Frequently Asked Questions

Fiber optic technology delivers over 99.99% uptime and is far more reliable than cable, DSL, or wireless. It's resistant to weather, interference, and degradation over time.

No long-term contract is required. Our Fiber service is month to month.

Plans start as low as $52.95/month in select areas (prices vary by location and speed). All plans include unlimited data with no hidden fees. Check your address for exact pricing.

We specialize in internet but recommend streaming TV services (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, etc.) that work perfectly on our network. VoIP phone service may be available — contact us for options.

Local support available 24/7 by phone at (231) 331-4622. Visit our Rapid City office Monday–Friday 8am–5pm at 7280 Rapid City Rd, Rapid City MI 49676 or email support@186networks.net

Fiber internet uses thin strands of glass to transmit data as light signals — much faster and more reliable than copper cable or wireless. It delivers symmetrical speeds with virtually no interference.

No data caps and no throttling — ever. Enjoy truly unlimited internet for streaming, gaming, working from home, and more.

We provide a fiber ONT (Optical Network Terminal) often mounted outside the residence that is included in our standard service. Managed Wi-Fi Router is available as an optional add-on.

Professional installation is included at no extra cost for standard on-net connections (up to 300 feet of fiber drop in select areas). Here's what to expect:

• Pre-Installation Prep: Before your scheduled date, we'll coordinate with Miss Dig 811 to mark public utilities (gas, electric, water, etc.) on your property — this is required by law and usually happens 2-3 days prior.
• Private Underground Items: You'll work with our pre-install team to map and approve any private underground features (e.g., sprinklers, invisible fences, septic lines, private lighting). This ensures safe routing and avoids damage.
• Installation Day (2-4 hours): An authorized adult (21+) must be home. Our technician will:
  • Run fiber from the street to your home — typically buried underground for protection and aesthetics (or aerial from a pole if applicable).
  • Drill a small hole (about dime-sized) in an exterior wall if needed to bring fiber or ethernet cable inside.
  • Install the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) — a small box that converts fiber light signals to electrical for your devices (usually in garage, basement, or utility closet).
  • Set up your Wi-Fi router (provided free) and test speeds.
  • Connect a few devices and show you how everything works.
• After Install: Enjoy immediate gigabit speeds!

Most installs are straightforward, but complex properties may require extra time or fees (we'll discuss upfront). Questions? Call us — we're here to make it smooth!

Fiber optic internet uses light signals transmitted through thin glass fibers, while cable uses electrical signals over coaxial copper cables, and DSL uses electrical signals over traditional copper telephone lines. This fundamental difference gives fiber major advantages in speed, reliability, and performance.

Key Comparisons:

• Speed: Fiber delivers symmetrical speeds (equal upload/download) up to 1 Gbps or more — perfect for uploading large files, video calls, and cloud backups. Cable offers fast downloads (up to 1 Gbps) but much slower uploads (often 20-50 Mbps). DSL is slowest, typically 1-100 Mbps download with even slower uploads.
• Latency (Ping/Response Time): Fiber has the lowest latency (~10-20 ms), ideal for gaming, video conferencing, and real-time apps. Cable averages 20-50 ms, while DSL can be 50-100+ ms, especially farther from the provider.
• Reliability & Interference: Fiber is immune to electromagnetic interference (from power lines, appliances, etc.) and weather — delivering 99.99%+ uptime. Cable and DSL use copper, which is prone to interference, signal degradation over distance, and slowdowns during peak hours (cable shares bandwidth with neighbors).
• Distance Performance: Fiber maintains full speed over long distances. Cable/DSL slow down significantly the farther you are from the provider's equipment.
• Future-Proof: Fiber supports emerging tech like 8K streaming, VR, and smart homes without upgrades. Cable/DSL are reaching their limits.

In short: Fiber is faster, more reliable, and lower-latency than cable or DSL — making it the best choice for modern internet needs like streaming, gaming, remote work, and multiple devices.

Yes! We understand many homes in Northern Michigan are seasonal or vacation properties. To qualify for seasonal rates, a minimum of 6 consecutive months of active regular service per year is required.

During your off-season months, you can choose one of our reduced-rate seasonal plans:

• $15/month – Equipment Hold
  No active internet service, but we keep your equipment installed and ready for when you return. Ideal if you don't need any connectivity during the off-season.
• $20/month – Basic IoT Plan
  1 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload
  Perfect for checking security cameras, smart thermostats, or other Internet of Things devices remotely.
• $30/month – Light Usage Plan
  30 Mbps download / 30 Mbps upload (symmetrical)
  Great for occasional visits — enough speed for email, web browsing, light streaming on one TV, or video calls. Ideal for weekend getaways without needing full gigabit speeds.

When you're ready to resume full service, just contact us — we'll switch you back to your regular plan with no reactivation fees.

Seasonal plans help keep your connection ready year-round while saving money during months you're away. Contact our team to discuss the best option for your vacation home!

We're actively expanding! Register your interest on our site — we'll notify you first when service reaches your address.