How it works

Wireless

Wireless Internet combines the mobility of cell phones with the constant connection of DSL. Data transfers via microwaves broadcast from seven towers surrounding the Yakima area. Phone lines are bypassed completely. Which means like DSL, your phone line is not tied up while you are online. In fact, you don’t even need a phone line at all!

The initial cost of Wireless Internet is a bit higher than other services because installation is more demanding and requires more hardware, including a radio card and an outdoor antenna.

If you live in a rural area and need high speed Internet access, Wireless is your best and oftentimes only option.

Click Here for pricing and availability.

Wireless Frequently Asked Questions

Q. “What are some of the requirements to get Wireless?”

All computers you plan to connect must be at least Windows 2000 or Macintosh OS9 with 128MB of RAM
Your home or office must be within sight of one of our wireless towers
Your home or office must be within 7 miles of one of our towers
You must be able to give permission for our installers to set up the neccessary equipment at your location to capture the wireless signal from our towers

Q. What exactly is involved in the installation of the system at my home or place of business?

A: First, the office will schedule an install. You are not charged if we cannot make initial connection(remember the antenna must be able to see one of our 12 local tower sites). Using a test instrument, they will test the link quality before installation. If the link tests ok, the antenna is installed and a small cable is run into the interior of the premisis and connected to a small power supply box. A connection cable is inserted between your computer’s network card or router (customer supplied) and the power supply box. Your computer and/or router is configured and you’re all set. If you have multiple computers we ask that you have the router purchased and at your premesis at time of install.

Q. “This is wireless… why do you have to drill a hole through my wall?”

A. In order to connect your computer to the wireless signal coming to your house, we have to attach a cable to the antenna mounted to your roof. The Wireless service we offer is considered wireless because the signal between you and us requires no physical cable stretched between Washington Broadband and your home or office.

Q: I’ve heard Wireless connections are always online. Doesn’t that make me vulnerable to hackers and viruses?

A: It is true that the risk of exposure is increased with a constant connection to the Internet. However, we can give you a private Internet address that cannot be accessed from the outside world. If you use a public address, we recommend a software or hardware firewall package that will keep outsiders out.

Q. “Does wireless require an extra phone line?”

A. No. Actually, wireless does not require a phone line at all.

Q. “My wireless connection is running very slow… what are some possible reasons for this?”

Severe weather (heavy snow or fog)
Blocked line of sight from your home/office and our tower (trees or new construction)
Power outages around the valley
Misaligned antenna
Your computer is too slow to keep up with the speed of Wireless
Too many “Ad-ware” programs are running on your computer [Repair Your Computer]

Q. “Is there anything I can do to fix my Wireless connection before I call technical support?”

Check all cables connected to your computer to be sure they are plugged in
Restart your computer
Restart your wireless equipment
Install and run Ad-Aware to remove “Ad-ware” programs running on your computer [Repair Your Computer]
If these basics steps do not bring your computer back online, Contact Us