Stories

Virtual Reality Headsets for the Holidays

November 22, 2023

Virtual Reality Headsets for the Holidays Step into a whole new world. According to D. Hardawar, Senior Editor at Engadget, the VR headset market has begun to mature. So, if you’ve been holding out to buy a headset, you chose wisely. Headsets have come a long way since the launch of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive six years ago. The Meta Quest 3 has just come out, and it’s the best standalone headset we’ve ever seen. And if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, high-end PC headsets are getting cheaper and the PS VR2 is a solid option for console gamers. The VR market is in a state of flux as we await Apple’s Vision Pro, but if you’re still hankering for some virtual action, we’ve collected some of the best options that we've tested and reviewed below.

Read More →

Eight Real-Life Ways Fiber Internet Makes a Difference

October 26, 2023

Just about any of our customers who have already made the switch from older forms of internet (like cable) to fiber broadband will tell you that fiber’s advanced technology is vastly superior to anything else they’ve used. From downloading files at near-lightspeed, to voluminous amounts of available bandwidth for handling multiple applications simultaneously, to more reliable material components that provide pristine streaming TV and movie experiences, fiber is simply heads-and-shoulders above cable, DSL, and satellite internet.

Read More →

Six Online Payment Options for Your Small Business

October 8, 2023

Small businesses and their leaders have way too much going on to spend time tracking down invoices or waiting for the bank to process payments. Fortunately, advanced internet-based payment systems have substantially cut down paperwork processing, as well as the time it takes to receive funds. Below we highlight six of the best online e-commerce and in-person payment options available for small businesses today. When connected to Alpine Communications' fiber network, your small business can use the technology it needs to grow and thrive—and you can get back to doing the actual work of your business instead of worrying about receiving payment for your efforts!

Read More →

Connecting Community Anchor Institutions: Why Local Matters

October 4, 2023

At Alpine Communications, we’re proud to be known around Elkader and surrounding areas as the best internet provider for residents and businesses. But did you know that we also support a third group with our high-speed fiber internet network? Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate local community anchor institutions. Read on to learn more about this important group—and how, as a local company ourselves, Alpine Communications is committed to keeping them connected.

Read More →

Kid-Friendly Streaming Platforms

September 26, 2023

With streaming devices seemingly everywhere, it’s easy for your children to turn on the smart TV or pick up a tablet or smartphone and start watching their favorite shows and movies. Indeed, there’s no shortage of streaming content they can enjoy, with studios pouring money into animated series, live-action adventure or “mystery” stories, or educational shows that are both informative and a lot of fun. But it’s natural for parents to have concerns about their child’s online activity and device-use, particularly those of younger kids. And though some parents may enjoy the freedom of apps and streaming platforms that are intuitively easy for just about any youngster to learn and explore, unfettered access to any online-accessible device is always a risk worth further consideration.

Read More →

Six Websites to Help You Find a Remote Job

September 17, 2023

More Americans are working remotely from home than ever before. From the convenience of the at-home office, to the lack of a commute (and mind-numbing traffic), to the savings on gasoline, to the ability to more easily look after children (and pets), the benefits of remote work keep adding up! Vastly improved and faster internet technology—especially fiber internet, like Alpine Communications’ advanced fiber network—have made working from home more reliable and efficient. And fiber’s high upload speeds and generous bandwidth make video conference calling far clearer than other forms of internet.

Read More →

“Don’t Click That Link!”(10 Signs You’re About to Be Scammed)

September 14, 2023

At Alpine Communications, we take your online safety and security extremely seriously. But our technicians and online security experts can’t do it all. Nor can they watch out for scams that might hit your email account, social media feed, texts or web browser. You need to be vigilant as well. Below we discuss ten signs that you are about to be scammed. As you will see, some of these signs are more obvious, while others can be cleverly sneaky about persuading you to “just click right now.” With even a little knowledge and some extra caution, you can avoid most scams, while enjoying Alpine Communications’ fast and reliable fiber internet with greater confidence.

Read More →

How to Create Healthy Tech Habits This School Year

September 7, 2023

With the kids back in school for another year of learning and extracurricular activities, it’s time for parents to set new schedules and routines for managing their family’s work and school obligations. As you’re setting intentions for a new school year, we’re here to help you create healthy tech habits for you and your kids. Though Alpine Communications’ high-speed fiber network delivers the fastest, most reliable internet you and your children can enjoy, we know there is more to life than just online time! To help parents plan and prioritize, we’ve assembled this handy guide to developing healthy tech habits for their kids this school year.

Read More →

Connecting Community Anchor Institutions: Why Local Matters

September 4, 2023

At Alpine Communications, we’re proud to be known around Elkader and surrounding areas as the best internet provider for residents and businesses. But did you know that we also support a third group with our high-speed fiber internet network? Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate local community anchor institutions. Read on to learn more about this important group—and how, as a local company ourselves, Alpine Communications is committed to keeping them connected.

Read More →

10-Digit Dialing: What You Need to Know

August 29, 2023

You’ve probably heard through the grapevine that 10-digit dialing will soon be required when making a phone call just about everywhere in the United States. But if you’ve been wondering what 10-digit dialing is and why it’s about to be necessary where you live—and what, if anything, you need to do about it—you’re not alone!

Read More →