"Loss of "unlimited" and other internet links

[oneoff]

Here are a couple of CBC links and some of the Western Producer coverage on this step backwards for rural internet users. The outcome is predetermined unles there is a much bigger outcry that seen so far.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2012/09/24/sk-rural-internet-sasktel.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/10/20/technology-satellite-rural-internet.html




Sept 27, 2012 | WWW.PRODUCER.COM | THE WESTERN PRODUCER NEWS
BY BRIAN CROSS
SASKATOON NEWSROOM
Thousands of internet users in
rural Saskatchewan will be forced
to look for new service this year, and
some of them aren’t impressed
with the alternatives.
SaskTel, Saskatchewan’s provincially
owned telephone and telecommunications
company, has been
informing rural internet subscribers
for the past month that its wireless
broadband internet service (WBBI)
will be terminated by Dec. 31.
The decision will affect 8,000
internet subscribers in the province.
Roughly 7,000 of those will have
access to Xplornet, a high-throughput
satellite service being promoted
by SaskTel.
Another 1,000 or so will have to
rely on less popular or less reliable
options.
Michelle Englot, SaskTel’s director
of external communications,
said the crown corporation is taking
steps to inform all WBBI subscribers
of the alternative services that
are available.
However, some users say those
alternatives are more expensive
and offer inferior service.
SaskTel’s WBBI offered unlimited
data downloads at speeds of two to
three megabits per second (mbps).
Alternative services such as
Xplornet offer download speeds of
1.5, three or five mbps, but data use
is capped at 10, 20 or 30 gigabytes
per month, which some users consider
inadequate.
Doug Eidem, who farms near
Stewart Valley, Sask., said SaskTel’s
decision to terminate WBBI service
is frustrating and inconvenient.
SaskTel recommended that
Eidem switch to Xplornet.
But according to him, the switch
will mean larger monthly internet
bills and unreasonable limits on use.
It will also require the installation
of new hardware on the roof of his
house.
Xplornet’s least expensive internet
package costs $54.99 per
month, about the same as SaskTel’s
current WBBI service, but monthly
use is capped at 10 gigabytes.
“Ten gigabytes is nothing,” Eidem
said. “You download something
today and (every file) is one or 1.5
gigabytes. You’d have 10 gigabytes
used up in four or five days.”
Eidem, who spends winters in
nearby Montana, said residents
there have access to internet packages
for $40 or $50 a month that
offer unlimited data and download
speeds of 15 mbps.
Xplornet’s best package offers
download speeds of five mbps and
has a 30 gigabyte cap on monthly
usage. That package costs $60 per
month for the first 12 months and
$85 per month after that.
“I’m tired of being shafted by
SaskTel,” Eidem said. “I’m just so
disgusted by those guys, I don’t
know what to say.”
Englot said SaskTel’s decision to
terminate WBBI service was precipitated
by an Industry Canada
initiative that will reallocate a portion
of the publicly regulated
broadband spectrum that SaskTel
now uses.
SaskTel had an opportunity to
reacquire that portion of the broadband
spectrum through an Industry
Canada auction process, but
Englot said the price to reacquire it
was too high.
As a result, SaskTel decided to
terminate WBBI internet services
and is now focusing on switching
rural users to other services.
“I think that’s one thing that customers
need to keep in mind is that
technology does evolve and it does
become obsolete,” Englot said.
“The (WBBI) technology is outdated
and needs to be upgraded. We
have a number of good options and
we’re … trying to put (customers) on
the best service based on their usage.”
SaskTel is also looking at another
new technology known as LTE,
which could serve as an alternative
platform for rural internet subscribers.
LTE is already being used by other
internet providers in North America
and would be capable of delivering
service at download speeds of
100 mbps, which is 30 to 50 times
faster than WBBI.
SaskTel announced Sept. 10 that it
would launch LTE in three areas of
Saskatchewan on a trial basis.
That trial launch will begin in
December and conclude in August.
After that, SaskTel officials will
assess its performance and determine
if it should be launched in
other parts of the province.
SaskTel’s decision to explore an
LTE upgrade came too late for
Eidem.
If LTE is rolled out in his area, he
could be looking at switching internet
hardware yet again a year or two
down the road.
“The switch to Xplornet is just so
futile,” he said.
“I know that we’re going to have to
update for another expense when
this LTE comes, and what does it
hurt to use (WBBI) spectrum until
that happens. It’s just foolish.”
Englot said SaskTel is offering a
number of incentives for WBBI subscribers
to switch to Xplornet.
For example, SaskTel will waive
activation fees, termination fees,
equipment fees and installation
fees for all WBBI subscribers who
sign a three-year Xplornet contract.
However, SaskTel will not be
reimbursing customers for WBBI
hardware.
“At this point, it’s obsolete technology,”
Englot said. “There is no
use for it.”
Details on Xplornet packages can
be obtained by calling Xplornet
customer care at 866-303-1985.
Other rural internet options
include mobile internet (MiFi),
which runs off SaskTel’s 4G cellular
network but has a monthly cap of 10
gigabytes.
YourLink, an independent provider,
also offers residential internet
packages in some parts of the
province. Details are available at
www.yourlink.ca.
RURAL ACCESS | INTERNET
Rural Saskatchewan unplugged
SaskTel discontinues rural wireless internet | Customers say price goes up, service goes down
WBBI ALTERNATIVES IN
RURAL SASKATCHEWAN
This is not intended as a comprehensive
list of rural internet
providers in Saskatchewan. Other
providers may offer service in
certain areas. Rural internet
users are encouraged to inquire
about alternatives that may be
offered in their area. Although
reasonable efforts were taken to
ensure the accuracy of this information,
The Western Producer
takes no responsibility for errors
or omissions.
Xplornet
(SaskTel High Throughput
Satellite)
• Essential
Download speed 1.5 mbps
Upload speed 256 kbps
Monthly usage 10 GB
Promo price n/a
Monthly price $54.99
• Advantage
Download speed 3.0 mbps
Upload speed 500 kbps
Monthly usage 20 GB
Promo price $54.99 (1 yr)
Monthly price $59.99
• Performance
Download speed 5.0 mbps
Upload speed 500 kbps
Monthly usage 30 GB
Promo price $59.99 (1 yr)
Monthly price $84.99
Fine print: SaskTel WBBI customers
who sign a three-year contract receive
free basic installation, no activation
fees and no termination fees.
WBBI customers who sign a two-year
contract pay a $99 activation fee.
Customers without contracts pay an
upfront fee of $549 for installation
and equipment. Other fees may apply.
Service is not available in all areas
of the province. For details, contact
SaskTel at 800-727-5835.
YourLink
• Lite
Download speed 256 kbps
Upload speed 128 kbps
Monthly usage Unlimited
Monthly price $30.99
• Basic
Download speed 1 mbps
Upload speed 256 kbps
Monthly usage Unlimited
Monthly price $47.99
• Advantage
Download speed 2 mbps
Upload speed 256 kbps
Monthly usage Unlimited
Monthly price $55.99
Fine print: Regular equipment and
hardware costs of $249.99 will be
waived for customers who sign a threeyear
contract. Installation costs may
be extra. Some installation discounts
may apply. Service is not available in
all areas of the province. For details,
contact YourLink at 866-650-5465.
Mobile Internet (requires
SaskTel mobile internet data
plan)
• 8 GB plan
Monthly price $75
• 4 GB plan
Monthly price $55
• 1 GB plan
Monthly price $30
Fine print: A $25 activation fee applies
to all plans. Equipment fees are waived
for WBBI customers who sign a two- or
three-year contract. Contract termination
fees apply. All mobile internet
plans require a mobile internet data
stick or a MiFi hub. Regular equipment
fees for customers without a two- or
three-year contract are $159.99 for
mobile internet data stick or $179.99
for MiFi hub. Overage charges are
$0.03 per MB.
8,000 RURAL INTERNET SUBSCRIBERS IN SASKATCHEWAN WILL BE
AFFECTED BY THE SASKTEL DECISION TO HALT WBBI SERVICES
The (WBBI) technology is outdated and needs to
be upgraded. We have a number of good options
and we’re … trying to put (customers) on the best
service based on their usage.
MICHELLE ENGLOT
SASKTEL
I’m tired of being shafted by SaskTel. I’m just so
disgusted by those guys, I don’t know what to say.
DOUG EIDEM
STEWART VALLEY, SASK., FARMER
NEWS THE WESTERN PRODUCER | WWW.PRODUCER.COM | SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 5

[oneoff]

Don't ever forget the word "unlimited" and "no caps".
. Urban customers have their choice of which "unlimited " ISP and plan they wish to pay for. And they get multiple times faster service for less money.

Rural customers just had a service cancelled in favor of an alternative that gives poorer service; and not an improved one.

Talk about an obsolete change.

Why not have Sasktel donate that obsolete junk to communities that might continue a better service than the "three year alternative " of Xplorenet?. Would anyone know what to do with it? Would Sasktel or local governments allow that possibilty to happen?
This Xplorenet partnership is admittedly not even a long term solution; so its just going to be a step back to something even Sasktel doesn't have its heart in. Shaw is pushing the same Xplorenet solution too.

So it probably is just a provincial government nail in Sasktel's coffin.

You think the cable companies and satellite providers are interested. You get put on a waiting lkist (Oct 24/20xx) is the scheduled date to have the technician install the LTSS (Local Television Satellite Solutioon to restore localtelevision programming to remote areas) from Shaw.

We'll see; and so will the CRTC if it doesn't happen.

[oneoff]

Don't ever forget the word "unlimited" and "no caps".
. Urban customers have their choice of which "unlimited " ISP and plan they wish to pay for. And they get multiple times faster service for less money.

Rural customers just had a service cancelled in favor of an alternative that gives poorer service; and not an improved one.

Talk about an obsolete change.

Why not have Sasktel donate that obsolete junk to communities that might continue a better service than the "three year alternative " of Xplorenet?. Would anyone know what to do with it? Would Sasktel or local governments allow that possibilty to happen?
This Xplorenet partnership is admittedly not even a long term solution; so its just going to be a step back to something even Sasktel doesn't have its heart in. Shaw is pushing the same Xplorenet solution too.

So it probably is just a provincial government nail in Sasktel's coffin.

You think the cable companies and satellite providers are interested. You get put on a waiting lkist (Oct 24/20xx) is the scheduled date to have the technician install the LTSS (Local Television Satellite Solutioon to restore localtelevision programming to remote areas) from Shaw.

We'll see; and so will the CRTC if it doesn't happen.

[agchat]

Michelle Englot as far as I am concerned is a
idiot. The statement in the Western Producer
about looking after us that are losing our WBB
goes to show you how clueless some of these
people are. They do not get the whole concept
of UNLIMITED. As i watch TV last night and see
an ad or 9.99 a month for first three months
then 45 amonth after that for 5 mb speed
from Sasktel and yes UNLIMITED. Oh right we
are out in rural an cannot get that. Ok thats
fine but look after rural with unlimited 4 G
then. God Michelle Englot you are clueless.
clueless.

[tipsy]

Sasktel had an opportunity to reacquire that portion of the broadband spectrum through an industry auction, but thought the price was to high. WELL to high for whom?? The thousand's of families and bussiness that have to change to a slower,intermittent and more expensive provider. IDIOTS
The WBBI technology is outdated. SO What?? The new laptop I bought this summer is probably outdated,but my laptop still works just fine thank you.
Saktel officals will assess LTE performance. OMG the same officals that made this previous decission??? IDIOTS.
One would think when the idoits at sasktel are running amuck that the minister would get off his ass and find out just what hell is going here. But I guess thats to much to expect
If sasktel officals think this is a reasonable and competive alternative they should all be compeled sign on to one of the packages they are offering.

[bucket]

What pisses me off is they call me a customer.

Imagine if Sasktel was cutting off service to 8000 businesses in Saskatoon and regina. Then told them there was an alternative coming sometime in the future.

They cut off services to 8000 rural businesses.

Idiotic.

[farmgal71]

Seems like another poorly thought out move by sasktel.

[oneoff]

Where's the outrage shown by our elected officials?

WHAT ARE OTHERS GOING TO DO ABOUT INADEQUATE RURAL INTERNET SERVICE?.

[tipsy]

Outrage by elected offical's, heck there is none, my elected offical has yet to return my phone call from 3 weeks ago. No worries though, I'll rember this in the next upcoming election when they come around for money and support. Take off hoser!!!

[stubblejumper]

Rural Internet loss in Saskatchewan slowed down by federal extension
The Canadian Press
Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:00:00 CST More Sharing ServicesShare | Share on facebookShare on deliciousShare on googleShare on twitterShare on email


REGINA - About 8,000 rural Internet customers in Saskatchewan won't be slowed down by the loss of their high-speed service just yet.

The federal government says it won't take back the broadband spectrum that SaskTel uses for its wireless Internet service until the end of March 2014.

Ottawa plans to auction off the spectrum to telecom companies and says the move will improve connectivity.

But that meant rural Internet users would lose their SaskTel service at the end of this year.

There was an outcry from many rural residents who argued they bought expensive new equipment for the service.

Kelly Block, the MP for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, says in a news release that the extension will give SaskTel more time it upgrade its system.

[oneoff]

Upgrade my ass!!!!

The best solution only a few hours ago was to dump the wireless service onto Xplorenet. Sixteen months from now the same problem will exist; and the solution will involve the mix of "limited" and "capped" plans.
Just exactly like like it was before Premier Wall announced earlier this morning that there was a year and a bit reprieve.

And I'll bet a lot of rural customers have already switched from the Sasktel wireless towers, and maybe even some towers have been shut down already.

This is all about buying a little more time; and a botched sale of a slower, more costly and "limited" service that by no Federal government of Canada standard qualifies as anything approaching high speed internet.

[oneoff]

Just ran across the info below.. All the quotes below belong to other people



Isn't it strange Sasktel is launching a new cellular service on the 2.5 GHz license? Didn't WBBI run on that frequency?

http://www.sasktel.com/about-us/news/2012-news-releases/sasktel-and-huawei-sign-agreement.html

SaskTel and Huawei today announced the signing of an agreement to launch a TDD-LTE (Long Term Evolution) fixed wireless trial in Saskatchewan. The trial will help determine the feasibility of wireless broadband and voice services for customers in predominantly rural locations, using Huawei solutions and equipment. The agreement was signed in Huawei’s traditional courtyard facility in Beijing, by Ron Styles, SaskTel President and CEO, and Sean Yang, President of Huawei Canada. The signing was witnessed by Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan.

“This is another great first in a long list of firsts for SaskTel, and I am pleased that SaskTel is continuing its commitment to investigating opportunities to provide rural customers with advanced communications solutions”, Premier Brad Wall said.

“We are very pleased to be working with SaskTel in launching Canada’s first 2.5 GHz TDD-LTE deployment” said Sean Yang. “The ability to bring next generation high-speed wireless technology to residents and businesses across the Province is critical to ensuring Saskatchewan is able to compete and innovate with markets around the world”.

The trial will occur in a minimum of three rural locations and will provide the latest wireless broadband speeds available. LTE will reach download speeds of approximately 100 Mbps per second, compared to existing 4G wireless technology reaching speeds of 21 Mbps. In addition, the trial will encompass the provisioning of equipment to a local telephone service, in order to determine comparability with existing landline services using copper wire infrastructure.

“SaskTel’s copper infrastructure dates back to the 1960s and we are fast approaching the need to replace and upgrade this technology,” said Ron Styles, SaskTel President and CEO. “With the positive partnership that has evolved with Huawai with our 4G network and our mobile LTE wireless deployment efforts that are underway, we are very pleased to partner with them to complete this trial”