MVTV Wireless

By Leave a Comment

Congratulations Graduates!

 
Graduation is a time of completion, finishing, an ending, however, it is also a time of celebration of achievement and a beginning for the new graduate.
 

We have arrived at that time of year, when graduating students across Minnesota receive their caps and gowns, and arm themselves with a big grin as they march across the stage to receive their diplomas. Whether a student is finishing up elementary, high school, or college, graduation is an important milestone in their learning journey. Students want their graduation to be a special, memorable occasion and you want to inspire and motivate them to reach their goals. While graduation signals a time to plan for the future, whether it’s more school, a break or entering a new life, commencement is also a time to celebrate accomplishments and reflect.

MVTV Wireless Internet wishes all of you the best of luck, as you continue to move on in life and face new events, adventures, and challenges.

HatsMVTV’s family would like to recognize their 2018 Graduates

Cody Himley – Lakeview High School

Hunter Foote – Jackson High School

Hailey Richter – Lakeview High School

Gavin Maass – Mankato High School

 Trisha Johnson – Orono High School

Devon Girard – Alexandria Tech

 

 

MVTV Wireless

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

 

By Leave a Comment

Be An Energy Smart Online Gamer

MVTV Popular Links Page – kid friendly games

Learn how to make your online game console energy efficient:

On these cold winter days, online gaming has become a popular activity for many Minnesotans of all ages. What many online gamers do not realize is that these game consoles and accessories may be driving up your electric bill, even when you’re not using them! As with any electronic device, the best practices is to hit the power button when you’re not using it. Fortunately, there are other ways to reduce power usage. 

According to our Energy Star…

The latest game consoles bring together many exciting new features, such as voice control, gesture recognition, connectivity, wireless controllers, and the ability to stream live Internet content. But many people may not realize that most of these new features draw power even when they are not using them. When all features are maximized, today’s game consoles can consume as much energy as all of the homes in the city of Houston, or the equivalent of the electricity delivered by four power plants.

Do you want to game on with the newest innovative and intuitive features, without wasting energy? With just a few simple steps, you can make the most of your system’s energy saving features, without missing any of the action. Reduce your game console’s energy use, save money, and help protect the climate.

Tips for Reducing Power Consumption ~ courtesy of www.energystar.gov:

Activate Power Saving Settings: Xbox One comes set-up to listen for the “Xbox On” command to turn on and allow other devices to access it via the network. By configuring the “Energy-saving” Power Mode, you can disable such features and drop the Xbox One’s standby power use by 98 percent! The Play Station 4 (PS4), with software updates, enters a low power “Rest” mode after one hour of inactivity – which can be reduced to save even more. Users can also enable time limits for USB power charging when the PS4 is in “Rest” mode. The Wii U‘s power consumption is already optimized in all non-gaming modes, consuming less than half a watt when your console is standing by. 

Turn off the Controllers: The PS4 includes a useful feature that allows the controllers to turn themselves off when not in use. You can choose to turn off your controllers automatically after 10-,30-, or 60 minutes, depending on your gameplay habits. 

Dis-Kinect When You Aren’t Using It:Xbox‘s Kinect accessory can instantly recognize your body movements. This feature can use up to 14 watts when the game console is in use. So if you don’t use Kinect often, consider disconnecting it. 

Keep Up on Your Updates: For example, with Sony’s System Software version 2.0 update, the PS4 now powers down automatically and the USB ports enter a much lower power state once connected controllers are fully charged, dropping the power consumption by over 65 percent. 

Hard wiring also adds performance quality:

Don’t Let Your Game Console Come Between You and Your Cable:  For the best efficiency choice, plug your set-top box cable directly into the first HDMI port on your TV and connect the Xbox to a secondary HDMI port on your TV. Plugging your set-top box into your Xbox requires the Xbox to consume power even when you are not gaming-almost as much power as your TV. (see attached graphic). 

Energy-Efficient Setup

One More Thing: Stream Your Content Smartly:Streaming through a game console uses up to 10 times more energy than streaming on a laptop or tablet. Consider using another kind of device to stream–like a Blu-ray player, set-top box, or smart TV that has earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR, which also uses comparatively less energy.

Computer and monitor energy efficiency:

For tips on how to make your computer and monitor energy efficient visit Energy Star’s Activate Power Management on Your Computer blog. 

  • Save $10-100 per computer annually in electricity costs
  • Eliminate the need to boot up your computer each morning, saving time
  • Help the environment by reducing air pollution associated with the burning of fossil fuels

MVTV Wireless Internet wishes you a warm, safe and prosperous March 2018!

Sincerely,

MVTV Wireless Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

By 7 Comments

Broadband Speed Chart

It is always nice to know how much internet speed your household needs for daily tasks and entertainment. Do you primarily use the internet to send emails and surf the web? Have family members that do online gaming or watch Netflix? How many people and devices are connected at one time? Remember to add up all of the activities that are happening at the same time to get the final results that your household requires. 

  • 2.5 Mbps or less: Basic web surfing and email
  • 5 Mbps: Web surfing, email, occasional streaming and online gaming with few connected devices
  • 10 Mbps: Moderate streaming, online gaming and downloading with a moderate number of connected devices
  • 25 Mbps: Heavy streaming, online gaming and downloading with a lot of connected devices

You can compare typical online activities with the minimum Mbps needed for adequate performance for each application by using the following broadband speed chart. The chart is based on running one activity/ device at a time.

Broadband Speed Chart

If you are still not sure what speed your household requires for internet speed please give MVTV Wireless Internet a call, 320.564.4807. We would be happy to help answer any internet questions you may have for your home or business.

 

MVTV Wireless

Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

By Leave a Comment

Marketing made Easy with B. VanDerBill Consulting, LLC

Looking for ways to get your business off the ground? Not sure how to start marketing on social media for your business? Is it time to engage your potential customers with a great looking website? B. VanDerBill Consulting is here to help make your small business successful in a digital marketing world.

Brittany VanDerBill has a passion for helping small businesses succeed by using the right marketing tools and started B. VanDerBill Consulting, LLC in the summer of 2015. She understands the importance of being actively involved in the community personally and as a business owner.

Willmar and Kandiyohi County Involvement:

 

  • Member of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Member of the Kandiyohi County EDC Marketing Committee
  • Member of One Million Cups
  • Member of Polkadot Powerhouse
  • Member of the Board of Directors for the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf

More than a marketing consultant company.

Offering private training packages to clients until they feel comfortable to update and maintain the accounts is one thing that sets B. VanDerBill Consulting apart. Brittany provides hands-on training, answers questions and guides your business to social media success.

I believe in helping other businesses succeed and grow. When businesses do well, the community does well. That’s why I work hard every day to help my clients succeed. Clients across a variety of industries have worked with me to enhance their brand awareness, consult on their marketing strategy and get started or improve their social media presence.

Understanding that not every client wants to market their business the same way gives Brittany the opportunity to offer more custom plans and services. The services offered at B. VanDerBill Consulting are to designed to effectively market each business for success. If Brittany does not feel she can successfully help a client she will refer them to another trusted agency.

Even though it seems like everything might be going digital, I’ll partner with your business to review all the marketing options and select what’s best for you. I’m a bit old-fashioned since I prefer to use a paper planner instead of my phone but I have years of experience on social media. This combination of modern and old-fashioned style helps me bring a unique and valuable perspective to all client projects.

How to find your marketing strategy. 

As an experienced local company, B. VanDerBill Consulting is focused on making your business succeed. Set up a free consultation to see how B. VanDerBill Consulting can help market your business.

Facebook: @bvanderbillconsulting
 
Email: brittany@bvanderbillconsulting.com
 
Website: bvanderbillconsulting.com
 
 

MVTV Wireless

Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

By Leave a Comment

Hope Harbor – The Heart of Hope

Within our small rural communities we are so lucky to have many unique businesses and non-profits. They are just one reason we can enjoy living in rural Minnesota. Not only are those small businesses supplying jobs for our families but they give back to the community either financially or by volunteering their time. In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness month, I would like to recognize and share some information about a non-profit that continues to give back to the communities they serve. Many of us have heard the name Hope Harbor but have no clue what they are doing for our area’s communities.

Who is Hope Harbor?

Hope Harbor, located in Marshall and Winona, MN, became their own identity in 2016. They started as part of a national business “House of Hope” in 2005. Hope Harbor is the perfect fit for girls between the ages of 12 – 17 that are hurting and provides a place of healing.

There are teens whose hopes and dreams of the future have been crushed by such things as substance abuse, sexual abuse, eating disorders, self harm, relational aggression, or countless families problems that makes life seem unsafe, loveless, confusing, and hopeless. But there is hope!

What makes Hope Harbor different?

Hope Harbor keeps the girls active by offering physical fitness, art classes and community service. They have onsite schooling so the girls stay on track do not fall behind. They also have a music teacher, which a couple of the girls are very passionate about music. The girls also do chores just like they would in their own home… laundry, dishes, sweeping and other household duties.

Residents have goals specific to expectations and individual program needs. Privileges and responsibilities are vital for personal growth and maturity. Privileges increase by phase, as does responsibility, trust, integrity, and initiative.   

• Respect of authority • Trust, integrity, and leadership • Personal motivation • Practical skills application • Walking in freedom • Consistency in behavior • Coping skills • Social skills • Conflict resolution • Self-control • Service projects • Chores • Meal prep • Time management • Letter writing • Hobby development • Fitness • Nutrition • Hygiene • Manners

Parents participate in the program.

During the girls’ stay at Hope Harbor the parents come every week for counseling.

Parents and family participate in the healing process through commitment to individual counseling and group parenting class, participation in weekly visits, passes, and phone calls, agreement and adherence to policy and guidelines for program duration, and full support of their child’s healing.  In these ways, the entire family works together to make positive changes so the transition back is into a home of reconciliation and healing. Many parents discover as time progresses that they needed healing, too.

Hope Harbor stepping out to spread awareness.

Not only is Hope Harbor helping those teens that enter into their program but they are out on the road spreading the word on Social Media and Online Safety. At the beginning of December they visited Ellsworth, presenting on human trafficking awareness to students, teachers, parents and caregivers in an effort to maintain security and privacy in the digital world.

Adults and teens alike find social media an essential part of their daily life, with plenty
of good things as well as potential dangers that should be avoided.

Be apart of the solution

The information and what Hope Harbor does for many families and the communities they serve is endless. To find out more on how to volunteer, donate, or help someone in need visit Hope Harbor. Follow their Facebook page to find many stories that keep us all updated on what is going on with bullying, human trafficking, and how to keep our children safe within our local communities. 

 

MVTV Wireless

Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

By Leave a Comment

MVTV Wireless Internet Now Serving Avoca, MN

MVTV Wireless Internet is proud to announce the expansion of our broadband internet service into the city of Avoca! This new Access Point enables us to now reach in-town Avoca, north of Fulda, south of Slayton and east of Iona.  Sign up TODAY! 

 

Get to know Avoca, MN:

Located on busy State Highway 59, in Murray County, Avoca sits on the south bank of Lime Lake. The Lime Lake Campground is a perfect location for launching your boat for an afternoon or camping the entire weekend. 

This sleepy little community has experienced a population burst in recent years. As the north shore of Lime Lake continues to be developed, both permanent and seasonal homes now overlook what use to be a secret fishing hole.

Meadowland Farmers Co-op is the host of our new access point and has been a wonderful partner in several SW MN communities. 

Meadowland Farmers Coop, Av

Meadowland Farmers Coop, Avoca

The Avoca Liquor Store is a popular motorcycle stop on warm summer nights and a haven for ice fishermen.

Main Street, Avoca MN

The Farmers Insurance Agency has been serving this agricultural town since 1980.

The Avoca Post Office and Community Hall keep the residents and businesses connected.

According to the Avoca Historical listing:

AVOCA, a city in sections 27, 28, 33, and 34 of Lime Lake Township, was named in 1879 by Archbishop John Ireland, who founded near it a Catholic colony of immigrant farmers. The name is taken from a river in County Wicklow, Ireland, about 40 miles south of Dublin, noted for the picturesque beauty of its valley, called Sweet Vale of Avoca in a poem by Thomas Moore. From the fame given by the poet’s praise, this name also has been chosen for villages in 13 other states of the Union.

 

We look forward to service the town of Avoca for many years to come!

Sincerely,

MVTV Wireless Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

 

By 2 Comments

Happy Holidays

 

We will continue to monitor our system during the holidays. Please leave a message at 320.564.4807 if you experience an issue and we will call you back as quickly as possible. Thank you for an awesome 2017, we look forward to continue serving you in 2018!
 
 
 
MVTV Wireless‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

 
 

By Leave a Comment

MVTV Is Net Neutral

On December 14th 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reversed its 2015 Open Internet rules. This is the well-publicized ‘Net Neutrality Repeal’ that you’ve heard so much about. 

What does that mean for MVTV Wireless members and partners?

Not much.

MVTV Wireless Internet is Net Neutral. As a member-owned cooperative, our goal is to provide you with fast, affordable and dependable access to the internet. We do not monitor, block, throttle, or prioritize how you use the service.

What is Net Neutrality?

net neu·tral·i·ty

noun

  1. the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.

If you have any questions regarding MVTV Wireless Internet service, please give us a call at 320-564-4807. As with anything internet related, we encourage you to be an educated consumer and welcome your feedback.

For more information about Net Neutrality, visit the FCC Initiatives website at https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/fcc-initiatives

To view MVTV Wireless Internet’s Acceptable Use Policy, visit https://www.mvtvwireless.com/acceptable-use-policy/

Sincerely,

MVTV Wireless Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

By Leave a Comment

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith Appointed Senator

MVTV Wireless Internet would like to congratulate Lt. Gov. Tina Smith on her recent appointment as U.S. Senator to represent Minnesota in Congress.

As reported by the MinnPost ~ Image result

Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed Lt. Gov. Tina Smith as the next U.S. senator to represent Minnesota in Congress.

Smith, a Democrat, will take the place of U.S. Sen. Al Franken, who said last week he plans to resign in the midst of a growing sexual harassment scandal. Under state law, Smith will serve in Washington at least through 2018. There will be a special election in November 2018, when Minnesota voters will have a chance to weigh in on who should take Franken’s place for the remainder of his term, which expires in 2020.

“Tina Smith is a person of the highest integrity and ability,” Dayton said. “There is no one I trust more to assume the responsibilities of this important office.”

For more about Senator Smith, visit her online bio at https://g.co/kgs/rWjhUn.

THANK YOU for your continued service, Senator Smith!

MVTV Wireless

Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

By Leave a Comment

Lt. Governor Tina Smith announces FREE PARK FRIDAY!

Take advantage of the beautiful weather this Friday by exploring your local State Parks and Recreation Areas… for FREE! What a great way to work off those extra lbs from Thanksgiving!!

Entrance fees to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be waived on Friday, November 24, 2017

ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith today announced “Free Park Friday” in Minnesota highlighting that entrance fees to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be waived on Friday, November 24, 2017. Lt. Governor Smith encourages all Minnesotans to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends on the day after Thanksgiving.

“I wish everyone in Minnesota a peaceful, warm Thanksgiving on Thursday. And on Friday after Thanksgiving, I can’t think of anything better than visiting one of Minnesota’s spectacular State Parks, with free admission,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “I hope to visit Judge Magney State Park on the North Shore this Friday, but no matter where you are in Minnesota there is probably a State Park within 30 miles.”

Research shows that spending time outdoors benefits children and adults, including improving mood, enhancing creative thinking and problem solving, promoting a conservation ethic, and improving physical fitness. On Thanksgiving Day, the average American consumes around 4,500 calories. A brisk walk can burn about 300 calories in one hour.

“Free Park Friday is a great way to visit a park new to you and extend your family holiday a day further,” said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails. “We hope families who visit on Free Park Friday will return throughout the winter season to hike, snowshoe and participate in naturalist-led programs. The benefits of spending more time outdoors are well documented.”

Visitors and families who visit parks throughout the winter season can participate in hundreds of naturalist-led state park programs, or they can bird watch and search for other wildlife. A few parks will offer special programs on Free Park Friday. Examples include:

· Fire Starting – Learn how to start a fire without matches or a lighter from 12pm to 2pm at Tettegouche State Park on Minnesota’s North Shore. Meet at the park’s fireplace plaza behind the Visitor Center.

· Beavers in Winter – Find out how beavers survive and thrive in cold weather from 10am to 11:3am at Whitewater State Park near Winona. Meet at the visitor center for a brief introduction, then take a hike to look for signs of beaver.

· Family Turkey Trek – Take a naturalist led one-mile hike to the upper cliff line of the quarry in search of a wild turkey or signs of wild turkey from 3pm to 4 pm at Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne.

Before you graduate to all of that, check out a state park or recreation area on Friday. Get directions and find recommended hikes online at the Free Park Friday page. Drive in at no cost and leave hours later with a wealth of fond memories.

For additional resources on things to do and places to stay across the state, visit exploreminnesota.com, and share your sights this season on social media using #OnlyinMN.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend!

MVTV Wireless

Internet Service Provider

‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’

Blog Archives

About MVTV

MVTV Wireless is a non-profit, member-owned corporation. We were founded in 1960 in order to bring television to the Granite Falls, MN area. In April of 1999 MVTV began providing wireless internet service.

Within recent years, MVTV Wireless Broadband Internet Services have expanded to include nearly 30,000 square miles of Southwestern Minnesota. We are serving 6,500+ subscribers and growing rapidly.

Read More…

Contact Us

1790 Hwy 212 W * PO Box A
Granite Falls, MN 56241
320-564-4807

mvtvsupport@mvtvwireless.com

TwitterFacebookLinkedinPintrestEmail Address