Empire Telephone Corp Internet Review

About Empire Telephone Corp Internet Service

Empire Telephone Corp has been a regional telecommunications provider for over 75 years, primarily serving rural and suburban communities across upstate New York. Established in 1948, the company has evolved from a traditional landline provider to offering a range of broadband internet solutions. Empire Telephone Corp focuses on delivering reliable connectivity where larger national carriers may have limited presence. As of 2025, the company serves approximately 50,000 residential and business customers, with a significant portion of its infrastructure concentrated in the Capital Region and the North Country of New York State. Their market position is defined by a commitment to local service and community investment, often bridging the digital divide in underserved areas.

Key Statistics:

• Years in Business: 77 years (as of 2025)
• Customers Served: Approximately 50,000
• Primary Service Area: Upstate New York

Empire Telephone Corp Internet Service Analysis

Empire Telephone Corp offers a tiered selection of internet plans designed to meet various household needs. The 'Basic Connect' plan is suitable for light internet use, such as email and web browsing. 'Standard Broadband' provides a more robust experience for streaming and multiple devices. For users requiring higher performance, 'Fiber Speed Plus' and 'Gigabit Fiber' leverage the company's expanding fiber optic network, offering significant speed increases for demanding applications like online gaming, large file transfers, and extensive video conferencing. All plans come with generous data allowances, with unlimited data available on fiber plans.

Technology and Infrastructure

• Network Type: Empire Telephone Corp utilizes a hybrid network, including DSL over its legacy copper lines and increasingly deploying fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in areas where feasible.
• Network Upgrades (2025-26): Ongoing expansion of their fiber optic network, targeting an additional 15,000 households by the end of 2026. Investments are also being made to upgrade DSL aggregation points for improved performance on existing copper infrastructure.
• Equipment Provided: Customers can rent modems and routers from Empire Telephone Corp. For DSL plans, a modem is typically provided. For fiber plans, a modem/router combo unit is standard. Customers also have the option to use their own compatible equipment.
• Installation Process: Standard installation involves a technician visit to set up and test the service. For fiber installations, this may include running new lines to the home. Self-installation is sometimes an option for DSL upgrades if existing wiring is in place.
• Technical Specifications: DSL speeds are subject to line quality and distance from the local exchange. Fiber speeds are significantly less susceptible to these factors, offering more consistent performance.

Coverage and Availability

Empire Telephone Corp's service is primarily concentrated in rural and semi-rural regions of upstate New York. While their fiber network is expanding, DSL remains the predominant technology in many of their established service areas. Key counties with strong coverage include Saratoga, Warren, Washington, and parts of St. Lawrence County. Availability of higher-speed fiber plans is more limited and is being rolled out strategically based on infrastructure investment. In more densely populated urban centers within their service territory, competition from larger providers may be more prevalent, but Empire Telephone Corp often maintains a presence by offering more localized support and community-focused service.

Areas with the best fiber coverage include select towns and villages within Saratoga and Warren counties. Urban areas like Albany and Schenectady may have limited availability for Empire Telephone Corp's services, with larger providers dominating. Rural and more remote locations are more likely to have DSL options, with ongoing efforts to upgrade these to fiber.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Empire Telephone Corp's pricing structure for 2025-26 is straightforward, with most advertised prices remaining consistent beyond any initial promotional periods, which are less common for this provider. The primary recurring cost beyond the base plan price is equipment rental. Bundling internet with their television and phone services can offer additional savings, making them a competitive option for customers seeking an all-in-one solution from a local provider. The value proposition lies in the consistent pricing and the availability of fiber in areas where it might not otherwise be offered.

Pros and Cons of Empire Telephone Corp

Customer Experience and Support

Customer experience with Empire Telephone Corp is often characterized by personalized service and a deep understanding of their local service areas. As a community-focused provider, they aim to offer responsive support. However, due to their operational scale, wait times for phone support can occasionally be longer than with larger national providers, especially during peak hours. Installation satisfaction is generally high, particularly for fiber deployments, where technicians are trained to ensure optimal performance. Reliability ratings for their fiber service are strong, while DSL performance can vary based on infrastructure condition and distance.

• Support Channels Available: Phone, email, and in-person visits to local service centers.
• Average Response Times: Phone support can range from 5-15 minutes. Email responses typically within 24-48 hours.
• Installation Satisfaction: Generally high, especially for fiber installations, with technicians providing clear explanations.
• Reliability Ratings: High for fiber services; variable for DSL depending on line quality and distance.

How Empire Telephone Corp Compares to Competitors

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Empire Telephone Corp?

Empire Telephone Corp is an excellent choice for residents and businesses in their specific upstate New York service areas, particularly those in rural or semi-rural communities. If you are looking for a provider with a strong local presence, consistent pricing, and dedicated community support, Empire Telephone Corp is worth considering. Their fiber optic plans offer competitive speeds and unlimited data, making them ideal for heavy internet users if available in your location. For those in areas where only DSL is offered, it provides a reliable, albeit slower, connection option compared to the limited alternatives. It's particularly suited for individuals and families who value a provider that understands and serves their local needs, rather than a large, impersonal national corporation. If you are seeking bundled services like TV and phone from a single, local provider, Empire Telephone Corp offers a cohesive package.