fREQUENTLY aSKED qUESTIONS
Common Questions about HomeWorks Connect
There’s been a lot of talk generated about HomeWorks Connect and with that comes many questions! If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for below, call the office at 800-668-8413!
Will I actually receive your advertised speeds?
While many companies advertise speeds but can’t guarantee that you’ll receive them, with HomeWorks Connect your home will be able to access the speeds you’re paying for so long as your technology is up-to-date. Older models of laptops and TVs don’t have the equipment inside of them to utilize some of our higher speeds and could prevent you from being able to upload and download at the top speeds in our packages. We recommend using newer models of equipment if you’ll be connecting them to the internet as well as using Ethernet cables to connect your device to our modem whenever possible in order to ensure top speeds are being reached.
In rare instances, due to overwhelming network congestion, the top speeds may be momentarily unavailable. We monitor the amount of traffic on our network and if this becomes a recurring issue we will upgrade the network to eliminate the network congestion. We thank you for being understanding as we work to build and grow our network.
Will the price I pay each month jump after the first year like it does with other internet companies?
At HomeWorks Connect, we don’t believe in pricing games. As a cooperative committed to providing reliable services throughout rural mid-Michigan, we promise to keep prices affordable and to avoid large price jumps so that you’ll never be surprised when you open up your monthly bill.
What if I signed up for the wrong package, can I change my order?
When your contract is sent to you, your package will be confirmed. If you need your package to be changed at any time, give our office a call at 800-668-8413.
Can any TV be a smart TV?
If your TV has an HDMI port, there is likely a way for it to connect to the internet. The most common way to turn a non-smart TV into a smart TV is through a device such as Roku or Amazon Fire Stick. These devices allow you to stream from programs such as Netflix or Hulu?on your TV. They also often allow you to access live-streaming services such as SlingTV or HuluTV which can replace your cable package.
I saw the trucks go by, when will my house be connected?
Unfortunately, just because a truck goes by doesn’t mean we’ll be to your house within days or even weeks. Oftentimes, the trucks you see are constructing our mainline fiber backbone. This backbone must first be hung from our poles. Then, other crews will go back and connect all the pieces of fiber together using splicing technology. Then, after all the pieces of mainline are connected, we are able to begin constructing drops from the mainline to houses. This whole process can take months to complete so although seeing trucks does mean we’re working in your area, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be connected later this week.
What types of devices can I connect to my high-speed fiber internet?
Your high-speed fiber internet is just like any other internet you’ve had but faster and more reliable! You can connect everything from laptops and cellphones to TVs, smart-home appliances, and even thermostats or other security devices. With fiber speeds, there’s no limit to the type of things you can connect to the internet.
Why doesn't my internet seem as fast as advertised?
Up until recently, devices weren’t created with limitless internet speeds in mind. Often, if you’re having issues with slow internet on the HomeWorks Connect’s service, the problem lies within the device you’re trying to connect to the internet. If you’re having issues, please call our office at 800-668-8413 and we’ll be happy to help you troubleshoot your connection.
What are the steps to connecting my house?
Each home will go through the five steps listed here: gathering interest, design, commitment, connection, and in service! When your zone is in any of the steps, certain requirements must be met before the zone can move to the next step.
Each zone begins with gathering interest and ends by being in service. We are limited as to how many zones can be in each step by the number of crews we have in the field installing the fiber as well as by the time it takes to design a new area for fiber installation.
A zone cannot move from gathering interest into being designed until we have available engineers to begin designing it. When we have an available team of engineers, we choose the zone at the top of the gathering interest step to be designed next. In the same way, a zone cannot move from being designed into commitments until we’ve designed and constructed the mainline fiber in that zone.
When the construction is done, a zone is opened to connecting and a zone will stay in the connecting step until it reaches 100% of its goal. Then, we can be sure that our drops are installed in the most cost-effective way, saving the end consumer money.
For Businesses
We know that businesses often have more questions about a service before they subscribe. Here’s some of our commonly asked questions from our business subscribers:
I run my business out of my home - which plan do I choose?
We believe that, as a business, you’ll prefer the service of a business plan.
Do I have to sign up for a business plan just because I'm a business?
Yes, businesses must operate under a business internet plan. Please give us a call so we can help you find a solution that fits your needs!
What is the difference between a business plan and a residential plan?
The biggest difference between our basic business plan and our residential plans is it includes a static IP address. Our custom business plans are tailored to the needs specific at your location and can include phone lines, service level agreements, and more! Give us a call today for your FREE quote at 800-668-8413.
I need a different offering than what's listed, who do I call?
We understand that every business’ internet needs are as unique as the businesses themselves. If you need something different than what is offered in our standard packaged – be it more IP addresses, added phone lines, or a different Mbps offering – please reach out! We’re happy to create a custom internet plan for you that meets both your needs and your budget. Our number is 800-668-8413.