Holiday Retail Connectivity

It’s that time of year again, retail storefronts have transformed into hustling hubs of activity as shoppers hunt for the perfect holiday gifts to give their loved ones. That means no slow days for brick-and-mortar operations and e-commerce merchants from mid-November through the end of the year. Holiday retail soared to $936.3 billion according to the National Retail Federation. In addition, experts predict this year’s sales will eclipse that number by several percentage points.

Stocked shelves and positive customer experiences are essential elements. Elements that can shape how successful this year can be for stores of all sizes. There’s one thing, though, that matters even more but doesn’t get the credit it deserves – reliable, high-speed internet access.

The Bustle of e-Commerce

Picture this: a cozy couch, a cup of hot cocoa, and your favorite device – the quintessential digital holiday shopping scene. Digital merchants have been prepping for this moment since mid-summer, optimizing their product descriptions, testing new online shopping experiences, and fine-tuning ad campaigns to compete for attention and convert browsers into buyers.

Consumers love the experience of shopping from wherever they are for whatever they want. It is the convenience of not having to set foot in a physical location packed full of people. As the Q4 shopping season kicks into high gear, online retail infrastructure will have to hold up to the flood of users scrolling through digital racks, filling their carts and spending tens of thousands of dollars every second, putting immense pressure on the digital infrastructure. Therefore, handling that much activity requires connectivity that can keep up without collapsing.

Don’t Forget About In-Person Experiences

Physical storefronts are no match for the sheer volume of online shopping. However, that’s no excuse to overlook the economic activity they contribute, or the need for speedy and secure internet service. Dependable connectivity is the unsung hero of their operations. Supply chain coordination, vendor management, POS terminal operations, inventory tracking, marketing and promotional activity, customer service … without a reliable, high-speed internet connection, in-store operations would grind to a halt in mere seconds.

It’s Okay to Speed

In the whirlwind of holiday shopping, speed is the name of the game. Shoppers want websites to load in the blink of an eye. Brick-and-mortar stores want to keep every check-out interaction moving smoothly and swiftly. Thus, time is of the essence, and any lag — even for a few seconds — can turn merriment into meltdown. Fast internet is not just a luxury; it’s a lifeline for retailers looking to delight customers and outshine the competition during the peak shopping season.

Quick internet speeds translate to a seamless shopping experience – speedy page loads, snappy checkouts, and happy customers.

Network Downtime — A Ho-Ho-Holiday Nightmare

No matter what they’re selling, their size, or their specialty, retailers have one fear in common this time of year — service outages. Whether it’s caused by technical glitches, cyber-attacks, or servers that don’t have the capacity to keep pace with wave after wave of customer traffic, any interruption in internet connectivity can turn holiday joy into a retail nightmare. Every moment spent struggling to get back online comes at the cost of losing out on potential sales and increasing customer frustration.

Wrapped Up With Ribbons and Bows

Holiday retail is driven by people, but a reliable internet connection is what makes every checkout possible. With the hustle and bustle of the shopping season well underway, few things are more important than reliable, fast connectivity. If your provider isn’t helping you get ahead, it’s time to find service that won’t hold you back.

Empire Access can help you get the internet connection you need to keep your business up and running.

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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.

Award-Winning Internet Service Provider

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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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