Frequently Asked Questions
Engineering the Connection. Respecting the Mountain.
1. Service & Integrity (The HSI Way)
What makes HSI unique?
We are local engineers. We don’t just “plug and play”; we custom-engineer every installation for the specific terrain of your property. HSI stands for Honest Sincere Interactions, and we live by that.
Do you raise prices every year?
No. In 26 years of business, we have never raised the price of an existing plan on our neighbors. While we offer newer, faster tiers as technology evolves, the rate you sign up for is the rate you stay at. Integrity is our standard.
Why does HSI cost more than “100 Meg” plans from others?
There is a difference between “Marketing Speed” and “Delivered Speed.” Many providers oversubscribe their towers—selling more than the equipment can actually handle. At HSI, we engineer conservatively. We only sell what we can actually deliver during peak evening hours. You aren’t paying for a “hopeful” number; you’re paying for a reliable, engineered pipe.
Are there data caps?
No. We provide an open internet with no data caps or overages. We just ask that you follow our “Neighbor Standard” for acceptable use.
2. Smart-Flow & The Satellite Question
Why is a Managed Router required?
Many “smart” devices, like Google Nest or Ring cameras, can consume 100% of your upload bandwidth without you knowing it. Our managed router acts as a Traffic Controller—we “tune” those devices so your home stays balanced and fast.
Is the service good for Gaming or Zoom?
Yes. Because our signal stays local (tower to home), we offer much lower latency (lag) than Satellite providers. This makes the connection “snappy” for work and play.
How does HSI compare to Starlink or Satellite in the East Mountains?
Unlike “space-based” internet that can suffer from latency and weather-fade, our grounded connection is engineered specifically for the New Mexico terrain. We offer a local connection you can trust, with support from neighbors who live where you do. Compare our engineering to satellite here.
3. Joining the Network & Equipment
How do I join, and who owns the gear?
There are two ways to join the HSI network:
- Equipment Ownership: You can choose to purchase the professional radio and mounting hardware outright. In this case, the equipment is yours to keep forever.
- Ongoing Promotion: Most neighbors choose our promotion where HSI provides and maintains all hardware. Under this plan, the equipment is on loan to you.
Important Note on Equipment Returns:
If service is terminated under our promotion, the equipment must be returned to our shop in Moriarty. This includes the radio, power supplies, and cables. If you do not wish to return the gear yourself, we charge a $155 Equipment Retrieval Fee for a professional decommission.
4. Technical & Installation
What is a “Standard Installation”?
We mount a small radio to your roof or eaves and run a single shielded cable into your home. We take pride in our “Electrical Standard” wiring—no sloppy cables hanging off your house.
What if my Wi-Fi doesn’t cover my whole property?
If you need signal in a “Dog House,” workshop, or separate garage, ask us about a Point-to-Point bridge. We can get signal anywhere you need it.
Q: What if my dog chews the cable?
A: It’s a common mountain repair! While “Acts of God” (lightning/wind) are covered by us, “Acts of Dog” are the client’s responsibility. If a puppy treats your cable like a chew toy, give the office a call—we have emergency patch cables ready for you.
“We stay until it’s fixed. Hallelujah for local service.”
Steven Grabiel, Local Owner, Operator & Network Designer