My business partner and I have several businesses out of state and recently relocated here. One of them is an Internet Service Provider. We would like some feedback on the current situation with internet providers.
We have only come across Comcast and AT&T providing internet here. Is there anyone else? How would you rate their speeds and customer service? Do you have to sign a contract? With only two major companies in the market how would you rate their pricing?
I am not trying to solicit (we are not even in business here yet), I just need to know what the general situation is here.
They're both good in terms of the quality of service, I have one at work and the other at home, both work fine. The big gripe is that in Jacksonville we seem to pay double or triple what people are paying in other markets for internet when there's more competition in the market. As you've noted, we only have the two providers, and IMHO their pricing has always been suspiciously in lock-step in this region. Can't imagine why, where else are you going to go?
There is talk about FIOS or other services every so often, but none of them ever wind up coming here, with the exception of Clearwire in very limited areas of town, but it's slow.
My biggest issue is the lack of loyalty. I hate that a new subscriber gets a great deal, but I, as a long time customer, get to pay the maximum possible. It would not be as bad if they did not constantly send me the ads like I wasn't a customer, but then call them up and get told I can't have that deal. Or keep raising the rates. Sorry, if you can give a huge number of new customers a great, even super deal, then perhaps you should be cost averaging a little better and you may even end up making more by charging less to those loyal customers.
Also in my area (north of D'town, but south of Trout River) , Comcast or much slower Clearwire (now sprint) are the only choices. I get the ads for ATT but it is not in my area. Leaves one no choice if one wants fast internet.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on November 19, 2013, 03:11:44 PM
They're both good in terms of the quality of service, I have one at work and the other at home, both work fine. The big gripe is that in Jacksonville we seem to pay double or triple what people are paying in other markets for internet when there's more competition in the market. As you've noted, we only have the two providers, and IMHO their pricing has always been suspiciously in lock-step in this region. Can't imagine why, where else are you going to go?
There is talk about FIOS or other services every so often, but none of them ever wind up coming here, with the exception of Clearwire in very limited areas of town, but it's slow.
Thanks Chris. Can you tell me if you are on the higher tiered plans? So far the general consensus seems to be that the higher speed plans work great but are too expensive. Those that purchase the lower speed plans don't like the service, but think that the price is right.
Quote from: strider on November 19, 2013, 06:37:27 PM
My biggest issue is the lack of loyalty. I hate that a new subscriber gets a great deal, but I, as a long time customer, get to pay the maximum possible. It would not be as bad if they did not constantly send me the ads like I wasn't a customer, but then call them up and get told I can't have that deal. Or keep raising the rates. Sorry, if you can give a huge number of new customers a great, even super deal, then perhaps you should be cost averaging a little better and you may even end up making more by charging less to those loyal customers.
Also in my area (north of D'town, but south of Trout River) , Comcast or much slower Clearwire (now sprint) are the only choices. I get the ads for ATT but it is not in my area. Leaves one no choice if one wants fast internet.
Thanks Strider. I hear ya on the loyalty issue. I have had service with the same cell phone company for almost 10 years. I upgrade to the newest phone quite often and nothing gripes me more than seeing an ad price for new customers, and then when I call I am told that I must pay a higher price because I am already a customer.
We just offer a competitive flat price. We do not have an introductory price, our price always stays the same. You bring up a good point though. Maybe we should consider a 10% discount for anyone on our service more than 12 months. I agree that companies should reward loyal customers better than new ones.