Frequently Asked Questions
When will service be available in my area?
Mainline fiber has been completed for the Orange County REMC membership. all current REMC members are eligible for Orange County Fiber internet services. If you would like more information or you would like to schedule a fiber install, contact Orange County Fiber at 812-865-2229.
Use
this link for an interactive map of the schedule, and areas where fiber is being offered.
How can I change my fiber plan?
The easiest way to get your plan changed is to call the office at 812-865-2229 (option 2) or 1-888-337-5900.
View our fiber plans
here.
Is there an installation fee?
There is no installation fee if you schedule your pre-drop WHILE we are working in your zone.
What are the payment options?
Payment options for our high-speed fiber-optic services are: SmartHub App, Pay-By-Phone, mail a check or visit the office to pay by cash, check or card.
Click
here to view payment options.
Are there data limits?
No, there are no data limits for any of the fiber packages.
When I submit my paperwork, is that commiting me to your servce?
No, however completing the application is necessary to receive Orange County Fiber service. The application is only sent so that the installation process moves quickly. If you decide to not get our services, your application, if completed, will be discarded.
When is the first payment?
Since the fiber service is billed a month a head, the first month is expected to be paid before installation begins.
What can you do with each speed?
Click here to see what speed you need.
If I sign up for VoIP phone service, can I keep my phone number?
Yes, if your phone provider allows a transfer of service.
What is included with VoIP phone service?
Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, local and long distance calls inside the U.S.
Can I make international phone calls with VoIP phone service?
Yes, but there will be a fee based on the area you are calling.
Do I need a special phone for the VoIP phone service?
No, you can use your existing home phone(s).
What is the difference of bandwidth vs. speed?
Bandwidth is The maximum amount of data transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time.
Bandwidth is often mistaken for internet speed when it's actually the volume of information that can be sent over a connection in a measured amount of time – calculated in megabits per second (Mbps).
Bandwidth is how much information you receive every second, while speed is how fast that information is received or downloaded. Let's compare it to filling a bathtub. If the bathtub faucet has a wide opening, more water can flow at a faster rate than if the pipe was narrower. Think of the water as the bandwidth and the rate at which the water flows as the speed.
How much bandwidth do I need?
If you have multiple devices and several family members on them at the same time, you'll need more bandwidth. Streaming tv, gaming and other high-capacity activities demand a certain amount of bandwidth speed to get the best experience without a lot of buffering or lag. And the more bandwidth the faster you’ll get to do your thing.
The FCC provides a set of guidelines for Mbps needed based on digital activity. For example, if you love to stream 4K content, you'll need 25 Mbps at the very minimum and 4-25 Mbps for telecommuting or gaming.
Click here to see the FCC guide
What could be slowing down my internet?
1. Hardware. The internet connection speed depends mainly on all the network equipment you are using; such as cable or router. For instance, an Ethernet internet connection is considered quicker than a Wi-Fi connection. Suppose you are using a Wi-Fi internet connection; your internet connection speed can decrease as more and more devices are connected to the same network. Besides, the internet connectivity may be slowed down by the hardware of a computer; for example, suppose you have a weak processor.
2.
The number of users. Internet connectivity speed tends to slow down when the number of people trying to connect to the Internet increases simultaneously. This happens during peak activity hours, such as during the night when everyone is home and tries to browse using Wi-Fi. This also applies to the situations where you connect Wi-Fi in crowded public areas where numerous people are using my network.
3.
The software. you are running. If you are running various apps that require you to connect to the Internet simultaneously, the speed will naturally go slow. Some apps might run in the background without notice. Ensure that you check for auto-sync, auto-update or any backup settings such as file sharing apps that you use. You need to ensure that you keep only the essential add-ons and the toolbar in your web browser, which can take up a share of the bandwidth you’re using.
4.
Using wireless. Wireless connections can often result in slow internet connection speeds. Physical distractions like metal roofs and the concrete walls can slow down the wireless network speed as you increase the distance between you and the router; the further you go away, the weaker the signal. Depending on the speed you’re getting from the wireless internet connection, it might be worth connecting to your router through a wired connection instead. This will increase the internet connection speed by cutting down the signal interference. You may also need to change the router channel.
5.
Your plan. Your plan speed you select from Internet Service Provider is one of the significant factors that affect the overall internet speed. Note that when choosing an internet plan, ensure that you select a plan capable of reaching your desired speed.
6.
Router location. One of the crucial choices that can make a difference is the router location. Ensure that you consider the geographical distance between the gadget and the rooter, its height from the ground, and its proximity to dense materials such as metal and concrete walls that can block signals. For you to get better results, it is recommended that you put your router in a place where the Internet is used frequently, above the ground level and away from obstructions such as concrete walls, blocks and roofs.
