Wheat State's Hello Central Summer 2017

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Cornerstone Group © 2017
Wheat State Telephone • 1/800 442-6835 •
Quick! Take an Internet Speed Test!
Older Americans
Month is in May
The Administration on Aging has
announced that the 2017 theme for
Older American’s Month is “Age
Out Loud.” This theme is intended
to give aging a new voice—one that
reflects what today’s older adults
have to say about aging.
More than ever before, older
Americans are working longer, trying
new things, and engaging in their
communities. They’re taking charge,
striving for wellness, focusing on
independence, and advocating for
themselves and others. They expect
to continue to live their lives to
the fullest, and they’re insisting on
changes that make that possible.
Technology is playing a big role in
enhancing the lives of older Ameri-
cans, and Wheat State Telephone
is pleased to be part of this. We
offer internet, phone, TV, and other
services along with helpful local
employees to make selecting and
using new technology easier.
To learn more, stop by our
office or call 1/800 442-6835.
If your internet connection doesn’t seem to be as fast as you’d like,
we have a quick tip: Before you call the Wheat State Telephone
office, check your current download and upload speeds using one
or more of these websites:
Space out the speed tests over a few days, and at varying times of day, to get an accurate
measure of your internet connection. You’ll note that most of the focus of these tests is on
download speed, which is key to activities such as streaming video. But upload speed can
also be important if you share a lot of photos/videos or play online games. Remember, the
number of Mbps listed when you sign up for most internet plans are “up to” speeds and
cannot be guaranteed.
Once you know the current internet speeds at your home, call us at
1/800 442-6835 to talk about next steps. You may have issues to
address such as an outdated or poorly located router. Or it might be
time to sign up for one of our internet plans with faster speeds.
In an Emergency,
Could Your Child
Find the Phone?
Picture this: An emergency happens in
your home—let’s say you’re choking or
having another medical crisis—and your
young child needs to call 911. If there’s
no landline, your child will have to
locate your cell phone (which could be
anywhere), unlock it, enter a passcode
or tap on the word “Emergency,” find
the phone icon, get to the keypad, enter
911, and then tap on Call or Send. That’s
a long list of steps for a child, especially
during the stress of an emergency.
By contrast, when there’s a landline, your child can get to it without searching. Calling
is also easier, since he or she just needs to pick up the receiver and punch in 911. Even
if your child can’t give your address, a landline enables the 911 dispatcher to quickly
locate your exact location.
Call 1/800 442-6835 for details on our low-cost landline service.