Best internet service to use in rural areas (tech question) (Eugene: lease, new home)

[oregongirl007]

I tried looking for similar threads, but couldn't find the answer I wanted; so here I am, starting a new topic. I am hoping to get feedback about finding decent internet service in Oakridge. I am a graduate student doing two concurrent online master programs and am established in Eugene currently with a newly signed lease in Oakridge (love the outdoors and am really into mountain biking). I don't need advice about housing; but am interested in knowing what works best for local rural residents regarding fast internet service in Oakridge.

Here is what I researched so far: Satellite internet and DSL seem like viable options through Exede Satellite Internet, Hughesnet Internet, and Centurylink DSL. I plan to subscribe to Hulu Plus and purchase live streaming receivers like Roku2 for TV so I don't need cable. I am worried if I get DSL, I will still get slow service in Oakridge even though the company is in Cottage Grove, a good 35 miles away. Not sure how fast that works for residents of Oakridge, though!

I am not happy about the limited GBs provided through costly sat internet plans since I have to do at least 30 hours of research online and need decent upload rates for my videophone (I am deaf) to make calls.

However, I am interested in your opinion. Thanks in advance.

[Steve Pickering]

Hulu and other streaming services don't do so well in Oakridge on any service. The phone lines are also down fairly often. Even 911.

[oregongirl007]

So satellite internet would be the only viable solution?
I don't plan on getting landline phone since videophone is dependent totally on internet service (deaf Oregon resident here).

[Steve Pickering]

You need to remember Satellite is a last resort for internet. No, the service is not for those wanting to use Hulu and similar movie streaming services.

[oregongirl007]

Thank you for your feedback, Mr P. Correction: Hula= Hulu

[Steve Pickering]

Originally Posted by oregongirl007

Thank you for your feedback, Mr P. Correction: Hulu= Hulu

Yep it is HULU. None of them work well with Satellite internet.

[oregongirl007]

Does anyone else with more experience and specific knowledge of ISP for Oakridge have feedback?

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by oregongirl007

Does anyone else with more experience and specific knowledge of ISP for Oakridge have feedback?

Most people use Century Link wireless.

My dad's place has DSL. It hasn't been terribly slow the times I've used his computer -- but I haven't used it for much besides checking email and other basics.

The phone lines aren't "down often" in Oakridge. Sometimes, a winter storm will result in a tree being blown down and affecting service, but it's fairly rare.

[karlsch]

I went to CenturyLink's Web site and entered a Oakridge address in the search feature and found that the highest speed available is 3Mps, not fast enough for streaming Hulu (or Netflix) on a Roku: https://shop.centurylink.com/MasterW...ue#step=choose

The satellite Internet monthly download caps make streaming Hulu impracticable.

[oregongirl007]

Metlakatla
karlsch

Thank you both for the information about CenturyLink! Based on your feedback, I contacted Centurylink's customer service and was able to order for my new home. It does seem like Centurylink is the best option given the limitations of satellite internet for Oakridge. Centurylink also has a 60 day guarantee so I can pretty much try it and see if it works well for my needs or not.

Even if Centurylink is slow, it's a lot better than the limitations of satellite internet I agree!

I am just so awestruck by the beauty of the area surrounding Oakridge and I used to live in Norway for 5 years. Feels like I am home right there in Oakridge!