Internet Options for Marion County

Internet connection too slow?

Tired of yelling at your computer because your Internet connection is too slow? We all understand. Even in the M & M Programming, Inc. offices with a 56K dialup connection to test Internet connections, the most we caan attain is a 52K connection. If you're in the city and have a 56K modem, that's also the top speed you can hope to reach. Of course, most people in rural Marion County are lucky to attain a 24.4k connection even with a 56K modem.

Then, there are other options. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an advanced technology that allows higher bandwidth data transmissions over standard copper telephone wire. Offering up to a T-1 (1544k as compared to your standard 56k modem) speed, DSL is also a dedicated line, so you're always connected, with guaranteed bandwidth, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. DSL is available from 144K to full T-1 speeds of 1544K depending on your location.

Alltel and KYOL currently provide DSL service in Lebanon and Campbellsville if your phone is within 18,000 feet of the phone station. They both offer DSL Lite with a download speed of 256K and upload speed of 64K for $35, as well as faster up & download speeds with the price increasing the faster you go. While the technology is not available in Marion County with the exception of Lebanon, if there is enough interest, Alltel may upgrade the remote stations and offer DSL throughout the county.

KYOL offers wireless Internet service in Lebanon. If your home is within 5 miles of the tower (located behind the former police station), you are eligible for this service. The wireless service is, of course, wireless. No additional phone lines are required. The download speed is 512K and it is available for $100 per month.

So, what's left?

Currently, Earthlink, KYOL, KFBOL (for Kentucky Farm Bureau members) and Five D's Communications are the only Internet Service Providers (ISP) with local access numbers.
AOL also has a local dial-up number in Campbellsville. They offer an 800 number, but the cost is $0.06 a minute, or $6.00 every hour.
IgLou is expanding this way slowly, and they offer both dial-up and ISDN services.

Then, there are the satellite options:

DirecWay offers faster download speeds through your modem. Download speeds reach 400K, but your upload speed is limited to the speed of your modem. You must purchase their satellite, receiver and modem, but then you can receive DirecWay through the satellite and receiver, in addition to your Internet service. They offer the option of using your existing ISP or their services, with rates varying from $20-$50 a month.
Gilat is another satellite service, which claims that both the upload and download speeds will be increased with its product. Working much like DirecWay, Gilat claims it will provide download speeds of up to 500K and upload speeds of up to 400K.