Rural Internet FAQ's
Q: Why is internet in cities and towns so much different from rural areas?
A: Urban internet is delivered through cables and fibre (often buried). This infrastructure, placed entirely by private companies, also comes with a multi-million dollar price tag. High population density is needed to cover costs and turn profits.
Rural internet is delivered differently. Infrastructure is primarily towers or satellites that broadcast to roof mounted antennas and dishes. While costs are still in the multi millions, this type of signal broadcasting provides internet to a larger rural population - maintaining affordability.
Q: When I signed up for Xplore 4 years ago, my internet was fast and reliable. It's very slow now - what happened?
A: The internet is constantly changing. Demanding more bandwidth, more data. Xplore also changes. There are new towers, new satellites, new equipment, new speeds. If your internet is significantly slower, call Xplore to check if new speeds or equipment are available for your location. Bonus: the price may be far less than what you're paying now.
We strongly recommend contacting your provider every 2 years so you don't fall behind.
Q: What's the difference between tower service and satellite service for internet?
A: Tower service offers unlimited use (data) and great speeds at lower prices. It requires line-of-sight to a nearby tower and is generally easier to service. Towers are faster and easier to upgrade, offering better future prospects for all users.
Satellite service currently offers very high speeds, with some limits on use. The extreme distance of a satellite from your dish and modem can create "latency" (small time lags in sending and receiving data). It is generally more expensive.
When you call RIPS to set up your internet, our staff will carefully check your location and elevation to the nearest tower and work to ensure you get the best internet available to you.
Q: Why does RIPS Audio Video only deal with XPLORE for internet services?
A: XPLORE is solely committed to rural internet. Constantly investing in new technologies and improving infrastructure. This Canadian company chooses to serve rural communities, partner with rural small business and provide jobs to Canadians across the country. It checks all our boxes.