FAQ


Check here to find out quick answers for all your basic questions.
  • What is Broadband internet?

    Types of Broadband Connections

    The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies such as:


       Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

        Cable Modem

        Fiber

        Wireless

        Satellite

        Broadband over Powerlines (BPL)


    The broadband technology you choose will depend on a number of factors. These may include whether you are located in an urban or rural area, how broadband Internet access is packaged with other services (such as voice telephone and home entertainment), price, and availability.


    Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

    DSL is a wireline transmission technology that transmits data faster over traditional copper telephone lines already installed to homes and businesses. DSL-based broadband provides transmission speeds ranging from several hundred Kbps to millions of bits per second (Mbps). The availability and speed of your DSL service may depend on the distance from your home or business to the closest telephone company facility.


    The following are types of DSL transmission technologies:


    Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) – Used primarily by residential customers, such as Internet surfers, who receive a lot of data but do not send much. ADSL typically provides faster speed in the downstream direction than the upstream direction. ADSL allows faster downstream data transmission over the same line used to provide voice service, without disrupting regular telephone calls on that line.

     

    Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) – Used typically by businesses for services such as video conferencing, which need significant bandwidth both upstream and downstream.


    Faster forms of DSL typically available to businesses include:

       High data rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL); and

        Very High data rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL).


    Cable Modem

    Cable modem service enables cable operators to provide broadband using the same coaxial cables that deliver pictures and sound to your TV set.


    Most cable modems are external devices that have two connections: one to the cable wall outlet, the other to a computer. They provide transmission speeds of 1.5 Mbps or more.


    Subscribers can access their cable modem service by simply turning on their computers, without dialing-up an ISP. You can still watch cable TV while using it. Transmission speeds vary depending on the type of cable modem, cable network, and traffic load. Speeds are comparable to DSL.


    Fiber

    Fiber optic technology converts electrical signals carrying data to light and sends the light through transparent glass fibers about the diameter of a human hair. Fiber transmits data at speeds far exceeding current DSL or cable modem speeds, typically by tens or even hundreds of Mbps.


    The actual speed you experience will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as how close to your computer the service provider brings the fiber and how the service provider configures the service, including the amount of bandwidth used. The same fiber providing your broadband can also simultaneously deliver voice (VoIP) and video services, including video-on-demand.


    Telecommunications providers sometimes offer fiber broadband in limited areas and have announced plans to expand their fiber networks and offer bundled voice, Internet access, and video services.


    Variations of the technology run the fiber all the way to the customer’s home or business, to the curb outside, or to a location somewhere between the provider’s facilities and the customer.


    Wireless

    Wireless broadband connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service provider’s facility. Wireless broadband can be mobile or fixed.


    Wireless technologies using longer-range directional equipment provide broadband service in remote or sparsely populated areas where DSL or cable modem service would be costly to provide. Speeds are generally comparable to DSL and cable modem. An external antenna is usually required.


    Wireless broadband Internet access services offered over fixed networks allow consumers to access the Internet from a fixed point while stationary and often require a direct line-of-sight between the wireless transmitter and receiver. These services have been offered using both licensed spectrum and unlicensed devices. For example, thousands of small Wireless Internet Services Providers (WISPs) provide such wireless broadband at speeds of around one Mbps using unlicensed devices, often in rural areas not served by cable or wireline broadband networks.


    Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) provide wireless broadband access over shorter distances and are often used to extend the reach of a "last-mile" wireline or fixed wireless broadband connection within a home, building, or campus environment. Wi-Fi networks use unlicensed devices and can be designed for private access within a home or business, or be used for public Internet access at "hot spots" such as restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, airports, convention centers, and city parks.

    Mobile wireless broadband services are also becoming available from mobile telephone service providers and others. These services are generally appropriate for highly-mobile customers and require a special PC card with a built in antenna that plugs into a user’s laptop computer. Generally, they provide lower speeds, in the range of several hundred Kbps.


    Satellite

    Just as satellites orbiting the earth provide necessary links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for broadband. Satellite broadband is another form of wireless broadband, and is also useful for serving remote or sparsely populated areas.


    Downstream and upstream speeds for satellite broadband depend on several factors, including the provider and service package purchased, the consumer’s line of sight to the orbiting satellite, and the weather. Typically a consumer can expect to receive (download) at a speed of about 500 Kbps and send (upload) at a speed of about 80 Kbps. These speeds may be slower than DSL and cable modem, but they are about 10 times faster than the download speed with dial-up Internet access. Service can be disrupted in extreme weather conditions.


    Broadband over Powerline (BPL)

    BPL is the delivery of broadband over the existing low-and medium-voltage electric power distribution network. BPL speeds are comparable to DSL and cable modem speeds. BPL can be provided to homes using existing electrical connections and outlets. BPL is an emerging technology that is available in very limited areas. It has significant potential because power lines are installed virtually everywhere, alleviating the need to build new broadband facilities for every customer.


  • How much will internet service cost?

    Price packages are:

    • 15 mbps download / 3 mbps upload speed $49.95/month.
    • 25 mbps download / 3 mbps upload speed $64.95/month.
    • 50 mbps download / 5 mbps upload speed $74.95/month.
    • 100 mbps download / 10 mbps upload speed $84.95/month.

    Speed availability will be determined at the time of the installation.


  • Are these introductory prices? Can I expect a price increase in the future?

    No, they are not introductory prices.  Although we cannot foresee what costs will do in the future that could influence the monthly price the prices stated above are our actual prices.

  • Does Velocity offer home phone service?

    • Yes! Velocity telephone service includes unlimited local and long distance calling for $24.95 per month.
    • Velocity also offers a business phone solution.

  • How do I sign up for Velocity?

    Sign up is easy. Click on the 'Services' tab on this website.

  • Is there an extra charge for equipment?

    • No, the basic equipment is included in the monthly subscription price plus tax.  Example: The Basic Package is $64.95 per month.  On your bill, you will see the Basic Package for $54.95 and Equipment for $10.00. By billing your package in this format, you only pay sales tax on the $10 equipment line.
    • If your home requires a WIFI extender, the cost will be $4.95 per month.

  • What is the installation cost?

    • The basic installation cost is $99.95, with a one-year commitment.

  • Can I purchase my own router, equipment?

    Velocity provides the equipment that goes in the homes.

  • What company maintains the Fiber infrastructure?

    Velocity and Butler Electric Cooperative will maintain the system (infrastructure).

  • How will the service be attached to my home?

    • A basic install will have a simple mounting bracket that will connect to the side of the home that can best receive a signal 
    • A few installs may require different brackets or special masts.  This will be based on the location of the tower and will be determined on a case by case basis.

  • Does the internet service run through the electric lines?

    • No, it does not.  
    • Fiber Optic line has been hung on the Butler EC infrastructure, below the electric line. 

  • Can I get Internet in my barn or unattached structure?

    Yes, there may be restrictions on WIFI capability or an additional installation may occur.

  • Can I put the equipment on my camper to receive Internet?

    • This service is not considered mobile.  Once service is installed, you cannot move the antenna. 
    • We do not recommend installation on campers. 

  • I have an underground house with a metal roof, where will the receiver be placed?

    This may require a customized installation.

Fiber-to-the-Home Frequently Asked Questions


Velocity Powered by Butler Electric Cooperative recently announced it has received a $10 million Kansas Capital Project grant to provide high-speed fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet access to approximately 4,300 rural Kansans living and working within our service area.  Below are FAQs on the FTTH expansion:

 

Why is Velocity building the FTTH network?

Velocity and our construction partner Conexon, all adhere to the belief that fiber is the “gold standard” of communications transmission, capable of meeting our customers’ needs now and well into the future. This current FTTH project, which represents a $21 million investment, partially funded by the Kansas grant, reinforces our commitment to giving our members and customers world-class, reliable, and affordable broadband. Through the Velocity fiber-optic network, subscribers will have access to affordable pricing packages with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps (up and down) to 2 Gig (up and down).

 

Where will FTTH service be offered?

This fiber network will span the southern portion of the Velocity footprint from Mulvane to Leon. Homes and businesses in the grant areas will have access to multi-gigabit symmetrical (same upload and download speed).


 

Why were those communities chosen?

In the fall of 2022, Butler Electric submitted Kansas Capital Project Fund grant applications to provide fiber internet to their entire electric service territory; however, only part of the project was funded. We are actively pursuing other grant opportunities to bring this service to our entire membership.

 

When will the FTTH project start?

This two-year fiber project has already begun! We are currently preparing our electric infrastructure for construction to accommodate the fiber-optic cable. Fiber construction will begin this summer with initial subscribers expected to have service by this fall.

 

Where will construction start?

Construction will begin near the Pony Meadows solar farm located between Rose Hill and Andover in summer 2023, with the initial customer connections anticipated to be in fall 2023.

 

Will Velocity fiber be available in other areas?

We consider this project just the beginning. We know the need for high-speed internet options is dire throughout our rural communities, and we are actively seeking additional funding to expand the fiber network.

 

I already have Velocity fixed wireless internet, what will happen to my service?

If you live in the grant area and you are a current fixed wireless customer, you will be upgraded to the FTTH network as construction reaches your area. We will communicate with you in advance about different equipment, the change-out process and other details. If you live outside the fiber project grant area, your fixed wireless service will not change.

 

Will fiber internet be more expensive than my current wireless internet?

Through the Velocity fiber-optic network, subscribers will have access to affordable pricing

packages with no data caps, gimmicks or throttling back on speed.


$72.95 for 100/100

$92.95 for 1G/1G

$124.95 for 2G/2G

 

*All prices include equipment, managed wi-fi and parental controls.

 

If I am not in the fiber-to-the-home area, what internet options do I have?

For members outside the FTTH project area, Velocity is committed to providing, upgrading and maintaining their fixed wireless service.

 

How do I know if my address is in the area where fiber will be available?

To learn more about your Velocity internet options, and the availability of fiber and/or fixed wireless, please visit www.velocity.coop and enter your address. This will allow you to see your options and pre-register or sign-up, if appropriate.

 

How do I sign up?

Please visit  www.velocity.coop and enter your address. Depending on where you live, you will be able to sign up for service and pick your package or pre-register to let us know you are interested.

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