Valerie Roy, Author at FTC-I

Mar

28

2023

Mesh Networks vs. Wi-Fi Range Extenders

Mesh networks offer faster speeds, more options, and more options for customization for businesses compared to traditional Wi-Fi range extenders. The latest technology of mesh networking has replaced range extenders largely where deployment requires multiple access points. In just about every case, a business should consider a mesh network over a range extender for faster and more efficient internet throughout an office where a single extender cannot achieve the desired coverage. Here are five reasons mesh networks are better than Wi-Fi range extenders: 1. Mesh Networks Have More Functionality Wi-Fi Range Extender Functionality Functionality is one of the primary differences...

Mar

22

2023

Military Discounts for Internet Service

FTC offers across-the-board discounts on its service to those in the military and their families in our South Carolina service areas. Active-duty members of the military can receive a 10% discount on Internet, Voice, Security, and TV plus a 25% discount on Wireless. The offer also extends to those who have retired from the military. “We value our military personnel, their families and their service,” said Chip Chase, director of public relations for FTC. “Offering members of the military discounts on our services is one way we can show how much we, at FTC, care about our customers, our communities...

Mar

15

2023

How Can I Increase My Wi-Fi Range?

The two best ways to extend Wi-Fi range in a home are to add a Wi-Fi range extender and additional router or to add a mesh network. Each solution has its own place, so it is crucial to understand the home’s needs and what factors might affect the range of the original router. Why Does Wi-Fi Not Reach a Room or Outdoor Space? Wi-Fi routers have a limited range, so it could be that the device is simply too far from the router. But if the router's range varies in different directions, it is likely that a wall or large...

Feb

27

2023

How To Be Productive Working From Home

The best practices to utilize to be more productive when working from home are to designate a workstation, establish boundaries with family or roommates, plan for IT needs and use apps designed to maintain connections with staff and customers. While remote work might sound like an excellent option for many workers, it can be difficult for some to adjust to a work-from-home schedule without proper planning. But by giving staff proper guidance, support and tools, an employer can make working from home even more productive for employees. These five steps will help work-from-home staff stay on task and boost their...

Feb

14

2023

How Waiting Room TVs Can Improve Customer Relationships

For businesses with inherently long wait times, like auto shops and medical offices, waiting room TVs can improve customer relationships by providing more satisfying wait times and connecting customers with staff via shared interests. By offering perks like Wi-Fi in a waiting room, businesses can craft a positive experience for customers by giving them a welcome distraction while they wait. The waiting room often serves as the first and main touchpoint between the customer and the business, making the waiting room experience a critical element in a customer’s first impression. Businesses looking to improve their waiting rooms and customer relationships...

Feb

13

2023

How To Control Data Usage on a Child’s Phone

How To Control Data Usage on a Child’s Phone Giving a child a mobile phone offers a direct line of communication with the child and a way to monitor their location at any time. But with these benefits comes the risk of excessive data use and other safety concerns. Parents can control a child’s phone data use by creating ground rules, setting a good example with their own data use, using data notifications and monitoring their child’s download activity. Online safety for children and healthy screen time habits are concerns for parents, together with the financial cost associated with a...

Jan

26

2023

What to Look for in the Best Home Security Systems

Statistics from the State Law Enforcement Division show the property crime rate in South Carolina has been steadily declining since 2011, including in each of the counties within FTC’s service territory. Unfortunately, homeowners can never entirely eliminate the possibility of a break-in, especially when away on vacation. But with the best modern security systems, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of a break-in while protecting their homes against fire or theft, should a break-in occur. What Is the Best Home Security System? The best security systems feature a combination of redundant monitoring, a wide range of monitoring capabilities, easy installation, cellular...

Jan

25

2023

How To Secure Business Internet

Proper internet security for a business requires multiple layers of features designed to protect all internet-connected devices associated with the business. While business owners might look to more obvious vulnerabilities like shared public WiFi or office computers, all digital touchpoints should be considered, including Point of Sale systems, websites and any other data collected from customers. Small businesses are regularly targeted by cyber criminals simply because the attacks are so successful. But by deploying managed firewalls, hosting services and managed IT, small business owners can protect their assets and customers. Why Are Small Businesses More Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks? Small...

Jan

11

2023

5 Common Cybersecurity Threats in the Workplace

Most employees know to be careful when clicking on emails they receive from unfamiliar senders. But as cybercriminals and their tactics become more sophisticated, recognizing a scam has grown more challenging while the threats and consequences of these tactics have grown exponentially. What Are Cybersecurity Threats? The main cybersecurity threats are phishing scams, social engineering scams, malware, password theft and texting scams. Each tactic poses a threat to businesses through the potential loss of privacy, data, access to tools and even the loss of funds. Just how big are the threats? Consider this: According to a recent report by insurance...

Jan

10

2023

What Is VoIP? A Guide to Voice Over Internet Protocol

VoIP is an alternative way to make and receive telephone calls, using the internet instead of the public telephone network. Also known as “internet telephony” or “IP telephone” because of its use of internet communication wires, VoIP is an abbreviation for Voice over Internet Protocol. The technology has been around for a while and most phone companies already use VoIP behind the scenes to make their networks more efficient. Until recently, most telephone customers still used traditional phone lines. Now, thanks to the low cost and added benefits, more people and businesses are switching to VoIP. How Does VoIP Work?...