It’s this time of year that we see a subtle shift from “nice to have” to “need to have” connectivity. This increase in demand for reliable internet is part of why DFN is working tirelessly to bring fiber to our community.
For most, gone are the days of waking up to a blanket of white and celebrating when the news announces closures.
Now, when ice and snow coat the roadways, many offices often switch to a remote work setup and continue to provide service and support for customers via phone and online avenues. School closures instead turn into remote learning days. Telehealth visits may replace in-office visits.
And, time spent on activities like streaming, surfing, and scrolling increases as entertainment and communication fill the long, dark evenings. Across all ages and lifestyles, winter quietly increases dependence on internet connectivity.
Staying Steady Matters
“Reliable internet” means more than the connection staying live consistently. It also means that the quality of services is unwavering, so that speeds don’t drop when the weather gets rough or multiple people are online (both in your home and in your community).
When you’re stuck inside, buffering, dropped calls, and outages can be even more frustrating than under normal conditions. Dependable service supported by a local, responsive team can make all the difference in your online experience.
Fiber is Built for Winter
Winter storms and freezing temperatures can expose weak and inefficient connections. Shared connections slow down when everyone on the block is home. Wireless signals and satellite receivers can be disrupted by snow, ice, and cloud cover. Older copper infrastructure may struggle in extreme cold.
Our network brings fiber service straight to your home. Your connection isn’t shared with your neighbors, meaning your household will get the full speeds you pay for, even when everyone else in the neighborhood is also at home streaming and gaming.
Connectivity Means More than Entertainment
One of the most important tools during poor weather is communication, which is powered by reliable connectivity. Fiber doesn’t just give you entertainment options when you’re bored. With the right backup power setup to your router and devices, you maintain consistent access to emergency alerts, power notices, and weather updates.
You’re also able to communicate with loved ones and continue to stay in touch when travel isn’t safe. Smart home alerts, including those from thermostats and leak detectors, give you real-time notice to home emergencies, giving you a quicker response time to stay ahead of devastating repairs.
Be Winter-Ready
So, what can you do to help ensure that your connection stays online and ready when you need it during a cold snap?
First, make sure to stay informed of impending winter storms. If you’ve cut the cord, you can still access local news outlets through streaming resources (contact our office for our recommendations). Find a reputable mobile weather app and make sure notifications are enabled on your phone so you receive alerts in real time.
Understand what connectivity equipment works during power outages. If your router isn’t connected to a Battery Backup Unit, you may lose internet access and the ability to make WiFi calls. On the same note, make sure your devices are charged ahead of a storm, and have rechargeable charging stations ready in case power is out for longer than expected.
The Value of a Local Support Team in Winter
Locally based support matters more during outages, and DFN is proud to be based right here in Roseburg as a partner in our community, not just a provider.
Our local team understands the weather challenges you experience because we’re here under the same conditions. We’re able to evaluate, respond with more information, and deploy our technicians as soon as we can safely do so.
Ultimately, spending more time indoors in winter doesn’t have to lead to cabin fever. Reliable, fiber internet from DFN can bring you both the benefits of entertainment and work AND access to vital connected resources when outside activities become precarious in cold weather conditions.
Ready to make sure your connection can weather the storms? Contact our office to get fiber built for winter!