02-12-2018, 04:58 AM
unable to locate a comprehensive list of what areas support these two options
This is by design; the providers don't dare give away "competitive advantage".
I've said before (and am saying again), the best way to check whether service is available is to go out and look at what's hanging on the poles. If the house already has broadband, write it into the offer as a contingency; there are even some real estate agents who understand the Telcom process for changing ownership of an existing broadband installation.
and cannot find ANY addresses with fiber available
Telcom's database is "poorly maintained". Case in point: I can see the fiber on my road, and I've talked to the install techs, who have a map showing that it's available at my location. Yet, when I call to order it, I'm told that it's not actually available. The techs' explanation: if you don't have grid power, your address may not exist, even if you also have other services from Telcom.
DSL is a shared connection over your phone line. FTTP is a dedicated connection
GPON is shared-media like DOCSIS. DSL is private between you and the DSLAM -- but! if that DSLAM doesn't have enough uplink capacity for the number of DSL lines it serves, your experience will suck.
Example: I'm close enough to the DSLAM to get 11mbit DSL; the DSLAM has gigabit fiber as its uplink, and a total of 72 ports, so I get that full 11mbit all day long. (The DSLAM is capable of 500 ports, I have no idea why they don't install more linecards. Similarly, I should be close enough to get 25mbit, but Telcom tends to be very conservative with DSL.)
However, DSL in Seaview is served by a DSLAM with 12mbit of uplink, so it's totally unsable. There were plans to bring fiber to that DSLAM, maybe this problem is solved.
Kapoho, Kalapana, Leilani Estates, and Nanawale Estates
Also Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, Eden Roc, Orchidland -- in some cases, better connectivity is available "out in the country" than exists in Hilo town.
This is by design; the providers don't dare give away "competitive advantage".
I've said before (and am saying again), the best way to check whether service is available is to go out and look at what's hanging on the poles. If the house already has broadband, write it into the offer as a contingency; there are even some real estate agents who understand the Telcom process for changing ownership of an existing broadband installation.
and cannot find ANY addresses with fiber available
Telcom's database is "poorly maintained". Case in point: I can see the fiber on my road, and I've talked to the install techs, who have a map showing that it's available at my location. Yet, when I call to order it, I'm told that it's not actually available. The techs' explanation: if you don't have grid power, your address may not exist, even if you also have other services from Telcom.
DSL is a shared connection over your phone line. FTTP is a dedicated connection
GPON is shared-media like DOCSIS. DSL is private between you and the DSLAM -- but! if that DSLAM doesn't have enough uplink capacity for the number of DSL lines it serves, your experience will suck.
Example: I'm close enough to the DSLAM to get 11mbit DSL; the DSLAM has gigabit fiber as its uplink, and a total of 72 ports, so I get that full 11mbit all day long. (The DSLAM is capable of 500 ports, I have no idea why they don't install more linecards. Similarly, I should be close enough to get 25mbit, but Telcom tends to be very conservative with DSL.)
However, DSL in Seaview is served by a DSLAM with 12mbit of uplink, so it's totally unsable. There were plans to bring fiber to that DSLAM, maybe this problem is solved.
Kapoho, Kalapana, Leilani Estates, and Nanawale Estates
Also Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, Eden Roc, Orchidland -- in some cases, better connectivity is available "out in the country" than exists in Hilo town.