Internet

Owensboro Municipal Utilities receives many questions from our customers. Listed below is a sampling of the most frequently asked questions about our Residential Wireless Internet Services.

What is the cost?*

Residential customers pay only $29.99 per month. This can be added to their combined services billing or even charged to a credit card. *- Effective October 1, 2005

Is there an installation charge?

Customers signing a one-year contract will pay a $50 installation fee. Customers not signing a one-year contract will pay a $100 installation fee.

What data speed can I expect?

We have a range of 128K (for upload) up to 512K (for download).

What will OMU supply and what will be required of the customer?

OMU will supply the antenna and interface unit. The customer will have to have a Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in their computer. These cards retail for between $10 - $20 at local office supply/computer stores.

After I have signed up for service, what is the next step?

At present, OMU has a waiting list. We will call you to make an appointment when we get to your name on the list. OMU technicians will then come to the house and perform a site survey. This will tell us how high the antenna must be located to obtain the best signal and where the customer wants the interface unit located in the house. OMU will drill any holes through the walls required for cable entry. If OMU can use existing structures we will mount the antenna to it. If a mast is required, the customer will be responsible for installing the mast. After the antenna is installed and the interface unit connected, OMU technicians will set up the customer’s computer and make sure the unit is operating properly.

How big is the cable from the antenna to the interface unit?

The cable is a small coax cable. It is not the same as the coax you use for your TV.

How big is the antenna?

There are a few different sizes offered depending on how strong the signal is at your residence. The smallest one is 3 inches x 10 inches and mounts inside your home; the largest is approximately 12 inches square and is mounted outside.

Will I be able to hook up more than one computer?

OMU will hook-up and enable one computer. Local office supply and computer stores provide equipment and routers that will allow a customer to have more than one computer on OMU’s service.

Will OMU supply e-mail addresses?

Yes. At the time of signup, we will need to know how many and what name each will be using. Maximum mailbox size is limited to a total of 6MB per email address provided. After the user exceeds this limit they will no longer receive email until some of their mail is deleted. This will encourage good mailbox housekeeping.

How will I be billed for this service?

The monthly fee will appear on your next OMU bill. For residential it is $29.99/month. The $50.00 installation charge can be billed in two ways. It can be billed as one payment on your next OMU bill or split among the next two months’ billing, $25.00 each month. In addition, the costs can be charged to your Visa or Mastercard credit card.

Will I have to sign a contract and for what length is it?

OMU does not require a contract for residential service, however, customers not under contract, will pay a higher installation fee of $100. You will be required to sign a letter of agreement when you sign for service.

For more information, call OMU at (270) 926-3200 or visit the Customer Support Center.