Last Thursday, 11 February, users of orbitelcom.com e-mail began to experience extremely slow response times and latency on receipt and delivery of email messages. This issue was affecting customers across the United States, not just Orbitel customers, and was determined to be a result of a large number of email addresses being compromised and sending out unsolicited email. The compromised email addresses were generating a significant amount of email, which affected e-mail server performance overall. While the issue has not been resolved, teams continue to work toward a permanent resolution.

During the process of clearing out the compromised email accounts, some users may have received more than one copy of valid email.

If you are one of the few experiencing duplicate emails, please read the update provided below for root cause and a solution. Our technical support staff is prepared to assist you with this or any other internet issues you may have. Local Office 520-568-8890, 24/7 technical support 877-235-3859.

Duplicate Email Issue:

This is likely a result of selecting the option “keep messages on server”. The duplication occurs after email is downloaded because the computer/server still has to complete the transaction (marking email as downloaded). When a user tries to check the email, interrupting this process, the counters (which mark the email as downloaded) are not set properly. Therefore, the next time the email client tries to download email, it will receive all email again because it is not marked as downloaded. This is how POP works.

Unfortunately, there is no workaround for the POP protocol. In order to rectify this issue, the user should re-download all email, 1 email client (Outlook, Entourage, Outlook Express, email on your mobile device) at a time. The user should update the email client’s settings to ensure that the “automatic checking of email length” is at least 15 minutes to allow the server/client side processing to complete. The user will have to manually delete duplicate email, until the above steps are taken.

Orbitel apologizes for any inconvenience associated with this issue. Orbitel remains committed to providing the highest quality service to its customers. We thank our customers for making us aware of the problems and we are working to resolve them as soon as possible.

Coverage starts at 6pm tonight on NBC channel 12 and NBCHD 912 with ski jumping and pre game analysis. Orbitel will carry the Vancouver Games 400 hours of television coverage Feb. 12-28 on NBC (12) CNBC (52) MSNBC (53) USA (25) and in HD on NBCHD (912) CNBCHD (952) USAHD (925) and Universal HD (923).

Plus, all Orbitel Cable TV customers with at least expanded service can obtain free internet access to a special NBC website with more than 1000 hours of exclusive live and on-demand video content from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver February 12-28.

A link on the OrbitelCom.com home page will allow eligible customers to log on using their Orbitel account number, zip code and last four digits of their phone number.

This exclusive site is accessible from any computer at any location in the U.S. or its territories, and features more than 1000 hours of live event coverage with simultaneous video streams, and on-demand coverage, including full event replays, highlights, features, interviews, results, statistics, and bios. An HD-experience powered by Silverlight gives viewers the choice of a high quality full screen viewing experience unlike any on the internet today.

Orbitel hopes you enjoy this multi-platform delivery of live and HD television along with extensive live and on-demand internet content and is proud to bring Maricopa homes the very latest in technology and viewing experience.

For more information on the Vancouver Games internet access, or to order or upgrade services, please call Orbitel at 520-568-8890 or visit. www.orbitelcom.com.

Coverage starts at 6pm this Friday on NBC channel 12 and NBCHD 912 with ski jumping and pre game analysis, followed by opening ceremonies at 8pm. Orbitel will carry the Vancouver Games 400 hours of television coverage Feb. 12-28 on NBC (12) CNBC (52) MSNBC (53) USA (25) and in HD on NBCHD (912) CNBCHD (952) USAHD (925) and Universal HD (923).

Plus, all Orbitel Cable TV customers with at least expanded service can obtain free internet access to a special NBC website with more than 1000 hours of exclusive live and on-demand video content from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver February 12-28. This is accessible from any computer at any location in the U.S. or its territories, and features more than 1000 hours of live event coverage with simultaneous video streams, and on-demand coverage, including full event replays, highlights, features, interviews, results, statistics, and bios. An HD-experience powered by Silverlight gives viewers the choice of a high quality full screen viewing experience unlike any on the internet today.

A link on the orbitelcom.com home page will allow eligible customers to log on using their Orbitel account number, zip code and last four digits of their phone number.

Orbitel hopes you enjoy this multi-platform delivery of live and HD television along with extensive live and on-demand internet content and is proud to bring Maricopa homes the very latest in technology and viewing experience.

For more information on the Vancouver Games internet access, or to order or upgrade services, please call Orbitel at 520-568-8890 or visit. www.orbitelcom.com.

Orbitel has entered into an agreement to provide its customers the ability to watch via the internet this on-line coverage from NBC, announced Keith Kirkman, President and CEO of Orbitel. This is in addition to watching the games coverage on the eight cable TV networks offered by Orbitel in both standard definition and hi-definition.

Every Orbitel customer with the Expanded Cable TV package will be able to access from any computer at any location in the U.S. more than 1000 hours of live and on-demand video content, including full event replays, said Kirkman. A link on the OrbitelCom.com home page will allow eligible customers to log on using their Orbitel account number, zip code and last four digits of their phone number.

“This is a fabulous benefit to our cable TV subscribers,” Kirkman said. “Following the Vancouver Games online from any computer anywhere in the United States and its territories will be a fantastic added value experience.”

Customers who log on will have access to a special NBC Olympics website which features live event coverage with simultaneous video streams, and on-demand coverage, including full event replays, highlights, features, interviews, results, statistics, and bios. An HD-experience powered by Silverlight gives viewers the choice of a high quality full screen viewing experience unlike any on the internet today.

Orbitel will also carry the Vancouver Games 400 hours of television coverage Feb. 12-28 on NBC (12) CNBC (52) MSNBC (53) USA (25) and in HD on NBCHD (912) CNBCHD (952) USAHD (925) and Universal HD (923).

“This multi-platform delivery of live and HD television along with extensive live and on-demand internet content illustrates the commitment Orbitel has to Maricopa to bring the very latest in technology and viewing experience,” he added.

Orbitel Communications provides more than 270 channels of cable TV, internet with speeds up to 20Mbps, and unlimited calling phone service to Maricopa. For more information on the Vancouver Games internet access, or to order or upgrade services, please call Orbitel at 520-568-8890 or visit. www.orbitelcom.com.

Sue Carlisle is the wife of Bret and mother of Rylee, 9, and Kierra, 6. She has been a resident of Maricopa for five and ½ years, and is the owner of Straight to the Plate Catering. She is well known throughout Maricopa for her warm smile, willingness to help and wonderful attitude.

Carlisle has been battling a life threatening disease for the past three years. Her fight has not only been an inspiration to those in Maricopa who know her but other lives all across the country are better because of her courageous and successful battle over this disease through experimental treatment.

In spite of challenges most of us will never face, she has continued to be involved with and volunteer countless hours to our community through FOR Maricopa, Against Abuse, Santa Rosa PTO, Girl Scouts, local churches and by serving on the board of the Maricopa Education Foundation.

“It’s easy for us to give back to the community of Maricopa, because you all have given us so much,” Carlisle commented in her acceptance speech. “When Brett and I moved from Scottsdale, we wanted to live in a place like Maricopa to raise our family. We could not have gotten through the last three years without the support of everyone in Maricopa. I accept this award with pleasure and on behalf of all of you because you are all great citizens.”

The nominees for the 2010 award were Dr. John Donohue, Sue Carlisle, and Cecilia Estrada-Ashe.

The award is sponsored each year by Orbitel and is given in honor of William Arthur “Sonny” Dunn, a man who put ‘his hand to the plow’ here in Maricopa for 60 years. A successful farmer, he worked hard day in and day out, raising cotton, alfalfa, pecans and cattle. Surviving through good times and bad, seeing cotton bring all time high prices – to seeing fields covered by flood waters. He always provided for his family and was always striving to do just a little more for everyone around him.

Dunn was a member of the Rotary Club and had perfect attendance for 33 years. Through Rotary, Sonny helped build the Maricopa Swimming Pool and start Stagecoach Days. Sonny served on the Maricopa School Board including service as President. He was a member of the Arizona Historical Society, was integral in the start up and leadership of ED3, the Stanfield Irrigation District and the Maricopa Stanfield Flood Control District.

“Sonny always saw more than most and did more than he had to, to find solutions. Sonny didn’t do any of this for fortune, glory or public recognition – as Sonny would have never imagined that such an award as this would be named his honor,” Keith Kirkman, Orbitel President, said.

But that is exactly why the award bears his name. This award honors those people in Maricopa who never expect recognition for their efforts. They are everyday people who seem to be accomplishing extraordinary things while no one is looking. These people have found a way to balance putting their hand to plow, overcoming all odds, giving more to the community than anyone ever realizes and loving both their families and this community.

“It is very appropriate that each year, the Chamber of Commerce honors Sonny’s legacy by selecting one of its citizens to be named the Sonny Dunn Citizen of the Year. It is an elite class of people who meet the qualities of humanity that Sonny lived,” Kirkman said.

This year’s recipient joined past honorees: Rusty Akers and Wendy Webb.

“Someone once said that Sonny Dunn made you want to be a better person by his actions. Sue, it is by your actions that you have demonstrated that we, as individuals, can overcome all odds and give more than we ever thought possible.”

The following awards were also given at the banquet:

Business of the Year, sponsored by Headquarters Restaurant, was awarded to H & N Landscaping.

Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Anderson Palmisano Farms, was awarded to Terri Kingery.

Non-profit of the Year, sponsored by Central Arizona College, was given to the Recycling Association of Maricopa.

The Golden Spike Award sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad, for the individual or business with the longest standing Chamber membership, The Communicator.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

The Orbitel offices will be closed on Thursday November 26, 2009 in observance of Thanksgiving.  24/7 technical support personnel will continue to be available on the holiday.  Regular operations and office hours will resume on Friday November 27, 2009 at 8 am.  The staff of Orbitel wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving.

Orbitel Communications has been notified by KPNX NBC Channel 12 that they will be performing maintenance during the early morning hours on Sunday October 4^th from 1:00am to approximately 5:00am.  During this time both Orbitel channels 12 and 912 will be off the air.  Orbitel will resume NBC programming as soon as the maintenance by KPNX  has been completed.        

The service is available in all Orbitel serviceable communities in Maricopa.  Current Orbitel internet customers can call Orbitel and upgrade their service instantly.  Customers can use their existing equipment to receive the new speeds.  Installations for new Orbitel customers requesting 20Mbps service are being completed on average within one or two business days.  Orbitel 20Mbps internet is only $54.95 per month for both new and existing customers with no long term contracts and no requirements to purchase additional services.  “We wanted to make this affordable and simple for our customers,” said Kirkman.  “Other providers have very complicated and restricted pricing schemes.  We believe ‘Great Service’ means you deliver a great product for a fair price without any gimmicks or confusion,” added Kirkman.   

Orbitel’s high speed internet service is supported by the most reliable and sophisticated fiber connection to the internet.  This summer Orbitel completed the activation of a Fiber Ethernet Automatic Protected Service.  “We don’t rely upon our competitors to deliver our interconnection to the internet,” said Jerome Erickson, VP of Engineering and Technical Services for Orbitel.  “We have spent years building a fully independent self healing fiber optic interconnect into Phoenix.  This interconnection gives Orbitel the capacity to provision our customers at speeds never seen before in Maricopa with the reliability to offer service that is:  Always On, Always Fast & Always Reliable.” 

Customers who are interested in getting the fastest internet speeds at the best price with unmatched local service are encouraged to call Orbitel.  In addition to being Maricopa’s fastest and largest local internet provider, Orbitel also offers its customers analog, digital and HD cable TV and digital phone services.  Orbitel’s offices are located in the Bashas’ Shopping Center.  Customers can stop by or call Orbitel at 520-568-8890 to speak with a local customer service representative.

The local Orbitel office will be closed on Monday September 7, 2009 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.  Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday September 8, 2009.  Technical support will be available 24/7 at 877-235-3859.  The entire staff of Orbitel wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday weekend.