In a February 2010 issue of the Millstadt Messenger, “The Senior Moment” column by Tori Salladay pointed out the benefits of Internet for seniors. Online connectivity provides the following benefits for the elderly

- Reduced Depression
- Improved Socialization
- Increased Mental Activity

The Millstadt Messenger article offered these suggestions for introducing older generations to the Internet:

Patience. Remember that computers have really become accessible in the last 30 years, so they are not intuitive to older generations who have functioned quite well without them.

Shortcuts. Think of things they need to know, such as hit “Ctrl” and “+” to increase font size on a PC. The “-“ makes text smaller. On a Mac, substitute the “Apple” key for the “Ctrl” key for the same function.

Details. Key things seniors need to know is how to use the Internet and how to check and send email. Don’t forget to teach other details, such as attaching a photo or a document.

Interact. Once you’ve set them up on the Internet, make it fun for them. Send messages and photos. And, continue to teach your older loved ones more ways that the Internet can benefit them.

Smiles. Enjoy the excitement with them as they learn to expand their social circle and interact more personally with grandkids.

Read the whole article.

In most critical situations, local phone service remains the most reliable and trusted form of communication. Landline phone is protection you can trust. A small child can more easily learn to dial 911 on a landline as opposed to your smart phone. During a storm, HTC’s generators keep your landline telephone operating. Plus, most home security systems continue to connect with emergency service providers through landline telephone service.

If you still have a dial-up connection, then you are aware of the nuisances – slow connectivity and lengthy downloads. Upgrading to a higher speed provides the following:

1. Quick music downloads
2. Faster gaming
3. Improved connectivity
4. Faster e-mailing and photo sharing
5. Faster photo downloads
6. Improved YouTube and other video feeds

ExpressNet DSL comes in a variety of speeds catered to a range of needs. Our Intro tier is the most versatile for everyday online shopping, Facebooking, photo sharing and emailing. Advanced gaming and video fans should consider higher speeds as should businesses apt to sharing large art files or extensive document sharing.

If you need assistance finding the perfect DSL speed for your needs, just contact a local HTC customer representative at 618.939.6112

At the end of the year, most businesses are starting to take an analytic view of the years expenses and searching for extra ways to trim costs. One excellent solution is to bundle your telecommunication needs with HTC. Not only have we offered reliable telephone service since 1896, but HTC continues to expand its telecommunication products offering advanced Internet and state-of-the-art television services. Consider these benefits:

1. Local customer service representatives
2. No contract
3. Smaller coverage area for fast repairs
4. Bundling plans catered to business needs
5. High-speed Internet connectivity

Learn more by visiting the Business section of our Web site.

When it counts, would emergency responders know where to find you? Even as modern technology advances, landline telephone remains an essential connection for most reliable home security and emergency response systems. Pinpoint 911 provides precise location information as opposed to mobile technology that directs EMT and Police to within 300 feet of your exact location. If you are in a multi-family residential unit such as a condo or an apartment, this could be a lot of doors to check…and in an emergency every second counts. Basic land line plans start under $26.89 per month – a cost effective and reliable solution to have on hand.

Local telecommunications leader, Harrisonville Telephone Company (HTC), has released a new look for its Web site, www.htc.net. The site features video introductions of HTC’s stable of telecommunications services, as well as new functionality.

“As with our new Ultimate Entertainment service, our new Web site lets our customers know we’re a leader in telecommunication services,” said H.R. Gentsch, HTC president and CEO. “We’re reinforcing the fact that HTC stands at the forefront of mobile, household and business technology being offered in the St. Louis metropolitan area.”

Upon entering the site, visitors are greeted by a hostess who provides an overview to the site and HTC’s services. Visitors also have the option to receive a guided tour of the site and/or skip the introduction to make the site flexible based on each visitor’s needs.

Customer service remains a focal point of the new site design. The top of the site includes support and contact information, as well as access to HTC’s online telephone directory – a new service introduced in 2009. Visitors can also view pricing options for bundled packages and view the latest mobile phone offerings.

“It’s something we’re excited about,” said Gentsch. “We hope local residents take a moment to visit us www.htc.net and we look forward to using the site to better stay in touch with our customer base.”