The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines "high-speed" as a minimum of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for download and 3 Mbps for upload.
What are download and upload speeds? How do I find my speeds?
The download speed measures how long it takes to transfer data from the Internet to your computer. The upload speed measures how long it takes to transfer data from your computer to the Internet. Most online activity consists of downloads, such as loading web pages or streaming videos, and most connections are designed to download much faster than they upload. You can find your speeds at https://speedsmart.net/
What is an ISP?
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the industry term for a company that can access to the Internet for homes and businesses, typically from a computer. The primary ISPs in Charles County are Comcast, Verizon, and ThinkBig Networks.
What is Fiber-to-the-Premises?
Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) is a form of broadband access in which fiber optic cables are run directly onto a customer's premises.
What is a franchise agreement?
Cable franchise agreements are legal agreements between a local government and a cable company. They allow the cable company to construct, install, maintain, and operate a cable system on County-owned rights-of-way. In exchange, the cable company will provide cable services to the residents of the County. For more information on the franchise agreements for Charles County, please visit our Cable Franchise Agreements page.
What is a public-private partnership?
A public-private partnership is a cooperative arrangement between two or more entities in the public and private sectors.
What is cable Internet?
Cable internet is a form of broadband access provided by the local cable TV provider using coaxial cable.
What is fiber optic cable?
Fiber optic cable is a high-speed data transmission medium. It contains tiny glass or plastic filaments that carry light beams. Digital data is transmitted through the cable via rapid pulses of light.
Is the County doing the construction?
No, the construction and fiber installation is being done by one of our ISPs (Comcast, Verizon, or ThinkBig Networks), depending on the project.
What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a type of internet service that makes its connection by utilizing unused telephone wires that cause no interruption to your telephone service. The ability to get DSL is dependent on the residence or business being within a certain distance of the switching station. DSL speed can vary based upon the distance from the switching station. Locations closer to the switching station will experience faster speeds than those further away,
What is satellite Internet?
Satellite Internet is the ability to transmit and receive data using a satellite dish, which communicates with stations orbiting the Earth. It is a popular option for rural or remote areas without access to land-line Internet.
What is a hotspot?
A hotspot is a physical location where people may obtain Internet access, typically using Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi is the name of a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections.
What is an easement?
An easement provides the right to use homeowners’ land for one of the broadband projects. The homeowner still owns the land, even if they grant an easement.
How will I know if I need to provide an easement?
The ISP (Comcast, ThinkBig, or Verizon) will directly request the easement from the homeowner.
Will I be compensated for providing an easement?
No, compensation will not be provided in exchange for an easement.
How is the installation done?
Fiber will be installed underground and on existing SMECO poles, depending on the ISPs' surveys and engineering.
What will I see during construction?
You may see the following during the course of the project:
Utility pole surveys - crews with measuring devices measuring the utility poles that will be used for aerial installation
Underground installation with directional boring equipment installing conduit along roads
Aerial Pole work - bucket trucks and crews installing fiber optic cable
Crews pulling fiber optic cable through the installed conduit
Crews connecting (splicing) the fiber optic cable together
