It’s no secret — reliable internet connection is a necessity. Whether you’re working remotely, unwinding after a long week with an all-day streaming marathon, competing in a massively online gaming session, or connecting with loved ones over a video call, seamless online experiences start with the right internet service. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start or which provider to choose. Big-name internet companies have an edge when it comes to name recognition, flashy advertising, marketing, and products that promise all the bells and whistles. A regional provider will always be the right choice when it comes to getting a quality connection. Local Knowledge, Personalized Service.

Unlike nationwide telecom giants, regional providers are part of the community. The staff aren’t just faceless people in a giant call center or towering high-rise. They likely live on the same streets, shop at the same stores, enjoy the same leisure activities, and know the same people as you.

Meaning they understand the needs of the community and the frustrations you experience. Odds are pretty good that they’ve had those same challenges too.

That local presence translates into a more personalized service delivery instead of being handed a “one-size-fits-all” solution for everything. Meaning you are treated like a person instead of an account number. You are also able to get support when you have questions without wading through a maze of self-help web pages or getting lost in automated phone trees.

When your internet connection is on the fritz, the last thing you want, or need, is to feel like you’re getting the run around from so-called customer service. Unfortunately, that’s the reality that massive ISP customers have to deal with.

Compare that with a regional provider with staff based in the area. Because there’s no massive infrastructure, expert-level service is readily available when you need help. And if a problem can’t be solved over the phone or via chat, field service teams can be dispatched within hours to solve the problem.

Investing in Your Backyard

National companies often spread their resources thin across a vast service area, which often leads to unpredictable service quality. It may seem like a good think that their network is connected to more locations. Though, it increases the likelihood that they’re oversubscribed and disconnected from the actual needs of customers on the ground.

Local ISPs, on the other hand, have a greater incentive to invest in the community and a greater understanding of local demands and challenges. This incentive translates to tangible benefits that are passed on to the customers.

Local ISPs are also more likely to be actively involved in the community. This may be through sponsorship opportunities, local business groups, and area economic and community development projects.

Value Connection Doesn’t Come with Terms and Conditions

All too frequently, what looks like a good deal on paper comes with an unpleasant surprise down the road. What are originally ultra-low-prices skyrocket, and usually without a warning. Nationwide carriers are notorious for “bait and switch” promotional deals to reel new customers in. It’s sneaky, sure, but there’s little pressure to change. Customers who leave are quickly replaced by new subscribers.

Those sort of sleight of hand tricks aren’t employed by local providers who are hesitant to do anything to jeopardize the customer experience. Many customers turn to the “IT underdogs” because they’re sick and tired of dealing with yo-yoing monthly service bills. When it comes to earning and keeping the loyalty of people who want to feel like they’re getting a square deal, nothing goes farther than honest pricing and “what you see is what you get” transparency.

By choosing a local ISP, you’re not just getting a high-speed internet connection. You’re also contributing to the well-being of your community. You are supporting local businesses, ensuring investments stay local, and receiving service from people who understand your neighborhood’s specific needs. We are always looking for opportunities to spread our network to more areas. However, one thing that we’ve operated on since day one is an unwavering commitment to doing what the telecom giants can’t — providing the communities where we live and work with the same level of attention and quality connection we’d expect to receive.

That’s what the Empire Access advantage is all about.