Hunter Communications logo
red arch

Residential FAQs

Our current residential customers can find answers to commonly asked questions about billing, service, installation, and more!

Connectivity FAQs

How fast is my internet connection?

There are two ways you can test your internet speed. 

1.) For our customers with a Calix Gigaspire router, please be sure to download the HunterIQ app to your mobile device.  Testing your internet speed using the app is simple – just follow the steps below.

  • Tap “My Network”
  • Select “Bandwidth Test”
  • Wait for your results!

2.) You Can also test your speed by visiting speedtest.hunterfiber.com.

Remember – maximum speeds are hardwired speeds.  For the best results, plug your computer directly into the router.  Performing a speed test via Wi-Fi will not show the full capacity of your internet speeds.  For more tips on how to understand your speed test, read our blog.

How can I optimize my Wi-Fi speed and connection?

There are a few steps you can take to improve your Wi-Fi connection and speeds:

      1. Try switching your Wi-Fi frequency.  Most routers will support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.  2.4 GHz has wider coverage with slower speeds while 5 GHz has a smaller coverage area with faster speeds.  Older devices and routers sometimes do not support 5 GHz or have a 100 Mb Network Interface Card.  This means that the device or router can only perform 100 megabits of speed (Wi-Fi or hardwired).  To solve this problem, you can get a gigabit-rated router which can support Hunter’s gig speeds.
      2. The placement of your router is vital for your Wi-Fi network.  You will want your router in an open and non-cluttered location.
      3. Everyday things in your house can harm your Wi-Fi connectivity including thick walls, glass, microwaves, and nearby electronic devices. 
      4. Wi-Fi reception can be weaker in large homes and older houses (i.e. houses built with metal studs or plaster walls).  To improve Wi-Fi coverage, Hunter offers Nokia Mesh Extenders for $10 per month.

For more tips and details, read our blog.

How do I change my Wi-Fi network name or password?

If you have a Calix Gigaspire router, please be sure to download the HunterIQ app to your mobile device.  Once downloaded, follow steps below to change your information or watch this video.

    1. Tap “My Network”.
    2. Select the Network you wish to edit.
    3. Tap “Edit” in the upper right hand corner.
    4. Change the SSID, WiFi Password and/or Security Type.
    5. Tap “Save” in the upper right hand corner.

If you have a Nokia Beacon router, watch our video or take the following steps to change your Wi-Fi network name and/or password:

    1. Before you begin, make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi or hardwired to the router’s LAN port.
    2. Go to webgui.nokiawifi.com and log into your account with the username and password found on the bottom of your router.  If you have previously changed your username and password, use your current information.
    3. If the password on the bottom of the router does not work or you forgot your current username and password, you will need to reset the router to the factory settings.  Push and hold the Reset button on the back of the router for 30 seconds until the light on the front blinks and goes dark.  
    4. Once you’ve logged in, click the “Network” tab at the top of the page
    5. You will need to change your password on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wireless tabs.  On the left-hand side of the page, click Wireless (2.4GHz) and scroll down to “SSID Configuration.”
    6. You can change the name of your Wi-Fi network by editing the SSID Name field.  To change your password, edit the WPA Key field.  
    7. Hunter recommends that you create a password that is difficult to guess.  Passwords like your current address or 12345 are easy to guess and will not keep your home network secure.  
    8. Click the Save button at the bottom of the page and repeat the same process for the Wireless (5 GHz) tab. 

If you have any additional questions or need assistance, please contact Hunter’s Customer Experience Team:

Southern Oregon: 541-538-5555

Eugene Area: 541-338-9000

McMinnville Area: 503-883-9200

What should I do if my internet service isn’t working?

To check if there’s an outage in your area, please visit our Network Status Page.

If you need assistance, you can submit a service ticket by clicking here.  You can also contact our Customer Experience Team:

Southern Oregon: 541-538-5555

Eugene Area: 541-338-9000

McMinnville Area: 503-883-9200

 

Billing FAQs

How can I pay my bill?

You can pay your bill online or over the phone.  You can also mail a check or set up ACH payments.

How do I set up online bill pay?

For help on registering for your online bill pay account, watch our help video here.

To set up your account, visit hunter.billcenter.net.  Here, you will see a white box with Username and Password fields.  At the bottom of the box, click “Sign up for an Account.”

You will need your Account Number and Registration Code.  You can find these in your Welcome Email which is sent 24 – 48 hours after your installation.  If you cannot locate these, please check your SPAM folder for the Welcome Email or contact us at CustomerService@HunterFiber.com.

Under Register, enter your Account Number, Registration Code, Email Address, and choose a Username.  Then click Register and you will receive an email with a link to set your password.  Your password will require an uppercase letter, lower case letter, a number, and a special character (ex. !@#$%^&*)

After setting your password, you’ll be able to log in to your online account.

How do I set up autopay?

To watch our video on how to set up automatic payments, click here.

In your online bill pay account, at the top, under the dropdown “View & Pay Bills”, select “Auto Pay.”  

Under “Edit Auto Pay,” enter your payment method information.  You may pay your bill with ACH, credit card, or debit card.

If you’ve previously paid your bill online and saved your payment method, you can select that payment method under “Saved Profile.”

You will have the option to change the payment date in the portal.

Once you’ve entered your autopay information, click “Enroll in Auto Pay” at the top of the page.  

Can I update my autopay date?

If you want to pay your bill on a day before it is due, please contact our Customer Experience Team at 541-414-1477 or CustomerService@HunterFiber.com.

Can I upgrade my internet speed?

Yes, to upgrade your service, please contact our Customer Experience Team: 

Southern Oregon: 541-538-5555

Eugene Area: 541-338-9000

McMinnville Area: 503-883-9200

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC program providing discounts on internet service for low-income households.

ACP eligible households can receive up to $30 per month discount on their internet bill.

Before the discount can be applied to your bill, you must apply for ACP and then fill out Hunter’s ACP form.

To see if you qualify, click here.

Fiber FAQs

What is fiber-optic internet?

Fiber-optic internet uses pulses of light to transfer data.  With fiber-optic technology, information travels close to the speed of light.

The fiber-optic cables are made up of hundreds of glass or plastic strands that are 1/10th thinner than a human hair.

Hunter offers FTTH internet.  FTTH stands for fiber to the home.  This type of fiber-optic connection runs directly into your home.  With FTTH, the connection is entirely fiber-optic so it has the best speed, reliability, and bandwidth.

Read our blog to learn about the FTTH installation process and why it’s the best home fiber connection.

How is fiber-optic internet different than cable or DSL?

Fiber-optic internet is different than cable and DSL for three main reasons:

    1. Because fiber can transfer data close to the speed of light, this technology is capable of speeds significantly faster than copper cable and DSL.  In fact, fiber-optic internet is capable of higher upload speeds.
    2. The bandwidth of fiber-optic internet is also significantly better than copper cable or DSL.  With fiber, providers do not have to slow speeds during peak usage hours.
    3. Since fiber uses light rather than electricity, it is more reliable because it is not affected by severe weather or electromagnetic interference.  Additionally, it does not carry the same fire risk as electrically powered internet technologies.

To learn more about why fiber is better than cable and DSL, read our blog.

What is included in the free basic install?

Free basic installation includes installing one fiber line into your home directly through a single outside wall and to the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) which must be placed within 10 feet of the penetration.

More complex installations may incur additional charges. If the line(s) must be run throughout the house, basement, attic, or fished through interior walls, extra installation fees may apply.

How do I schedule my installation?

Once you’ve signed up and service becomes available in your neighborhood, a member from our Customer Experience Team will contact you to schedule an installation.

You are also welcome to contact our Customer Experience Team:

Southern Oregon and Eugene Area: 541-538-5555

McMinnville Area: 503-883-9200

If I need to change my installation appointment time, how can I do that?

To change your installation appointment, please contact our Customer Experience Team:

Southern Oregon and Eugene Area: 541-538-5555

McMinnville Area: 503-883-9200

How long is the installation process?

Because most homes have not had fiber-optic technology installed before, the process to wire your home for service can take up to four hours.

The installer will run a fiber-optic line directly to your home. To bring fiber-optic internet into your house, they will drill a small hole into your home through the floor. Finally, they will install your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and free Hunter Wi-Fi router.

For more information, watch our video or read our blog.

Does service installation require drilling into my home?

Yes, in order to install fiber-optic internet, our installers will drill a small hole through the floor and into your home.

Do I need to be home for the installation?

Yes, please make sure someone 18 years or older is present for the entire duration of the installation.  

For the safety of our employees, we also ask that you please keep pets in a safe place during the installation (with the exception of service animals).

What devices will be installed? How much does equipment cost?

To bring fiber-optic internet to your home, Hunter will install a Optical Network Terminal (ONT) at no additional cost.  While cable and DSL internet use modems, fiber-optic internet uses an ONT.  The ONT translates the fiber-optic light signal into an electrical signal readable by the router, ethernet cable, and connected devices.

We also include a free Hunter Wi-Fi router.  While you are welcome to use your own router, we highly recommend the use of our equipment.

Does Wi-Fi work with Hunter’s fiber internet?

Yes, Wi-Fi works with Hunter’s fiber-optic internet.  We even provide a free Wi-Fi router to our customers!

Why do you need to access my property?

There are a variety of reasons why our crews may need to access a utility easement on your property.  Hunter might need to access your property to:

  • Survey utility poles or ground for network expansion
  • Construct aerial fiber lines
  • Drill to install underground conduit
  • Set utility pole anchors
  • Install fiber-optic internet

Our construction and maintenance teams will always be respectful of your property and restore it to its preexisting condition.

What is a utility easement?

Utility easements give operators the legal right to access parts of private property to construct, maintain, inspect, or repair our network infrastructure.  Easements are typically found on the property’s deed and are transferred if the property is sold.  While we have permission to work within the easement on your property, it does not grant us any ownership of your property.

Utility easements might be located near the sidewalk, or they could be located in your backyard.  These easements may already contain utility infrastructure such as poles, aboveground cabinets, and underground enclosures.

To learn more, visit HunterFiber.com/Easements 

Fixed Wireless FAQs

What is fixed wireless internet?

Fixed wireless internet uses antennas attached to your home to beam your internet signal to and from one of our fixed wireless tower locations.

How is fixed wireless internet different than satellite?

Fixed wireless internet has lower latency than satellite.

Because a satellite internet connection comes from space, the signal must travel to your home through the earth’s atmosphere and then back down to earth where your ISP is located.  This means it takes a long time for your device to establish a connection.

Fixed wireless uses a land-based connection where the home’s antenna communicates with the tower.  Because the tower is closer to your home and your signal doesn’t have to travel through the earth’s atmosphere, the time it takes for your device to connect (latency or lag time) is faster.

What is included in the basic install?

Basic installation includes installing one dish antenna that is fixed to your roof. This dish beams an internet signal to your location from one of our fixed wireless tower locations.

How long is the installation process?
Standard residential wireless installation usually takes between 1-2 hours.
What can I expect during my service installation?

The installer will mount a dish to your roof which connects to one of our fixed wireless tower locations.  Then, they will install your free Hunter Wi-Fi router, and complete a final check to make sure everything is working properly.

Do I need to be home for the installation?

Yes, please make sure someone 18 years or older is present for the entire duration of the installation.  

For the safety of our employees, we also ask that you please keep pets in a safe place during the installation (with the exception of service animals).

What devices will be installed? How much does equipment cost?

To bring fixed-wireless internet to your home, Hunter will install a dish antenna on the roof of your home.

We also include a free Hunter Wi-Fi router.  While you are welcome to use your own router, we highly recommend the use of our equipment.