General
Q: Do you sell Gift Cards or can I pay on someone's bill as a gift?
A: The answer to both is Yes. We have Gift Cards in $5, $10, $25 and $50 amounts and you can pay whatever amount you want on someone's bill. We even have "A Gift For You" certificates we can give you to let that person know.
Internet
Q: Why am I seeing "Daily Digest" emails?
A: Our filtering is now sending daily digest emails out showing you the messages that were filtered. To read a message, click "View". If you see a message you want delivered, just click "Release". To get into your filtering, click "Settings.". Using the Daily Digest makes checking your filtered mail easy because you never have to log in! If you have any questions, contact TCC at internet@tcc.coop or 715-695-2691.
Q: Is your Wireless Secure?
A: If you have a Wireless Modem from TCC or your own Wireless Router, then you need to have it secured to prevent unauthorized use of your wireless modem by anybody within range. When this happens, your connection is bound to be slower, you are at risk of identity theft, viruses, hacking and being held responsible for any activity they engage in while connected through your wireless. If you have a wireless modem from TCC, you can set up a Security Code using instructions on our Internet Support web site. Just click which modem you have and scroll to the Security section.
Cable TV
Q: Why did broadcast TV stations switching to all-digital?
A: Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting (DTV) because all-digital broadcasting will free up analog frequencies for public safety communications (fire, police, emergency rescue). A digital signal is a more efficient transmission technology, which allows broadcast stations improved picture and sound quality, as well as more broadcasting options to consumers through “multicasting”. Lastly, this move also frees up analog frequencies that can be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers. If you have TCC Cable TV, you will not be affected. This only affects those who receive their local stations with an antenna or set-top “rabbit ears”. They will need a TV service provider, a TV
with a digital tuner or a digital converter box.
Q: Why does satellite TV appear to cost less than cable television?
A: While offers from satellite providers may look appealing on the surface, it is interesting to know that by the end of 2008 the Average Revenue per Unit (average customer bill) for one satellite provider was about $30 more than the average customer’s cable bill with TCC. Satellite service rates go up, too. In fact, satellite rates have increased more in the last ten years than TCC’s rates. It just goes unnoticed as they are not required by law to serve notice of rate increases as cable TV providers are. Satellite providers use introductory offers to hide the actual price you will end up paying. They also lock you into lengthy
contracts, which may exceed your introductory price term. In a previous newsletter, we ran a comparison study between TCC rates and the rates of a satellite provider. Even with the introductory offer, a satellite customer will pay as much as $100 more over two years that a TCC customer with similar services.
Q: Why do satellite TV providers have more channels than cable TV providers?
A. Satellite TV providers do have more channels than cable providers, but when you look at their channel line-ups, you will see a lot of shopping, music, special interest and duplicate (East coast feed, West coast feed) channels. They want you to focus on the number of channels, rather than the quality of their network programming. We strongly believe we offer a better line-up of channels, including truly local content such as dedicated weather radar, local events coverage, community announcements and other local programming with Trempealeau County Community Television (TCCTV).
Q: Why can’t we choose the channels we would like?
A: TCC is bound by contracts with network operators that determines what we offer, how we offer it and what we pay for it. Offering high demand programming involves agreeing to terms that make it essentially impossible to offer this programming on an "a la carte" basis. Terms include putting a channel on the specific tier so everybody on that tier receives and pays for that channel. Other terms include accepting (and paying for) several less popular channels from a network operator in order to receive one of their more popular channels.
Phone
Q: How do I sign up for the Do-Not-Call lists?
A: You can put your phone number(s) on the national and state "Do-Not-Call" lists by calling their toll-free numbers or by visiting their web sites.
Q: What can I do with my old phone book(s)?
A: The best thing you can do is recycle them. For every 500 books recycled, we save 7,000 gallons of water, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, 17-31 trees and 4,100 kilowatts of electricity. Your local curbside recycling may accept phone books. Otherwise, check with your area recycling facility directly. Make sure to remove all contaminants like covers, plastics or other non-paper materials. If you are unable to recycle your phone book, you can re-use it yourself. Use it to start a fire in your fireplace or press flowers. Shred the pages and use in your garden to help keep weeds down. The paper is biodegradable. Shredded phone book pages can also be used as a substitute for packing peanuts, which are not biodegradable.
Q: What is a PIC freeze?
A: The term PIC means preferred interlata carrier-- your long distance provider. When your phone company receives a request to change your carrier, the request must be processed without question. Some companies send change requests without full authorization of the customer. A PIC freeze protects the customer by telling the phone company they must have a request in writing from the customer in order to change their long distance carrier. Putting a PIC freeze on your account is free. Contact your phone carrier to put a PIC freeze on your long distance.