Go Big or Go Local

5 Reasons Consumers Are Connecting With Smaller Internet Companies

Size matters. At least when it comes to your Internet provider.

When it comes to their ISP, many consumers don’t have much choice in their community. When they do, it often comes down to a behemoth national provider versus a small hometown or regional provider.

You might think that the large provider has the leg up. And in some ways, it does. Most obviously, consumers already know its brand name because it has enormous budgets for advertising, sponsorships, and marketing.

But before you call that 1-800 number to order service, here’s something to consider: According to this year’s TVcable.com survey, 12% of respondents said they use local and regional ISPs or cellular data networks for home Internet service. In last year’s survey, however, only 7% of respondents used alternative ISPs. That’s a 71% percent jump in a single year in consumers who choose a regional ISP.

So why the sudden urge to go small?

There are many reasons consumers have begun to think locally about where they get their Internet. Here are the top five.

Regional ISPs Have The Home Field Advantage

Today, when we’re using home Internet for everything from video conferences to VR games, it’s nice to work with a locally based company when buying a service as important as your Internet. That’s because whether it’s the CEO or the customer service rep on the phone, these are people you see in the neighborhood supermarket or at the little league game. And guess what? They want their service to be fast and reliable, too – because they’re also customers. When they see you out and about, they know they have to be able to look you in the eye and stand behind the quality of their work.

Press 1 For Better Customer Service

Instead of sending your customer service call to who knows where, regional providers often invest in more responsive, personalized customer service from the local community. Instead of dealing with indifferent customer service agents in a far-off city, you’re treated like a neighbor. Regional companies

know that treating each customer with respect and the attention they need to resolve their questions quickly is a key way to keep customers happy.

Investing In Growth, Not Wall Street

The big guys have already built their network. They’re focused on extracting as much value from it as possible for their executives and investors. But the regional providers have a different focus: Growth. That means they put their money where it benefits customers: In the physical cables and other equipment you need to get the best, fastest, most reliable Internet service available.

New Technology, At Your Service

It’s not all about big vs local. Sometimes it’s about new vs. older. Regional fiber optic providers are often newer companies – and so is the network they’re creating. That means they’re laying new, more technologically advanced, more reliable infrastructure. That’s good news for consumers who are looking for reliability and speed. National providers send your data through older legacy equipment that wasn’t optimized for your community – or for the vast quantity of Internet data we use today.

Smaller, Quicker and More Nimble

And finally, keep in mind: The bigger a company becomes, the more bureaucratic it becomes. Instead of empowering local representatives to create solutions that fit local customers, they require all their representatives to do everything by the same book. That gives regional players an advantage to develop solutions that are tailor-made for their customers, rather than provide a one-size fits all answer.

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Setting Up Your Empire Access Customer Portal Account

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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

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Scranton, PA, April 10, 2025 – Empire Access, a leading provider of fiber internet to northern Pennsylvania and southern New York, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. This collaboration is poised to bring exciting experiences to RailRiders fans and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community, combining the excitement of baseball with the cutting-edge technology of Empire Access. Exclusive Fan Experiences Special promotions and events are planned throughout the baseball season, offering fans unique opportunities to engage with the team and the community. We’re counting down the day until April 8th when we will be in attendance to watch the season opener against the Rochester Red Wings. Then on May 30th we’ll be back again. Be sure to visit our table where you can learn more about our services, get free Empire Access merchandise, learn about exclusive offers, and enter in to win a free VIP Suite night on June 27th when the RailRiders square off against the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, the Worcester Red Sox! But the giveaways don’t stop there. Fans are encouraged to visit our Fan Compass campaign on the RailRiders website ranging from May 2nd to June 12th, offering RailRiders fans the ability to opt-in to a fun campaign promoted by Empire Access that includes another VIP Suite for a future RailRiders game including 18 tickets and 2 parking passes as well as a gift from Empire Access! Strengthening Community Ties Both Empire Access and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are committed to making a positive impact in the community. Through this partnership, they aim to foster greater community involvement. By working together, they hope to create memorable experiences for fans and residents alike. Empire Access first announced its expansion into Scranton in November 2022 and began construction the following February. It now provides award winning home internet to residents and businesses along with communication solutions like home phone, entertainment options like television and streaming, and even home security. Looking Ahead As the baseball season unfolds, Empire Access and the Scranton RailRiders look forward to a successful partnership that enhances the fan experience and brings the community closer together. Stay tuned for more announcements and exciting events throughout the season! Empire Access is proud to be a part of the Scranton community and is eager to support the RailRiders in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field. Here’s to a season full of thrilling games and memorable moments! 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. Learn more at www.empireaccess.com. About The RailRiders In 2008, PNC Field became the official home of the RailRiders. Located just 2 hours North of Philadelphia and 2 hours west of New York City, PNC Field is no stranger to both local and out-of-state traffic. The mission of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders is to provide fun, affordable, family-entertainment, to our community, while striving for unprecedented success on and off the field. We are dedicated to upholding our strong tradition of creating a winning environment where Yankkes players can develop their baseball skills while learning to give back to the community. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders take great pride in our storied history as a Northeastern Pennsylvania gathering place as we embrace new technology, continuously improve our home, and welcome more fans than ever to the RailRiders experience. To learn more about Daily Promotions, Theme Nights, Giveaways, and more, visit https://www.milb.com/scranton-wb. Empire Access Media Contact: Mark Lamendola Director of Marketing Tel: (800) 338-3300 Email: mark.lamendola@empireaccess.com Photo Caption: Empire Access Vice President of Sales Bob R. VanDelinder poses with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders mascot CHAMP.

Connecting Erie: How Empire Access is Transforming Local Broadband

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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.

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When Empire came into my neighborhood, I decided to give them a shot. So grateful I did. Besides the LIGHTNING fast speeds, my favorite thing about Empire is their incredible customer service … can’t say enough good things about Empire Access. I’ve loved every day I’ve been able to use their internet services…

- Steve A.

I have to say that everyone that I have dealt with at Empire has been top notch… At times, I felt like we were their only customer. As far as the Fiber is concerned, it gives us reliability that we have not had — ever — and the speed that we desperately lacked…

- Joe C., Hunt Hollow Ski Club, Naples, NY

I would just like to add that I am very happy that I changed providers! It’s so nice to get a real person who can answer my picky little questions right away without having to wait, thank you for everything.

- Sidney P., Hornell, NY

Fiber connectivity is amazing, and so are the folks who brought it to my house and keep it running smoothly. As always, especially when I have the luxury of not thinking about it at all, you have my thanks.

- Jason T., Big Flats, NY

They got everything running in no time and were super helpful in setting up my home and answering questions. I truly appreciate the great service.

- Eric M., Corning, NY

We are very thankful to Empire Access for selecting our area to be our service provider for fiber optic high speed internet and phone service. We are very happy with the speed they provide along with the unlimited data. My husband and myself were very impressed with everyone that we dealt with…

- Veda M., Elmira, NY

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