Comments on: Blog: Century Broadband Plan, How Fast Is It?

By: Jim Stanton

Jim Stanton — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:36:55 +0000

I have had Brighthouse for about two and a half years now. Overall, I’ve been pretty much satisfied with the service. I upload quite a few photos and before Brighthouse, I would sometimes have to let the computer upload photos for 3 nights, That’s starting the upload about 8 PM and letting it run until time to go to work the next morning, almost 30 hours of uploading. With the cable system, I can upload the same amount of photos in about 20 minutes. As for downloading, I recently downloaded a new program, about 350-375 MB the download was complete in a matter of seconds. Cable speed depends on usage in the local area, and Brighthouse has said that if the need arises, they would increase the bandwidth. So far the speed has been fairly consistent. As for the hidden fees, I’ve seen the price go up some, but then, what hasn’t gone up in price lately. As for customer service, my last experience with customer service was back in January I couldn’t get on line at times, or the connection was dropped. At first they wanted to tell me my modem was bad, I told them that I had worked in electronics and with computers and didn’t think the modem was the problem, that it was downstream somewhere. I set up an appointment to meet them here at the house to exchange the modem, about an hour before the appointment, then called and said they had found the problem about a quarter of a mile below the house and wouldn’t need to exchange my modem, I haven’t had any problems since. As for Century getting in the broadband business, I say as with anything, do a good investigation, weigh the pros and cons and make a informed decision.

By: Ann Brooks

Ann Brooks — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:51:08 +0000

The Town Council had nothing to do with this, other than to listen – politely – as the gentlemen made a lengthy presentation. The Council did not invite the speaker and made no recommendation or motion in response to the presentation.

By: noh8rs

noh8rs — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:18:03 +0000

http://www.bbwexchange.com/neighborhood/index.asp

Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine

It is a 10 page article about the how and why of:

“Building a Neighborhood ISP
with Broadband Wireless Technology”

It goes on to tell that any one of “us” could do this same thing, you can also apply for the same grant.

Page “9″ is real interesting, on how lucrative the investment that you make would be.

But most of us do not live in a “Dark Zone”, because we do have access to dsl and cable.

By: psu1earl

psu1earl — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:53:43 +0000

What I do not understand is, this guy is going to get a federal grant for the Town of Century and he will be collecting the majority of the fees? He will get 2/3s of the fees paid by the customers… Is the equipment and installation really costing nearly $150k? Or does he take a fee off the top of that too? I have to wonder if that is what the federal program that he is applying through had in mind…Should he realy be getting a small business grant or loan? Why does he get to start a business (in the name of TOC) with no investment of his own? What is the name of his business and does he have any partners or investors? (besides the federal government)….And he is from Virginia?

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:52:11 +0000

Matt – as someone who lived in Orlando and had to deal with Brighthouse for years, I can say that if anything that is reason to adopt this plan right away. My impression is that community wireless broadband may not be as fast, but it is much less of a headache and MUCH cheaper for residents. I’m sure you know all the issues Floridians have had with Brighthouse for years…now imagine no more hidden fees, customer service that is actually responsive, etc

My impression is if a town can escape from the Brighthouse monopoly, they should do it. I’ll be interested to read more of this post in the coming days and hear your opinion on this William

-Mark

By: William

William — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:46:05 +0000

Yes, Matt, Century has Bright House. I’ll take a look at some of that in a blog tomorrow.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:43:58 +0000

Doesn’t Century already have Brighthouse networks broadband internet in that area?

By: Here We Go Again

Here We Go Again — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:25:51 +0000

Here we go again! Smoke and mirrors is right, William. I’m waiting with bated breath to see what our council members do with this one. Why is it that every person who comes into Century with a business proposal, has no idea what they are even proposing??? To answer my own question, it’s because they’ve seen what ridiculous measures have been passed by our council members, and we are now known as the town that will fall for any snake oil sales pitch that is out there. This is especially true after that $4000 attorney fiasco! Give me a break, Council Members!