I'm working with a non-profit in a heavy urban area, and we've run into a frustrating situation. The two main internet providers here, Comcast and Frontier, are only offering us enterprise internet service. This non-profit is currently paying about $1000 a month for a 600/35 internet plan when they could be getting 2G fiber with Frontier Business for just around $140 a month after the promo period ends. It's a huge expense, especially since I have another non-profit a few blocks away that has access to both options. Has anyone faced this issue? How did you handle it? I'm considering reaching out to the Attorney General because neither provider has given us an explanation for why the standard options aren't available.
6 Answers
If you have a line of sight, consider setting up a point-to-point wireless connection with the other non-profit a few blocks over. It could be a temporary fix until you sort things out with the ISPs and legal.
Yeah, but definitely confirm it's feasible and compliant before committing to that option!
I suggest involving legal counsel. This isn't really a technical issue for you to handle. The negotiations and contracts are ultimately between the non-profit and the ISP, so it’s their responsibility to sort it out. It sounds like they might be stuck in a bad situation with how the ISPs are pricing their services because they know non-profits often have grants they can tap into. It’s definitely worth exploring those options!
Totally agree! The non-profit should look into potential grants to help cover the costs. Often, grant providers can offer insights or assistance on how to navigate these situations.
Exactly! And remember, while you're there to support your client, the final call on contracts and disputes is up to them.
You might also want to explore alternatives like fixed wireless or even 5G options from other smaller ISPs. If the lease restricts the internet options, then definitely take that up with legal.
Have you checked if they own or lease the building? Sometimes, if they lease, the landlord might have a contract that only allows certain services due to the infrastructure set up. If they own the building, they might just have forgotten about the availability of other services. It’s common for providers like Comcast to waive install fees in commercial buildings but lock you into specific service tiers. You might want to get clarification on that from the landlord.
Look into local non-profits that offer internet services or community initiatives. For example, some organizations specialize in providing broadband to non-profits and might have solutions that fit your needs.
It might be all about the building's physical setup. "Business class" internet can sometimes be just as limited as residential options if they ride on the same shared infrastructure. Check if the building has the necessary setup to support the type of service they need because it sounds like they might not.
I've seen similar situations before! Some buildings just lack the wiring for other services and are stuck with what’s available.
Right! And if there’s only enterprise-grade infrastructure there, the ISPs won’t go through the hassle of redoing it for a cheaper residential service.
That's definitely a creative workaround! Just make sure it falls within legal and operational boundaries.