Laguna Woods Village Ting Fiber Internet: 2027 Costs, DIRECTV, Installation and TV6

by Raymond Denton

Recently, several people researching a move to Laguna Woods Village have found my website and reached out with questions about the transition to Ting fiber internet. Most want to know how much the new service will cost, how installation works, and what will happen to the Village's existing internet and television services.

With important deadlines approaching, I thought it would be helpful to put together a guide for both current residents and those considering a move to Laguna Woods Village. I'll explain what's changing, compare the old and new costs, and answer some of the questions people have been asking.

Who Is Ting Internet, and Why Is Laguna Woods Village Switching?

Ting Internet is an established American internet service provider specializing in high-speed fiber-optic internet. The company is part of Tucows Inc., a publicly traded technology company.

The Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) approved an agreement with Ting to replace the Village's aging internet infrastructure. At the same time, the Village is transitioning from its traditional cable television system to DIRECTV Stream.

The existing cable system has become increasingly expensive to maintain, and much of the equipment is aging.

Fiber-optic technology transmits information using light through fiber cables rather than the older coaxial cable system.

Ting's new network offers internet speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps (2 gigabits per second) for both downloading and uploading. That's considerably faster than the internet service previously available in Laguna Woods Village.

How Much Will Ting Internet and DIRECTV Cost in 2027?

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Village's monthly HOA assessments will include two services:

Ting fiber internet: $40 per month
DIRECTV Stream television: $25 per month

Total: $65 per month

The $65 covers the standard internet and television package, including the necessary equipment.

Residents will not receive a separate monthly bill from Ting for the standard Village service. Instead, the service costs will be included in their HOA assessments.

Both services are being provided without the new monthly service charges through December 2026.

Can Residents Opt Out?

The new internet and television services are part of a community-wide arrangement.

The Village does not advertise an option to reduce an owner's monthly assessment by declining the standard Ting and DIRECTV package.

Residents can choose to watch television through other streaming services, but the Village's existing cable television service is being discontinued.

How Do the New Costs Compare With West Coast Internet?

One of the primary reasons for the transition is to provide significantly faster internet and updated television programming at a more economical overall cost.

Under the previous arrangement, residents purchased their internet service separately through West Coast Internet.

Here are West Coast Internet's published 2026 monthly rates:

65 Mbps: $36.50 per month
125 Mbps: $45.00 per month
250 Mbps: $56.50 per month
500 Mbps: $75.00 per month

New Ting fiber internet: Up to 2,000 Mbps for $40 per month

These prices are for internet service only. The new $65 monthly HOA package includes $40 for Ting fiber internet and an additional $25 for DIRECTV Stream television service.

For residents currently paying $45, $56.50 or $75 per month for West Coast Internet, Ting's $40 internet service costs less.

Even residents on West Coast Internet's least expensive $36.50 plan will receive access to considerably faster internet for just $3.50 more per month for the internet portion.

Ting also provides upload speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps, compared with West Coast Internet's advertised upload speeds of 5 to 25 Mbps, depending on the plan.

Actual internet speeds may vary depending on equipment, Wi-Fi conditions and other factors.

What About the Television Charges Residents Already Pay?

This is where comparing the complete service and equipment costs becomes particularly interesting.

Under the old system, residents already paid for basic television programming through their HOA assessments. Some also paid monthly rental fees for cable television boxes.

In June 2025, GRF published a comparison of the estimated average monthly service and equipment costs.

Previous System — Estimated Monthly Average

Internet service: $40.95
Basic television included in HOA assessments: $29.60
Television equipment rentals: $14.84

Total: $85.39 per month

New System — Beginning January 2027

Ting fiber internet: $40.00
DIRECTV Stream television: $25.00
Equipment rentals: $0.00

Total: $65.00 per month

Based on those figures, the new internet, television and equipment package represents a projected difference of $20.39 per month, or $244.68 annually.

These figures come from GRF's June 2025 comparison of service and equipment expenses. They are estimates, not guaranteed savings for every resident or a comparison of complete HOA assessments.

Residents who previously subscribed to more expensive internet plans or rented multiple television boxes may experience greater savings.

On the other hand, residents who never subscribed to internet service or rented television equipment may not see a reduction in their overall expenses.

The important point is that the new $65 package replaces existing internet and television expenses rather than simply adding $65 to everything residents already pay.

What Is DIRECTV Stream, and What's Included?

DIRECTV Stream replaces the Village's existing cable television service.

Instead of receiving programming through the older coaxial cable network, residents receive television programming through their new internet connection.

The Village's standard DIRECTV package includes:

More than 90 television channels, including local broadcast stations.
HBO Max, ad-free.
Paramount+ with Showtime, ad-free.
DVR features for recording television programs.
Two DIRECTV Gemini streaming devices with voice remotes.

Residents who want additional DIRECTV programming packages can purchase them separately.

Residents can also continue watching Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services using their new Ting internet connection. However, those services are not included in the Village's $65 package and require separate subscriptions.

One thing worth checking: Because HBO Max and Paramount+ with Showtime are included in the Village's DIRECTV package, residents who already pay for these services separately should review their subscriptions to avoid unnecessary duplicate charges.

What Is a DIRECTV Gemini Box?

A Gemini box is a small streaming device that connects to your television and replaces the old cable television box.

Rather than receiving programs through a cable connection, Gemini uses the internet.

The device connects to your television through an HDMI cable and includes a remote control.

Residents can use the remote to:

Change television channels.
Access the program guide.
Search for programs using voice commands.
Watch recorded or on-demand programs.
Open compatible streaming applications.

The Village's DIRECTV package includes two Gemini devices with voice remotes at no additional equipment rental charge.

No satellite dish is required.

Residents with compatible smart televisions may also watch DIRECTV through its app without using a Gemini device.

For residents who are accustomed to traditional cable television, Gemini provides a familiar way to watch television using a remote control.

What Happens to Village Television on Channel 6?

This is another important change, especially for longtime Laguna Woods Village residents.

For more than 60 years, Village Television, commonly known as TV6, has provided programming specifically for Laguna Woods Village.

Its broadcasts include Village news, board meetings, community activities, entertainment, fitness programs and other local information.

Village Television is not going away. However, residents will no longer be able to watch it simply by tuning their televisions to Channel 6 through the old cable system.

TV6 will not be included as a regular channel in the new DIRECTV lineup.

Fortunately, residents will still have several ways to watch.

How Can Residents Watch Village Television?

1. Through the Village Television App

The free Village Television app is available on compatible smart televisions and streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV and DIRECTV Gemini boxes.

The Village confirmed on November 5, 2026, that the app is available on compatible DIRECTV Gemini devices.

Residents can open the app store on their device, search for "Village Television," and install the app.

This means residents using Gemini for DIRECTV can also use the same device to watch Village Television.

2. Through the Village Website

Residents can watch live programming directly through the official Village Television website.

3. Through YouTube

Recorded programs are available through the Village Television YouTube channel, allowing residents to watch local programming whenever convenient.

The important distinction is that TV6 will continue broadcasting. Only the way residents access it is changing.

How Does the Ting Fiber Installation Work?

Ting fiber installation is taking place throughout Laguna Woods Village in stages. Each neighborhood's schedule depends on construction progress, so residents should follow the installation information sent directly to them.

How Will Residents Know When Installation Is Scheduled?

Ting contacts residents by email, text or telephone as their installation approaches. The Village's installation guide describes notices approximately 60 and 30 days before an appointment, followed by reminders at 21 days, three days and one day. Actual timing may depend on the installation schedule.

Ting scheduling calls and text messages come from 714-263-1826. Residents should also make sure their contact information is current with Village Resident Services.

How Should Residents Prepare for the Technician?

The Village recommends a few simple steps before the appointment:

Clear a space near your current modem or Wi-Fi router so the technician can access the area easily.
Make sure an electrical outlet is available nearby for the new equipment.
Choose two wireless devices you'd like connected, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop, and have them ready for the technician.
Leave your existing internet service connected until the Ting installation is completed and tested. There's no need to disconnect West Coast Internet beforehand.

What Happens During the Installation Appointment?

The technician will examine the existing setup, install and activate the Ting fiber equipment and eero Wi-Fi router, and help connect two wireless devices to the new network. The technician will also provide or explain the Wi-Fi network name and password and confirm the new internet connection is working before leaving.

Standard Ting fiber installation and the required internet equipment are included at no additional charge. Residents can ask the technician questions about the router and Wi-Fi connection during the visit. Setting up DIRECTV's Gemini television equipment is a separate step, with instructions and assistance available from DIRECTV.

Residents are encouraged to schedule their appointment when contacted rather than waiting until the end of the year. For further details, read the Village's step-by-step Ting installation guide or visit the Ting Laguna Woods Village information page.

What Are the Deadlines for Switching?

There are two important dates residents should be aware of.

November 30, 2026 — Existing Cable Television Service Ends

The Village's traditional cable television programming will be discontinued.

Residents who want to continue watching television through the Village's new DIRECTV service should complete their transition before this deadline.

December 31, 2026 — West Coast Internet Service Ends

West Coast Internet service will be discontinued throughout Laguna Woods Village.

Residents should have their Ting internet service installed and working before this deadline to avoid an interruption.

The new $65 monthly HOA service charge begins in January 2027.

When Should Residents Cancel West Coast Internet?

Residents should continue using and paying for West Coast Internet until their Ting fiber connection is installed and operating properly.

Once Ting is working, residents can contact West Coast Internet to cancel their existing internet subscription.

There is one important consideration for residents using email addresses ending in comline.com or fea.net.

Those residents should contact West Coast Internet at 949-487-3300 to discuss their options for retaining their email accounts before canceling service.

Residents using independent email services such as Gmail or Yahoo generally will not need to change their email addresses.

What Should Residents Do With Their Old Cable Television Boxes?

Residents do not need to contact Village Broadband Services to cancel their old cable television programming or television box rentals. Those services will be canceled automatically when the old system ends.

The Village has established an optional equipment drop-off location outside the rear double doors of the Community Center at 24351 El Toro Road.

Residents with working DIRECTV service may drop off their old Broadband boxes, remotes and power cords.

Returning the equipment is optional, and the Village has stated that residents will not be charged for keeping it.

Where Can Residents Get Free Help With Ting and DIRECTV?

For residents who aren't comfortable installing or using new technology, help is available.

One particularly valuable resource is the Laguna Woods Village PC Club, also commonly known as the Computer Club.

Laguna Woods Village PC Club

The PC Club provides free computer assistance to residents through its workshop on the third floor of the Community Center.

Volunteers help residents with computer questions, internet connections, email, software and other technology issues.

The club also provides educational resources and classes covering the Ting and DIRECTV transition.

PC Club Workshop

Location: Community Center, third floor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Telephone: 949-268-2262

No appointment is required for the workshop.

Additional information is available at The PC Club of Laguna Woods.

Laguna Woods Village Mac Club

The Mac Club is another valuable resource for residents learning to use the new television service.

DIRECTV representatives are available at the Mac Club on the third floor of the Community Center, Monday through Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

Residents can get help with DIRECTV accounts, equipment setup and understanding the new streaming service.

What About In-Home Assistance?

Standard Ting fiber installation and equipment are included at no additional charge.

Residents who need additional help setting up DIRECTV, connecting other devices or learning to use their equipment can contact DIRECTV support or take advantage of the clubs' resources.

Optional paid in-home assistance is also available through Village Broadband Services and independent R.I.S.E. contractors.

R.I.S.E. stands for Resident Internet Support Experts. These independent contractors offer personalized technical help inside residents' homes.

The PC Club provides information about these contractors, but they operate independently and charge for their services.

Residents should confirm the cost before arranging an in-home appointment.

Ting and DIRECTV Help Day — December 1, 2026

The Village has scheduled a special Help Day for residents who have not yet received service or whose Ting internet is not working.

Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Time: 8 a.m. to noon

Location: Performing Arts Center

To help serve residents efficiently, the Village has established different arrival times based on gate numbers.

Residents should bring their manor number, the email address associated with their Ting account, and any DIRECTV receiver or remote they need assistance with.

The event is intended for residents who still need installation appointments, DIRECTV accounts or assistance resolving connection problems—not those whose services are already working.

More information, including assigned arrival times, is available in the Village's November 5 Help Day announcement.

Who Should Residents Contact for Assistance?

Ting Installation Scheduling

714-263-1826

Ting Internet Technical Support

844-846-4994

DIRECTV Setup, Programming and Technical Support

866-258-8766

Village Resident Services — Contact Information and HOA Questions

949-597-4600

West Coast Internet — Existing Service and Email Accounts

949-487-3300

Residents experiencing internet problems should contact Ting first. If the internet connection is working but DIRECTV is not, DIRECTV support is the appropriate starting point.

What Does the Fiber Internet Upgrade Mean for Laguna Woods Village Homebuyers?

For buyers considering Laguna Woods Village, the fiber internet project represents a major modernization of the community's infrastructure.

High-speed internet has become increasingly important for staying connected with family, video calling, streaming television, accessing online services and working remotely.

The new fiber network provides substantially faster internet speeds than the Village's previous system.

For buyers purchasing a home during the transition, I recommend confirming that the fiber installation has been completed and that the internet connection is operational.

It's also important for prospective buyers to understand that the standard internet and television services are included in the Village's monthly HOA assessments rather than purchased as separate subscriptions.

This is another consideration when comparing the costs of living in Laguna Woods Village with other Orange County 55+ communities.

My Thoughts on the Transition

The move to Ting fiber internet and DIRECTV represents a significant change for Laguna Woods Village.

The substantially faster internet connection, elimination of television equipment rental charges and potential savings are meaningful benefits.

However, I can understand why residents have questions, particularly those who have used the same cable television system for years and are now being introduced to streaming technology.

The change to Village Television is another important detail, since many residents depend on TV6 for community news and information.

Fortunately, the Village's PC and Mac Clubs are helping residents understand the new services, and free educational assistance is available.

With the transition approaching its final deadlines, residents should make sure their installation appointments are scheduled, their existing email accounts are addressed, and their new television equipment is ready to use.