How OVC's MMDS System Works
Updated 8/30/04

Our system is a completely wireless MMDS (Multipoint Microwave Distribution System) that operates in the 2.5-2.7GHz radio range, so it is unaffected by rain or snow.

The heart of our wireless system is our 600' radio tower near Pelzer, Indiana on New Hope Road. On that tower is our 2.5GHz MMDS transmitter for wireless television and high speed Internet. Also on the tower is an omnidirectional receiver to receive the return signals from your cablemodem.

At the base of our tower is our head-in where our television and Internet equipment is located. The television signals that we transmit to you are first received at our head-in via satellite, or in the case of many local stations, off the air. These signals are then processed and converted to the proper cable television frequencies for our channels (channels 24-54 or 220-405MHz). After the signals are ready for transmission, they are upconverted to the 2.5-2.7GHz range, with each channel taking 6MHz.

The receiver on your home or office then picks up this 2.5GHz signal and downconverts it back to the 220-405MHz range where the signal is transmitted on coaxial cable directly to your television or cablemodem. If you're curious, our Internet downstream currently operates on channel 49, so that's why there is no television channel there.

The first step in determining whether or not we can provide service is for you to request a signal survey. What we'll do then, is send a van to your location that is specially equipped with a 75' collapsible radio tower. We will then raise the tower and determine at which height we can receive an acceptable signal.

If we can receive signal at your location, we will let you know and give you a quotation including antenna height and installation options. Typically, your installation will look like one of the below images, only mounted on a tripod or pole above your building, and sometimes on a tower next to your building if necessary.

The above dipole antenna is used for cable television, and sometimes
with a cablemodem in order to boost the signal of a standard transverter (below).
Weight: Under 6lbs. Dimensions: 3' x 2'

The CalAmp transverter/antenna is used with a cablemodem for Internet access.
Shown next to a cellphone for scale, it is also sometimes used with a dipole
(above) to boost signal. Weight: Under 6lbs. Dimensions: Approx 1.5' Square

The Conifer transverter/antenna is used with a cablemodem for Internet access.
Shown next to a cellphone for scale, it is also sometimes used with a dipole
(above) to boost signal. Weight: Under 6lbs. Dimensions: 1.5' x 1'

Here are some examples of roofmount antennas at our office: