L A Bridge can provision internet access via fiber optics -- the new speed-of-light internet technology -- in neighborhoods where the infrastructure is available. Our product is called FTAS (Fiber Traffic Alternate Services) and is an internet (data) connection only. Voice and TV services may be added through Verizon after FTAS installation.
Fiber optics internet connections are not restricted by distance as DSL is over phone lines but is limited to neighborhoods where the physical fiber cable has been deployed and then activated (or "lit") in the telco's local Central Office. FTAS bandwidth starts at 10M/2M to 50M/20M. Entry level FTAS provides 26 times faster download and more than 5 times faster upload than average DSL.
The fiber order is executed in two steps. First, a technician trenches or drops the fiber cable from the nearest utility pole over to the closest corner of your building. The end user does not need to be home for this work but if the property is gated and dogs are on the property, the installation may be aborted. The second visit needs to be scheduled at the time the order is placed because a field technician needs inside access to complete the installation. During the second visit, a piece of equipment called an
ONT (Optical Network Terminal) will be installed near or next to the
building's outside phone box (NID) that delivers phone cables to the
building. Then the technician will install a battery back-up device and a pre-configured fiber-capable wireless router, assure service has been turned up and confirm signal to the router. It is the end user's responsibility to connect the existing ethernet network to the fiber optics router.
The router installed during installation is a pre-configured wireless fiber-compatible router that can provide connection via both wireless and ethernet. It is not a consumer DSL router. The pre-configuration makes for easy troubleshooting and fast resolution for any connection issues in the delivery of the signal to the router. Most connection issues will be resolved by a router re-boot similar to the power cycling procedure used to re-establish errant DSL connections. If the router re-boot alone does not restore connectivity the end user may need to restart both the router and the power back-up device.
The battery back-up device is necessary to keep services running in the event of a power outage. With copper, line voltage is provided on the same line that delivers the analog phone signal. In a power outage the battery should last 8-10 hours. Battery life, if unused, is about one year and it's the responsibility of the end user to replace it (about $25).
L A Bridge FTAS is month-to-month:
Up to10M/2M = $50.00/mo.
Up to 20M/5M = $75.00/mo.
Up to 20M/20M = $99.00/mo.
Up to 50M/20M = $110.00/mo.
Installation/Activation cost (consumer premises) = $150 Installation cost includes all network setup, ONT installation, cabling from ONT to the router, internet jack or coax plate, router and battery back-up installation
Pre-Configured 4-Port Wireless Router = $140.00
There are other connection services available (with associated charge) depending on how much help the end user needs to connect their ethernet cables to the ethernet ports in the router. Some older computers may need to upgrade RAM or network cards to make sure they're capable of the faster speeds in excess of 10M.
Installation and router costs can be paid at activation or spread out over time. Further details about this are emailed in a personalized response to qualification requests ("Can I Get It" form on this web site).
Why fiber from L A Bridge?
FTAS is deployed over the same infrastructure as the telco's fiber optics product (which we are contractually prohibited from naming in our web site) so there's no difference in product reliability or speeds. Other advantages are:
No long-term contract: L A Bridge does not require a long-term service contract and/or early cancellation penalty. The only term contract we offer allows the consumer to pay for the installation and equipment over time (1 to wireless yrs.). After the term is completed, the monthly charge is reduced to the monthly fee published on this page.
L A Bridge Doesn't Bundle: Bundling can be a nightmare if the customer wants to change one of the bundled services. Often consumers find billing conflicts can't be resolved quickly or correctly even after numerous, time consuming calls. Dealing with a "Too-big-to-fail" mega corporation that offers attractive prices with long term contract commitments and excessive early cancellation penalties are often frustrating and financially punitive. Installing a data connection through a separate entity then adding phone and/or TV services through the telco or cable give the consumer more choice.
Static IP Most fiber optics connections are DHCP, but L A Bridge offers static IPs for $5/mo. If you need more information submit a prequal request form via the "Can I Get It?" form and specific details for your location will be emailed.
Your Information is Never Sold to or Shared with "Marketing Associates" Since L A Bridge began business in 1994, we have never sold, shared or marketed to anyone who sends us private information -- including email queries. Your information is only used for the purpose of
replying to questions or setting up services per your
authorization. Whether or not you choose to order services from L A Bridge, we do not sell or share any of your information to anyone else -- ever.
Flexibility With unbundled fiber optics data connections it's easier and less cumbersome to change your service. There are no contract restrictions that change your "introductory" rate to one less favorable. You'll always get the best rate available. Everything can be done online through our website forms or a simple email to Sales@LABridge.com.
Nurturing Informed Consumers: More information about fiber optics internet connections is available on our "Fiber Facts" page. If you have further questions please contact us at Sales@LABridge.com.
