Is there a demand for another Internet choice in Toledo? I personally only want Internet service and I know more and more people are becoming this way these days with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. I am a Buckeye-express subscriber and my 12 months special will be up soon. As a result, my $25/mo Internet package will increase to $48/mo. Then since I don't need cable, I will be charged an additional $10 bringing my monthly total to $58 for just 15/1 Internet. I have a friend who gets the 5Mbps package to save money and gets cable just because it's only $3 more than the surcharge $10, still $45/mo seems like a lot for just 5 meg.
I've been inspired by stories like that of Sonic.net in California and municipal fiber projects . It requires running new lines to residences but provides great speeds at awesome prices. I can't help but ask, why don't we do it here? Sure it's a lofty dream but hey, some places are making it work.
I've been doing mostly technical research on this but what I really need is a better idea of the demands and needs in the area. It seems offering more services on top of Internet such as telephone and television would be rather difficult, especially for a company just starting out with minimal capital. So in the beginning, I imagine the service would be for just Internet. Would you be interested in such a service? Does cable bore you and your cell phone make your land line obsolete and Internet alone would be awesome (provided it's less than the package you currently get obviously)? Or perhaps you just want better speed and would be willing to break your bundle to get those speeds at a decent monthly price. Share your thoughts! Thanks.
Yes but there is a lot into it. I was looking into blanketing part of Wood County with wireless using a hodgepodge of modified consumer electronics. The cost was less of a concern than just finding spots to host nodes.
The same would have to be done for any new carrier in the area. The cost of laying your own lines would be huge. Best bet is to go the route other big telco's have done and find test markets that are small and roll it out (thinking of AT&T? fios) that I hear someone here has.
I'd be willing to donate volunteer hours in design and implementation if some startup was feeling lucky.
OMG yes!
As someone who was tired of being bent over by Buckeye monthly (isn't it great how they jack up your rates for being loyal to them for so long?) and recently dropped her cable for a Netflix/Hulu/bunny ears setup, I attempted to find a better Internet service provider in the area but since nothing really worked for me, I was stuck with Buckeye. The few other companies that did offer residential Internet charged more for the same speeds, had bandwidth caps and would require me to install an AT&T landline.
I have no need for a landline and really happy as a cord-cutter, but I would LOVE more options for Internet service in the area!
INeedCoffee, thanks for the input, sounds like you may have some experience in this area. I definitely agree this will not be easy, if it were, there would be a lot more places doing it. I really want to try though, if there were no risk, they wouldn't call them "ventures".
My thought is to start with an apartment complex where connecting each residence should be considerably cheaper than individual houses. Though getting a moderate sized neighborhood interested could be a possibility as well.
Great thread! We can never figure out what to do for faster speed, since all the companies really want to sell TV/phone bundles. We're like Walleye, no cable and no desire to watch TV other than PBS and bunny-ears content (plus Netflix).
I was pointing my spouse towards Buckeye but now I'm not so sure.
What about Toast? Local company, owner gives presentations at business conferences around town ... maybe you two could talk?
Chances are the cost internet is going to get a whole lot more expensive. With more and more people going to Nexfilx, Hulu, and Amazon some cable companies have started to charge for data use. Some Buckeye employee was arguing for this on TT a few months back. They’ll start to penalize the people who use the Internet to get their content.
INC,
Are you aware of the internet Amplex is offering in Wood county? It sounds a lot like what you are talking about. Their web site is http://www.amplex.net . They are a little on the pricey side though, but do offer a 9 Mb down package.
You want over-priced crappy service? Try Time-Warner...the only option out my way. I'd LOVE to have Buckeye.