Monday, June 14, 2010

Broadband gets broader

I went to an informational meeting put on by the Forest Service in the Brimson-Toimi area this afternoon.  While chatting with other attendees I learned that broadband has become more widely available in Brimson.  It is now within walking distance of our cabin.

But is it pricey!!   Starting at $49.99 or something like that for up to 6Mbps for existing customers.  Notice the "starting at" and "for up to".  It is not exactly clear that you can get 6Mbps service for $49.99.  Frontier's web site does not provide more details unless you click on "Buy now".  Otherwise you have to talk to a representative to get more details.  Why does one have to talk to a representative?  Probably because one would be more likely to buy while talking to a representative.

I should state that there are other offers, say for $24.99 for up to 3Mbps for the first year and $34.99 the second year.  There is also a $4.50/month equipment rental.  And of course, "taxes, surcharges, and USF charges".

And the offers conflict.  Existing customers can get this through Dec. 31 according to one page.  Nation-wide the offer is available through Jun. 30.

Frontier is not alone in this.  Look at the cell phone plans.  Look at other phone companies offers.  It's mind boggling.  I just want simple tables:

x benefit y dollars
z benefit w dollars

Dream on!