Archive
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Greg and Linda’s Ultimate Outdoor Cinema Experience
Greg and Linda’s family was known for their grand backyard gatherings. As summer blossomed, they had a novel idea to redefine outdoor entertainment within their close-knit neighborhood. Inspired by the latest addition to their home—a state-of-the-art outdoor WiFi router boasting weather resistance and lightning-fast speeds—Linda decided to host the ultimate outdoor cinema night. She set…
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CLtel Introduces Outdoor WiFi
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa—CLtel, a leading provider of telecommunications services in North Iowa, announced the launch of CLtel Outdoor WiFi, a game-changing solution designed to expand high-speed connectivity outside your home or building. Ten out of ten coverage. It’s fantastic! We never have any problems with WiFi on our deck.– Jennifer Merfeld The new service is…
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Celebrate World WiFi Day
Happy World WiFi Day! Of course, we’re celebrating! World WiFi Day is dedicated to recognizing the incredible impact of WiFi technology on our lives. WiFi has become an essential part of our daily routines, connecting us to loved ones, enabling remote work and education, and enabling us to enjoy festivities in downtown Clear Lake. But…
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Choosing the Right Internet Technology: A Comprehensive Guide
With nine in ten U.S. adults saying they go online daily, selecting an Internet provider is more than a technical decision. It’s about finding a provider that understands how you use the Internet. Imagine having an Internet connection that meets your needs and empowers you to connect, create, and communicate. Effortlessly. Whether managing a bustling…
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10 Internet Router Myths to Debunk this Year
I’ve been there. Endless buffering during movie nights. Dropped video calls. Slow Internet speeds that didn’t keep up with my family’s demands. While I blamed the Internet, it turned out it was my outdated router. I fell for a few common myths. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about Internet routers and explain why upgrading to…
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The Coolest Streaming Picks in the Heat of Summer
Summer is here, which means it’s time to relax, soak up the sun and fire up the grill. With all that going for it, summer couldn’t get any better. Unless you keep reading to see our top picks for the perfect summer playlist, improving your grilling game, the most fantastic summer flicks and finding new…
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Three Essential Reasons to Choose Fiber Internet
Has your home Internet been up to speed this year, or has it lagged? If you want faster and more reliable connectivity, it’s time to explore fiber Internet options with CLtel. Discover the benefits of fiber and the advantages of teaming up with a local Internet service provider. Reliable Performance In North Iowa, fiber Internet…
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Benefits of Choosing a Local Internet Provider
Integrating digital tools and services into our lives, both at home and at work, is extensive. A reliable Internet connection is essential. Disruptions can undermine how we navigate an entire day. So, choosing an Internet provider is a critical decision. Local vs. National, small vs. large, next-door neighbor vs. Corporate Conglomerate—shopping for the Internet has…
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CLtel and the City Connect on WiFi Project
A partnership blossomed in the heart of Clear Lake, transforming how the community will connect in many of its most cherished spaces. Years of technological advancement, collaboration, vision, and community spirit by CLtel and the City of Clear Lake have led to an exciting comprehensive project. And it all began with a simple request. How…
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Why Schools Block Websites – and Why You Should, Too
According to the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 98% of schools are now filtering all website content that is available to students. This can look different depending on the school, but most schools use software to block potentially offensive content while others take a more manual approach by supervising students while they work in the classroom. …
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Upgrading your Network for the Ultimate Streaming Experience
The days of running to the video rental store are in the rearview mirror. Living in a golden age of entertainment, we can watch almost every show, film or documentary ever created. On demand. And anywhere in our home! But you must have the proper bandwidth to take advantage of reliable, whole-home WiFi. Here are…
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The Future of Local and Neighborhood Security?
You want your home to be a safe haven where you can relax and have peace of mind. Feeling protected in your whole neighborhood is as essential as feeling secure in your home. Security is more than just cameras and lights. It’s about creating an overall feeling that someone—a system or a neighbor—is looking out…
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Why Is Streaming Looking More and More Like Cable?
Think about the way you watch movies and TV. How has it changed in your lifetime? In the last 20 years, we’ve transitioned from renting DVDs at local stores and gas stations to having the biggest Hollywood movies premiere at home on our laptops. But, with all the changes happening, is streaming starting to look…
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Spring Cleaning: Digital Edition
Take a deep breath. Visualize a perfect spring cleaning day. What do you see? New sheets and a freshly made bed? A closet free of shredded jeans? Or do visions of drawers cleared of new and used batteries dance in your head? While that clean-living space you’re imagining is important, you might be forgetting an…
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5 Common Types of Cyberbullying to Watch Out For
What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the word “cyberbullying?” For many parents, it conjures up images of darkened rooms, computer screens, and anonymous faces. The prefix “cyber” gives it a retro, 90s alternative feel, back when everything on the internet was new and shiny. But for today’s kids, cyberbullying is,…
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The Role of Fiber Internet in Fostering Community Growth
No town was built in a day. Even with the right infrastructure and resources, true growth takes time. Access to high-speed Internet plays a pivotal role in the process of building a strong community. Residents and businesses having access to a reliable connection helps the community grow in a variety of ways. Economic Development Fiber…
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Unraveling the Mysteries of Fiber Splicing: The Backbone of High-Speed Internet
Welcome to the digital era, where high-speed Internet isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity. At CLtel, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this revolution in Clear Lake, Iowa, and surrounding communities. But have you ever paused to think about what makes your Internet connection so fast and reliable? One answer lies in…
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The Impact of Reliable Telephone Services on Local Businesses
In the era of rapid digital transformation, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are constantly exploring ways to enhance efficiency, improve customer relationships, and streamline operations. While online communication platforms have gained prominence, reliable telephone services, mainly hosted phone systems, remain essential. We reveal the value of hosted phones in today’s competitive marketplace. Enhanced Professionalism and…
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The Balanced Click: Developing a Healthy Internet Lifestyle
I just found out I’m above average. Americans spend 4 hours and 25 minutes each day on their cell phones. Me? I’m closer to six!! Strolling through the aisles of Target. Placing an order at Starboard. Sneaking a peek in the middle of a CLHS game. Please don’t judge. We live in an age where…
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Kids and Social Media: The Dangers of Posting
There are some conversations that all parents will eventually have to have with their kids at some point. Like the “birds and bees” talk and the “who is the tooth fairy?” conversation. They’re simply unavoidable. And in 2023, one of those unavoidable conversations is the “social media talk.” Undoubtedly, at a certain age, your kid…
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Unique ways to Connect and Enjoy your WiFi
Do you ever hear friends or family talking about all the activities they pack into their schedules and wonder how in the world they pull it off? Between work, school and family commitments, sometimes self-care or fun downtime with the kids just doesn’t cross our minds until we hear others talking about these things. So,…
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A Vital Connection: Why Reliable Internet is Business’ Best Friend
Internet reliability can affect how well you serve your customers and clients – whether you own a small business or lead a large corporation. From office-based companies to popular local restaurants, nearly all of today’s businesses rely on the Internet. Consider the following scenario: It’s a busy Friday evening at your favorite restaurant. Diners are…
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Get Faster Internet for a Good Cause: Give a li’l. Gig a lot.
Ready to get our fastest residential Internet speed? It’s simple. Just give a little to ‘Gig’ a lot. CLtel customers who bring in at least 30 nonperishable food items or donate $50 to the Clear Lake Ventura Food Pantry will be eligible for a free speed upgrade to 1 Gig during the month of December.…
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Beyond Internet: How WiFi Simplifies your Daily Life
We’re all busy. Maintaining a home can be daunting. Feeding the cat, cracking open your laptop to look for a dinner recipe and turning lights on and off when you have a full laundry basket in your arms can add up. Consider embracing automation with smart home devices. Futuristic? Complicated? Unnecessary? Just hear us out…
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CLtel Introduces App to Keep Children Safe Online
In a world where our children are increasingly immersed in digital platforms, the responsibility to protect and nurture them has never been more critical. In fact, 59% of U.S. teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying or online harassment, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. CLtel is aware of the dangers children…
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Don’t Make a Move Until you Read This: Protecting your Data with the Right Internet Service Provider
Maybe you’re about to make a move across the country. Perhaps you’re about to move across town. Or maybe you’re just interested in moving to another Internet service provider (ISP). Have you considered security options when choosing Internet service? If not, that isn’t surprising. Security usually comes up once you commit to an Internet plan.…
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Avoid Data Cap Panic – Learn how to Stay within your Data Limit
Remember when dial-up Internet was really catching on in the 1990s? Have you ever encountered someone who had left their dial-up connection on overnight? Per-minute billing for early dial-up connections resulted in plenty of panic, but fortunately, times have changed. When shopping for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) today, it’s essential to determine whether data…
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Customer Service can Make or Break your Internet Experience
We’ve all been there — sitting on hold for long periods of time while elevator music hums a soft melody. Or being transferred to multiple people who are “happy to help,” but no one seems to have the answers. When you experience an issue, you must be comfortable with your providers’ customer support approach before…
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Unraveling the Mystery of Internet Equipment
Purchasing Internet service often brings up questions about equipment. Should you rent or buy? How much will it cost? Where will this equipment come from? And what should you get? In today’s world, shopping for anything can be overwhelming with choices. But that doesn’t have to be the case regarding your Internet router. Mind your…
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Streamlining ISP Installation for Business Owners: A Guide to Seamless Connectivity
As a business owner, securing a reliable Internet connection is vital for your business’s smooth operation and success. Understanding the ISP installation process and asking the right questions can help you navigate the complexities and ensure a seamless connectivity experience. Use this as a guide to valuable insights into ISP installations, key considerations, and the…
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Three Essential Tips To Get The Best Internet Package
You may have many questions when shopping for Internet plans and comparing options. Use these insider tips when choosing an Internet package for your home or business. Performance Consider both upload and download speeds. Many providers advertise their download speeds and hide their upload speeds – which can be much slower. Suppose your activities include…
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48 Hours to Launch: How Harrison Ford of Clear Lake Beat the Clock with Help from a Friend
Forty-eight hours before Harrison Ford opened its doors, the network wasn’t working. No Internet. No phone service. No connection. Not Your Average Saturday “It was 5:30, and we spent much of the day trying to figure this out so we could open our doors,” said owner Chad Harrison. Opening the doors of a car dealership…
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Choose the Best Internet Speed for your Digital Life
When selecting the ideal high-speed Internet plan, it’s essential to consider your needs and how you want to use the web. The right speed will ensure you can effortlessly engage in all the activities you love without any frustrating lags or slowdowns. Let’s dive in, explore, and discover the possibilities that await. Understanding Your Needs…
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Faster Than Light? What Japan’s Record-Breaking Internet Speeds Mean for North Iowa
In a recent flex of national tech prowess, Japan has done the digital equivalent of breaking the sound barrier. They smashed the Internet speed record with a transmission of 1.02 petabits per second. For reference, that’s fast enough to download all the content on Netflix in the time it takes to blink. Gives new meaning…
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How Local Partnership Kept Mason City’s Water Flowing During a Storm
When emergencies hit, you need partners who act like neighbors. Mason City’s Water Treatment team and CLtel worked side by side to ensure safe, clean water continued to flow during one of the year’s worst storms. The real heroes were the City’s dedicated professionals who refused to compromise on safety, trying everything they could before…
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When Your Internet Stops at the Door, So Does the Experience
It’s a busy Friday night. The patio is buzzing. The string lights are glowing. The drinks are flowing. Everything’s going perfectly until it isn’t. A server taps a tablet to send an order to the kitchen… nothing happens. A customer tries to pay at the table, but the transaction fails. Another customer asks for WiFi…