blog and social media about new cutting-edge equipment, and the realities of what other pop-up ISPs actually provide when compared to us.
Curious about how people pay for things with just a tap of their phone? It’s called NFC payment technology and it’s actually easier and safer than many people think. NFC stands for “Near Field Communication.” It allows devices within close proximity (usually 2-4 inches apart) to interact and exchange information. NFC technology is used in contactless cards, mobile phones, card terminals and other payment devices.
On July 9, President Biden signed the Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, and in it there were several provisions relating to ISPs and net neutrality. The executive order calls on US agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to implement 72 specific provisions. The topics include restoring net neutrality provisions repealed during the prior administration and increasing scrutiny of tech monopolies.
The order also includes changes aimed at giving internet subscribers more choices and better service. It asks the FCC to require internet service providers to report prices and subscription rates, and prevent ISPs from making deals with landlords that limit tenants’ options.
This year was definitely one for the books. But the bottom line is that we stuck the course, stayed true to our mission of putting our customers first, and continued to provide the best service we can. So as we say goodbye to 2020, we thought we’d take a look back at the best we shared. Miss anything? Here’s your chance to catch up.
We’re always looking out for our customers and community, so we often share articles that not only give you knowledge to understand what’s going on out there, but information to take action to protect your home, family and business.
As more people rely on their home internet for work, school, shopping, and socializing due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s not surprising that internet usage rates have dramatically increased, along with the amount of data to support everyone doing, well, everything. Unfortunately, one way that many internet service providers have chosen to deal with this increased usage is to reinstate data caps for their customers.
What are data caps? It’s when an internet provider limits how much data subscribers can use each month – putting a “cap” on how much they are allowed according to their plan.
We’ve all seen those flyers in the mail from start-up companies offering super-fast internet service at amazing low prices. But the trick is knowing if they really do deliver all that they offer, or if it’s just another too-good-to-be-true gimmick that just doesn’t add up. As long-time providers of high-speed internet service in our area, we hear from our customers from time to time asking about new offers and how they compare to our services. So we thought it would useful to share what you need to know to determine the true value of any internet provider’s offer.
The devil is in the details, so the saying goes, and the fine print is often where you’ll find the answers to understand the real value of an internet service provider’s offer. One of the first things to do is check out the Terms of Service or Contract.
We’ve got great news, especially if you’re one of the many people who are dependent on an internet connection for work, school, shopping and staying in touch from home. New towers are currently being installed in the Elk Grove, Wilton and Galt areas that will provide stronger connections and increased access for rural homes, ranches and businesses.
WILTON / MONTEVIDEO TOWER: The Wilton area was previously serviced by a 70-ft tower installed on top of a barn in a central location. The new tower is 100-feet tall and free-standing in a new location that will allow for greater reach and reception. The new internet service tower was assembled over a period of 2 days, using 3 people, a lift truck, and specialty equipment to get the job done and is projected to be live by the 4th quarter.
One frequent question we often hear from new clients is how to choose the best router for their needs. When setting up new accounts for high-speed internet access, choosing the right router for your home or place of business is an important step, so we’ve rounded up a few guidelines to help your decision.
When Softcom technicians set up a new account, as part of the installation they will configure the router you have chosen to connect to the internet. We do not provide a router as part of the initial set-up, you have the choice of choosing to either rent a router from us (the Softcom Smart Router), or purchase one of your own.
If you’re new to the area, or new to Softcom, and wonder what it takes to get set up for high-speed internet access here in the San Joaquin Valley area, here’s what you need to know.
Softcom currently provides internet service to the following cities: Acampo, Clements, Collierville, Courtland, East Stockton, Elk Grove, Galt, Herald, Isleton, Lake Camanche, Lockeford, Lodi, Morada, North Stockton, Thornton, Victor, Walnut Grove, Wilton, Woodbridge, and Youngstown. If you live in those cities or the surrounding areas, you can check to see if you fall within our service boundaries by checking the map on our website. Even if it seems that you fall outside the boundaries, don’t give up. Please call our customer service team and they will check. We are constantly adding new towers and upgrading our equipment in order to give our customers the best service as we expand our range.
