XPLORNET

After some delay, on my part, we are finally able to use Xplornet. Originally we thought we would be up and running two weeks ago but I needed to install a pipe for the satellite dish mount and then we went away for a week. Delays, delays ........

Monday the installer was here getting the parts located and cable from the dish into our house. It still took me two days to get registered and connected properly. (guests, meat birds, retirement life is busy)

Yesterday someone called from Xplornet to see if everything was OK. I was having my afternoon power nap so Mary took his number and I called back later.

Once we chatted (in English from New Brunswick) and got our passwords installed we were good to go. Now time for the test and comparison.

We've been using Bell internet service for the past 3 years and it has worked well. The speed was adequate but the cost was high for the use we made of the system each month. Our bill was usually $90.40 but could go over $200.00 when company arrived who were heavy internet users. We spent approximately $1,200/year for Bell internet service.

With Xplornet we have 40 GB of capacity each month for $70.00. This is about four times the capacity we had with Bell for the price of their 10 GB service. So far the download speed with Xplornet compares favourably with Bell. That is an important comparison.

Last night we signed up with Netflix and watched our first movie, Elsa and Fred starring Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer. The movie downloaded without any problems and we enjoyed the movie without incident. Netflix seems to be an excellent source of movies at a very reasonable price. 

Now, there was some up front costs with Xplornet. The pole and wireless router came to $310.75. There is a one time activation fee of $99.00. Once these are paid our monthly cost will be $70.00 plus tax.

I estimate I spent approximately $3,600 with the Bell service over 3 years. With Xplornet our cost should be around $2,500 and we will be using the internet to view movies which is and additional savings. Netflix costs $7.99/month and I easily spent that on buying movies from Amazon.ca, so that's a wash.

Conclusion: After 24 hours of use with Xplornet we are very happy. To have such speed and capacity of the internet back here in the bush is remarkable. We are connected 24/7 with great capacity and at reasonable costs; what more could one ask for.

I'll update this review in six months or sooner if there are problems that arise. 

Update: June 2/15 - I'm averaging 0.93GB of usage daily and that's with watching a movie, uploading a blog entry and the usual daily internet searches.

For those considering Xplornet I hope this review helps. If you live in this area talk to Stewart at Leons in Bird's Creek. He is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I am not a "techie" person, but if you have any questions or comments please let us know. 

Thanks for stopping by and stay connected.