‍Happy New Year, Drumheller! The year is just about over. We made it.

Now is a time for reflection and hopeful optimism. We came a long way in 2025. As a company and a community, we did a lot of growing. And we plan to go even further over the next year.

This is also a time for making New Year’s resolutions, and hopefully ones we’ll actually follow through on. One resolution a lot of us share every January is to make our home internet feel faster, safer, and easier for everyone. Between streaming, gaming, work‑from‑home days, and smart home gear, a great connection matters as much as a good cup of coffee on a cold morning.

At Aerial Internet Solutions, we’re here to help you start fresh with practical upgrades, simple fixes, and local support that understands rural Alberta life. Think fewer buffering circles, better Wi‑Fi coverage in every room, and security that keeps your family safe from online nasties. Let’s dive into what you can do to reset and improve your connectivity in 2026.

Why Your Home Internet Should Get a “New Year Reset”

The holidays are fun, but they’re also a stress test for your internet. Family visits, new devices, those Boxing Week streaming binges, and everyone trying out their shiny smart gadgets all at once can expose a few weak spots. If you noticed any of these over the break, you’re not alone:

• Wi‑Fi dead zones in basements, garages, or additions
• Buffering during the big game or movie night
• Video calls cutting out for remote work or online classes
• Smart devices dropping off the network at random

Good news, Drumheller: most of this is fixable with a bit of housekeeping and the right equipment, even in rural setups. And you don’t have to be super techy to get real results.

Quick Wins You Can Do This Weekend

Start 2026 strong with a few low‑effort upgrades:

a) Reposition your router

Routers tucked behind TVs or inside entertainment centres struggle. Move yours to a central, open spot, ideally on a shelf above waist height. If you’re in a multi‑storey home, aim for the main floor, closer to the middle of the house.

b) Update firmware and passwords

Your router and connected devices need updates, just like your phone. Log into the router, apply updates, and refresh your Wi‑Fi password. Choose a strong passphrase and avoid using your address or a pet’s name.

If you’re on our rental program, you don’t need to worry about updates; we’ve got you covered! But if you’d like to change your Wi-Fi password, give us a call!

c) Separate streaming and work profiles

If your router supports it, create a “guest” network for streaming devices or visitors. It reduces congestion, and helps keep your main network clean.

d) Restart the network cleanly

Power down the modem, router, and mesh nodes. Wait 30 seconds, then power up in this order: modem, router, mesh nodes. It clears glitches that build up over time.

e) Check your Wi‑Fi channels

Neighbouring networks, even in quiet areas like Rosedale or Wayne, can overlap. Switching channels or bands can improve speeds. If this sounds complicated, we can help with setup.

The Best Upgrade for Drumheller Homes: Mesh Wi‑Fi

Traditional routers have a limited reach. Walls, floors, and big appliances block signals, especially in larger homes or properties with additions, shops, or detached garages. That’s where mesh Wi‑Fi shines. Instead of one router trying to push signal everywhere, a mesh system uses multiple nodes placed around your home that work together to create a smooth Wi‑Fi blanket.

What you get with mesh Wi‑Fi:

• Whole‑home coverage across basements, bedrooms, and workshops
• Smoother streaming without buffering during peak hours
• Better speeds in rooms that used to be dead zones
• Automatic steering to the closest node for each device
• Easy expansion if you add new spaces or smart gear

If your family is running smart cameras around your property, someone’s gaming in the basement, someone else is streaming in the living room, and you’re working from a home office upstairs, a mesh setup ties it all together without fuss.

Good news: Aerial Internet Solutions can supply the equipment and set up mesh Wi‑Fi for you through our Advanced Rental Program. You get pro‑installed hardware that’s tuned for your space, plus ongoing support. No guesswork, no hunting for the “right” model online, and no stress.

Make Streaming Nights Better in 2026

We all love those cozy winter evenings with a good series or a movie marathon. Here’s how to get smooth, consistent streaming without arguments over who’s hogging the Wi‑Fi.

• Connect TVs with Ethernet when possible
  If your living room or media room has a router or mesh node nearby, a simple cable removes Wi‑Fi interference completely.
  
• Use the right Wi‑Fi band
  Smart TVs and newer devices often prefer 5 GHz for speed. Older devices may be happier on 2.4 GHz, which reaches farther through walls.
  
• Close background apps on phones and tablets
  Downloads, cloud backups, or game updates eat bandwidth quietly. Pause them during the big game or premiere.
  
• Upgrade to a plan that fits your household
  If four people stream in HD at the same time, plus smart cameras and a work laptop, it may be time to adjust your plan. We can help you right‑size it with a free two-week trial, so your home feels fast, not just on paper.

Smart Home Without the Headaches

Thermostats, cameras, speakers, garage door openers—smart devices are everywhere. Keep them reliable with these tips:

• Use a mesh system for reach
  Detached garages, backyard cameras, or long bungalows are classic mesh‑friendly layouts.
  
• Group smart devices on a dedicated network
  Having separate networks for guests and smart devices keeps them from slowing down your main devices.
  
• Label devices clearly
  Name devices by room and type, like “Kitchen‑Speaker,” “Shop‑Camera,” or “Bedroom‑Lamp.” It makes troubleshooting faster.
  
• Set monthly reminders
  Quick checkups for updates, battery replacements, and signal strength can prevent surprise outages.

New Year Cybersecurity Resolutions

Rural internet users in the Drumheller area deal with the same online threats as big city folks, and scammers know how to target busy families and small businesses. Make these resolutions part of your start to 2026:

• Use multi‑factor authentication
  Turn on MFA wherever possible. It’s the easiest way to block account takeovers.
  
• Beware of “urgent” messages
  If an email or text demands immediate action, pause and verify. Don’t click links from unknown senders. Call the company using the number on their official website.
  
• Update all devices
  Phones, laptops, TVs, and smart gadgets need updates. Don’t skip them, even if they pop up at inconvenient times.
  
• Secure your router login
  Change default credentials, and store them in a password manager.
  
• Consider VoIP security
  If you use voice services, make sure accounts are protected with strong passwords and MFA. We can help with secure VoIP setups as an add‑on to your plan.

If you’re ever unsure, reach out. We’re local, and happy to walk you through best practices or help you lock things down.

Work‑From‑Home and School‑From‑Home Without Stress

Plenty of folks around Drumheller work remote, take online courses, or run home‑based businesses. Solid internet makes a difference when you’re on a deadline or joining a virtual meeting.

• Separate work and home networks
  If your router supports VLANs or multiple SSIDs, use a dedicated network for work devices. It improves performance and security.
  
• Mesh Wi‑Fi for reliable coverage
  If your office is in a back room or basement, mesh nodes can eliminate drops and packet loss.
  
• Use wired connections for critical tasks
  Ethernet is still the king for reliability. If your desk is close to a node, run a cable, and you’ll feel the difference.
  
• Schedule heavy tasks
  Backups and large downloads are best done overnight, when fewer people are online.

Your 2026 Internet Checklist

If you only do a few things this January, try these:

1. Audit your devices
   Count what’s on your network, including TVs, cameras, consoles, printers, and smart home gadgets. It helps with plan sizing.
2. Refresh passwords and updates
   Change Wi‑Fi and device passwords, and apply firmware updates.
3. Fix Wi‑Fi coverage
   If you have dead zones, a mesh system is your fastest fix.
4. Right‑size your plan
   Make sure your internet plan matches how your family uses it, including evenings and weekends.
5. Add security layers
   Turn on MFA, set up a guest network, and consider VoIP security if you use voice services.
6. Call local support
   Get help from a team that knows Drumheller homes, farm properties, and rural realities.

How Aerial Internet Solutions Helps Locally

We’re more than just a residential internet provider. We’re your neighbours, and we focus on making technology simple and helpful for families in Drumheller and surrounding communities.

• Unlimited plans designed for streaming, gaming, and smart homes
• Local support from people who understand rural layouts and real‑world Wi‑Fi needs
• Advanced Rental Program for mesh Wi‑Fi, including equipment, professional setup, and ongoing support
• VoIP add‑ons with guidance on security and reliability
• Straightforward upgrades when your home needs more bandwidth or better coverage

If you’d like hands‑on help, we can come out, map your space, recommend node placements, and get you running smoothly. No tech jargon, no guesswork.

Fun New Year Resolutions for Tech‑Friendly Homes

Want to make it playful? Try a few of these:

• “Movie nights without buffering” is the family motto.
• The basement is officially a Wi‑Fi zone.
• Everyone learns what a mesh node is, and no one hides the router behind the fish tank.
• Passwords get upgraded to phrases we’ll actually remember.
• We all stop clicking mystery links and emails promising free gift cards.
• The garage camera gets a solid connection, even in January.
• Ethernet becomes cool again, especially for game consoles.

Get Started Today

Ready to make your home internet feel new again? We’ll help you choose the right plan, install mesh Wi‑Fi through our Advanced Rental Program, secure your network, and set up smart devices properly. No matter where you are in the valley or surrounding communities, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s make 2026 the year your home feels faster, safer, and easier.

Contact Aerial Internet Solutions to book a quick consult, upgrade your plan, or ask about our mesh Wi‑Fi setup. We’re here to help.