FAQs
You mentioned a $4.17 savings per home per month. Will I get a refund or cost reduction?
No The savings will be used towards other expenses in Spanish Wells. The 2024 budget will reflect the savings in your assessment.
Will I lose any of the programming on my existing channels?
Yes, a copy of the channel comparisons is available on this website. One example is CW (CH6). It will be available on a limited basis in the morning due to their contract with their carrier. The current music channels will no longer be available. You will have to load an app on your device and use a service such as Pandora. Hogans Heros will not be available.
If I'm having issues with DirecTV, who do I call?
You will call Summit as you do today. If the technician determines it’s a DirecTV issue, they will transfer you directly to DirecTV
When does the contract expire with Summit?
December 2028
What is a network extender?
It’s a device that strengthens the signal throughout your home minimizing any weak or dead areas
You mentioned that we could take the DirecTV box with us when we leave for the summer. Are there any limitations?
Yes The zip codes can be changed up to 4 times a year. You will receive local channels based on your zip code
Has the board authorized this change?
No When the Town Hall meeting are complete, a questionnaire will be sent to all residents regarding this potential change. The board will then make a decision.
Can Spanish Wells negotiate directly with the DirecTV distributor?
No The contract is between Summit and the distributor.
How many programs can I record on the DirecTV Cloud?
There is no limitation
How long do my recordings stay on the DirecTV Cloud?
9 months
Is there a possibility we could get a free 3rd DirecTV box?
We will see if that is possible. The original proposal was for one box and no network extender. We have been able to get those added. However, since you can use a Smart TV and get the signal directly, it may be difficult, but we will ask.
Is Ala Carte programming available.
No Only for the extra premium channels that are not part of the package.
Can I keep Summit Cable?
No, once the conversion is done or a residence is converted, Summit Cable will no longer be available.
If we don’t convert now what happens in 2029?
SWCA will have to negotiate for a new provider at that time. The physical fiber will be owned by Summit. We would possibly have to negotiate to buy the exiting fiber, replace the fiber with another provider and look into a new bundled information provider. There would be a possibility that each homeowner would have to negotiate their own information provider.
Running an in-home speed test results.
There is some confusion as to how fast our current internet speed is. The only true test is to measure the speed on a directly connect device. Anytime you use a WIFI device, you will not see the maximum speed for numerous reasons.
Will we still have our 2 community channels?
No They will not be available
Smart TV Remote Controllers
Most Smart TVs have a very simple remoter controller. There is no keypad. Initially you will have to scroll through the Guide and create Favorites.
Are there other communities in SWFL that use Summit and are going through the same conversion?
There are at least two that we know of. Based on limited information, they have agreed to the conversion and they are converting now.
Will I still have Netflix, Prims, HULU, etc.?
Yes you will see no changes. However, with the increased internet speeds you could see less buffering or pixelation.
Can I buy an additional DirecTV box and / or remote controller?
Yes Residents can purchase boxes by going into their DTV account and add device(s) under the device management tab. They can purchase it with the $120 up front or they can do a finance option for $10/month for 12 months.
What happens if the internet goes down?
You will not have any internet or Streaming Services.
Will this change my Summit Phone Service?
No
If approved, how will the conversion take place?
Summit will create installation teams and a system use to schedule the in-home installation. Spanish Wells will have 6 months to complete the conversion.
What if we really do nothing and leave Summit “as is”?
Starting in mid-2028, SWCA will need to negotiate for internet services. This could include Summit or we could look for a fiber replacement which may be cost prohibitive. As for programming, we would have to either look for a bundled solution for Spanish Wells or let every homeowner negotiate their own streaming service.
If DirecTV uses a Satellite Dish, will rain impact our service?
DirecTV does not use a satellite dish. Everything is "in-ground" fiber based. Rain will not cause a disruption. However, if there is a major storm that disrupts electrical power you would lose all services.
If a homeowner currently has a premium channel they are paying Summit like StarZ or Encore, who will they pay if they want to continue to receive these premium channels?
They will pay DirecTV
Are existing MESH networks compatible with the new WIFI 6 Modem/Router?
Yes
Can channels be blocked? Are there "parental Controls"?
Yes
How many shows can be recorded at one time?
You can records 30 things at one time.
Can each resident decide what streaming service they want?
Other than DirecTV, you can choose what streaming services you want to pay for.
Please discuss WIFI Security
You WIFI Router/Modem has a user ID and password. Keep them secure and use a strong password.
Can individuals stay with Summit if the community decides to switch to DirecTV?
No The contract is for all of Spanish Wells
How long will costs remain in place?
The proposed contract is through December 2030. It's possible that specific channels may be dropped due to DirecTV negotiations with their suppliers. The contract includes an annual escalation in costs for Summit and DirecTV
Who do I speak to within the community if I want Spanish Wells to change?
You sub association board member. They can be found on the spanishwellscommunity.com website
What is Summit guaranteeing for a level of internet connectivity?
There is no guarantee. There is a clause in the contract if there is a community wide outage.
If we do not change will we still get improved internet?
No
Is DirecTV firm in the proposed Contract and Pricing?
Yes We have negotiated for additional hardware, premium channels and increased speed.
Would there be a cost savings if we removed the premium channels?
No The proposed contract is based on a "package" solution which includes the premium channels.
Will Summit have any issues with the increase in streaming network traffic?
Summit network engineers are constantly monitoring their network performance. They can make some adjustments to balance the traffic. This is an industry wide requirement.
When recording, can you request to record only 1st run shows???
Yes, but the method you use to setup the series determines how it records. Using search will setup the default recordings of all channels,reruns and On Demand regardless of how you setup the DVR this is for binge watchers. Using the guide to find the program then pressing the record button twice sets up series per how you set up the DVR. Sometimes the content providers will not provide the correct air date or the air date to the guide makers so the DVR will record it.