There are a couple of things you can do to prepare for your installation appointment:

  1. To avoid delays, ensure that the business owner or an authorized individual is able to be present at the time of installation.
  2. If applicable, it may be helpful to have IT resources or network equipment vendors present at the time of installation.
  3. Make sure that Windstream has a good contact phone number so you can be reached the day of installation.
  4. Ensure access is available to the outside of your property (unlocked gates, fences, etc.).
  5. Identify where you would like the equipment to be installed inside your business location. The placement of your wireless modem can impact the quality of your connection throughout your business. A central location nearest to devices will allow for the best connection. Here are some tips for optimal modem placement:
    • Let it breathe — Depending on the brand, your modem has little vents on the top, bottom and sides. Those vents are there so the modem can get air. Help it out by placing it on a desk (or similarly hard surface) and make sure there are a few inches between it and the wall.
    • Keep it cool — Electronics don’t like to be overheated. Keep them out of direct sunshine and separated from other electronics.
    • Remove barriers — Physical barriers such as brick, walls, water, metal, reflective surfaces, windows and furniture can prevent wireless signals from effortlessly traveling back-and-forth between your modem and computer. Wireless signals need to be able to travel. If they can’t, you end up with intermittent (or no) signal. To improve connectivity, try moving your modem (or the physical barrier). You may need to try a few locations to figure out what consistently works.
    • Higher is better — Finding a place for your modem that’s higher up (e.g., bookcase, shelf), gets you better coverage. Places that are centrally located are even better.
    • Keep your devices close — While they need breathing space of a few inches, ideally, your modem and computer shouldn’t be separated by more than a few feet. Also, pay attention to how far away your computer is from the modem. Your wireless network only extends so far. When you’re on the periphery, the signal starts getting weak and can be intermittent. If you need to boost your signal range, consider installing a wireless repeater.

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