Big Island -- Internet (Volcano, Keaau: home, neighborhoods, earthquake)

[dragonfly2178]

Hi All,
I searched the back posts trying to find answers, but did not see them.

We recently moved to the Pahoa/Keaau area, and I am trying to figure out internet providers. We are going off grid without telephone lines so the normal DSL will not work (I also hear they have a long waiting list).

We are looking at using cellular internet through Verizon or setting up Satellite Internet. Right now I am struggling to find out who provides satellite internet on island. Any suggestions?

The main problem is that my job requires Voice Over, so I use a lot of bandwidth a month.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[mdand3boys]

Since you didn't specify exactly where you will be, no one can really help you much.
Broadband access varies widely, even within the same subdivision.

Some areas/neighborhoods do have DSL waiting lists - not all.

Call HughesNet if you want satellite (I would only do that as a last resort)

Try Aloha Broadband. If you can get it, it is cheaper and faster than satellite. It is wireless internet.

[dragonfly2178]

Specifically, we are in Orchidland on Aulii and 41st. Since we are not putting up telephone or electrical posts, I am not sure if we can get broadband. I am at a complete loss in this aspect.

Thanks for your help.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by dragonfly2178

We are looking at using cellular internet through Verizon or setting up Satellite Internet. Right now I am struggling to find out who provides satellite internet on island. Any suggestions?
.

Check all your options carefully, but I'll guess Satellite internet may not make you happy. Typically the service is fast on downloads, slow on uploads, and you can have service degradation using VOIP.

Also, check each of the cell-companies for data coverage at your specific address. Checking three major providers for zip 96778, I found that T-Mobile and AT&T show moderate to good service throughout that area, while Verizon shows a "No Service Available" zone right in the middle. Somewhere else that could be reversed.

Whatever you choose, make sure you have a 30-day trial period with a no- penalty cancellation in case something just does not work for you.

[Balad1]

The best option is Aloha Broadband - High Speed Internet if they are in your area; they are expanding in Puna as we speak. Second best would be a cellular telephone company as you mentioned. Only as a last resort would I use Hughes Net or Wild Blue as a satellite provider; they are very expensive and depending on the useage in your area it can slow to the speed of dial up.

To be frank the first question you should have asked before moving was about ISP availability if your job requires depends on it...

[dragonfly2178]

Originally Posted by Balad1

To be frank the first question you should have asked before moving was about ISP availability if your job requires depends on it...

I realize that this is an odd "after thought." Actually I had planned it out in the sense that I have been able to do my job on various trips before the move, but each area is different.

I have a backup plan on days that I need to use VOIP if the internet connection doesn't work, but I would like to be able to work from home as it will be more convenient.

Thanks for the advice.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Do you have any neighbors? Can you ask them what they use?

Aloha Broadband is wireless, but I think there has to be Time Warner cable close by for them to access.

[hotzcatz]

We are off the grid and use Roadrunner. Our electric system is photovoltaic running through an inverter so we have standard 120v AC in the house.

[nosake2]

I'm in Puna mauka (just outside of Volcano) and we face the same issues as Puna Makai in some areas. I've assembled some data for folks around here that you might find useful. internet

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by nosake2

I'm in Puna mauka (just outside of Volcano) and we face the same issues as Puna Makai in some areas. I've assembled some data for folks around here that you might find useful. internet

Unfortunately the url you gave is defective, landing on an Error 404 page, but I figured it out. Interesting comparison.

I have T-Mobile wireless and get a 4 bar data signal on my property about a mile mauka of Volcano village center, and also at Cooper Center, at the Ohi'a Cafe, etc. But at a friend's place 1,000 ft up the road from my property the signal drops to 2 bars when the weather is clear, and 1 bar or less when it's nighttime and raining. So all this stuff really is very site specific.

T-Mobile says that big cell tower on Old Volcano Rd is a "super tower," running upgraded equipment and software. Not quite a 4G tower yet, but in line to be one before long. And I've been told by someone who works at the park that it has something to do with there being so many researchers working at the volcanic observatory there. Dunno if that's true.

Although I had planned to stay 100% off the grid, partly to experiment with different solar energy configurations and write about them, I'm now strongly considering a wired landline connection for internet, after nearly 5 years of wireless freedom. Why? Because I've been reading a number of scientific articles predicting that the solar storms this summer will be the strongest in recorded history. A number of researchers are saying the peaks will be strong enough to permanently disable some communications satellites and cause major service outages around the world.

Just as I've made some prudent disaster plans around other risk eventualities... I have an "earthquake kit," etc... I'm also looking at a possible wired backup for my wireless links.