Learning how fiber optics work

To those of us who are perhaps less familiar with the practical applications of communicating with light, it can seem almost like magic how fiber optics work. Pictures, videos, emails, phone calls and more, traveling through glass fibers as thin as human hair, all at the speed of light. Fiber optics technology is a marvel of human ingenuity, not to mention physics and design, and with it comes high-capacity digital communications for a modern age.

Historically, copper was used to wire homes to telecommunications networks, mostly for the use of telephones. In many ways, copper was suited for voice signal. However, with the advent of the Internet, copper’s time had come. As with all major technological shifts though, especially when there’s infrastructure involved, the change doesn’t happen overnight. Fiber is the infrastructure that will meet our massive and growing digital needs.

If you’re curious about how fiber optics work on a smaller scale (with big implications), read on. This post will cover how optically pure glass strands are used to transmit information as light as compared with copper, that transmits information as electrical signals.

Watching college basketball online and over the air

The 2017 college basketball season is now here and college basketball streaming as a cord cutter is easier than ever!

This is your guide to watching college basketball without the high cost and long-term contracts of cable TV. Between over-the-air channels you can receive with an antenna to multiple online streaming services, including some free options, you won’t miss a thing.

Halloween movies for cord cutters

With the start of October, many Americans turn their attention to Halloween. If you are looking to get into the Halloween spirit, it may be that streaming a long list of horror movies will be just what you need. Maybe you’re into horror flicks no matter the month or season.

You’re in luck, cord cutter. Currently, there are a number of streaming services dedicated to horror movies. Here are a few of our favorites.

Deciding which ONT to use

Want to get the attention of Ting’s VP of Internet, Adam Eisner? Ask him about our ONT.

An ONT (Optical Network Terminal) is a small box installed inside of your home, about the size of a deck of playing cards. It converts the fiber optic signal into Ethernet, which you then connect either to Ting’s wireless router, or a router you provide yourself.

ONTs come in a number of configurations. “When we first launched Ting Internet, we used (what we could call) an all-in-one gateway,” says Eisner. “The fiber terminated into the box and that box was also responsible for broadcasting wireless Internet throughout a home of business.”

So why did we replace our original ONT? “We eventually moved away from that model, really because we found it wasn’t flexible enough for what people wanted to do with their Internet service.”

Ting wants you to be able to use your Internet however you want. It’s yours, after all.

“We view ourselves as a fat pipe of Internet that doesn’t really want to get in the way of the king of things the customer wants to use the Internet for.”

We’re going to show you how to perform a proper Internet speed test

Internet speeds can seem slow for a variety of reasons. Rogue programs using your bandwidth, poor Wi-Fi reception and other problems can make your Internet connection feel frustratingly slow.

Running a proper test will help you get started on diagnosing the problem.

Does Ting Internet offer home phone service?

Occasionally, we’re asked if we have any plans to roll out a home phone service to complement our Internet service.

Adam Eisner, VP of Internet, will talk a bit in the video below about the ongoing discussion of what pairs well with Internet service.

While Ting doesn’t offer a home or business phone product, we partner with PrimeVoice, a national VOIP telephone service provider. PrimeVoice’s approach to customer service and support is very similar to Ting’s. They put the customer first and have a focus on doing what’s right.

If you’re in need of phone service and mobile’s an option, consider Ting’s mobile phone product. Ting Mobile is a great option, with affordable pay for what you use service. Ting is especially great for families.

As for the future, we’re always looking at our options.