Is $4,000 Too Much to Run an ISP Line to Our Floor?

I get why you’d feel frustrated. Most ISPs today seem to prefer easy contracts rather than extending services to underserved locations. While I wouldn’t expect them to run a line 20 stories for free, $4,000 does seem a bit high. Consider seeing if you can do the job for less—if you can, go for it!

It's usually standard for ISPs to terminate at the demarcation point, which means you would be responsible for the rest of the line. If you've paid for the installation, you typically own that connection, so keep that in mind when you negotiate or ask questions about the extra costs.

If you're open to alternatives, have you thought about using a mobile ISP like T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon? I switched to T-Mobile, and let's just say it outperforms the Optimum service I had before by a long shot! Definitely worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash.

You might want to think about installing your own fiber line from the 4th to the 24th floor. While $4,000 could be the standard cost for such work, having your own line means you won't have to deal with these fees next time you change ISPs. Usually, ISPs cover such costs if they're trying to grab your business, but it sounds like they might not see this as a high-stakes contract.

Honestly, I think $4,000 for running a line 20 floors isn't as bad as it sounds. In a big city, infrastructure costs can add up quickly, so this might be a decent deal considering the distance involved.