The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies such as: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable modem, fiber, wireless, satellite, Broadband over Powerlines (BPL).

The broadband technology available is dependent upon on several factors. These may include whether you are in an urban or rural area, how broadband Internet access is packaged with other services (such as voice telephone and home entertainment), price and availability.

The Federal Communications recently redefined broadband as a service providing actual download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and actual upload speeds of at least 20 Mbps, an increase from the previous definition of 25/3.

A good download speed is at least 100 Mbps and a good upload speed is at least 10 Mbps. With 100Mbps, you can watch Netflix or YouTube, attend Zoom meetings, and play most online games on several devices at the same time. Some people can get away with fewer Mbps, and others need more.
For example, a download speed of 5-40 Mbps allows three to four people to stream video on one device, video conference with Skype or FaceTime and online gaming for one player. Download speeds of 40-100 Mbps would allow five to seven people to stream HD video on a few devices, multiplayer online gaming and downloading large files.

Fiber optic cable allows for a maximum download speed of 5,000 Mbps.

Fiber is a flexible hair-thin glass or plastic strand capable of transmitting large amounts of data at high transfer rates as pulses or waves of light. Fiber is the only type of internet that allows users to access uploads that are just as fast as downloads.

Mbps means megabits per second (1 million bits per second). Gbps means gigabits per second (1 billion bits per second). 4G is the term for 4th generation wireless telecommunications standards usually with network speeds greater than 1 Mbps. 5G is the term for emerging 5th generation wireless telecommunications standards usually associated with network speeds of up to 1 Gpbs or more.

RiverStreet provides fiber-to-the home access, with no additional cost for installation within 2,000 feet from the main line to the residence or business.  

RiverStreet is currently installing the necessary infrastructure to provide service, but customers must submit an order to have the fiber optic cable run to their location. To learn more, visit https://myriverstreet.net/