Empire Access Glossary: Understanding Your Service

Our glossary explains common internet, TV, and phone service words in plain language. Understand your Empire Access service better.

Online Security: Essential Tips to Protect Your Data

Protect your personal data from cyber threats with essential network security tips. Learn how to safeguard your digital life.

Choosing the Right Internet Speed: 500 Mbps vs. 1 Gig vs. 2 Gig

Unsure what internet speed is right for you? This guide breaks down 500 Mbps, 1 Gig, and 2 Gig (2,000 Mbps) to help you understand what each speed can do for your home, from streaming and gaming to smart home devices and remote work.

How To: Setting Up Your Empire Access Customer Portal Account

Our e-commerce portal makes managing your plan easy. Never worry again about missing a payment, keeping track of your payment history, creating a trouble ticket, and more. The best part is, signing up is so easy! *Please note: Log in to the Empire Access Customer Portal is available after your first billing statement  To sign up for the customer portal, follow these steps:  How To Set Up Your Account How To Login In To Pay Online If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 1-800-338-3300. Our customer service team is available 24/7

Empire Access Announces Exciting Partnership with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

Empire Access is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. This collaboration is set to bring thrilling fan experiences, special promotions, and strengthen community ties with cutting-edge fiber technology.

Connecting Erie: How Empire Access is Transforming Local Broadband

Erie, Pennsylvania, a vibrant city with a rich history, is embracing fiber optic Internet to support its residents and local businesses. Broadband Internet has rapidly become an essential service in today’s digital age, significantly impacting communities by enhancing connectivity, driving economic growth, and improving quality of life. Understanding the importance of reliable Internet access is crucial for communities that welcome its transformative power. Moreover, partnering with a locally-based Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as Empire Access, further enhances the benefits of fiber optic Internet due to the deep understanding and connection they maintain with the communities they serve. The Impact of Broadband Internet Economic Growth Broadband access is a foundational driver of economic development. Communities with robust Internet infrastructure can attract new businesses and be better equipped to support existing ones. High-speed Internet enables companies to operate more efficiently, access broader markets, and innovate by facilitating the adoption of new technologies and enabling creative solutions to emerge, such as access to cloud-based services and real-time collaboration tools. For Erie, this means that local businesses can thrive and create more job opportunities for residents. Not only does broadband allow businesses to grow, its adoption has shown to increase income levels. According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business School, broadband Internet leads to an average wage increase of 2.2 percent in communities that choose to welcome it. Enhanced Online Experiences With the rise of digital entertainment and remote work, the demand for high-speed Internet has never been greater. Fiber optic services aim to elevate online experiences for residents. Whether it’s streaming movies in HD, engaging in buffer-free gaming sessions, or ensuring that remote work is seamless and productive, the benefits of reliable Internet access go far beyond traditional methods. For example, Empire Access, a locally-based fiber optic Internet provider available in Erie, provides symmetrical speeds to residential customers of up to 2 Gigabits per second (Gbps), which is significantly faster than cable Internet. These high speeds ensure the best Internet experience commercially available, giving it the power and versatility needed to fit the demands of each user. The Importance of Local ISPs Locally-based ISPs provide greater value to local communities above the larger players, including: Empire Access: A Commitment to Erie Empire Access is a growing ISP that is currently rolling out its fiber optic services in Erie, with more than 6,000 addresses already with available access. With Empire Access, residents can expect a significant boost in their online experiences thanks to its high speeds, symmetrical residential plans, and enterprise business options services. The company’s commitment to local service is exemplified by its presence in the community. By maintaining a local office in Erie, Empire Access ensures that its customer support teams are not only accessible but deeply familiar with the unique challenges and requirements of local residents and businesses. A local touch means that customers can expect personalized service that prioritizes their needs, ensuring they have access to affordable and reliable Internet. The benefits of broadband access extend far beyond mere connectivity; it fosters economic growth, enhances quality of life, and increases opportunities for local businesses and residents alike. By choosing a locally-based ISP like Empire Access, Erie’s residents are not only gaining access to reliable Internet but are supporting a company that is deeply committed to their community’s prosperity. To learn more about Empire Access’ services, visit: www.empireaccess.com.

The Importance of Fiber Internet for Gamers

In the world of gaming, where milliseconds can determine the outcome of a match, having a reliable and fast internet connection is crucial. As gaming has evolved, so too have the demands on our internet infrastructure. Fiber internet, with its high-speed capabilities and unparalleled reliability, is becoming an essential choice for gamers around the globe. Let’s explore why fiber internet is important for gamers. Blazing Fast Speeds One of the most significant advantages of fiber internet is its incredible speed. Download speeds clock the time it takes to transmit data, files, and other information from an online server to your device. Conversely, upload speeds refer to how long your device takes to share data, files, and additional information to an online server. These speeds are simply fundamental to any use of the internet, and they’re especially vital to gamers, whose every reaction and decision is made in just milliseconds—and often determine whether you win or lose! . For gamers, this means: Higher Bandwidth While faster downloading and uploading speeds are important, they are almost useless if not combined with greater bandwidth capacity. In simplest terms, bandwidth is the maximum capacity any particular internet connection can have. Copper-based wires in basic coaxial cords used for cable internet are limited. Cable’s older technology cannot handle too much internet data at any moment; thus, its bandwidth is lower than fiber’s. This leads to more frequent freezes and delays—often in the middle of a gaming session—and the crashes and drop-offs dreaded by gamers everywhere. Fiber internet bandwidth is substantially higher than traditional cable. Even in larger households with several simultaneous internet users, fiber’s bandwidth shines. So, the higher the bandwidth, the more data can be sent to and from your device for superior gaming performance—with enough bandwidth remaining to stream your games with friends. Low Latency Latency, or ping, is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the game server and back. Usually measured by the millisecond, the lower the lag, the shorter—and the better—the response time. So, latency is your internet connection’s response time for processing requests and delivering data back and forth. Low latency means that your device and the game’s server better capture your agility, quick decision-making, and choices that can make all the difference to gaming outcomes. Fiber internet provides low latency, which translates to: Stable and Reliable Connection Fiber internet offers a stable and reliable connection that is less susceptible to interference and congestion. This stability is crucial for gamers who require uninterrupted connectivity during long gaming sessions. Benefits include: Future-Proofing Your Gaming Setup As gaming technology continues to advance, the demands on internet connections will only increase. Fiber internet is future-proof, with the capability to handle the next generation of gaming innovations, including: Fiber’s advanced technology can significantly improve your gaming experience-and maybe even give you the competitive edge you’ve been looking for against your friends! With its blazing fast speeds, low latency, reliable connection, and future-proof capabilities, fiber internet provides the optimal environment for gamers to thrive. It’s just one of the many ways that Empire Access keeps you connected and helps you stay ahead of the game.

What Are Solar Satellite Interferences?

When you think of the sun, you probably imagine its warm glow and maybe even catching a tan. But did you know the sun can also interfere with your TV signal? It’s due to an unusual phenomenon called Solar Satellite Interference. Solar Satellite Interference, also known as a “sun outage” or “sunspot,” happens when the sun’s solar activity disrupts satellite signals. It’s like a form of eclipse, but instead of a large object blocking the sun, it’s the sun’s radiation overwhelming the satellite’s signal. These satellites, which transmit TV programs, can be temporarily knocked offline when the sun passes directly behind them, allowing solar radiation to interfere with their ability to send signals back to Earth. During this time, affected TV channels are temporarily interrupted until the sun and satellite no longer align. What are sunspots? Sunspots refer to solar activity that interferes with signal transmissions between satellites and Earth, often affecting television broadcasts. But I use fiber, not satellite!  Even though your TV service might come through fiber, many TV channels are broadcasted across the country by satellite. When solar interference happens, the disruption originates from the satellite, affecting the content before it reaches your fiber network. Can this be fixed?  Unfortunately, there’s no solution to prevent solar satellite interference—it’s a natural event caused by the sun’s position in the sky. How long does it last?  This interference typically occurs in the mid to late afternoon and can last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes per channel. Not all channels are affected simultaneously, and the issue resolves itself once the sun and satellite are no longer aligned. When does this happen?  Solar interference usually occurs around the equinoxes, during late summer and early fall (September and October) and late winter to early spring (February and March). In the northern hemisphere, outages happen before the March equinox and after the September equinox, while in the southern hemisphere, they occur after the March equinox and before the September equinox. In summary, a sun outage is a temporary interruption of geostationary satellite signals caused by solar radiation overwhelming the satellite’s ability to transmit. Although it’s a rare and brief event, it’s something to keep in mind when your TV signal is suddenly disrupted!

Empire Access Sponsors Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade Television Broadcast

Scranton, PA, March 6, 2025 – Empire Access, a Northeast fiber-based internet service provider, is sponsoring the exclusive live broadcast of Scranton, Pennsylvania’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will air on WYOU Channel 22 on Saturday, March 8, 2025, beginning at 11:45 a.m. ET. Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a community tradition since 1962 and has grown into one of the largest locally-produced events in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the second largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the country. The celebration brings together community members to showcase local culture through marching bands, floats, community groups, and a festive atmosphere filled with delicious local food and drink. “We’re thrilled to sponsor the live television broadcast of this beloved Scranton tradition,” said Kevin Dickens, CEO of Empire Access. “As a service provider rooted in the communities we serve, we understand the importance of events that unite people and celebrate local culture, and we enjoy being an active and supportive member of the Scranton community.” Empire Access first announced its expansion into Scranton in November 2022 and began construction the following February. Founded in 1896 in Prattsburgh, New York, with a commitment to providing rapid internet services and personalized customer service to its community. Since then, it has grown to a leading Internet Service Provider in the Northeast United States, serving large areas of Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Empire Access distinguishes itself from other regional internet providers through active community involvement, including participation in and sponsorships of local events, to ensure it remains deeply connected to the communities it serves. Empire Access representative, Casey Patuk, will be attending the live event and can answer any questions about the company’s internet services. For more information about Empire Access and its internet services, please visit: https://staging.empireaccess.com. About Empire Access: Founded in 1896 with a single telephone line in Prattsburgh, NY, Empire Access has grown significantly as a local communications provider serving large areas of Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Empire Access offers a wide range of products and services from scalable high-speed fiber optic internet, TV, phone, and advanced security solutions. Responding to a variety of business and consumer needs, Empire Access continues to expand into new areas while retaining a strong focus on local and personalized customer service. In 2017, 2018, and 2021, Empire Access has been awarded for Best Internet Service Provider in the Southern Tier region of New York, the Southern Tier Award as well as the best FLX Award. Empire Access was named the fastest Internet Service Provider in the Northeastern United States for two consecutive years by PC Mag. In January of 2023, Empire Access closed on a majority investment from funds controlled by Antin Infrastructure Partners.

The Importance of Fiber Internet for Small Business Owners

In today’s digital age, having a reliable and fast internet connection is crucial for businesses of all sizes. For small business owners, fiber internet can be a game-changer, offering numerous advantages that can help them compete and thrive in a competitive market. Below, we delve into the reasons why fiber internet is essential for small business owners. 1. Superior Speed and Performance One of the most significant benefits of fiber internet is its speed. Unlike traditional copper connections, fiber optic cables can transmit data at lightning-fast speeds. This high-speed internet is particularly beneficial for small businesses that rely on cloud services, video conferencing, and data uploads and downloads. With fiber internet, slow buffering and lag times become a thing of the past, allowing business operations to run smoothly and efficiently. 2. Enhanced Reliability Fiber internet is renowned for its reliability. Traditional internet connections are often susceptible to interference from weather conditions or electromagnetic interference. However, fiber optic cables are made of glass, which is immune to these issues. This means fewer outages and more consistent connectivity, ensuring that small businesses remain connected even during peak usage times. 3. Increased Productivity With faster internet speeds and reliable connections, employees can complete tasks more efficiently, leading to increased productivity. Projects that require large file transfers, such as graphic design or video editing, can be completed more quickly. Additionally, employees can collaborate seamlessly with colleagues and clients through video conferencing and real-time document sharing, leading to a more productive work environment. 4. Cost-Effectiveness While the initial installation cost for fiber internet may be higher than traditional connections, the long-term benefits often outweigh the expense. Faster internet speeds can lead to reduced downtime and increased efficiency, ultimately saving the business money. Furthermore, fiber internet often comes with scalable plans, allowing businesses to adjust their bandwidth needs as they grow. 5. Improved Customer Experience A reliable internet connection is crucial for providing excellent customer service. Whether it’s a seamless e-commerce experience on your website or reliable communication through customer support channels, fiber internet ensures that your customers have a positive experience. Fast and reliable internet can also enhance your ability to respond to customer inquiries quickly, further improving customer satisfaction. 6. Future-Proofing Your Business As technology continues to advance, the demand for faster and more reliable internet will only increase. Fiber internet offers a future-proof solution, capable of handling the technological advancements that small businesses will encounter in the coming years. By investing in fiber internet now, small business owners can ensure they are prepared for future growth and innovation. In conclusion, fiber internet offers small business owners a host of advantages, from enhanced speed and reliability to cost savings and improved customer experiences. By choosing fiber internet, small businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Give Empire Access a call or click here to begin your fiber internet journey and begin improving your business.