Latest News Archives | Page 3 of 8 | All West Communications

Author: builtbygcommerce
August 20, 2020

The transition to new technology can be scary. We want to help make your transition as easy as possible, which is why we want to help answer some of the most common questions about All West.tv.

Is TV going away altogether?

Currently, we support two TV platforms--traditional cable TV and a streaming TV service, All West.tv. We stopped offering our traditional TV service to new customers late last year. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the traditional cable TV service as of November 1, 2020. (We will still offer our streaming All West.tv option.)

What is TV Streaming?

Streaming is the digital distribution of video or TV content over the Internet vs. traditional TV, which is fed to your tv through a cable. To start streaming, you need a device that can connect to the internet such as mobile phone, tablet, smart TV, streaming stick etc., paired with a streaming app or service. There’s a good chance you already use some streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, or HBO MAX. These are all streaming apps that you can use to get TV or video on your devices at home and on the go. Most streaming services require a paid subscription to use their app.

All West.tv works the same way. You need to purchase a subscription to our app so you can stream our TV content.

Why do I need internet to have All West.tv?

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to providing TV services to our customers. We are always considering and evaluating our customer's experience, network pricing, service operations and app quality.

To bring our customers the TV experience they desire, All West has partnered with a third party that specializes in app-based TV for internet operators. Because of this partnership and our contractual agreement, we can’t offer All West.tv outside of our network resulting in having to require our customers to have All West internet to power our app All West.tv. But, by requiring our customers to have our internet service with the app, not only can we provide buffer-free entertainment experience, but we can give our customer’s more control of how they watch tv.

What are my TV plan options?

With three plans to choose from, and up to 150+ channels you’ll never miss your favorite shows. Here is the breakdown of All West.tv packages, pricing, and channels.

Local Choice: $41.95, 30+ Channels
Basic Choice: $81.95, 71+ Channels
Expanded Choice: $92.95, 115+ Channels

If I don’t want All West.tv, what actions do I need to take?

No actions are required if you do not wish to switch. Your Traditional TV will turn off on November 1 and you will see the change reflected on your December bill.

If you do decide to transition over, any changes made to your account before October 24^th will be reflected on your November bill.

Facebook Live Q&A

Facebook Live Q&A

Posted by Facebook

You can learn more about how we’re making the transition to All West.tv easy at allwest.com/tv-made-easy.

Author: builtbygcommerce
August 14, 2020

At All West we pride ourselves on connecting our customers to technology and delivering exceptional service while we do it. Our customer's feedback and product experience will always be the focus of how we make improvements and adjust the products we serve.

We recently surveyed over 500 customers who subscribe to All West.tv and asked them why they chose All West over other TV streaming apps. Here is the breakdown of why over 80% of our customers love their All West.tv:

What factors influenced the decision to purchase All West.tv?

The customer’s experience with a product is very important to All West. A large part of this is we want our customers to feel good about the products in their homes. There are many factors the customer considers in their decision-making process, and so we dug deep and found out what factors influenced our customers' decisions the most.

Price

When looking at the price of TV, we want our customers to feel like they are getting what they are paying for. We service many rural areas and sometimes we’re the only option available, so we want to bring the best product to the table. One of the ways we can do that is by negotiating better pricing from television networks.

You can learn more about our negotiating process at http://tvonmyside.com/all-west-communications/index.php

Many customers also save money when they switch to All West.tv because they don’t have to rent equipment. With All West.tv, all you need is a smart device such as:

Mobile Phones
Tablets
Smart TVs
Web Browsers
Streaming Sticks
Streaming STBs

Channels

Along with the price, customers want to feel good about the number and variety of channels offered in a TV plan. When we were deciding the channels that were included in each package, we wanted to make sure that every household would get the key local channels that connected them to their community. It was also important to have some a la carte options from larger entertainment networks such as HBO, Showtime, NFL RedZone, Starz, and more.

Easy to use

We want you to feel comfortable with the technology in your home. A big piece of that is making sure it is easy to use, and All West.tv does just that. If you can use Netflix, you can use All West tv. From set-up to everyday use, we have made sure that your TV experience is enjoyable. And, if you ever have questions, our customer service team is just a phone call away to help.

What are your favorite All West.tv features?

All West.tv is more than just TV. It is an entirely customizable entertainment experience, so you can watch your favorite movies and shows your way. With all your standard cable features, All West.tv transforms your TV into so much more.

Ability to watch on many devices

Do you have multiple people in your household that want to watch different shows at the same time? All West.tv gives you the option to stream up to 5 different devices at the same time so everyone can watch what they want when they want to.

Live TV and on-demand shows

Watch TV how you want to and when you want to. With Live TV you can watch your favorite shows and movies the same as your traditional TV. In addition to this, All West.tv gives you the ability to watch movies and TV online without needing to download them. With hundreds of shows to choose from, the All West.tv library lets you browse your favorite titles before selecting what you want to watch. You can pause, stop, and resume your selection at your leisure.

Personalization

With All West.tv, you can create accounts for everyone in your home, which allows All West.tv to learns what you like to watch. It then uses this information to makes suggestions for new shows and movies just for you! Also, your favorite movies and shows and your watch-history will be displayed so you can re-watch shows and keep track of what you have seen.

What are customers saying about All West.tv?

"I was tired of satellite tv and decided to try a streaming service. All West’s customer service has been awesome and I’m happy with my decision to switch. – Kearstun"

"Super easy to use! – David"

"I was looking for the best service available for a fair price. All West was the only viable choice in the mountain community where I reside. All West works hard to keep prices affordable and offers all my favorite channels on All West.tv. - Paul"

Learn more about All West.tv and how we're making the switch from traditional TV easy.

Author: builtbygcommerce
July 20, 2020

Have you ever talked about your internet connection and found yourself very confused about the high tech language used? Internet lingo can be a challenge. We’re here to make understanding your internet easier. Below is a breakdown of commonly used internet terms and how they relate to your internet.

Internet Lingo 101

We will touch on a variety of terms, to make communication with tech people eaiser.

Broadband

The FCC states that the term broadband refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access. It is where a single cable carries a large amount of data from one location to another. Broadband is offered in four different forms, DSL, Fiber, Coax Cable, and Satellite.

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic technology converts electrical signals carrying data to light and sends the light through transparent glass fibers about the diameter of a human hair. Fiber transmits data at speeds far exceeding current DSL or cable modem speeds, typically by tens or even hundreds of Mbps. In addition, fiber-optic cables are not as susceptible to severe weather conditions as other types of traditional cables, which helps minimize outages. It also resists electrical interference effectively.

Modem

Digital devices and the internet speak different digital signals, so the first piece of equipment you need to connect to the internet is a modem. A modem is the translator between the digital signal of your device and the analog signal the internet uses. It converts digital data signals into radio signals and back from your device to the internet.

When using All West’s internet services our modem is what establishes and maintains a connection with internet service and your device.

Router

The router takes the signal from the modem and distributes it to both wired devices and wireless (Wi-Fi) devices. The router also controls the area in which you can receive a wireless signal.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

ISP is the industry term for the company that is able to provide you with access to the Internet, typically from a computer. If you hear someone talking about the Internet and they mention their "provider," they're usually talking about their ISP.

IP Address

The IP address refers to the unique string of numbers that identifies your devices. Your IP address tells your network where to send data to. It’s similar to a street address but instead of sending letters, it sends data. Every internet-connected device has two of them — a public IP address and a private IP address.

Mbps

Mbps stands for "Megabits per second." This is the standard measure of "speed" or "bandwidth" on home internet connections. It measures how many bits (units of digital information) can be uploaded and downloaded each second.

Upload and Download

Download speed refers to how many Mbps it takes to download data from a server in the form of images, videos, text and more. Activities such as listening to music on Spotify, downloading large files or streaming tv on All West.tv all require you to download data.

Upload speed refers to how many Mbps you can send data from your internet connected device or server to another. Sending emails, posting photos or videos on social media and video calling a friend all require you to upload data.

Author: builtbygcommerce
July 9, 2020

“What is SmartHub?” you ask. SmartHub is a web and mobile app that allows you to manage your account with All West. Here are 3 reasons why you should have an All West SmartHub account:

Smart Communication

Being transparent and keeping our customers informed about outages, scheduled maintenance, special offers, and more, is one of our top priorities. We understand how valuable your connection to information, entertainment, and communications is, which is why we offer email and SMS messaging updates.

No more having to check the website or Facebook for the latest news and updates on services in your area. Just log into SmartHub and adjust your notification settings and we'll give you live updates, so you always know what's happening at All West.

Smart Payments

When you have an All West SmartHub account, you can see all of your billing and payment history along with your current billing information. In addition to this, you can set up e-billing and autopay. E-billing and autopay automatically charges a credit card of your choice when your bill is due, so you never miss or have to worry about another payment.

When you go green by signing up for e-billing and autopay, All West will give you green with a one time $5 credit on your next bill.

Smart News

Do you want to know how to reach top speeds with your internet, or learn about what All West is doing to help the communities they serve? In SmartHub you can sign up to receive All West’s monthly e-newsletter. It’s full of helpful tech tips, exclusive offers that can save you money, and how All West is making a positive impact in your neighborhood.

Want to learn more about SmartHub and how to get your account activated today? Click here.

Author: builtbygcommerce
June 29, 2020

If customers don’t know who you are, they can’t consider buying your product or service. If they do know who you are but can’t find you online—through a web search or on social media—they can’t make a connection with you or make a purchase. A solid online presence levels the playing field as your products and services can be seen by people around the world—not just in your city or town.

Consider these key elements when designing your website or setting up a social media presence:

Understand who your audience is and who you are targeting; determine what value your product or service brings to the buyer or what problem you are solving.
Engage your audience through valuable web and social content; think about what’s important to your audience and be a resource for them.
Keep them engaged with fresh content, infographics, images, “how to” videos (if appropriate), contests, offers, etc.
Identity and include a specific keyword phrase for each webpage; think about what words a potential customer would search on to find you.
Resist the urge to use “Click here” links; be more descriptive. A link rich with keywords will improve SEO and adds value to your readers.
For social media, link posts back to your website for added website traffic; keep a fair mix of promotional, educational and interactive social posts.

There are certainly a great number of other actions you can take to help increase your online presence—but this list is a good start. To ensure you can effectively manage all those new leads and orders coming to your site, call All West for a speed upgrade. Sign on for a 1-, 3- or 5-year contract and be treated to a special discount and locked-in pricing. Call 877.584.1581 to talk with one of our business sales consultants today. Phil or Bryce will be happy to assist you.

Author: builtbygcommerce
June 25, 2020

We believe in thoroughly trying out new products before we offer them to our customers. During the decision process, we consider everything from our customers' experience to the reliability and longevity of the technology. After months of putting Plume through the rigger, these are our staff's top 5 features.

Internet Freeze

One of the most common questions we get is how to create separate passwords for families with kids so they can control their access to their internet. With Plume's Internet Freeze, you don't have to reset passwords every day or remember what the new password is. When using the Plume app, all you have to do is select the device you want to control and set a time when that specific device has access to the internet.

Whole-Home Security

Keeping your home safe and protecting your internet connecting devices is our top priority, which is why All West trusts Plume. The SuperPod and app system acts as a gateway to your home. AI Security protects all of your digital devices with machine learning to adapt to new threats and Plume Motion allows you to monitor the physical elements of your home, so you always know you and your family are safe.

HomePass

Do you ever have guests or people who visit your home and ask what your wi-fi password is? Plume has HomePass just for your visitors. It allows them to connect to your network using a separate password than your main network. Why is this important? Having a separate network access protects your main network from outside threats that your visitors' devices may be carrying. It also prevents the potential of a virus to spread to your other devices.

SuperPods are clean and simple

Let's face it; routers are not the most attractive pieces of technology with antennas and wires everywhere. Plume sets itself apart from other routers with SuperPod. Plume SuperPods are about the size of an air freshener. Their sleek design blends in with your home décor, and there are no messy wires or antennas to fiddle with.

Easy to install

Technology can be intimidating and sometimes stressful to adapt to. That's why All West loves the Plume managed wi-fi system. It's easy to use, and you don't need a tech to come out to your home to get it installed. We'll provide you with instructions for worry-free installation.

Are you ready to bring uninterrupted connectivity to your home? Order Plume today.

Author: builtbygcommerce
June 18, 2020

Matching funds help make a big difference

For the second year in a row, All West Communications has partnered with CoBank to double much-needed funds for local food banks. This year, the following food banks will receive a combined donation of more than $7,000:

- Community Action Services, Kamas, Utah
- Community Action Services, Coalville, Utah
- Christian Center of Park City, Park City, Utah
- Lord’s Storehouse, Evanston, Wyoming
- Food Bank of Sweetwater County, Rock Springs, Wyoming
- Food Bank of Sweetwater County, Green River, Wyoming

As part of All West’s Community Connections initiative, they have chosen for the last several years to provide funds to local food banks as a way to directly give back to the communities they serve. All West hopes the matched donations this year will go a long way in stocking shelves—and provide food to those at-risk, especially children who may typically receive meals at a school but no longer have this option due to COVID-19.

CoBank’s Sharing Success program doubles the contributions of its customers to the charitable organizations and causes they care about most. Since the program was established in 2012, CoBank and its customers have contributed more than $44 million to groups such as volunteer fire departments, local schools, and hunger relief programs.

All West typically holds a food drive in November and provides non-perishable items and a monetary donation to the food banks in time for the holiday season. However, given the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on many families' ability to put food on the table, All West decided to provide food banks with funds early. “Although we have not been able to conduct a food drive, we saw no reason to delay the monetary donation—and our CoBank partner was very quick to respond to the call for matching funds,” said Matt Weller, All West President. “Food banks throughout our area are calling for support. We are proud to lend a hand during this unprecedented time.”

Pete Stoughton, Director of Programs at the Christian Center of Park City, had this to say about All West’s support, “We are SO grateful for this gift! This will allow us to purchase a week’s worth of fresh produce to supplement the dry goods, dairy, and bakery items in our pantry. We value the ability to offer fresh produce to our pantry guests in addition to staple items.”

There is no question that supporting food banks is vital to a community’s health and well-being. Giving even a small monetary donation to your local food bank can go a long way in helping those in need. For example, the Food Bank of Sweetwater County’s website states that every dollar given is equivalent to four meals. And while non-perishable items are still being accepted, donating money has a greater impact thanks to the Food Bank of Sweetwater County’s purchasing power and partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies. And the Lord’s Storehouse in Evanston provided more than 52,000 meals in 2019 and no doubt the need will be even greater this year.

All West is hopeful they will be able to conduct a food drive later this year, but that will depend on the coronavirus spread.

Author: builtbygcommerce
June 2, 2020

Graduating Seniors Receive All West Communications Scholarship
More than $10,000 is given to help offsets college expenses

All West Communications is proud to support high school students in their Utah and Wyoming service areas who are going on to post-secondary education. All West believes post-secondary education can lead to greater opportunities and prosperity, not only for the individual but also for the community. This is the 25th consecutive year All West has offered a scholarship. It has seen what these scholarships mean to the students and how the scholarships help students achieve their educational goals. Providing scholarships is a meaningful way to support the community beyond telecommunication services.

All West's scholarship application asks four questions—about a student's community service, how internet access helps communities prosper, how the student chose their college, and how receiving the scholarship will help achieve long-term goals. A letter of reference was also required. All West had more than 55 well-crafted applications—making for some fierce competition. However, the following students rose to the top and will each receive a $1500 scholarship:

One student wrote in an email, "I just found out that I am an All West scholarship recipient, which I'm very appreciative and excited about. Thank you for the help and the opportunity!" And another student wrote, "Thank you for the generous offer I have been given through this scholarship to help pay for my college education. It will benefit me so much! This opportunity makes a great difference in how my education will be paid for. Big thanks!"

And as a member of WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband, All West employees' seniors are eligible to apply for the WTA scholarship. This year, the WTA Foundation awarded scholarships to 14 recipients totaling $20,000. These scholarship awards recognize the students' academic achievements and the integrity and commitment each recipient has consistently exhibited throughout their studies. All West is proud to recognize, Mallory Hoffman, from Cokeville High School, as a recipient of a $1,000 scholarship. Mallory is the daughter of All West's Plant Facilities Technician, Kelly Hoffman. Mallory will be majoring in Elementary Education at BYU-Idaho this fall.

"We congratulate each student for being awarded this scholarship and commend them for taking the extra step to apply during an incredibly difficult school year. We wish these students all the best as they continue their education," said Matt Weller, All West Communications President.

Press:

Two Sweetwater County Graduates Receive Scholarships from All West Communications

Banks and Gibson receive All West Communications scholarships

Author: builtbygcommerce
May 27, 2020

App based TV streaming is the TV of the future. Here are our top 10 reasons you’ll love All West.tv over your Traditional TV experience.

What is App based TV Streaming?

App based TV streaming is the digital distribution of video or TV content over the Internet. To start streaming, you need a device that can connect to the Internet, such as mobile phone, tablet, smart TV, streaming stick, Set-top box, etc., paired with a streaming app or service. There’s a good chance you already use some streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, or HBO GO. These are all streaming apps that you can use to get TV or video on your devices at home and on the go. Most streaming services require a paid subscription to use their app.

Our top 10 features:

1. Flexibility to watch TV live or On-Demand Streaming

2. Cloud DVR

Not going to be home for your favorite show or want to save a movie for movie night? All West.tv comes with 100 hours of cloud DVR so you can record live TV and watch it later.

3. Customization and Personalization

With All West.tv, you can create accounts for everyone in your home which allows All West.tv to learns what you like to watch. It then uses this information to makes suggestions of new shows and movies just for you! Also, your favorite movies and shows and your watch-history will be displayed so you can re-watch shows and keep track of what you have seen.

4. Saves you money

The average household rents equipment from their TV service provider to watch TV, which racks up to be quite a bit of money year over year. With All West.tv, all you need is a smart device such as:

• Mobile Phones
• Tablets
• Smart TVs
• Web Browsers
• Streaming Sticks
• Streaming STBs
• Set-top Box

You can see the complete list of supported devices HERE.

5. Parent Controls

Want to be able to monitor what your kids watch on TV? With All West.tv you can! The pin protection preference lets you block R, TVMA and NC17 shows and requires the pin to watch that content.

6. Watch on many devices

7. Lots of channel options with premium addons

With two TV packages to choose from and add on options like Expanded TV, HBO, Showtime, and more, you won’t overpay for channels you don’t watch.

8. WatchTVEverywhere

WatchTVEverywhere allows you to watch TV anywhere! As a All West.tv subscriber, watchTVEverywhere gives you access to TV shows, movies, behind-the-scenes content and more at no additional charge. Once you've registered, download apps from your favorite networks for your smartphone, tablet, computer or smart TV and start watching.

9. Playing Live shows or movies from the beginning

Have you ever found something that you want to watch, but the program is already halfway through? All West.tv gives you the option to rewind and watch from the beginning so you never miss a minute.

10. Local Support

Do you need help getting set-up or have a question about your All West.tv? Our local Customer Service team is available to answer all your questions and more on the:
• Phone (866) 255-9378
• Email help@allwest.com
• Facebook
• Chat

We’re making it easy to switch from your traditional TV platform to All West.tv — our app-based streaming TV service. Try All West.tv FREE for 30 days and still keep your traditional All West TV. No added cost. No contracts. No kidding. Ask us for details. 866-255-9378

Author: builtbygcommerce
May 1, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 guidelines presented by the CDC, all May events have been postponed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with friends and family through art and culture.

So, what can you do to stay connected? Technology can bring friends and family to you—wherever you are:

Use Google Photos to upload and share albums—and get the conversation going. It’s like the old-timey slideshows without the slide projector and sheet on the wall.
Get online and play a game. It can be as something as simple as Scrabble or faster-paced like Fortnite or Minecraft. Throw on a headset or use your computer speaker to talk with your teammates.
Chat face-to-face, remotely. There are almost as many video chat apps as there are people!
- Check out the popular FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Marco Polo or Skype. And these chats can more than just a conversation. Think about reading a bedtime story or singing a lullaby to your favorite little person faraway.
- Plan a virtual get-together via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Schedule a team lunch or coffee break. Plan a happy hour or dinner party with friends and don’t forget about birthday celebrations!
Exercise together through a virtual group Zumba, Yoga or other fitness class.
Social media can keep you up-to-date on what your friends and family are doing. It’s a great way to share videos and photos as well. Facebook even lets you set up private groups and create events—virtual or real. Make sure you follow All West for the latest news, updated and tech information.
Check out the popular Meet Up app to find groups based on your talents, skills, hobbies, likes, etc. Many have taken their groups online and found a way to keep the fun going.
Take an online class. You can find anything from learning a new language to carpentry and crocheting online. Keep it local by searching your area’s adult ed center or college to see what courses they might have available.
Enjoy a movie together. Netflix Party allows for group viewing and provides private chat rooms so you can interact with fellow viewers. You can even customize your party with fun user icons, nicknames, screenshots, emojis and GIFs.
Share your Spotify music collection with friends and family. Create a unique list for a special someone or host a dance party.

Need more speed so you can have more fun? Contact our internet experts to upgrade today at 866.255.9378.

An aerial shot of a vast rural landscape with green fields and small patches of water. The area is divided by dirt roads and surrounded by various farmlands, emphasizing the rural setting's connectivity challenges. Keywords: how to get internet in rural areas.

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A man sitting on a couch watching a sports match on a TV screen, illuminated by colorful ambient lighting. This setup shows