Empire Access Brings Fiber Services to Erie, PA

Aerial view of Erie’s cityscape reveals a long pier leading to a bustling urban area. Boats are docked along the waterfront, and several buildings sit under a partly cloudy sky, framed by distant water and greenery.

Businesses and Homeowners will have access to the Fastest Internet in the Northeast Erie, PA, August 10, 2023 – Empire Access, a fiber internet service provider declared the fastest internet in the Northeast, announces expansion of services to Erie, Pennsylvania. Erie home and business owners will have access to award-winning internet, streaming, phone, and security solutions when service availability begins launching in the Fall of 2023. Empire Access continues its expansion strategy spanning large parts of Northern Pennsylvania and New York’s Southern Tier with service to Erie. Headquartered in Prattsburgh, New York, Empire Access primarily serves communities which lack access to reliable internet and provides businesses and residential customers alike with rapid internet services, which are ranked the fastest in the Northeast United States by PCMag. In addition to Empire Access’ market-leading services, it provides plans at an affordable price without promotion-ending gimmicks. “Our aim is to provide the best and fastest services to meet our customers’ demands,” states Jim Baase, CEO at Empire Access. “We are excited to join the Erie community and look forward to offering our top services! Community is critical to how we operate, and we take pride in our local customer support teams which allow us to better serve our customers. Our goal is to provide the best services in the markets we enter, therein challenging our competitors to keep up. We appreciate this opportunity to join the Erie community and look forward to growing together!” Empire Access pairs its high-speed fiber optic internet with a complete array of telecommunication and security services: ● Streaming TV delivering crystal clear, 100% HD picture quality, restart TV, Whole Home DVR, and much more● Home and business phone plans covering all your favorite features such as toll-free numbers, voicemail, hosted phone systems, and more● IoT security, home automation and 24/7 video monitoring with the ability to remotely, lock and unlock doors, control appliances, climate control, security management, and more right from your computer or smart device● Advanced business services including enterprise Wi-Fi, high-security fire walls, business emails, audio and video conferencing, dark fiber, and metro-Ethernet Sign up to receive emails when fiber optic service is available by clicking here! Check Empire Access’ availability in your area by visiting: https://empireaccess.wpenginepowered.com/where-we-are/check-location, calling (800) 338-3300, or emailing info@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 was awarded Best Internet Service Provider in the Southern Tier region of New York. Empire Access has been named as 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. # iMPR Media Contact for Empire Access:Jake CurtachioiMiller Public RelationsTel: 1.914.315.6424Email: empireaccess@imillerpr.com Empire Access Media Contact:Ethan Ball, Marketing SpecialistEmpire AccessTel: 1.800.338.3300Email: ethan.ball@empireaccess.com

Fright-Free Fiber Internet

A person types on a laptop in a dimly lit room, with a glowing jack-o'-lantern and fiber optic decorations casting an eerie light. The atmosphere is dark and mysterious, capturing a Halloween theme.

Don’t Get Tricked — The Right In-Home Fiber Internet Can Be a Treat First things first — in-home internet is essential. Phones, tablets, TVs, smart devices, video-enabled doorbells, and more depend on a reliable internet connection to function correctly. Choosing the right provider can seem frightening at first. It doesn’t have to be. We’ve collected a few of the top things to look for when you’re ready to make a decision. Check the MapGetting the best in-home connection starts with knowing what’s available. Check to see which fiber internet providers are in your area. Knowing what your service options are should be as easy as entering your address .  Understand Your NeedsThe amount of bandwidth you need depends on a variety of factors. For instance, the number of devices connected to the network and what the bandwidth is being used for impact how much bandwidth is needed. Users who regularly consume large amounts of bandwidth, such as remote workers or online gaming fans, require a plan that delivers more speed. Likewise for homes with multiple people and devices. Likewise for homes with multiple people and devices. Spook-Tacular SpeedsSpeed matters. For most households, anywhere from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps is more than enough. Some providers advertise plans with bandwidth up to 8 Gbps, but only a small fraction of people actually need that much power. Don’t Get Ghosted“It was a dark and stormy night when the internet went out.” If reading that sentence gave you chills, you’re not alone. It’s hard to binge-watch your favorite horror flicks with an internet connection that goes dark without warning.  While some providers have information about reliability readily available, reviews from real users in the area often paint a more complete picture. Check out what people have to say on social media about the companies you’re considering see if they’re hiding any skeletons behind closed doors. Beware of Phantom Fees and Jump-Scare ChargesThe last place you want to find any surprises is in your service contract. Beware of tricky providers who might try to bury introductory offers or hidden “gotcha” fees to raise your monthly bill after a few months. Instead, look for plans that outline everything up front and providers who are willing to explain important details clearly. Help Without a Horror StoryContacting customer support shouldn’t be scary. Problems don’t come with a warning, which is why it’s important to know that your provider makes the process of getting help as simple and stress-free as possible.  Empire Access: Fright-Free In-Home Fiber We’re about treats, not tricks. Empire Access is committed to providing a superior quality of service throughout the northeast with reliable fiber internet at stream-worthy speeds and scare-free customer support. Discover your Empire Experience today. Start by searching your address.

Getting to Know the Empire Access Team

A woman and four colleagues sit around a conference table, smiling and engaged in discussion. Jane is using her laptop to display a pie chart. Notebooks and pens scattered on the table suggest a collaborative meeting or brainstorming session.

Meet Jane Andreason Community and commitment — two things Empire Access and Jane Andreason have in common. When she was first starting out, Empire was known by a different name. It was North Penn Telephone and most of the customers she spoke with lived nearby. The kind of explosive growth that propelled the company to becoming one of the leading providers in the northeast was something Jane never could have imagined, and she’s seen a lot of change during her tenure. For instance, DSL replaced dial-up, copper lines made way for fiber, and Empire went from a regional provider to a well-known, award-winning name in the northeast. One thing that hasn’t changed is her commitment to customers. Helping customers is more than what she does. It’s what Jane’s passionate about. For instance, Jane stated, “I enjoy being in customer service with a very family-oriented company.” “I love this type of work. I love working with people.” She’s worked in customer service for over 40 years and been part of the Empire Access family for more than half that time. For someone like Jane, part of loving what she does comes back to having personal relationships with customers and coworkers. As a lifelong local of Roseville, she’s known many of them for years. Some have even formed friendships with the rest of her family and know Jane’s children by name. There have been plenty of memorable moments, too — a farmer riding up to the office on his John Deere tractor to pay his bill, or customers coming through the drive-through window and asking with a laugh if they can get some fries and a shake with their internet service. Jane is just one example of how community is at the heart of everything Empire does. From sponsoring teams in the area W Jackson Little League to participating in the annual Prattsburgh Summerfest and more. And for Jane, knowing that her job still helps the community — a much bigger community than two decades ago — is what being part of the Empire family is all about.

Beat the Heat with Fiber Gaming

A gaming setup with a computer monitor displaying a futuristic game immerses you in an electrifying atmosphere. The room glows with blue and pink ambient lighting, while a gaming chair, keyboard, speakers, and headphones sit on the wooden desk. Cozy interior touches include a sofa and framed pictures in the background.

The Ultimate Upgrade for the Serious Player As the relentless summer sun beats down, there’s no better escape than the cool haven of your room. The air conditioner hums in the background, setting the perfect atmosphere for a long gaming session. It’s a familiar scene: the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. You’re deep in the shadows of a covert raid, every click and command syncing seamlessly with your squad. Victory is in sight. The enemy is unsuspecting, the environment perfectly manipulated in your favor, and just as you’re about to clinch that sweet, epic win … disaster strikes. Lag. Your screen stutters, commands echo in a maddening delay, and by the time the digital dust settles, it’s game over for your team. The spoils of war snatched away, leaving you with that all-too-familiar bitter taste of what could’ve been. But what if that didn’t have to be your reality? Enter fiber internet, the game-changer of the gaming world.  A powerhouse in a realm where every millisecond is a battle. With fiber, you don’t just stand tall, you stand unmatched. Unparalleled Speeds Imagine this: a game with a huge 50GB file, and you’ve only got a few hours before a gaming night with friends. With traditional cable, you might as well make dinner, watch a movie, and maybe take a nap while waiting. With fiber? By the time you’ve grabbed a snack and returned, your download progress is already halfway done. Latency – Not on Fiber’s Watch In the world of gaming, latency is the villain we all despise. It’s the difference between landing the final blow or being taken down by an opponent you didn’t even see coming. But with fiber’s low latency, you’re not just reacting; you’re predicting, and ensuring you are the shadow no one ever sees coming. Stability – Keep Your Head in the Game Ever had one of those ready-to-throw-your-controller-across-the-room moments when, deep into a crucial game, everything suddenly goes dark? Random disconnections, another arch-nemesis of gamers everywhere. But with fiber’s rock-solid stability, those unexpected game-enders become tales of the past. With fiber, once you’re in the zone, you’re unstoppable. In Sync and On Point – Seamless Multiplayer Experiences For strategy games where every move counts or fast-paced shooters where team coordination is key, fiber ensures that you and your teammates are always on the same page. No more miscommunications or out-of-sync movements. Every strategy is executed with precision. Choose the Right Plan – Factors to Consider for Gaming When it comes to gaming, not all fiber plans are created equal. Here’s what you need to keep in mind: Empire Access – Your Cheat Code for Lag-Free Gaming The gaming world is fiercely competitive and constantly evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s essential to have the best tools at your disposal. And when it comes to internet connectivity, fiber is the undisputed champion. For gamers, it’s not just about playing; it’s about playing to win. Don’t settle for less. Level up with Empire Access. As your local provider, our commitment to quality fiber means we care about consistent, reliable connectivity so you can outpace your rivals and enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality gameplay every time. Say goodbye to lag-induced heartbreaks. With Empire Access, your perfect summer escape is just a click away: Check availability in your area.

Ace your Connection: Why Fiber is the Best Back-to-School Upgrade

A happy family of three sits on the floor in a cozy living room, huddled together and smiling as they look at a laptop. Perhaps they're exploring online school options. The room features a beige sofa, a rug, and a shelf adorned with decorative items.

Gear up for back-to-school season with the first part of our three-part series dedicated to upgrading your internet experience. In an increasingly digital world, your choice of internet service is as critical as picking the perfect backpack.  Our series will focus on the benefits of fiber internet over traditional cable internet, looking at aspects like speed and performance, reliability and security, and the benefits of planning for your digital future. First up? Understanding why fiber’s speed and performance outshine traditional cable. A Quick Intro to Fiber Internet Fiber internet uses thin strands of glass to transmit information as pulses of light. Imagine a highway with cars traveling at the speed of light. That’s fiber. And because light travels fast, you get to enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds. Cable internet, on the other hand, uses copper cables – like the ones used for cable TV – to transmit data. But copper can’t match the speed of light, so it’s generally slower and less efficient than fiber. Cable might have been the go-to choice for residential internet in the past, but fiber is fast becoming the new favorite. More and more households are switching to fiber as it becomes readily available. Why? The Need for Speed and Performance With summer days fading and the bustle of back-to-school shopping taking center stage, it’s clear: A new school year is right around the corner. This means kids will soon be diving into online research for projects, participating in virtual study groups, and maybe even attending a few online classes. With all these digital demands, having a high-speed and efficient internet connection becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity. That’s where fiber internet shines. So, why is fiber the standout choice when it comes to speed and performance? Let’s paint a picture: Your teenager is researching for a crucial history project due in two days, your middle-schooler is uploading their science project (or maybe downloading the latest expansion pack for their favorite game – we’re not judging!), while you’re catching up on your streaming shows. With a cable connection, this would be the digital equivalent of a traffic jam.  But with a fiber connection, it’s a different story. You’re not sharing your bandwidth with your neighbors. This means no more internet “rush hours.” Homework gets done on time and your show streams smoothly. Another advantage of fiber is its ability to offer equal upload and download speeds. This is vital when you consider a typical evening in a busy family household. Your child is upstairs, diligently working on a video project for school (and definitely not gaming). It’s a big file that needs to be uploaded to the class website by tomorrow. Meanwhile, in the home office downstairs you’re preparing for an important meeting. Your colleague has just sent you a substantial presentation to download and review. With a cable connection, one of you will have to compromise. But with fiber, there’s no need for trade-offs. You can both send and receive heavy files at the same speed. And then there’s the bliss of buffer-free streaming. It’s one thing to experience a cliffhanger because of a great plotline, but it’s an entirely different and frustrating scenario when the suspense is caused by unreliable internet. The anticipation is no longer thrilling – it’s annoying. With a fiber connection, you’re spared from unwanted buffering. In essence, choosing fiber internet is choosing peace of mind for the whole family. No more worrying about internet speeds or disruptions – just focus on making the most of the school year and beyond. Empire Access: Your Local Fiber Provider As a local company, we’re not just in the business of fiber internet, we’re in the business of people. And remember, with us, you’re family. We know your name, not just your account number. We’re proud to offer you the fastest internet in the Northeast, according to independent reviews in 2022. We invite you to check out our plans, designed with the needs of every household in mind. Check Availability Now! Don’t wait until the first day of school to find out your internet service can’t handle the demands of the school year. Stay ahead of the back-to-school rush. Check availability in your area and join the Empire Access family today. Remember, with Empire Access, you CAN have it all – unparalleled speed, reliability, and service that treats you like family. Stay tuned for our next post where we explore more benefits of choosing fiber over traditional cable internet.

Watch Out for Scammers

Red Fiber Optic

In today’s digital age, scams and fraudulent activities have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. From phishing emails to fake online stores, scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting victims. As consumers, it’s crucial to be vigilant and well-informed to protect ourselves from falling into their traps. Spotting the Red Flags Unauthorized Use of Branding: Our employees will be in shirts that have authorized agent printed on it, as well as empire branding such as logo and our “Got Fiber?” slogan. Scammers can easily create counterfeit merchandise. Our employees will also have their official Empire Access badge on them. If you are still unsure cross-check the legitimacy of the seller by visiting the Empire Access website or call 800-338-3300. Confirm if there are employees in the area and if the merchandise matches. Quickly: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring potential victims to make impulsive decisions. Legitimate sellers don’t usually rush customers into buying something. Unusual Contact Information: Be wary of contact information provided by the seller. Look up the official contact details of the company independently and reach out to them to verify the legitimacy of the offer. No Online Presence: If the seller lacks a professional online presence, such as an official website or verified social media accounts, it’s a sign that something might be off. Protecting Yourself from Scams Research Protecting yourself from scams requires a combination of awareness, caution, and verification. Scammers are always coming up with new tactics, but by staying informed and being vigilant, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to their schemes. Remember, Empire Access and our employees have proper channels for communication and verification. If you ever have doubts, it’s better to reach out to us directly using official contact information rather than risking your hard-earned money. Stay safe and stay smart!

Brush With Kindness

Empire Access Prattsburgh, NY Clean Up

“As our hometown, Prattsburgh holds a special place in our hearts, making our participation in this even even more significant!”

Exploring the Virtual World with Empire Access

A person wearing a virtual reality headset appears immersed in a colorful, surreal landscape featuring vibrant reds, greens, and oranges. The virtual world envelops them as the headset covers their eyes, suggesting deep engagement with this captivating scene.

In the digital age where gaming has evolved into a mainstream global phenomenon, a stable and lightning-fast internet has become the ultimate weapon for gamers. Whether you’re competing in intense multiplayer or exploring the vast virtual worlds, the importance of high-speed internet connection cannot be overstated. There are many critical factors that contribute to an exceptional gaming experience and Empire Access meets all these requirements. Do you have a “Need for Speed”? The first and foremost requirement for an optimal gaming experience is speed. Latency, more commonly referred to as “ping,” and download/upload speeds play a pivotal role in determining how well you can connect to servers and interact with players, and the environment in the game. Faster speeds mean lower latency, reduced lag, and quicker response times. Empire Access offers 500 mbps/ 50 mbps starting speed in some markets Gig/100mbps in others! Our speeds give you the ability to live out your street racing dreams with little to no lag! Gigabit Internet – “Why walk when you can ride?” (Elder Scrolls III) You can choose our starting internet but why would you when our Gigabit Internet has become a literal game-changer. With the speed being up to 2x faster than our starting speeds. Gigabit internet offers lightning-fast game installations, seamless updates, and incredibly responsive online gameplay. Whether you’re exploring the wastelands of Fallout or causing mayhem with your friends in GTA, Empire Access can give you the internet speeds you need for all your virtual adventures. The Power of Fiber Optics In the quest for the fastest gaming internet, Fiber Optic technology has emerged as the undisputed champion. Unlike traditional cables, fiber optic cables use light to transmit data, resulting in significantly faster speeds and reduced signal loss. The low latency and high bandwidth capabilities of fiber optic connections have made them the gold standard for gamers seeking uncompromising performance. In the fast-paced world of gaming, where split-second decisions and lightning-fast reflexes can determine success, having the fastest gaming internet is essential. Technology is constantly evolving, with our fiber optic connections, and gigabit internet speeds we are dedicated to meeting the demands of gamers. As the gaming industry continues to grow, it is crucial for players to invest in the best internet connection available to unlock the full potential of their gaming experiences. So, gear up, connect to the fastest gaming internet, and embark on an exhilarating journey into the virtual worlds of gaming with Empire Access!

Empower Your Billing Experience with Empire Access

A person in a gray long-sleeve shirt is using a smartphone, tapping the screen to access their billing app. The background is plain and light-colored.

In today’s fast paced world, managing your billing accounts efficiently is essential for individuals and businesses alike, but it can be quite a hassle to make sure everything is up to date and paid for. Empire Access understands this need and offers a plethora of user-friendly options to streamline your billing experience with our free mobile app! Easy Account Access Empire Access prioritizes convenience for its users. Whether you’re an existing customer or a new customer, accessing your account is a breeze. If you already have an account, simply log in with your information, and you’re ready to go!  For new users registering an account is a straightforward process. Just grab your latest invoice, follow the simple registration steps, and bid farewell to cluttered paper invoice statements forever! Embrace Paperless Billing Say goodbye to the hassles of paper bills and the burden they add. With Empire Access you have the option to opt for paperless billing. By choosing this feature, you’ll receive your monthly statements directly to your email inbox. Not only does this reduce paper waste but it also ensures you have easy access to your billing information, no matter where you are. Secure Payment Options We at Empire Access take security very seriously, especially when it comes to your financial information. When paying your bill, you can rest assured that all transactions occur over encrypted channels, ensuring the safety of your sensitive data. The platform supports payment methods to make your billing experience most convenient to you and your preferences. Set Up Automatic Payments Never worry about missing a payment deadline again! Empire Access enables users to enroll in automatic payments. This convenient feature ensures that your bills are paid on time, every time, without any manual intervention needed. By setting up automatic payments you can focus on more important aspects of your life or business, knowing your financial responsivities are taken care of! Access Usage Statistics Anywhere Staying informed about your current usage statistics is crucial for managing your expenses effectively. With Empire Access you have access to your real-time usage data from anywhere, at any time. The platform allows you to have a summary of your currant usage or dive into historical data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your usage habits. Empire Access brings efficiency and convenience to billing management, making it easier than ever for users to handle their accounts with confidence. Empire Access ensures that users are in complete control of their financial responsibilities. Take advantage of our user-friendly features and elevate your billing experience today. Embrace the future of seamless billing management and bid farewell to the complexities of the past. Just search EmpireAccess in the app store or google play! Google Play App Store

Get started with Empire Access

Customized cost-saving solutions for internet, phone, TV, and security over a 100% fiber connection.

Online pricing is available to residential customers only.