Rips Audio Video – Bringing Modern Connectivity to Rural Homes

At Xplore, we take pride in partnering with local dealers who understand the unique needs of rural communities with regards to their Internet access and Internet speed. One such partner is Rips Audio Video, a small business located in the historical uptown of Olds, Alberta. We had the pleasure of speaking with Kate, a member of their close-knit team, who shared insights into their operations and the impact of Xplore's reliable Home Internet service, including the exciting new 5G Ultra fixed wireless broadband Internet service with faster upload and download speeds.

A Day in the Life at Rips Audio Video

Kate and her colleague Marianne run the day to day at Rips Audio Video, a business dedicated to enhancing rural homes with modern entertainment and connectivity solutions. From home theaters and hot tubs to IP livestock cameras, they cater to a wide range of needs, ensuring that rural residents can enjoy the same luxuries as their urban counterparts.

"Internet is a big thing," Kate explains. "More and more rural people want to become tech-advanced, introducing new tech into their homes and businesses. We look at how to do that best for them."

The Journey of Rips Audio Video

Rips Audio Video started 45 years ago as a waterbed store. As waterbeds went out of fashion, owner Leon Durand diversified the business, adding electronics, sound systems, hot tubs, and more. Today, the store is a one-stop-shop for all things entertainment and connectivity in rural Alberta, including Xplore’s high-speed Internet service within the local coverage area.

The Importance of Local Expertise

Living and working in a rural area has its perks, including stronger connections between businesses and customers. "It's not high pressure; it's more friends talking to each other and being helpful," Kate says. Customers and subscribers appreciate having a local dealer who understands the area's unique challenges, such as forested areas and varying elevations that impact internet latency and general connectivity.

Giving Back to the Community

Rips Audio Video is deeply embedded in the local community. They support local charities, volunteer, and contribute to economic growth initiatives in uptown Olds. "Anytime someone comes in here and spends money, some part of that money finds its way into making our whole community better," Kate shares.

The Impact of Faster Internet Speeds

With the recent installation of fibre and upgraded towers with 5G in the area, customers have been thrilled with the improved internet speeds. "We hear feedback from customers saying it's making a difference," Kate notes. The launch of Xplore's 5G Ultra, offering download speeds up to 500 Mbps, is set to further enhance connectivity for rural residents and Internet users.

Why Reliable Internet Matters

Reliable internet is crucial for rural communities, touching every aspect of daily life from personal to professional activities. From online gaming to conferencing, video streaming or downloading large files, and even simply browsing and surfing the web, a stable high-speed Internet connection is a must for households in rural areas.

"We are becoming an internet-dependent society, and it's important that it is available and always upgrading," Kate emphasizes. This is especially true in their area for farmers who rely on internet-connected security cameras to monitor livestock, even in harsh winter conditions.

Rips Audio Video exemplifies the dedication and community spirit that Xplore values in its local dealers. With the introduction of 5G Ultra, they are excited to bring even faster and more reliable internet to rural homes, ensuring that residents can stay connected and enjoy the benefits of modern technology.

Xplore is a proudly Canadian-based Internet provider. For more information on 5G Ultra and other services or Internet packages click here or contact Rips Audio Video at (403) 556-6616.