"No other options near me" Maybe not always the case? Read up on startup ISPs!

The Tri-State Coalition for Fair Internet Service (TSCFIS) has been doing a lot of research into other providers that are available in the regions serviced by Optimum/Altice.

https://tscfis.org/alternate-providers/

At the current moment, there are 9 providers (Not part of the Cable Oligopoly of Verizon, Altice, Spectrum) that we know of. You will not find Verizon, Altice or Spectrum on this list. our goal is to lift up smaller providers. Supporting the broadband oligopoly will only prolong their reign.

Some of these you may have heard of, some maybe not. An important point for all of these, even if they only currently offer service in one state, they are ALL more than happy to expand to other neighborhoods if they get enough sign-ups. Submit availability requests for all of them! This is the only way we can bring in more competition.

#Region-wide

• Starlink You already know about Starlink. The hottest new satellite internet provider, growing very quickly, offering higher speeds and lower latency than any other satellite provider. Uncertain how well it will perform in the densely populated tri-state area. Maybe Rural NJ, CT and Upstate NY will fare best?

$100/month for 150-200Mbps with 20-30ms latency. this is expected to improve over the next 12-18 months.

• T-Mobile 5G Home - We're still reading into this to learn how it works. It looks like anyone can sign up right now, but it works best when T-Mobile has 5G service. I myself tried signing up and they only guaranteed up to 50Mbps, since I didn't have any 5G towers near me. If you're near a 5G b41 tower, it'll likely be faster. We've seen reports of up to 200Mbps.

#New York

• Honest Networks - Some availability in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Fixed Wireless and fiber provider. $50/month for Gigabit.

• NYCMesh - Mostly Available in North Brooklyn and Lower Eastside Manhattan. They are growing fast and always adding new hubs. Cost Details.

• Starry Internet - High-speed Fixed-wireless provider. Serving North Brooklyn, Most of Manhattan, Parts of Hoboken NJ, some homes along the western shore of the Hudson, and some of Cliffside Park NJ.

They claim a single $50/month plan for 200Mbps. People have tested and confirmed matching bi-directional speeds.

• Pilot Fiber - Gigabit Fiber, $60/month flat rate. No Contracts or bundles. Free Eero Pro 6 Mesh Router. Available in some condos/apartments in Manhattan.

#New Jersey

• Planet Networks - Our group has spoken to the CEO of this provider in person (via zoom). They don't contract out, build their own fiber network and are very willing to expand where demand is needed.

• Nomad Air - This is a smaller startup provider using Fixed Wireless technology. We've also met with the CEO of this company to discuss expansion opportunities.

Their current offerings are in Ocean Township, NJ. Starting price is $99.99/month for Gigabit speeds.

#Connecticut

• GoNetSpeed - This is the only other local provider we've found in CT. They currently provide Fiber service to 72k homes in Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield counties. They not only publish where they currently service, but where they plan to expand and what streets are next on their list. The maps even show how many more "votes" are needed to expand to a new area. Request for service = 1 vote for your street.

Their plans are very simple. Flat Rate, no contact, free installation.

• 150Mbps - $50/month
• 500Mbps - $70/month
• 1Gbps - $90/month