Internet Help

Testimonial

"Every time I have an issue I call into tech support: They walk me through steps and get me up and running with in less than ten minutes. Also I can call and leave messages any time of the day and they call right back with the questions I've had. Good price for the Internet and the install was quick and thorough! I would recommend to anyone!"

Help with My Device

To reboot your GigaSpire or GigaCenter, remove the power cord from the GigaCenter or Gigaspire for 10 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.

Note: There is also a button labeled RESET on the back of the GigaSpire. Do not press this button unless a Northwest Communications technician requests that you do this. Pressing the "reset" button will perform a factory reset, and you may lose Internet service.

Speed & Wi-Fi Help

There are a few "best practices" to follow to ensure that you get the most accurate speed test results.

  1. Ideally, disconnect all devices from your Wi-Fi, except for the device you are using to run the speed test.
  2. Connect the device directly to your router with a CAT5/CAT6 Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi can be used but is prone to interference by devices, distance, building materials, and more.
  3. Close any additional programs or apps running on your device, these items could interfere with the bandwidth and skew your results.
  4. Visit https://www.speedtest.net/
  5. Click the “check your speed”? Button
  6. Once the speed test has finished calculating, your results will be displayed.

This is a great test for a general idea of how fast (or slow) your internet connection is. It doesn't necessarily mean that this is the bandwidth you should always expect between you and anywhere else in the world.

  • Wi-Fi speeds are susceptible to countless environmental factors
    that can interfere with the signal.
    • Examples: Walls and floors, other wireless devices, microwaves, cordless phones, or nearby routers can interfere with the signal.
  • If you have issues reaching areas of the house, garage, or patio, please give us a call to review router placement or mesh unit options.
  • 2.4 GHz
    • The 2.4GHz band offers coverage for further distances,
      but may perform at slower speeds.
    • The 2.4 GHz band is a pretty crowded place because it’s
      used by more than just Wi-Fi. Old cordless phones, garage
      door openers, baby monitors, and other devices tend to
      use the 2.4 GHz band.
  • 5 GHz
    • The 5 GHz band provides faster data rates at a shorter
      distance, but can’t penetrate walls/floors as well.
    • The 5 GHz band is much less congested, which means
      you will likely get more stable connections and higher
      speeds.
  • Which is best?
    • A wired ethernet connection is best for devices that consume large amounts of data, like extensive video streaming, gaming, or file downloads.
    • If the devices can't be wired and are in close proximity to
      the router, 5 GHz is the next best.
    • 2.4 GHz is still great and can provide fine service. It does
      travel farther and penetrate walls better.
    • All of our routers offer both 2.4 and 5 GHz signals and we
      can help tailor them to your needs. The CommandIQ App will even let you control the setup of these signals.

Speed Recommendations

  • Standard Definition (SD): 3 Mb/s
  • High Definition (HD): 5 Mb/s
  • 4K/Ultra HD (UHD): 25 Mb/s