Hamburg, Minnesota

QUESTIONS RECEIVED ABOUT THE WIRELESS

HIGH SPEED INTERNET SERVICE

BEING INSTALLED TO SERVE HAMBURG & THE SURROUNDING AREA WILL

APPEAR BELOW

FOR EVERYONE'S INFORMATION

AND BENEFIT.

Hello Dick -

I just wanted to give you an update. I need you to remove me from this list. I spoke with Embarq about my current Internet costs and they were able to work a deal for me to keep them as my provider. Since I'm happy with their service and have gotten a price very similar to what you're offering, I've decided to stay with them. Thanks for the opportunity and good luck.

Thanks.

Thanks for your most recent e-mail.

I'm not at all surprised that once you contacted Embarq and told them that there was an alternative in Hamburg to Embarq's high priced DSL service, that they reduced their price to match the price that which www.tothehome.com is offering, for Embarq keep you as their customer.

Your recent experience with Embarq proves a very valid point.

What the real issue here is about a public utility 'squeezing' as much money out of their customers as they can, for as long as they can, because the end user (you and me) don't have alternatives. They're allowed to do it and only when someone or something comes along to threaten their 'monoploistic control', do they then acquiesce in order to 'keep' their customer. Meanwhile, they've been getting as much money from us as they could, for as long as they could.

Competition is good for everyone but it's the end user that usually benefits; as you've just learned from your experience with Embarq. I'll remove your name from our database as you requested and GOOD LUCK !!l

One last tring to remember: the fastest Internet download speed Embarq offers in this area is uo to 1.5MB. When the system being installed by www.tothehome.com gets installed, their fastest download speed that will be available will be twice what Embarq's is; up to 3.0MB

Thanks again for your e-mail.

FOR EVERYONE'S

INFORMATION:

I just called Embarq and inquired about their Internet service. They verified that the fastest download speed they have available in this area is up to 1.5MB and their monthly charge is $34.94. When I told them that I could get the same service for $24.95 and asked them if they would 'match' this lower price, they stated that they would PROVIDED I signed up for one of their telephone 'package deals' (at $29.95/month) + I'd have to change my long distance service to their company). Oh; and did I mention, that Embarq REQUIRES a one year committment for their service. If I cncel my Internet service with them before the one year period expires, I have to pay a $99.00 'Cancellation Fee'.

COMPETITION IS GOOD !!!

Hi,

This is Beth e-mailing you concerning the wireless Internet service that is to be installed in the city of Hamburg. Our family is having interest in learning more about the opportunity to get wireless Internet. Also just wondering,

I know some wireless programs have weaker signals the farther away you are from the signal, since we are located toward the outer border will this affect us and in turn make us have a weak signal. Also does this work for desktop computers and not just lap tops with Wi-Fi connection, and does it work with the computer system Windows XP. Thanks.

Hi Beth:

Thanks for your e-mail; I've plotted your address on a map. You will be very close to the 'edge' of the coverage area of the WIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET SYSTEM that will be installed. There is no way to know for certain if a given area will be able to receive the 'signal' until the system actually becomes operational. But we can make a pretty good 'judgment call' of what area will be covered.

Once the system is operational, we will stop by your house and conduct what is called a 'site survey' (at no charge) to determine if you will be able to have access to the system. Families/farmers/businesses that sign up for service and the installation of the necessary equipment will be Guaranteed service. If, for any reason, you can't receive reliable Internet access after the system has been installed, YOU'LL PAY NOTHING !!

So I suggest you, and everyone else interested in becoming part of the new system, initiate steps for installation. Again: If you're beyond the 'limits' of coverage, we'll determine that and you won't pay a dime. (Not even a penny!) I strongly urge you to get signed up for installation.

You are also correct; the further away from the antenna you are, the weaker the signal becomes. But technology in this exciting field is changing rapidly allowing people to access the Internet that couldn't have high speed access in the past, using wireless technology.

Lastly, yes, the WIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET SYSTEM to be installed to serve the Hamburg and surrounding WILL WORK with your desktop computers, laptop computers and also 'works' with all popular computer operating systems including Windows XP. Everything you have now can be used with the new wireless system. The major difference is how you'll access the Internet and the dramatically increased 'speed' that you'll access it with.

Thanks again for your e-mail. Please feel free to call or e-mail me with any additional concerns.

Dick Odoms

952 467-3521

Dick,

Thank you for time on the phone. I would be interested in the 3 MB option to be installed as soon as you can.

Installation of the system will be beginning shortly; it is expected to become operational the first couple of weeks in July. Those interested in getting the system installed should e-mail me their name, street address and telephone number to deltadickshow@yahoo.com if you haven't already. Once that information is received, you'll receive a 'confirmation letter' and be told how to register your installation on-line. Or, you may call Dick Odoms @ (952) 467-3521.

Here are some answers to technical questions previously raised. (Please see below.)

1. 802.11a/b/g is the technical specification for the Wi-Fi technology. It is not Wi-Max, although we will be using that later, perhaps another two years or so.

2. Static IP address would be an extra $15 per month on top of the Internet service fee.

3. While all along what we've been talking about is the download speed of up to 1.5MB/s at $24.95/month, a higher download speed of up to 3.0Mb/s , if desired, would also be available at $39.95/month. Upload speed would then be at up to 1.0Mb

Hi,

I received the post card about the proposed wireless Internet in the Hamburg area. I would definitely be interested and would get it in a heartbeat. The problem I am concerned about is if I would be able to get the signal or not. I live about 2 miles to the south of Hamburg. I have tried to get a wireless service before from Green isle but was unable to because of the signal being blocked by trees. Will this wireless need a clear line of sight to the tower? If so and you put the tower on Hamburg's water tower, I can see it from the edge of my lawn or a small out building I have I the same area. How far from the house could you install the receiver? If we could get this to work I would get the service. We have looked and waited for years now to get something other than dial up but there is nothing available besides satellite, which I almost had installed last month and am planning to get if there is no other option by July. Please let me know if this is going to happen and if it will work at my house.

Thanks.

I would advise against satellite because of what I've heard but then again, 'something is better than nothing'.

It sounds to me like you should be able to get the wireless Internet if it goes through simply because of your proximity to Hamburg. Please call me at a time convenient to you and I'll stop by and survey your location.

Thanks for your response.

I got a quick question for you. I want to know what kind of wireless technology does it use. Is it Wi-Max? Thank you.

Your technical question has been referred to to www.tothehome.com for their response. Please check back here, as well as your e-mail inbox for the answer.

Why would anyone need to pay for equipment? I already have a router in my home, why would I pay for additional equipment? I will not make the switch if I have to pay for equipment.

The $99.00 installation is for installation of the transmitting/receiving equipment used to access the system only. ALL of the existing equipment that you currently own (router, etc.) should continue to work seamlessly and would not be replaced.

I would be interested. I currently use Embarq DSL. I see by the yellow card and Website that 1.5 MB down and 512MB up. Are there any higher speed options?

There has been some discussion of increasing the download speed of up to 3MB this summer but nothing has been definitely determined at this time.

How much more would a static IP cost? Thank you.

Your technical question has been referred to to www.tothehome.com for their response. Please check back here, as well as your e-mail inbox for the answer.

Hi -

We are interested in the wireless Internet service. My family and I live about 1.5 miles northwest of Hamburg - will the signal be strong enough to reach us? Thanks.

This effective and practical distance from the location of the WIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET SYSTEM antenna to the 'end user' is typically 3-4 miles so you would seem to be an ideal candidate for the system. Many factors, such as tree foliage, height of transmitting and receiving antennas and surrounding terrain can all have an effect the service area.

Hello,

My family got a card in the mail about wireless Internet. We are interested in it. Thanks.

Keep checking your e-mail, mail box as well as the "Unofficial" Website for the City of Hamburg at www.hamburgminnesota.com for continually updated information.

Hello, We'd be very interested in the wireless Internet.

Again, keep checking your e-mail, mail box as well as the "Unofficial" Website for the City of Hamburg at www.hamburgminnesota.com for continually updated information.

I am on the Hamburg city web-site (looks great!). I think it is very informative and it looks as though you do a lot of research for your town. It's great that you are willing to give your time like that.

Your web site about Hamburg is awesome, Thanks for taking the time and doing it.

WIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS COMING TO

HAMBURG & THE SURROUNDING AREA !!

(Yes; EVEN Available To Families & Farmers Living 'Out In The Country' Who Now Can Only Use 'Dial Up' !!)

Yes; It's ACTUALLY HAPPENING NOW !!

PORTION OF THE SYSTEM INSTALLED ON FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH !!

JULY 3, 2009 UPDATE

'PHASE 2" of the installation of the HIGH SPEED WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE for residents of Hamburg and the surrounding area takes place today !! Once the equipment being installed today becomes operational, testing will begin and continue over the 4th of July weekend. Once the testing is done and everything is working properly, installation of the equipment in the homes/farms/businesses of those already 'signed up' for the service will begin; hopefully beginning the week of July 5th !!

So if you haven't already signed up, you are encouraged to do so. Installations are on a 'First Come - First Served' basis. The sooner you 'sign up' for installation, the sooner your system will be installed.

To SIGN UP FOR INSTALLATION on-line, CLICK HERE.

JUNE 23, 2009 UPDATE

The HIGH SPEED WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE for residents of Hamburg and the surrounding area continues to OPERATE FLAWLESSLY since the first phase of installation was accomplished on June 5th. (See below.) Ever since it was 'turned on' on June 5th, the service has operated CONTINUOUSLY WITHOUT INTERRUPTION OR ANY 'DOWNTIME'. I've been 'connected' to the service 24/7 for testing it since it was installed, use it almost continuously (and almost exclusively) and am very pleased with it's service, reliability and speed.

For those of you inquiring how soon your service will be installed; well, he hit a 'bump' in the road. While waiting for the Hamburg City Council to grant permission for the company installing the service to mount their equipment on the city water tower (the city attorney had to review the contracts), a local farmer had previously agreed to allow equipment to be installed on his Harvestore silo; thereby making the system fully operational. That silo installation was planned for June 5th, but at the last minute, the farmer stated that they, too, wanted their attorney to review the contract allowing for installation. So instead of mounting the system on the silo on June 5th, it was temporarily mounted on the roof of our house so that it can be thoroughly tested while we're waiting for the farmers lawyers to review their contracts and waiting for the Hamburg City Council to approve the use of the city's water tower. (At the same time,the anemometer and wind direction indicator for the weather station that records and uploads Hamburg weather conditions to the Internet, were also remounted on the same mast as the wireless Internet equipment for a higher and less obstructed location thereby giving more accurate readings of those two metrological conditions.)

So that's the status of the system; the Hamburg City Attorney 'didn't see any problems' with the contracts; now it's up to the City Council to approve the use of the water tower so installation can begin. That didn't happen at tonight's City Council meeting, so now we're faced with another three week delay; the next Hamburg City Council meeting isn't until July 14th. And, we're also waiting for the farmer's lawyers to review, and approve, the contracts for installation of the equipment on the farmers silo.

Meanwhile, 'GET ON THE LIST' of subscribers to be able to receive this new HIGH SPEED WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE by CLICKING HERE and providing the requested information. Installations will be done on a 'First Come-First Served' basis. The sooner you 'Sign Up' for installation, the sooner your system will be installed. And if you have any questions, please call Dick Odoms at (952) 467-3521 or send an e-mail to deltadickshow@yahoo.com. THANKS !!

P.S. Please continue to check the "Unofficial" Website for the City of Hamburg frequently at www.hamburgminnesota.com for continually updated information. THANKS !!

This Website Is Provided And Maintained At No Charge To The City Of Hamburg And Its Residents As A Community Service Of The 'DELTA DICK' Olde Tyme Music Internet Show. No Endorsement, Of Any Kind, By The City Of Hamburg Or Any Of Its Elected Officials, Of Any Content Contained Herein Or Business Or Company Listed Hereon This Website Is Expressed Or Implied.