FAQ
It's all mind boggling stuff.. but below is some common questions you might have.
How will it work?
How much will it cost?
How many people need to sign up?
Is there anything to pay up front?
Will the aerial be noticeable?
What happens if my system breaks down?
Q: How will it work?
A: There are various sorts of wireless technology out there, based on our location; we will be installing a microwave link from a high point in the village, to an internet connection like an exchange. This is sent via a microwave frequency (a radio wave) and back again.
This link from the high point in the village will then transmit a wireless signal via an aerial located on the side of your home. Your computer will use a wireless router which we will supply and gives you speeds of upto 10mbs.. anywhere in your home.. There is nothing to set up or mess with, a service that is on and ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with onsite support or over the telephone.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: This all depends on how much funding we get and how many people sign up to the service. We are working on a basis of a nominal fee for installation upto £50 which will include an engineer visit and all the equipment needed to get onto the internet on a free rental basis for the duration of your contract with us. This will only apply if you register before we get funding, if you register afterwards, you may have to buy the equipment yourself which costs around £200 + installation.
There will be a monthly fee for use of the network, this will be compatible with other Broadband providers and on a sliding scale for speed, as a guide this will be between £14.99 and £34.99. As the exchange is upgraded, speeds of upto 100mbs will become available. Moreover, the more people who join, the cheaper the system becomes and the more we can invest into the network for cheaper and better services.
Q: Is there anything to pay upfront?
A: When you register on this site, no. However, before the work is carried out, you will be asked for a refundable deposit of £25: This is to show that you are committed to the service and will mean we can build the price structure for everyone around how many sign up: Obviously in projects such as this, you may have 100 people register their interest but only 20 people who actually have it installed. This £25 will either be taken off the price of installation, or if installation is totally free; it becomes fully refundable. For us to build the network we need at least 50 people to subscribe.
Q: Will the aerial be noticeable?
A: The aerial will be like a satellite dish, except square and be positioned on the side of your home, or in the loft if you have planning limitations: Furthermore, if you are worried about how it will look or have planning constraints, we can take a photograph of your brickwork and lithograph it onto the dish, so it blends in with it's surroundings. There will also be a cable that runs from the dish to your router: this is available in black, white or brown, again to blend in with the outside of your home. We can discuss any concerns you may have by calling 01409 221429
Q: What happens if my system breaks down?
A: All of your equipment will come with a 12 month warranty. While the installation will be carried out by an external company, collection of subscription charges etc will be carried out by a local Northlew company, West Coast Broadband. If you have any problems with your service, we will sort it out with the supplier to ensure a smooth resolution. There will be either telephone support or availability for an on-site visit if needs be, all inclusive of your monthly line rental. Repair can be carried out on site of the wireless equipment, or Telephone or via email, free of charge; or repair of your personal equipment for a fee.
Got any further questions? Email us at customer.service@northlew.net