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13 Replies Last post: May 26, 2009 7:01 PM by DomainDiva

Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off

May 17, 2009 3:25 PM

Click to view massagefever's profile Mogul massagefever 51 posts since
Feb 11, 2009
I know that each state is different but this just irks me to no end.

I recently opened a small business in a location that had cable internet service previously. I can't get the full story, but supposedly there was a storm that knocked down the line and the cable repairmen cut the line to the box.

Now in order to get internet service I have been told I will have to pay $2600 for them to run a line under a busy highway to get to me. In order to avoid the paying the $2600 up front, so they can be sure to recoup their cost, I may sign a contract with services they picked out for 36 months that comes up to the equivalent of me paying them over $10,000.

I have no problem signing a lesser contract that amounts to their actual cost plus some profit but I feel what they are doing is a scam and should be illegal. Do I have any recourse?

I have tried other internet options and they don't work in my location. Too far out for DSL, etc. But this is ridiculous.
Tags: business_attorney, contract_laywer Report as inappropriate
Click to view cutcomp's profile Mogul cutcomp 28 posts since
Apr 23, 2009
1. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 17, 2009 4:26 PM
I was just reading about some new wirelsss internet services that might be a better alternative for you. Apparently there's some new device that provides a wi-fi style "bubble" around you for your internet connection via wireless. This might be a more cost-effective solution.
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Click to view massagefever's profile Mogul massagefever 51 posts since
Feb 11, 2009
2. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 17, 2009 5:27 PM
in response to: cutcomp
I would love to hear more about that if you remember what it is called. Right now, I am tethering my laptop to my blackberry but that's not providing a very good solution.
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Click to view cutcomp's profile Mogul cutcomp 28 posts since
Apr 23, 2009
3. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 17, 2009 6:07 PM
in response to: massagefever
I believe it's called Mi-Fi, from Novatel and Verizon. It provides a "bubble" around you so multiple wi-fi devices can access your signal and get wireless internet.
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Click to view BizSavings's profile Mogul BizSavings 20 posts since
May 11, 2009
4. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 17, 2009 7:29 PM
Hello messagefever,

There may be several options that depend on the state where your business is located. Have you tried Hughed Net? Good Luck!!!
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Click to view massagefever's profile Mogul massagefever 51 posts since
Feb 11, 2009
5. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 18, 2009 9:33 AM
in response to: BizSavings
I have never heard of either of those but will definately look into them.

It just seems like with regulations that cable tv providers have on them, this couldn't be legal.
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Click to view Prophet's profile Authority Prophet 15 posts since
May 14, 2009
6. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 18, 2009 10:41 AM
in response to: massagefever
Where are you ?

In Michigan because of competition and AT&T wiring the state with ADSL which eliminates distance problems, our cable companies who use to charge businesses like yours similar fee's for running cable, no longer do.

I would first check with other providers when upgrades might be completed, I would also consider using satilite internet as a bridge until better and more cost effective services are available.

The suggestion of looking into wireless is another great option however do to advertising limitations by law these companies can be very hard to locate. G3 networks will not be cost effective if available simply because their is bandwidth limitations.

Last year I had a client who was told by their provider that it would $2,500.00 to bring the wire to their building, six months later they got it for free..... Times are changing I wouldn't sign any long term contract useless your business can not run without it...
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Click to view massagefever's profile Mogul massagefever 51 posts since
Feb 11, 2009
7. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 18, 2009 10:59 AM
in response to: Prophet
I am in SC and I am just wondering if I should persue talking to an agency, attorney, someone. Sattelite also not an option because my office is surrounded my huge, old trees that I know the landlord would not agree to cutting down and I wouldn't want to. The USB modems through my cell company I have looked at but it basically comes out to be the same as tethering to my phone. I am definately not signing this contract or paying the $2600, just trying to figure out if they can do that and if not, get my service. My clients book appts online and I get emails from them all through the day. I also contact vendors and place orders. All I would rather not have to do at home since I have homework to do there. I could survive but my business would run more efficiently with internet and make my life easier. Plus, my school is online and if I have down time, I can do some of that work from the office as well.

Is it worth filing a complaint just to see if anything comes of it?
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Click to view Prophet's profile Authority Prophet 15 posts since
May 14, 2009
8. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 18, 2009 11:34 AM
in response to: massagefever
Get an Iphone .... by july you'll be able to upload pic's or a Windows 6 phone I have one of each ... That should allow you the access you need ..
As far as they being able to charge, I'm no attorney however that was the norm for cable companies for years we've only seen that change in the last year mainly because of AT&T's efforts to wiring the state with ADSL which posses a huge threat to the cable companies.
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Click to view Prophet's profile Authority Prophet 15 posts since
May 14, 2009
9. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 18, 2009 12:20 PM
in response to: Prophet
I should of added you should check with other renters in the building and see if they would share in the expense to have the line brought to the building...
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Click to view massagefever's profile Mogul massagefever 51 posts since
Feb 11, 2009
10. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 18, 2009 12:43 PM
in response to: Prophet
Well the renters are renting from me and she has no desire to touch a computer.

I did hower look at the laws on our State books. They state that cable lines can be run from phone lines or electricity lines, which would be easier and more cost effective than digging up a major highway and holding up traffic. I emailed to ask about this option, just to see what they say b/c they were telling me it had to be done the other way b/c of new regulations. I can't find those.
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Click to view Celina's profile Professional Celina 3 posts since
May 26, 2009
11. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 26, 2009 1:04 AM
Internet is becoming the need of time.we all are racing towards perfectionism so internet is the demand of time.
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Click to view getvos.com's profile Authority getvos.com 7 posts since
May 25, 2009
12. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 26, 2009 3:59 PM
Check out D-Link 3G Mobile Router like model DIR-450 or newer. Pop in a Verizon Wireless (or similar) Internet PC card, connect up to 4 network patch cables for wired 10/100Mb connections and more wireless devices. Should be much better performance than a tethered BlackBerry- and you can connect multiple devices to the Internet plus have a fast local network.
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Click to view DomainDiva's profile Mogul DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
13. Re: Obtaining new internet services, being ripped off May 26, 2009 7:01 PM
Contact your local Best Buy and get in tough with the best Buy for Business Rep. They own a company called SpeakEasy that provides, VOIP and internet. BBFB will also do all of the work and get you going. You are being scammed.

We had a line cut by a cable repairman one time, needless to say, Time Waner fixed it for FREE.
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