Which Internet service is right for you?
Now West Florida Electric Cooperative offers two types of high-speed, local Internet access – via two-way satellite or via phone line. But how do you determine which type of service best meets your needs? The following comparison can help you decide:
DirecWay
Internet service via satellite
Ideal for
Rural residents who pay long-distance charges when dialing up the Internet by phone
Small business owners
Professionals, such as graphic artists, medical personnel, architects or engineers, who must send or receive large files
Heavy Internet users, whether for business or entertainment
"Technophiles" – People who like having the latest technology
Why?
Satellite-delivered Internet access eliminates the need for a dedicated phone line, so users have an "every-ready" connection, without dial-ups, busy signals, disconnects or additional fees.
With downlink speeds of up to 400 kilobytes per second, DirecWay is eight times faster than most dial-up connections. Users also can uplink at speeds of 128 kbps.
DirecWay lets frequent Internet users enjoy television-quality video, without uneven, jerky motion, delays, sync problems or low resolution, and stream audio without the usual snapping or crackling.
For somewhat technology-savvy consumers, DirecWay’s minimum hardware requirements won’t be a problem.
Windows 98, SE, ME or 2000
Pentium II 333 MHz or greater
64 MB RAM or 128 MB (Win 2000)
20 MB of free hard drive space
800 X 600 display monitor
One open USB port available
wfeca.net
Internet access via phone line
Best for
New or light to moderate users without an immediate, urgent need to access, or those who use the Internet mostly for e-mail or instant messaging
Day-traders or gamers
Cost-oriented consumers
Subscribers who don’t want a long-term commitment
People who don’t want to invest in additional technology
Why?
Although Internet access by phone means wfeca.net users must dial up and can experience busy signals or disconnects, WFEC maintains a low user-to-modem ratio to maximize service quality.
Because of the half-second delay required to relay information to and from a satellite, phone-based Internet service is better-suited for fast-paced games and stock trading.
Wfeca.net’s unlimited access packages start at $19.95 per month, with no additional equipment or installation charges. DirecWay programming is $69.99 per month for residential users and $99.99 per month for commercial subscribers, plus equipment and installation charges.
Wfeca.net users can subscribe on a month-by-month basis. DirecWay users must sign a three-year contract.
Wfeca.net requires no additional hardware and the computer system requirements are minimal.
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