Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): DSL transmits digital IP-formatted messages over standard telephone lines (it’s one step up from dial-up, it doesn’t clog your phone line when in use) . The DSL service can be used simultaneously with the voice telephone service over the same telephone access line. This is possible because DSL uses higher frequency bands – the voice band range of the telephone line is 0 to 4 kHz, while DSL transmits signals in the range of 25 kHz to 1.5 MHz. A DSL modem is required to access the DSL signal. DSL provides continuous access to an internet service provider. (Example: In Pierce County, AT&T offers this service to existing DSL addresses only. It is a service that’s being phased out).

Cable Internet (example: Comcast): Cable internet service uses the hybrid fiber and co-axial cable frequently deployed by cable television companies providing television service. Cable provides continuous access to an internet service provider. Cable requires the provider to replace or bypass the existing copper telephone facility with a second wireline network. A cable modem is required with this technology choice as well.

Fiber-to-the-Home/Premises (FTTP)(Example: SwiftCurrent Connect: Broadband by PPCS): FTTP is a means to provide communications service by connecting a business or residence to the switch entirely by an optical fiber from an optical network interface at the point of entry at a residence or business. The optical fiber replaces the existing copper telephone line to a residence. As with cable internet, FTTP requires the provider to replace or bypass the existing copper telephone facility. Currently, FTTP service provides much faster connection speeds than DSL or cable internet service. It’s the fastest and most reliable internet option.

Fixed wireless (there’s a WiFi antenna on your roof, example: offered by AT&T): Fixed wireless connects a subscriber’s home or business to a serving antenna by radio link. In the past, fixed wireless has been popular in rural areas because it can be installed without incurring the cost of a wireline network. The frequencies for fixed wireless are generally limited to line of sight (so in a hilly bluff country, access can be sparce). The coverage area can also be limited depending upon whether the broadcast spectrum in use is licensed or not (unlicensed fixed wireless must operate at lower power levels 3 than licensed spectrum). Transmission speed for fixed (and mobile) wireless also depends upon the transmission technology. Third generation (3G) WiMAX provides an IP-formatted signal with a download speed of up to 6 Mbps while Fourth generation (4G) LTE provides a similar IP formatted signal with a download speed of up to 300 Mbps. The introduction of wireless 5G service began in 2017. The Commission has approved projects that use TV White Space and Citizens Radio Broadband Service.

Mobile wireless (examples: hot spots from cellular companies like T-mobile and Verizon): A variety of mobile wireless carriers offer internet access using the 3G, 4G and 5G LTE transmission technologies. In rural areas, antennas are located to facilitate communication while travelling along roads. Some locations away from major roads in the northern portion of the state lack access to a mobile wireless signal. Mobile wireless internet service can have significant monthly data limits.

Satellite Internet service (there’s a satellite dish 📡 on your roof, (examples: HughesNet and Starlink)): Satellite-based communications services offer an attractive telecommunications alternative for individuals that are located in remote areas. Subscriptions to satellite services are generally driven by the demand for television service in rural areas that lack a cable television service provider. This technology is affected more than the others by adverse weather ⛈ and network congestion. Traditional satellite internet access can have significant monthly data limits, and also suffers from high latency (the time it takes for a transmission signal to make a round trip between originating and terminating ends of the calls). High latency diminishes the utility of Voice over IP communications, interactive on-line gaming and remote control device applications. A number of low-orbit satellite services may be offered in the future and may have higher speeds and lower latency than previous technology.