Imagine you’re finishing the last leg of a long road trip, and you’re only 15 minutes away from your house. You’re tired, hungry, and anxious to get home and unwind.

When you’re ten miles out, your home starts prepping for your arrival and making sure everything is just the way you like it. The front porch light comes on, the thermostat adjusts to 73 degrees, and the front door unlocks.

We know what you’re thinking. This perfectly timed synchronization sounds like something from the future, but it’s not. It’s home automation – and it’s available right now.

What is home automation?

Home automation makes homes more convenient, comfortable, secure, and energy efficient. It automates systems, applications, and devices to control various functions of a house. Think lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security systems, entertainment systems, and appliances.

Connecting all these systems and devices on a single network that’s tied to your smartphone is what sets things in motion. Going back to our example, as soon as your smartphone’s geolocation feature registered you were ten miles out, the pre-programming of home automation kicked into gear.

What are the main benefits of home automation?

  1. Convenience: You can control various functions of your home – turn on/off lights, adjust the thermostat, lock/unlock doors, and set alarms – with just a few taps on your smartphone. You can do this remotely, or you can even coordinate everything from the comfort of your own couch!

  2. Energy Efficiency: Pre-programming thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home helps you save energy. Similarly, you can program smart lighting systems to automatically turn off lights in empty rooms, reducing energy waste. You can also monitor your energy consumption and adjust your usage to save money on your utility bills.

  3. Security: You can monitor your home from anywhere in the world using your device with a smart security system. You’re alerted when someone enters your home or when there is any unusual activity nearby. You can also lock and unlock doors remotely, which is useful if you forget to close your garage or if you need to let someone in when you’re not at home.

  4. Safety: The system can send alerts and notifications straight to your smartphone in the event of an emergency. For example, smart smoke detectors can quickly notify you when there’s smoke or fire in your home, allowing you to take immediate action.

  5. Entertainment: How many remotes does it take to turn on your TV, start your Blu-ray player, and turn on the surround sound speakers? With home automation, you can control your home theater system, music system, and other entertainment systems from a single device.

  6. Increased Home Value: Smart homes are in high demand among buyers. Homes with smart systems are likely to sell for more than similar homes without them. Investing in home automation can increase your equity over time.

With advances in technology, home automation systems are becoming more affordable and accessible to homeowners. Therefore, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the benefits of a smart home. If you’re considering investing in home automation, be sure to do your research and choose a system and network partner that fit your needs and budget.

Ready to make your home smarter with home automation? Reach out. Our experts are standing by and ready to help.

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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

A man in a suit stands smiling next to a person in a blue and yellow bear mascot costume wearing a pinstriped jersey with the number 13. They are indoors, with colorful balloons and a business sign in the background.

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

Aerial view of a coastal city with Fiber Internet in Erie, showcasing modern and historical buildings, a sports field in the foreground, tree-lined streets, and a bustling harbor with boats. The backdrop reveals a vast body of water and distant land on the horizon.

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

Empire Access continues to win accolades for our unwavering commitment to excellence.

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
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
Young Woman Smiling

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
Happy Fiber Customer

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
Smiling Man

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
Happy Fiber Customer

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