How to run and install cable tv and internet to a new home off the grid?
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Question by Marda D: How to run and install cable tv and internet to a new home off the grid?
We have purchased a home that is off the grid (except for solar power). The driveway is 1/2 mile long and the homes near us have electricity. We would like to know what our options are for internet and possibly basic t.v. Would it be possible to run a cable up the driveway? What is the cable called and who would we contact? Or should we go the route of satellite? The property is located in Crescent, IA.
Feel free to answer in the comment section below
3 Responses to How to run and install cable tv and internet to a new home off the grid?
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The cable is called “co-axial” or “RG-56”, or simply, “TV Cable”. You may need a booster for better signal as the longer the cable is the bigger signal loss you will have. Get the black cable – white cable is for indoor use only. The Cable TV guys can do this for you as long as there’s not too many obstacles and you let them know how long it needs to be.
How are you routing it, underground? Just make sure that it’s properly grounded at both ends, and that it’s greased and a “boot” is on the end that enters the house to repel water and avoid rusting.
Internet should be similarly handled.
thedavecorp
February 11, 2013 at 11:00 pm
For your location, I’d want to consider a good over-the-air (OTA) antenna for free HD reception. You are close to Omaha-CB, and should receive all those channels with no problem.
If you want pay-TV channels like HBO, ESPN, etc. then the better choice would be satellite (DirecTv or Dish Network). Check their web sites for new subscriber promotions.
For guidance regarding an OTA antenna, enter your local info in the first web site below.
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Followup: Internet access presents some challenges. If you have a landline phone, DSL would be the obvious best choice, except that in some cases DSL will not work over lengthy rural connections. In that case, or if you’re just using a cell phone, you might consider a wireless Internet service. The 2nd link may give you some choices. There is also a direct-to-satellite Internet service available from DirecTv, but that would be a last choice in my opinion, due to cost and performance limitations.
kg7or
February 11, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Satellite TV/Internet is probably your best bet to be off the grid.
http://www.sathookup.com/services.php
You could run a cable up the driveway, but it will only work if the cable company has run a line to your street.
Robert Tanguay
February 11, 2013 at 11:19 pm