Four basic forms of internet access are provided in the Southfork area: Dial-up, DSL, Wireless, and Satellite. Cable internet access is not available in this area. Fiber internet is not yet available, but is expected to arrive sometime in the spring of 2024. To sign up for fiber service as soon as it becomes available, go to the Conexon Sign Up page and select Mountain View Electric Association as your electric cooperative.


Dial-up

Dial-up internet access is provided by a number of service providers. Dial-up internet access requires a landline telephone connection and provides limited bandwidth. While not able to effectively deliver video content, dial-up can be a low cost alternative providing adequate performance for some audio streams and for general web browsing and email. Some dial-up internet service providers (ISPs) with service available in this area are: NetZero, EarthLink, Basic ISP, LocalNet, AOL, PCI Broadband, and Blue Mountain Internet.


DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

DSL utilizes the landline telephone system to provide high speed internet access. Unlike dial-up access, it is possible to use DSL to access the internet while using the telephone at the same time. DSL internet access is provided by CenturyLink.

For more information, contact CenturyLink:

3556 New Center Point
Colorado Springs, CO 80922
(719) 591-0540 (M-F 9a-7p, Sat 10a-6p)
(866) 871-0166 (billing)
(800) 788-3600 (tech support)
http://www.centurylink.com/


Wireless

Wireless internet service with coverage in the Southfork area is available in two basic forms: fixed and mobile. Fixed wireless uses an antenna attached to the dwelling that must be aligned with the service providers antenna tower. A cable is routed into the dwelling from the antenna that provides a network connection. Some local providers are: Rise Broadband, Kellin and PCI Broadband. Mobile wireless uses a small wireless modem that attaches to a computer/laptop (typically USB), or may be integral to the phone/service (as in "smart phones"). Some providers include AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

Note that with all wireless options, the location within the neighborhood will affect reception. Those on the east slope may experience issues as most of the provider antennas are west of here, and this places east slope homes in the "shadow" of the hill.


Satellite

Satellite internet access is available, but typically is more expensive than comparable DSL or wireless internet access. It uses a small dish antenna mounted on a structure that has a good exposure to the southern sky; the antenna must be properly aligned with the satellite the service is broadcast from. The cable from the antenna is routed into the dwelling to a transceiver that provides the internet access from the satellite signal. Satellite internet access is fairly high speed, but can suffer from issues related to latency (delays resulting from the long transmission distances associated with the high geosynchronous orbits of satellites) and from issues with weather and astrological phenomena (as when the sun is directly behind the satellite as viewed from the receiver). Satellite internet can also have significant equipment costs. Some satellite internet access providers (ISPs) are: Starlink, Viasat and HughesNet. Note that some providers use a dial-up connection for upstream communication; this can reduce latency and increase reliability, but requires use of the telephone line while connected to the internet.