Getting and internet connection in rural area

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tinggg

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3164 12-Jan-2005 14:31

Hi

A friend of mine lives in Raetihi, a very remote area. She would like her kids to have access to the internet (the nearest school with an internet connection is 2 hours away). She phoned NZTelecom (driving 2 miles out on a quad bike to get a connection for the family's mobile phone) Telecom wouldn't even quote her for a landline because of the amount it would cost to do this. They said her only option would be a Radio Link - they said that this would cost NZ$20000.00 and she would need to pay one third of that cost.

My question is even if she pays $6500 - will a Radio Link cost a lot to maintain and use? Is it as expensive as a wireless connection to use?

Is anyone aware of any other options open to her to get connected?

Many thanks for your help.

Liamz

5 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#11941 18-Jan-2005 21:07

Check www.iconz.co.nz

They may be able to provide a BCL wireless
or satellite connection.

tinggg

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#11950 19-Jan-2005 09:14

Thanks Liam, i'm going to look into it.

Jama

1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#11954 19-Jan-2005 10:20

Depending on the terrain you may be able to use CDMA for data by putting up an external antenna. There is a range of antennas available from www.cellutronics.co.nz look at something like a directional Yargi which can be pointed at the nearest cell site. If you let me know your email address I will send you a coverage map for the area.

Jama

1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#11955 19-Jan-2005 10:40

Another option you could look at is Satellite. Check out www.baycity.co.nz

Jama

1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#11956 19-Jan-2005 10:56

More information...

The radio link from Telecom is called a country set, which is essentially the equivalent of a landline service. After installation you only pay standard landline fees. Internet is a bit slow at around 30kbps or less.

tinggg

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#11960 19-Jan-2005 14:15

Thanks everyone - I will report back on the final solution.

Cheers

andyd

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#12027 21-Jan-2005 13:29

BCL Extend is not currently available in Raetihi area, but they do have a high site. If your friend has line of sight to the TV transmitter station they are in with a chance. Max range is a good 50km.
What they will have to do is get enough interest in the region for BCL to upgrade Raetihi. This may be as few as 5 customers. They will have to pay roughly $1k equipment, $500 install and $100+ per month...
BCL will direct you to a retailer, but worth contacting them in the first instance to see if they have had any other interest in the area.
Inspire.net.nz are Palmie based so you might get best service there, or Compass.net.nz will let you pay off the equip + give free install on contract.
The base units have 2 standard RJ11 ports to plug in phone or fax but ISP will need to support VoIP - I dont think any do at present.