We accept Cash, Check, Master Card, Visa, Discover, and E-check via the online bill center.

Our network covers a large area, so we need some specific information to answer your question. Please complete the form below and we'll get you an answer about service coverage as soon as possible.

Check for Service

Our service prices vary depending on download speeds and other factors, including whether you're a residential or business customer. Please contact us for more details at sales@balsamwest.net.

A FTTH system is the delivery of a communications signal over optical fiber and is considered the "gold standard" for a communications network. FTTH systems deliver digital information more efficiently than traditional copper coaxial networks by providing higher bandwidth enabling more robust internet and voice services. FTTH networks have many advantages over current technologies. The key benefit is that it provides for far faster connection speeds and carrying capacity than twisted pair conductors (Phone cable), DSL or coaxial cable. Fiber cables also provide for more reliability. Because fiber cables are made from glass, they don't generate electricity or need grounding which makes them resistant to atmospheric and electrical interference. Fiber networks are also the most "future-proof" networks. Optical networks are upgraded by changing the electronics that create the light pulses on the cable and not by replacing the cables. 

The NID provides the demarcation point between the BalsamWest network and your internal home wiring. Typically residing outside of your home next to your Duke Power meter, your NID is simply a wiring panel that connects the lines.

The ONT terminates BalsamWest’s optical fibers at your home. Using electricity from the customer's AC power source, and preferably via a Universal Power Supply (UPS), the ONT converts the incoming optical signals into electrical signals for internet and optional VOIP phone service. 

A UPS is unit that plugs into a wall outlet to remain charged. When you experience a power outage, the battery takes over supplying your ONT, router and possibly VOIP phone with temporary power. If you have a generator at your home, the UPS assists by bridging the gap from the time the power goes out until the generator turns on. 

There will be two ways to access your internet in your home, either through a direct Ethernet connection from the router to your computer, or by the router’s WiFi signal. Once the WestNet technician installs your ONT and WiFi router, and tests the service, they will leave a folder behind that will provide network information such as network name, and password. WiFi devices such as IPads, laptops and mobile phones will be able to connect to your router if they are WiFi capable devices.

WiFi is wireless internet. As part of the installation, BalsamWest can install a WiFi enabled router to broadcast wireless internet in your home.  There is an additional charge for in home routers, and other managed WiFi equipment. 

A WiFi router is the equipment that broadcasts wireless internet. If you find that the WiFi router signal is not strong enough to cover your entire home, there are solutions to amplify and manage the signal, see the Managed Wifi section of this website. BalsamWest can assist you with this equipment if you wish to have access to ongoing technical support for troubleshooting problems with connecting your devices. Other third party solutions are available but cannot be used if you will be subscribing to our managed WiFi plan. BalsamWest needs to have consistent equipment in order to support residents remotely and on-site.

VOIP is utilizing your new fiber internet connection for telephone service. VOIP can make 911 calls and can replace your existing land line service. It is important to utilize a UPS to ensure that you have continued VOIP service when the community experiences a power interruption. Please see the Managed Wifi brochure included. There is a process by which you can keep your Frontier phone number; BalsamWest staff can guide you through that process if you are interested in this additional service. VoIP lines may be used for modems or faxes, fire and security equipment, and elevators; however, you will need to coordinate with your provider to insure they support VOIP.

These additional services can be ordered through the BalsamWest team by calling 828-339-2900. 

BalsamWest staff will be available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, at 828-339-2900

The ONT will be located on the outside of the home or in the home where all the home-run cabling has been centralized. BalsamWest will change the WIFI names and passwords on the equipment we install, if a home owner wants. If the Home owner wants to control the router or WIFI settings, they can install their own equipment but will be responsible for programming and maintenance of their equipment

No, if the home is wired with CAT5E, Ethernet cabling can be used to connect to devices in the home. Additional equipment and consulting service may be needed for custom installations.