DEAR SUN SPOTS: Good morning! Several weeks ago you answered a question from a reader regarding the cost of cable and dish network service for television.

You said something to the effect of readers can do what Sun Spots does and install a television antenna. My questions are: Where can you get one and who can install them?

I am tired of paying for airwaves. I am also tired of the games played to get people in and then the price doubles.

The only station I actually care about is MPBN.

I am also in the market for a new phone company that deals with landline phones and an Internet provider.

If you can help, I would be very grateful. — Elizabeth Lowe, Sabattus

ANSWER: Sun Spots is fortunate in that Mr. Sun Spots is extremely handy. He took an antenna off the roof of his dad’s house that was no longer being used and mounted it high above our roof using an old windsurfing mast. Not very high tech, but it does the job of getting a signal deep in the woods.

If you are handy or have a handyman, it shouldn’t be too hard to find an old antenna no one is using. Putting it on your roof and grounding it properly so you don’t burn down your house could be a little trickier. There used to be companies that installed them, but the Yellow Pages did not reveal one in Lewiston-Auburn. Perhaps readers will be able to offer suggestions.

Another option is to buy an antenna at Best Buy or Radio Shack (according to their websites, they sell antennas, but they may not have the complete stock in the store) or other local electronics store. If you are close enough to MPBN’s signal, you might be able to use an indoor antenna.

Remember, if your TV is not digital, you will need to buy a conversion box. Again, an electronics store can help you with that.

Sun Spots suggests you visit the stores at a time of day when they are not too busy and look for an informed salesperson to help you figure out what might work for your situation. A new antenna should come with mounting instructions.

As for phone and Internet service there are several landline phone companies listed in the Yellow Pages under Telephone Companies that offer phone service and DSL. (Sun Spots cannot ethically recommend a specific one.) You can now also get DSL without paying for a landline.

The Maine Public Advocate puts out a newsletter on telephone services that should be helpful in assessing cost and service options. You can get on their mailing list by writing Public Advocate Office, 112 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0112. The website is www.Maine.gov/meopa, and you can e-mail wayne.r.jortner@maine.gov to have a question answered.

In rural areas, phone companies may not offer DSL, leaving potential customers with only a landline phone and dial-up Internet service unless cable or satellite Internet service is available. Maine’s government has been working toward providing broadband access statewide, but it will take a while.

For those who don’t want a traditional landline, there are other options. Cable companies offer broadband Internet service and a digital phone line, often referred to as VoIP (voice over Internet protocol). You may also have seen ads for Skype or other companies that offer digital phone service in some regions to those with broadband Internet service.

Internet service may also be available via satellite television companies.

Finally, there is wireless Internet service via your cell phone provider if you are in the right location. Some cell phone companies have a little gizmo you plug into your laptop that allows you to browse the Internet anywhere there’s a signal, just as you would with an iPhone or Blackberry. Very handy if you travel a lot, but not the least expensive option.

Sun Spots feels certain that many readers are shaking their heads in confusion over the new technology and plethora of choices. She suggests you take advantage of The Public Advocate newsletter and do a lot of research before you sign up for anything. Getting locked into the wrong plan is not only annoying, it can be expensive.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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