Understanding Atlas Networks & DirecTV Television Billing

The following Q&A will answer common questions and concerns about Suncadia television billing and contact information. If your specific question is not addressed here, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Q: Who does my bill come from from for TV service?
A: Atlas partnered with DirecTV to provide the channel content for the network. You will receive a bill from Atlas Networks for $69.95 for your monthly TV package. Pursuant to DirecTV requirements, you will receive a bill for each Set Top Box monthly lease directly from DirecTV. This bill will be mailed to

Q: What happens if the power goes out at my house? Can I still call 911?
A: Yes. Installed at every home is a UPS (Uninterpretable Power Supply), or battery backup, that keeps the electronics powered that run the fiber connection and telephones for up to 6 hours. The operating time of the battery varies based on the age of the battery, temperature, and usage while running on battery.The electronics at your home are programmed to drop service to your internet and television connection to conserve power for the phones.

Q: VoIP Phones work by having an internet connection, what happens if the internet connection at Suncadia fails?
A: It is true that VoIP phones all work via the internet. If the fiber optic connection at Suncadia fails, phones and the internet will go down. However, because Atlas installed its VoIP equipment locally at Suncadia, you would still be able to make calls to other Suncadia homes - and eventually Suncadia Security. Currently, there is only one route out on Qwests network from the Cle Elum area and this creates a single point of failure. Atlas is evaluating a backup satellite connection but we have not done a feasibility study at this time. Our approximate ETA, assuming a satellite backup is feasible, would be to begin an installation towards the end of 2010.

Q: Specific to the Suncadia network, what is the difference between Atlas Networks VoIP, a company like Vonage VoIP, and having service from a traditional telephone company outside of Suncadia?
A: The answer to this is multi-part. Suncadia uses a Fiber To The Home network, meaning there is no copper wiring between the Network Operations Center (aka Central Office) and your home. Without the copper wiring, traditional phone service can't work. Therefore, VoIP phone technology is required just to deliver phone service. The difference between a company like Vonage and Atlas is pretty distinct. Atlas Networks' telephone platform for Suncadia actually resides in the NOC (Network Operations Center) at Suncadia and then forwards your calls via our Seattle data center to the telephone network. If you were to use a company like Vonage, your VoIP call has to travel not just across the Suncadia network, but then across the public internet before it reaches the Vonage platform. In essence, Atlas's equipment is what we call "on network" and therefore providing a more reliable higher quality service than an "off network" VoIP provider.