High Speed Internet

Although there are other high speed Internet solutions for Kahshe residents, there may be a simpler way to go using a "new" offering from the cell phone companies. It may be less expensive and easier to attain. Here it is.

Rogers, Bell and Telus all have developed their cell phone infrastructures so they can carry encrypted data as well as voice. The three companies have produced a mobile Internet device that connects your computer to the cell phone system.

Bell calls it the Bell Stick, Rogers has the Rocket and Telus has the Mobile Internet device. They all work the same way and they all have plans that are comparable. They provide a plug and play device that works on Mac and Windows. It is essentailly a cell phone that plugs into any USB port.

I signed up for the Telus mobile service. It is much like Bell's, but it is a little cheaper. The monthly charges are less, for example. I have not investigated Rogers.

To check Telus out, click here

http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/connectplans/index.shtml

Bell is at

http://www.bell.ca/shopping/PrsShpInt_MobileInternet_3GTurboStick.page

Rogers is at

http://www.rogers.com/web/Rogers.portal_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=MOBILE_INTERNET...

If you want a high speed Internet service at the Lake, you should investigate these three offers. My advice is to check them out yourself, and choose the plan that suits you best.

Telus works fine at the west end of the lake. It is very fast. If you are cottaging at the east end of the lake, you would have to experiment with a "stick" to see if it works. As rule of thumb, if your cell phone works from your cottage, this service should work too. If it doesn't, you can cancel the contract. Telus also has a wireless aerial that sells for $44, which may make the system work if you are far from the cells along highway 11.

Note that there is a Telus office in Bracebridge in the Home Depot on Taylor Rod.

Note that the software loads onto XP easily, but with Vista there may be some issues. It works on Vista but differently than on XP, and the Tech Help people are running XP! All services work on Macs as well.

The good news is that these services exist and they work and are quite reasonable!!! They charge by the amount of data that you upload and download; however, you can check your personal usage as you go along and cut back before month's end if necessary.

This service works anywhere in Canada (where connection is possible). If you maintain another ISP, that e-mail address will work when you are using your own computer.

Clare