the importance of local internet
And the Hidden Costs of National Internet Providers' Predatory Practices
In the age of digital connectivity, internet service is as vital as water and electricity. However, as national internet providers expand, their aggressive tactics often undermine local competitors and exploit consumers. While these corporations tout low prices and convenience, their business practices often tell a different story.
Predatory Pricing: The Bait and Switch
National providers frequently lure customers with below-market pricing or too-good-to-be-true introductory offers.
Deceptive Pricing Models:
Many offer steep discounts for the first year or two, only to hike rates drastically once the promotional period ends. These sudden increases can double or triple bills, catching customers off guard.Undercutting Local Providers:
By temporarily slashing prices in targeted markets, national companies can drive smaller, local providers out of business. Once competition is eliminated, prices tend to rise, leaving consumers with fewer options.
no locality
While local providers pride themselves on their local offices, local staff, and local technicians, the large providers are not worried about those details. Instead, most opt for overseas call centers, centralized headquarters, and contracted technicians. This contributes two major issues to the community being served by these providers.
- Loss of Personalized Service:
Your local internet providers care for the community, as it is often the community they call home. This results in far superior customer service and support. This also allows for far greater community engagement. Something the national providers have no interest in. - Economic Consequences:
The elimination of local options for essential services such as internet leads to limited competition and higher prices for all.
Data Caps and Hidden Fees
What seems like a good deal often comes with strings attached.
Data Overages:
National ISPs often impose data caps, charging exorbitant fees for exceeding limits, even as consumer demand for data grows with streaming and remote work.Hidden Costs:
Fees for installation, equipment rental, and even early termination are often buried in contracts. These costs can significantly inflate monthly bills.
Anti-Competitive Tactics
National providers don’t just compete; they aim to dominate. Even when it means the customer suffers.
Legal and Lobbying Pressure:
National Internet Service Providers often use legal challenges to stifle municipal broadband plants or local competitors, even when those services are better for consumers.Exclusive Agreements:
Contracts with landlords or housing developments can prevent tenants from accessing local providers, effectively creating monopolies in certain areas.Overbuilding:
Some national Internet Service Providers intentionally overbuild infrastructure in markets served by local providers, driving up costs for competitors and siphoning away customers. This example is happening right now in Glasgow.
The Consequences
In the end, if the big-name providers have it their way, the result will be a diminished quality of service for all. Without local options, large-scale Internet Service Providers have no incentive to maintain infrastructure, innovate their services, or improve customer support.
LOCAL PROVIDERS ARE THE SOLUTION
How Can I Help?
By choosing a local option for internet service at your home or business, you are choosing to maintain control of your broadband access.
Additional ways to combat these deceptive tactics is to engage in local government and let your local representation (City Council, Magistrate, State/Federal Representatives) know that you do not agree with these practices and encourage them to pass legislation that will protect yourself and your community from these companies.