Another year has gone by and I figured it was time to give a little update on things and provide some additional information. This year has been the largest growth year so far, primarily because you are spreading the word about Fast-Air's service. Read on to find out more about an additional customer appreciation program.


Current Coverage
Last year we provided coverage to to the Bates area, Amasa, and Chicaugon Lake and Indian Lake. This year we added further coverage to Bates area and Hagerman and Bass Lake area. Our expansion to Beechwood has to be abandoned due to interference from the other towers. Coverage maps have been added and can be viewed at http://www.fast-air.net/coverage.html or see them under the Services menu.

New Coverage - next spring...
We will be expanding coverage in the Crystal Falls Township area in the Swan Lake area. We may also expand coverage in the Iron River area.
Keeping the Speed
We have added new 3.0MB data line in addition to the 4.5MB we currently have. We are in the process of transferring the headend from Caspian to Bates. Next year we will replace these two lines with a 9.0MB line. There will also be some significant work to upgrade and provide backup units for the backhaul links from each tower to the headend sites.

Redirecting Spam to separate folder
Reports show that spam has increased by 80% this past year. Since hackers continue to find ways around spam blocker software, it is difficult to catch it all. However, you can define a rules in Outlook and Outlook Express to put spam in a separate folder to allow you to more easily delete it. Look at the support site link here http://fast-air.net/trb-4.htm or find it under the Help and Support menu then Troubleshooting & Tips under the Redirecting SPAM to a separate folder link.

Another option is to utilize an anti-spam tool. A number of customers are utilizing Spamfighter. This is a free tool that works very good with Outlook and Outlook Express. It does put a tag at the end of your email for free advertising. The tag is removed if you purchase the software.
Seasonal Customers
We are getting more requests for seasonal customers. To better serve these customer, we have established a rate for seasonal customers. These customers will still have to pay for the full installation, but can save some money if they are here for less than 9 months. See the Seasonal Rates or find this information under the Services menu and then under the Plans link.

VOIP - Internet Phone
You are now able to get a local number for VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) from a company called Quantumvoice.com. They are able to use your current phone number. You can get unlimited calling for both local and long distance for $29.99/month. However, there are some drawbacks to VOIP phones. See more under the Help & Support menu and VOIP - Internet Phone Service.
Customer Appreciation Promotion
We had given out more than forty customer referral credits. We will continue to offer this promotion to current customers who refers a new customer that purchases Internet service from Fast-Air. When doing so, Fast-Air will issue you a $15 credit. See the details at this link http://fast-air.net/referral.html or see them under the Services menu.

We will also begin a monthly drawing in 2007. The customer selected will be given a free month of service. You have to be up to date on your payments to receive the free month. The winner will be notified and asked whether they want to be listed on the website as the winner.
Keeping Your Connection at Top Speed
AVG purchased Ewido spyware remover. This can replace both Ad Aware and Spybot. The AVG version is also free and can be downloaded here - AVG Anti-Spyware . This program runs automatic updates and resident guard for 30 days. After the trial, you can continue to use it, but have to do manual updates and scans.

Be careful not let any downloader programs run when you are not using them (See item 5 on the link below). Downloaders typically provide more bandwidth to upload files from your computer than for downloading files to your computer. This is one of the primary reasons for ISPs requiring more datalines; which result in higher customer prices. If you want to keep your cost down, it will be wise to be watchful of such programs, especially ones taking over your computer. Here's a simple rule of thumb. If you are noticing your little network icon lights flashing in the system tray while you are not actively opening another web site, uploading or downloading mail, you may have some malware taking over your computer.

For more information on how to keep your internet speed up, go to the link Maintaining your Internet Connection Speed or find it under the Help & Support menu and then Troubleshooting & Tips.

Your Feedback
I would appreciate your feedback. If you have had any issues, have any questions, any suggestions, or comments. please let me know. You can reply to this message, or use the contact us page on the Fast-Air website. 

Thank you for your patronage and getting the word out to the community on our Internet service. Feel free to forward this to others or refer them to the Newsletter link under the Company menu on the Fast-Air Web-site.

Have a very Merry Christmas, and Happy & Prosperous New Year.

Mike