Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless Internet Service provides high-speed access to the internet without reliance on underground cables. Similar to a radio signal, data is transmitted using antennas. Just open your internet browser and you're quickly connected.

JCWIFI will mount an antenna on your house/building that wirelessly connects back to one of our broadcast towers. The antenna must have a clear line of sight to the tower, or you must be in range of non-line of sight service. A cable will run from the antenna into the house and connect to a POE (power over Ethernet) adapter; another cable from that POE connects directly to your computer or wireless router.

Since wireless internet uses radio waves that travel at the speed of light, it is as fast as fiber optic internet. Data travels at the same speed whether it is wireless or over fiber, and the capacities are the same across many package sizes. Wireless generally has lower latency so ping times may actually be lower than fiber; this is especially important for gaming and financial use such as day trading.

You should use this technology if you want or need reliable high speed internet access. We are able to deliver high speed internet in cities and rural areas where cable or phone line-based services may not reach.

No, satellite service relies on sending your data to a low-Earth orbit satellite, which then relays your data back down to Earth. The distance of that kind of service can cause a lot of excess latency. While we do use antennas, we connect to nearby towers, ensuring high speed service with minimal latency.

In most cases, the system's transmitter will emit less power than a cellular telephone. Antennas are usually installed at least 12 feet above the ground.

Yes, information traveling from your computer to our tower is encrypted using secure, industry-standard, proprietary technology. For additional security, a customer may choose to secure the router from within their home/office.

Our service requires either line-of-sight, or close enough proximity to a tower to receive our non-line-of-sight signal. Although normal weather conditions such as rain and lightning are not an issue, obstructions such as buildings, trees or hills can affect service if an antenna isn't installed high enough. Distance can also affect service. Some customers can receive service from as far as nine miles away.

We have three standard packages:

• Bronze – high speed internet for basic usage such as browsing the web, Facebook and emailing. Video streaming of any kind will not work on this package.
• Silver – our mid-range speed package. This package can do everything the Bronze can and more, you can watch YouTube and Netflix on this package as well as do online gaming.
• Gold – the fastest package we offer, you can do multiple video streams on this package. Gold is the minimum package required for streaming 4K Ultra HD video.

We also offer a Dedicated Link package; availability varies by location.

• Just call 815-233-2138.
• Our friendly, professional installation crew will take care of installing everything for you.
• All you need is a router; we also offer them for rent.
• A free site survey may be required to ensure service availability and a strong signal strength.

Yes, we can switch you to any speed package supported by the tower you are connected to.

We accept cash, personal checks and credit/debit cards. You can also pay online using the Client Zone.
Note: Our techs do not accept cash in the field.

In the Client Zone, you can review your invoices, pay outstanding balances, review your service package, and create tickets to notify us if you are currently experiencing any issues, need assistance or have any questions.

No, JCWIFI does not bill based on usage.

Yes! You will receive half off your next month's bill when you refer a new customer.

Yes. Call the office and we will perform a free site survey to determine if your new location is serviceable before setting up an appointment for installation. The moving fee is $70.

Yes, but we do require landlord's written permission at the time of install.

• An antenna mounted outdoors for long distance communication to send the wireless signal.
• 100 feet of cable to connect the antenna to the computer.
• A power adapter installed inside for the antenna.
• Wireless routers and wireless mesh systems are available for rental starting at $5/mo.

5G, or 5th Generation Wireless, is a cellular service that uses frequencies anywhere from 900 MHz to higher band frequencies including 24GHz and 54GHz. Our internet uses Wifi Standard 5GHz and 2.4 GHz signals, as well as fixed LTE and is not 5G.

Yes, for an additional fee.

Support can be reached at 815-233-2138.

JCWIFI After Hours Support: JCWIFI offers after hours support on weeknights from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The after hours number is closed on the following holidays: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

When calling the after hours number, if no one answers, be sure to leave a message with your full name, service address and phone number.

After 10:00 p.m. and prior to 8:30 a.m., you will be redirected to the office voicemail and these calls will be returned during normal business hours. On weekends, if not calling between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., your message will not be received until the next business day. If you need assistance sooner, please call between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 pm.

You will need an ethernet router. You can purchase your own, or JCWIFI has multiple options for router rental starting at $5 per month. Set-up fee may apply. If you purchase your own, keep in mind that a combination modem and router will not work.

To reboot your antenna, locate the small power adapter we installed. It may be a matte black or glossy white, and should have a single steady light on it. There are two data cables that connect to one end, and a thick-headed power cable will connect to the other. Remove the power cable for a full five-minute period. After reconnecting the power cable, internet connection should be restored within five minutes.

You need to clear out your inbox on the mail server. To do this you will need to go to our homepage, www.jcwifi.com, and click on the link for webmail. Log in using your full email address and email password. If you don't know your password you can call the office to reset it. Once you are logged in, click on Inbox along the left hand side. You will need to delete all of the messages that are in your inbox and also empty the Deleted Items folder. You can right click on the Deleted Items folder and select Empty Folder to clear it out completely. You should start receiving emails shortly after these steps are completed.

*Note: Any emails sent during the time your mailbox is full will not come through and will need to be resent.

If you have a Mikrotik Routerboard rented router, call our store to change the password. If you have TP-Link Decos, you can call our store or change the password on the TP-Link smartphone app.

1. On the back of the router there will be a reset button you will need a pen to push it. Push and hold the reset button for 30 seconds. This will reset the router to factory defaults and clear out any/all configurations in the router, including the password.

2. With a computer that is able to connect to the router, you can log into the router configuration page. In a web browser, type in the router’s IP address, which can be found in the router’s book or by searching google for the IP of your brand of router.

You or the workers may carefully remove the equipment, and then call JCWIFI to schedule it to be remounted when the work is complete.