Readi Tech
FIBER CONNECTIONS Quarter 2 | 2022
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Importance of Symmetrical Speeds Page 6:
Building the Nation’s Best Broadband Network—Together
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A letter from our
General Manager/CEO Kent Schimke
At ReadiTech Fiber, connecting our communities to the world and to each other is what we’ve been doing for over 70 years. Staying connected with high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity as we learned during the pandemic. As many people continue to work and study remotely, we are redefining the way we operate business, learn, and stay in touch. I’m proud to say, North Dakota, is one of the best-connected states in the nation with access to the fastest broadband speeds. In the area’s we serve, whether in town or on the farm, Internet speeds of up 10 Gigabits are available through our 100% fiber infrastructure. Not even the large cities in our state have access to that kind of speed via fiber-to-the-home technology. Providing you with a solid and reliable Internet connection is one way we are committed to making a difference in our communities. Whether you’re streaming a movie, working from home, or visiting with long distance relatives over a Zoom call—ReadiTech Fiber’s priority is to improve your quality of life through high-quality telecommunications services at home, work, and school. The world looks very different from when our cooperative first began in 1950. Technology has changed, but our commitment to keeping our customers interests and needs in mind is still just as strong. I’m happy to share some recent highlights at ReadiTech Fiber: • Rural Broadband Development—In the telecommunications industry, the Broadband Reconnect Loan and Grant Program continues to enable broadband deployment in rural areas.
What is the ReConnect Program? The ReConnect Program offers federal loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations to help bring broadband to rural areas that lack sufficient broadband access, defined as 100 Mbps downstream, and 20 Mbps upstream. ReConnect loans and grants can help cover costs associated with the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment. ReadiTech Fiber recently applied for a grant and if awarded the funding would be used to connect the rural areas surrounding Casselton, Horace and Mapleton. • New Technologies—With the goal of working more efficiently and providing members with enhanced services, ReadiTech Fiber continues to watch trends in technology. As we adopt new technologies, we can raise expectations for our services and ensure we deliver on our commitment to you.
Thank you for your loyalty and your business. As we look forward to spring and warmer weather, I wish you a wonderful spring season.
Kent Schimke
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Watch the shows you love. Today, there are more ways to watch your favorite shows. From traditional cable TV, to streaming or a mix of both, ReadiTech Fiber is here to help you understand your options and help find the best TV package for you and your family! What Is Streaming? Streaming is a technology used to deliver live or recorded content to computers, mobile devices or TV’s over the Internet. Movies, podcast, TV shows and music videos are all forms of streaming content. Streaming transmits data—usually audio and video in a continuous flow.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
What do I need to start streaming TV? 1) Fast, Reliable Internet Connection from ReadiTech Fiber. 2) Streaming Device (SmartTV, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Computer or Mobile Device app). 3) Explore readitech.com/mybundletv
to find the best streaming service for you.
How Does Streaming Work? Streaming transmits packets of data from your music or video file to your device or TV. When you download a file, it is saved on your hard drive. Streaming plays the file without needing to download it. What Is Live Streaming? Live streaming simply transmits data as it happens from live sporting events to on-air shows. What Is A Streaming Service? A streaming service delivers entertainment via an Internet connection to your computer, TV or mobile device. A streaming service can offer pre-recorded shows, live content or both.
What Is A Streaming Device? A streaming device allows you to stream content—movies, music, etc., from your streaming service to your TV or mobile device. It can plug into your TV’s HDMI slot, be a set-top box, a mobile app or transmit directly to your computer or SmartTV.
Complete our quick questionnaire to learn which streaming service is the best and most cost-effective option for you.
Visit readitech.com/mybundletv to start! Ready to Try Streaming?
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The Importance of Symmetrical Speeds—
EQUAL UPLOAD & DOWNLOAD INTERNET CONNECTION
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iber optics has revolutionized our communications and ReadiTech Fiber makes it easy to keep you connected to the fastest Internet speeds available on our 100% fiber network. However, there are many factors affecting broadband speeds at work and home for both upload and download speeds. Does equal upload and download speeds matter? Is it really that important? Upload & Download Definitions Uploading is sending data from your device or computer, such as emailing, posting on social media or sharing your video on a Zoom call. Downloading is receiving data over the Internet watching a YouTube video or Netflix show, scrolling through reels on Instagram or opening your Thursday evening class assignment online. Upload and download speeds are measured by the megabits of data your connection can transfer across the Internet per second. Many activities we do online use both upload and download capabilities. Online gaming and home surveillance for example, require both fast upload and download speeds as you see what’s happening in real time. What is Asymmetrical Internet? Asymmetrical or as it is sometimes called asynchronous Internet simply means upload and download speeds are NOT the same. Many Internet providers offer asynchronous service with its faster download speeds and lower upload speeds giving users more downstream bandwidth.
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What is Symmetrical Internet? Symmetrical Internet like ReadiTech Fiber’s service offers upload and download speeds that are the same. With symmetrical broadband, if your download speed is 1 Gig, your upload speed will also be 1 Gig. Symmetrical service gives Internet users equal download and upload bandwidth. Is Symmetrical Broadband Better? Symmetrical speed Internet provide the most reliable and robust Internet connectivity without latency and delays. As we rely more and more on our Internet connections for success at home and work, symmetrical fiber Internet supports maximum connectivity with a dedicated connection. ReadiTech’s fiberoptic cable can carry massive amounts of data quickly with fewer customers sharing bandwidth. Symmetrical Broadband at Home In recent years, many consumers have adopted the use of a video doorbell to keep an eye on home deliveries while they’re away or use their smart speaker to play their favorite songs, these items also known as Internet of things continued next page.
(IoT) is projected to increase as the technology becomes mainstream. Even refrigerators, toasters and bathroom facilities can access the home network. Add in the shift to more people working from home and exponential growth of video streaming for entertainment and access to equally fast upload and download speeds is crucial. With the lines blurring between work and home, Internet with equal upload and download speeds allows users to send and transfer large amounts of data without interrupting their other online activities like streaming, gaming, downloading files, or video conferencing. According to ReadiTech’s General Manager/ CEO Kent Schimke, “ReadiTech’s fiber connection is a perfect fit for families with several devices streaming and a parent working from home with our unlimited data and upload and download speeds up to 1 Gig. Our equal upload and download speeds offer the best experience for everyone in the home.”
Symmetrical Broadband at Work Business continues transitioning to digital data with an increased need for faster upload speeds. Businesses are sending, uploading, and transferring larger and larger amounts of information. A symmetrical Internet connection provides the bandwidth needed to operate a business successfully while minimizing downtime. Whether you’re planning to add employees, devices, equipment, or a new location, synchronous broadband helps businesses with increased reliability, reduced outages, and no shared connection. Symmetrical fiber broadband is the fastest most reliable Internet connection available! For more information about ReadiTech Fiber’s symmetrical Internet service, contact us at 347-2020.
ReadiTech Fiber offers the fastest, most reliable broadband connectivity with symmetrical Internet—perfect for home and business. At home: l
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Stream all the movies you want!
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Game live with your friends. Monitor your home security and surveillance!
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Boost your whole home wi-fi!
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Software and other applications run smoothly: VoIP, web conferencing, and cloud-based applications. Improves network latency and reduces network delays. Decrease time in sending large packets of data across a network.
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BUILDING THE NATION’S BEST BROADBAND NETWORK NET WORK
In 2021, Internet providers like Comcast and Sparklight announced plans to expand their fiber networks and deliver gigabit speeds to rural communities across the country. For the Americans who are just now receiving access to fiber Internet, this technology is life-changing— affording them faster-than-ever connectivity to family, friends, and the world. But for thousands of rural North Dakotans, it’s old news. While big, out-of-state broadband providers are making a big deal about bringing fiber to rural communities, the local members of the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) have already done it. Over the past 68 years, BAND members have invested millions of dollars, empowered one another, and embraced the tenacious work ethic that North Dakotans are known for. Together, we’ve built the most robust fiber network in America—and now, customers like you are reaping the benefits. When you sign on for service with your local BAND member, you receive more than just Internet. You benefit from the shared resources, knowledge, and unparalleled infrastructure that have been built over nearly seven decades. Laying the Groundwork for Innovation The work to bring fiber broadband to rural North Dakotans began in 1953, long before the directors of nine North Dakota telephone cooperatives could have imagined what the Internet would one day become.
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Those original members joined forces to expand high-quality, low-cost telephone service across North Dakota. At the time, most North Dakota residents still relied on party-line service, in which wires were strung from pole to pole and long-distance calls were prohibitively expensive. While the technology that we have used to communicate has evolved over the past six decades, our mission—to ensure the highest quality
communication technology is accessible to all North Dakotans—has not wavered. In 1996, this commitment led 14 BAND member companies to form the Dakota Carrier Network (DCN), a high-speed, large-capacity fiber backbone. Today, locally-owned providers serve 97 percent of North Dakota's geographic territory, offering Internet speeds of at least 1 Gig in over 300 rural communities. We have laid over 40,000 miles of fiber across the state, connecting businesses, residents, and schools with Internet speeds 100 times faster than the national average. Collaboration between the member organizations that make up DCN and BAND has laid the groundwork for innovation in our state and served as inspiration for rural networks across the country. In 2021 alone, we have made extraordinary strides to connect more North Dakotans to fiber. In August, Polar Communications, Park River received $4 million from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture to continue expanding their broadband network in Walsh and Grand Forks counties. Last fall, we celebrated the grand opening of our ReadiTech Fiber office in Casselton as part of our strategic plan to expand service in eastern North Dakota. Each of these milestones has been made possible because a group of telephone cooperatives realized, more than half a century ago, that they could get farther by working together. While some of the biggest names in broadband are beginning to deploy fiber to rural communities, the 15 members of BAND are already working toward the future—accelerating speeds up to 5 Gig, 10 Gig, and beyond. Because when you work hard and work together, the possibilities are endless. That’s the power of connected collaboration. That’s the power of BAND.
Contact ND One Call before you dig Planning to tackle a big landscaping project soon? ReadiTech Fiber reminds you to pick up your phone before you pick up your shovel. Call 811 at least 48 hours in advance to have all utility lines properly identified and clearly marked. It not only saves you time and protects you from potentially costly damage, it’s required by state law. Many utility services such as phone, Internet, sewer, gas, water, and electricity come to your home via underground lines. By contacting One Call, you can proceed with your landscaping knowing that you won’t disrupt any utilities or compromise safety. Plus, this line identification is absolutely free. As one of your local service providers, ReadiTech Fiber thanks you in advance for your cooperation. Call 811 or go online to ndonecall.com to complete a locate request.
ReadiTech Fiber donates to Casselton Archery Club ReadiTech Fiber is proud to support youth activities that make a positive impact in the communities we serve. In honor of that commitment, ReadiTech Fiber recently donated $200 to the Casselton Archery Club. The Casselton Archery Club focuses on teaching kids the proper technique for shooting a bow and arrow within the guidelines of National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). NASP is an in-school program for students in 4th-12th grade. Students enjoy playing while learning skills in focus, self-control, discipline and patience–helping prepare them for the classroom and beyond.
Left to right: Brent Haugen, ReadiTech, presents the donation to Casselton Archery Club Head Coach Jamie Borgeson.
READITECH IS CLOSED FRIDAY, APRIL 15 IN OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY.
Easter Egg Hunt Hop on over for the annual 2022 Easter Egg Hunt on April 16 at Freed Park in Horace! Families with children, ages 10 and under, are invited to search for eggs filled with treats, toys and big ticket prizes including six new bikes! Also, the first 200 children will receive a special free prize. ReadiTech is a proud co-sponsor of this year’s egg hunt hosted by the City of Horace and the Horace Park District. For updates and other information visit cityofhorace.com.
Saturday, April 16 2-3 p.m.
Freed Park 105 Wall Ave. E., Horace
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This institution is an equal-opportunity provider and employer.
Readi Tech FIBER
42 Langer Ave. N. Casselton, ND 58012
Ultimate Home Wi-Fi Readi Tech Be in control of your Wi-Fi Network. More control, easy to use.
Learn more at: readitech.com/wifi
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