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West Benzie County
and northwest Manistee
County, Michigan Area ISPs
(Internet Service Providers)

Jim Stamm • 231-882-5673

Send Email • Beulah, MI, 49617

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That is, Internet Service Providers
(ISPs) in the Arcadia, Bear Lake,
Beulah-Benzonia, Frankfort-Elberta,
,and Honor, Michigan areas.

Last Updated: April, 2013		 Broadband Internet Services
Dial-up Service

Frankfort 'Night Light'Broadband (high-speed) Internet Services (384 kbps to 100 mbps)

  • Cable Internet

What is it? — High-speed Internet service via the cable TV line.

Speed — 15 to 100 mbps

Availability — Not available to all residents in a given area. Usually only available in or nearby a city or town.

Comments / More Details — This is the fastest high-speed Internet option. It's more expense than DSL, but around the same price as cellular or satellite Internet.

Warning: Charter is NOT forthcoming about their prices, at all. Standard rates – those tath take eeffect after the promotional period — are NOT to be found! (If they are on any of Charter's sites they are very cleverly hidden.) They currenly have an intermdiate prices that are in effect between the promotional period and when standard rates take affect. When you sign up, be sure to make them provide you with ALL the prices, especially what the "standard rates" are. You have a right to know.

This Web page helps with some of their Internet plan details.

They say "free modem" but really the rental of their modem is inlcuded in the prices. I found a line on Charter's site – a "Charter Internet modem is required and is included in the price." They used to charge $7/month for a modem, now it's included in the price no matter what. If you own your own modem, can you get a cheaper rate...? You should not be forced to pay for something you do not need.

As of 4/2013, it appears their Internet plans and price currently are:

  Plan Speed Promotional
rates		 Intermediate
rates		 Standard
rates
• Internet Ultra Up to 100 mbps ???/month ???/month $88-109/month??
• Internet Plus Up to 30 mbps $29.95/month $44.95/month $48-58/month??

  • Promotional rates — apply for a 12 month promotional period and only when bundled with other services. What is the rate when NOT when bundled...?
  • Intermediate rates — apply for one year after the promotional period is over.
  • Standard rates — are the long-term rates and apply after promotional period and the second year intermediate period.

Also, do not force them to make you get more speed than what you need. Most home users will do fine with 3 to 12 mbps! But now they may off no other option for a lower speed other than their Internet Plus plan, which provides up to 30 mbps – much more than needed for most users.

Their Web site says current customers with cheapest service plans (such as Lite or Express) will be able to continue using those, or upgrade their service if they like. The rates above only apply to new customers.

NEW: Data Cap – Charter now has a data cap, limiting how much data can be transferred per month, see their Excessive Use Of Bandwidth page. They claim it applies to only 2% of their customers (for now). They claim they will notify you three times if excessive use occurs. But watch out, once the data cap is reached you may get cut off!

Bundles — Charter offer cable TV, Internet, and telephone services, and there are bundles of combination of that that will save money. Be sure to find out what the standard rates are that apply AFTER the promotional period and the second year intermediate period.

WARNING — Charter Phone — Not recommended!! — We cannot recommend Charter Phone. Yes, there are a few attractive features, and the prices MAY be a little lower after the promotional period (but check that closely), but there are many negative aspects to Charter Phone service.

First know that Charter Phone uses (requires) the Internet connection to provide voice (phone) service.

  • That means you MUST have electrical power to have phone service no matter what type of phones you have (even the old-style corded phones thta did not use electrical power). Electrical power is required to keep the modem running that gives you Internet AND phone service. If the power goes out, you have NO Internet and NO phone service, including 911.
  • Now you can get battery backup device which during a power outage will give you maybe an hour of Internet and phone service. but after that you have NO Internet and NO phone service, including 911.
  • You'll need to maintain the battery backup device yourself — batteries in these need to be replaced (for $40 or so) every few years. If not properly maintained then during a power outage you'll instantly have NO Internet and NO phone service, including 911.
  • To have phone usage for the hour or so that the battery backup provides, you MUST have one corded single-line, touchtone phone connected. (If a cordless phone is connected it will NOT function without its own separate battery backup, and most cordless phones are NOT so equipped.)
  • Like AT&T U-verse Voice, I'm sure Charter claims no liability for the failure of your phone service to function during a power outage, including failure due to the absence or insufficiency of battery backup power.
  • Also, with Charter Phone, you MUST have Internet service for the phone to work. So if Charter Internet goes down for ANY reason, even it there's no power outage, you will NOT have phone service, even 911.

  • By the way, one saving grace during a Internet and/or power outage can be a cell phone. Be sure to keep it fully charged so that during an Internet and/or power outage you'll have the most battery time for it. Also, get an adapter for your cell phone so you can charge it from the car. That could be VERY hand during a 4-day power outage!

On the other hand...

  • Standard phone line service is virtually maintenance free — there's nothing you need to maintain. None of the issues above apply! And should the Internet go out (happens once in a while with Charter) or the power go out (as we all know is common in this area, and it can be out for days), if you have an old-style corded phone (HIGHLY recommended) even if you lose power you still have phone service (and 911).

  • AT&T U-Verse

What is it? — High-speed Internet, voice (phone), and TV service via fiber optic land-line phone line connection.

Speed — 3 to 24 mbps

Availability — Availability is limited. TV service is limited to those very close (half a mile) from their phone company's central office. Internet speed is likely distance dependent as well.

Comments / More Details — Within the AT&T DSL range of speeds, prices are the same as AT&T DSL prices. For higher speeds (those approaching cable Internet speeds, prices are close to cable Internet prices. We're talking standard prices here, AFTER the short promotional period. As of April 2013, standard prices are:

Max Turbo — up to 24 mbps — $61/month
Max Plus — up to 18 mbps — $56/month
Max — up to 12 mbps — $51/month
Elite — up to 6 mbps — $46/month
Pro — up to 3 mbps — $41/month

You can get just the U-verse Internet service and not get phone service (or TV). But to get any U-verse service you must have a physical land-line phone connection to your home or business.

NEW: Data Cap – AT&T now has a data cap, limiting how much data can be transferred per month, see their AT&T Data and Internet Usage Tools page. They claim it applies to only 2% of their customers (for now). They claim they will notify you several times by letter or email if excessive use occurs and before any charges are incurred for additional data usage.

Bundles — Internet, Voice (phone), and TV can all be bundled, or not. But be sure to find out what the standard rates are that apply AFTER the promotional period.

WARNING — U-verse Voice — Not recommended!! — You do not want U-verse Voice! Yes, there are a few attractive features, and the prices MAY be a little lower after the promotional period (but check that closely), but there are many new negative aspects to the voice/phone service.

First know that U-verse Voice uses (requires) the Internet connection to provide voice (phone) service.

  • That means you MUST have electrical power to have phone service no matter what type of phones you have (even the old-style corded phones thta did not use electrical power). Electrical power is required to keep the modem running that gives you Internet AND phone service. If the power goes out, you have NO Internet and NO phone service, including 911.
  • Electrical power is now required to keep other AT&T equipment at your premises working as well. These include the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) (if applicable), and Intelligent Network Interface Device (iNID).
  • Now AT&T will provide you (at your cost) a special battery backup device which during a power outage will give you around half an hour of Internet and phone service. But after that you have NO Internet and NO phone service, including 911.
  • You have to maintain the battery in the battery backup device yourself — these need to be replaced (for $40) every few years. If not properly maintained then during a power outage you'll instantly have NO Internet and NO phone service, including 911.
  • To have phone usage for the half hour or so that the battery backup provides, you MUST have one corded single-line, touchtone phone connected directly to the AT&T U-verse Residential Gateway (the modem / router combo unit) OR to your in-home wiring. (If a cordless phone is connected to your in-home wiring, it will NOT function without its own separate battery backup, and most cordless phones are NOT so equipped.)
  • Note that rotary/pulse phones do not work with AT&T U-verse Voice service.
  • Also, read all the fine print" at the bottom of this Web page. It describes all the equipment that YOU have to monitor and maintain and that YOU are responsible for. They add "AT&T shall have no liability for the failure of your service to function during a power outage, including failure due to the absence or insufficiency of battery backup power."
  • Also, with U-verse Voice, you MUST have Internet service for the phone to work. So if the AT&T Internet goes down for ANY reason, even it there's no power outage, you will NOT have phone service, even 911.
  • It's amusing because they say on their Web page‚ "AT&T recommends that you always have an alternative means of accessing 911 such as a cellular phone during a broadband [or power] outage." If w need another phone service because of U-verse Voice is so bad, then why would we want U-verse Voice in the first place?!

  • By the way, one saving grace during a Internet and/or power outage can be a cell phone. Be sure to keep it fully charged so that during an Internet and/or power outage you'll have the most battery time for it. Also, get an adapter for your cell phone so you can charge it from the car. That could be VERY hand during a 4-day power outage!

On the other hand...

  • Standard phone line service is virtually maintenance free — there's nothing you need to maintain. None of the issues above apply! And should the Internet go out, or the power go out (as we all know is common in this area, and it can be out for days), if you have an old-style corded phone (HIGHLY recommended) even if you lose power you still have phone service (and 911).

  • DSL (digital subscriber line)

What is it? — High-speed Internet service via a land-line phone line.

Speed — 768 kbps to 12 mbps

Availability — Offered in all areas, but its availability and speed is often distance dependent – the distance from the phone company's "central office" in your area to your home or office. It's not available to all residents in a given area. All local phone companies offer DSL service. (DSL is sometimes resold by local, regional, and national ISPs. Contact your favorite ISP to see of they offer DSL in your area.)

You can get just DSL Internet service and not get phone service. But you must have a physical land-line phone connection to your home or business.

Special note for CenturyLink customers – Lifeline elibible subscribers to CenturyLink may qualify for home high-speed Internet service up to 1.5 mbps for $9.95/month for the first 12 months of service. Contact CenturyLink for more details. Ask about the Lifeline discount for phone service, as well.

Comments / More Details — Maybe the cheapest "high-speed" Internet option. Speeds are less than cable Internet, but usually the same or faster than cellular or satellite Internet.

Notes for AT&T DSL customers:

  • NEW: Data Cap – AT&T now has a data cap, limiting how much data can be transferred per month, see their AT&T Data and Internet Usage Tools page. They claim it applies to only 2% of their customers (for now). They claim they will notify you several times by letter or email if excessive use occurs and before any charges are incurred for additional data usage.

  • Standard prices for AT&T DSL – as of April 2013, are:

Elite — up to 6 mbps — $46/month
Pro — up to 3 mbps — $41/month
Express — up to1.5 mbps — $26/month
Basic — up to 768 kbps — $26/month

Bundles — Phone companies usually offer telephone services, Internet, cell phone service, and sometimes TV. Bundles with these services can be created to save money. But be sure to find out what the standard rates are that apply AFTER the promotional period.

  • Cellular Internet

What is it? — High-speed Internet service via the cell phone system. Sometimes, confusingy, called "wireless." Uses a small and simple device called an aircard (USB modem) or small wireless router to connect to a nearby cell phone tower.

Speed — as high as 512 kbps to 2 mbps

Availability — Available to virtually everyone. If you have a strong signal with a particular cell phone provider, chances are very good you can get Internet via that cell phone provider.

Comments —

  • More expensive and slower than Cable and DSL.
  • This is the only system that's truly portable — when used with a laptop, you can access the Internet anywhere you have you have a strong signal from the cell phone provider.
  • You may jhave to sign up for 2 years.
  • There are caps on the amount of data you are allowed to transmit per month, there can be "nice" fees if you go over the limit.
  • At certain times of extreme weather, the signal can become weak or drop-out all together – a big issue is your signal is already weak under normal conditions.

Bundles — Cell phone company companies usually offer cell phone service, Internet, and sometimes land-line telephone services, and bundles with these services can be created to save money. But be sure to find out what the standard rates are that apply AFTER the promotional period.

  • Satellite Internet

What is it? — High-speed Internet service via specialized satellite dish.

Speed — 512 kbps up to 15 mbps

Availability — Available to virtually everyone.

Comments / More Details—

  • More expensive and can be slower compared to all the rest.
  • Speeds quoted by the companies are maximum and not guaranteed, actual speeds will vary.
  • You have to buy or lease a special satellite dish.
  • You may have to pay an activation fee.
  • You may jhave to sign up for 2 years.
  • At certain times of inclement weather, the signal can become quite weak or drop-out all together.
  • There are caps on the amount of data allowed to be transferred each month..

Bundles — Satellite companies usually offer satellite TV and Internet, and bundles with these services can be created to save money. But be sure to find out what the standard rates are that apply AFTER the promotional period.

  • Long-range Wireless

What is it? — High-speed Internet service via specialized long-range wireless system. Antennas for the system are added to existing cell phone towers or put on their own towers.

Speed —

  • M-22 Internet Project — The standard speed is 3 mbps down / 1 mbps up, similar to DSL. Much higher speeds (faster than DSL) are available in most areas within their service area.
  • MiSpot — They say 10 to 12 mbps download and 4 to 8 mbps upload speeds are typical. Expect at least 4 mbps download.
  • SyncWave: 2 to 8 mbps download

Availability — Available to those within within the range of a provider's equipment and/or towers.

  • M-22 Internet Project — In Manistee County: Arcadia, Onekama (including Pierpoint) and Pleasanton townships. In Benzie County: Upper and Lower Herring Lake, Joyfield, and Blaine Townships
  • MiSpot — As of March 2013, they have equipment on 33 towers in Michigan, and hope to have.equipment on 100 towers by the end of the year. For Benzie County, it appears they cover about two-thirds of the county, with sparse to no coverage in the southeast corner of the county.
  • SyncWave — The SyncWave tower is on Pioneer Road just south of Homestead Road (south of Honor). Coverage range is about a mile from that tower. Coverage from that tower may someday expand and mroe towers may come to this area. To determine if you are in the coverage area of their current tower, they ask that you call them.

  • City of Frankfort – the city is working on plans to offer wireless Internet within 1200 feet of City Hall. It's expected by the summer of 2013. Initially it will be free for a short time, then will switch to cost-based. There are long-range plans to cover the entrire city, maybe even a portion of Elberta (like the Waterfront Park).

Comments / More Details —

  • M-22 Internet Project —
    • Their standard speed is similar to standard DSL.
    • Much higher speeds (faster than DSL) are available for an additional cost per month in most areas within their service area.
    • Said to be more reliable than anything else except perhaps Charter Internet.
    • The costs are similar to standard cellular and satellite Internet.
    • But unlike satellite or cellular there are no bandwidth charges or data download limits.
    • Cost is $40-60 per month, and more for higher speeds. A discount may be available if you agree to a 12-month commitment or choose to pay yearly in advance. Faster connections are available at a higher price for individuals and business users.
    • There is a one-time installation fee of $300-500, and can be more for higher speed service.
    • A small antenna is needed — it's goes on your roof or put in as free-standing somewhere on your property. Some locations may require a small tower. If you own or otherwise have access to a TV or radio antenna or some kind of tower or other tall structure, that might be helpful. The antenna is no larger than 18” x 24”.
    • There is a seasonal plan available for seasonal residents.
    • Contact them:
  • MiSpot —
    • Speeds are similar to (or better than) standard DSL.
    • The price per month is significantly cheaper than cellular and satellite Internet.
    • If available, it's better choice over cellular and satellite Internet.
    • The connection should be more reliable and not variable like cellular and satellite Internet, and there should be less latency than a Charter Internet connection.
    • There are data transfer caps (as is also typical with cellular and satellite Internet).
    • One can choose a two-year contact and save on installation and equipment costs. There is also a no-contract option.
    • The service can use a USB modem so it can be portable like cellular Internet.
    • A wireless router and window antenna is also available for home/business use which allows for better reception. There may be discounts available largely reducing the cost of this equipment.
    • A panel antenna is available at an extra cost if needed to boost reception.
    • Compared to cellular Internet, "line of sight" from the tower is less of an issue for locations close to the tower.
    • MiSpot is a Michigan company with 24/7 service.
    • 30-day free trial period.
    • They have a seasonal option allowing you to turn the service off and on during the year.
  • SyncWave —
    • Speeds are similar to standard DSL and satellite.Internet.
    • The costs are similar to cellular and satellite Internet.
    • If availablle, it's better choice over cellular and satellite Internet.
    • The connection should be more reliable and not variable like cellular and satellite Internet.
    • There are no data transfer caps (as is typical with cellular and satellite Internet).
    • There are no long-term contracts (as is typical with cellular and satellite Internet).
    • They are a Michigan company.

Bundles — M-22 Internet Project may have bundles avaiable. There are none known from MiSpot and SyncWave.

See also these related Web sites:

  • BuyTelco — Compare Cable, DSL, and other high speed Internet Options - Find the best high speed Internet prices and solutions for those providers serving your neighborhood.


Dial-up Service (28.8 to 56 kbps)
Use the link below to verify a telephone exchange is local to your area to avoid unwanted toll or long distance charges

AT&T Phone Company: Find Your Local Calling Area

  • Most local phone companies offer dial-up service:
  • There are many regional and national ISPs that offer access in this area. Here are just a few:
    • 1010Internet - Based in Grand Rapids, MI.
    • CoreComm - Based in East Lansing, MI.
    • Dial In Free - Free unlimited dial-up service for Michigan residents. Provides Internet access, but no email. You must use your email provider's Web-mail based system, or use a free email account (like those from Hotmail, Yahoo, and Google — Gmail).
    • Earthlink - National ISP
    • LocalNet - Based in Buffalo, NY, with offices in MI and WI.
    • NetOne Communications - Based in Sears, MI.
    • PeoplePC - National ISP
    • Triton Technologies - Based in Grand Rapids, MI.
  • If you need more dial-up providers, go to Google and search for things like:

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