La Cañada Wireless Association (LCWA) offers membership to anyone interested in getting involved in our wireless community and who lives within range of our radio access points.
Basic Fee Structure
$40 per month for up to 7 Mbps service
$50 per month for up to 12 Mbps service
$60 per month for up to 25 Mbps service
There are additional one-time fees to join and for your on-premises equipment, which are on average around $250. Also, all speeds are “up to” speeds and your measured speed may vary depending on many factors. Payment is by credit or debit card and we can set up automatic payments for those who wish it. Contact us if you need special assistance, multiple sites, or higher data rates.
To get a quote and to join LCWA, please fill out our New Member Form.
Which Speed Should I Sign up For?
Here are our recommendations for what LCWA speed levels to subscribe to:
- 7 Mbps: simple web browsing, video conferencing, and email
- 12 Mbps: same as above plus moderate streaming video one TV; multiple video conference sessions, or VOIP (like Skype)
- 25 Mbps: same as above plus heavy streaming video such as on multiple TV’s or 4K streaming video on one TV
Plan to Get Involved
Keep in mind, this is a non-profit membership organization, not a commercial service, and all members are encouraged to volunteer. Meetings are open to all, and members in good standing have voting privileges. Members are encouraged to participate actively in all aspects of the association’s operations.
How is LCWA Unique?
Before you agree to internet access service, it’s important that you understand the differences between the services that a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) provide, and what LCWA provides. Here are some of the major differences.
- Non-Profit: We are a New Mexico non-profit cooperative; members volunteer time and effort for the benefit of the community.
- You are a Member, not a Customer: By joining LCWA you are now a member of a community of internet users. We expect you to support that community by fixing most inside the house issues yourself, supporting any volunteers you encounter in a friendly and helpful manner, and hopefully becoming a volunteer yourself.
- Radio-Based: Unlike the typical cable network, the LCWA network is delivered by radio signal to a radio on your rooftop. This is what allows us to reach areas of rural Santa Fe county that no one else can reach. However, radio-based networks can be impacted by weather conditions and lightning strikes, so outages do occasionally occur.
- Equipment: You buy, own, and maintain your own equipment with our help. Typically the equipment you require (we supply and invoice) are: a rooftop radio, a radio mount, and our required airCube router.
- Installation: Our volunteers install Wi-Fi internet to one point in your home, usually at no charge. But we do require your help: drilling holes, bolting mounts, configuring your smart devices (TV’s, phones, thermostats, etc.) or installing large-home networks—all of those activities are up to you or your contractors (we can recommend some).
What LCWA Does (and Does Not) Provide
- High-speed Internet Access: LCWA provides its members with basic high-speed continuous internet access. This service is provided under the assumption that the nature of your access is typical of a residential, home office or small office. When you agree to access, you will sign a service agreement that you should read beforehand, particularly if you consider your case to be somewhat atypical. Our speeds are “up to” speeds and are not guaranteed; your speed experience can vary greatly due to many factors.
- Fixed IP Addresses: LCWA offers fixed IP external addresses for our all Internet Access subscribers. However IP-based internet video camera feeds are limited to inside your home.
- Firewall: The LCWA network infrastructure contains a firewall to protect the network from outside intrusions. By default, your home router can be seen from the internet, but outside access is limited by the firewall in most cases.
- Emergency Services: LCWA does not guarantee internet connectivity for emergency and/or essential services connections, not limited to but including 911 and e911 services. Voice Over IP (VOIP) users please read this government message.
- Incoming Mail Service: We do not provide a mail hosting service or email address, but you can use your own over our internet.
- Web Hosting: Not available.
- VPN, FTP, VOIP: We support VPN, FTP, video conferencing, VOIP and other symmetric services, however we are not optimized for any of these.
- Data Usage: Data usage is unlimited. We do not periodically disconnect or time you out.
- Firewall: We firewall your connection.
- LAN Speeds: Transmission rates to and from the internet are set at up to 7, 12, or 25 Mbps depending on the member’s chosen tier. Actual speeds may vary due to radio location, your home router, and other factors.
What Members Provide
- Signed Membership Agreement.
- Initial Membership Fee of $50.
- We also charge our costs for the radio, mast and other equipment that is required to connect to the LCWA network. This varies by member site.
- The monthly fee is $40 for 7 Mbps service, $50 for 12 Mbps or $60 for 25 Mbps. All speeds are “up to” and can vary due to weather conditions, radio location, your home router, and other factors
- Willingness to volunteer.
- LCWA fees are determined periodically by the association at regular meetings. There are no long-term contracts, or hidden fees.