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Piedmont Communications, a regional telecommunications provider, has been serving communities across North Carolina for over 70 years. Established in 1953, the company has evolved from a traditional telephone service provider to a significant player in delivering high-speed internet, television, and phone services. Piedmont Communications primarily focuses on rural and underserved areas, aiming to bridge the digital divide with reliable connectivity solutions. Their commitment to local communities is a cornerstone of their operational philosophy, often providing personalized customer service that larger national providers may not match.
Key Statistics:
Piedmont Communications offers a range of internet plans designed to meet various consumer needs, from basic browsing to high-demand streaming and gaming. Their service plans are structured to provide competitive speeds and reliable performance, particularly in areas where fiber optic infrastructure is being actively deployed. The company emphasizes transparent pricing and aims to offer value through its bundled service options.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Basic Connect | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
| Piedmont Ultra Speed | 500 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $79.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
| Piedmont Fiber Max | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $99.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | Unlimited | No |
| Piedmont Business Connect | Up to 500 Mbps | Up to 50 Mbps | Starting at $89.99 | Varies by package | Varies by package | Optional |
The plan differences are primarily in speed tiers, with the "Fiber Max" plan offering symmetrical gigabit speeds for users requiring the highest performance. The "Basic Connect" is suitable for light internet use, while "Ultra Speed" caters to households with multiple users and streaming devices. Business plans are customizable to meet specific operational demands.
Piedmont Communications' service area is concentrated within North Carolina, with a strong presence in the Piedmont Triad region and surrounding rural counties. Key cities where their services are readily available include Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, and numerous smaller towns and unincorporated communities. The company is actively working to expand its fiber footprint into more remote areas, often in partnership with local government initiatives. Availability of higher speed tiers, particularly gigabit fiber, is dependent on the current stage of network upgrades in a specific locality.
Specific states/cities with best coverage include: North Carolina (Greensboro, High Point, Reidsville, Eden, Mount Airy, and surrounding rural counties).
While Piedmont Communications strives to provide high-speed internet to rural areas, urban availability may be more limited compared to national providers. However, their focus remains on serving these less-connected regions.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Basic Connect | $59.99 | $59.99 | Installation Fee: $50 (waived with 12-month commitment) | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Piedmont Ultra Speed | $79.99 | $79.99 | Installation Fee: $50 (waived with 12-month commitment) | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Piedmont Fiber Max | $99.99 | $99.99 | Installation Fee: $75 (waived with 12-month commitment) | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Piedmont Business Connect | Starting at $89.99 | Starting at $89.99 | Varies | Yes |
Piedmont Communications generally offers straightforward pricing with promotional rates often matching standard rates, especially for their fiber offerings. The value proposition lies in their commitment to serving less-served areas and offering competitive speeds for the price, particularly with their fiber plans. Bundle discounts with their TV and phone services can further enhance the overall value for customers seeking a comprehensive home solution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on rural and underserved areas | Coverage is geographically limited to North Carolina |
| Active fiber optic network expansion | Higher speed tiers may not be available in all areas |
| Transparent pricing with no frequent rate hikes | Equipment rental fees apply for all plans |
| Personalized customer service | Installation fees can be a barrier without commitment |
| Competitive speeds for the price, especially fiber | Limited national brand recognition compared to larger ISPs |
Piedmont Communications is known for its commitment to local customer support. They aim to provide a more personal and responsive experience compared to larger national providers. Their support staff are generally well-regarded for their knowledge and willingness to assist with technical issues and service inquiries.
| Feature | Piedmont Communications | Spectrum | AT&T (NC Availability) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeds | Up to 1 Gbps (Fiber) | Up to 1 Gbps (Cable) | Up to 5 Gbps (Fiber, limited areas) |
| Pricing | Competitive, stable rates | Promotional rates, can increase | Varies by plan and region |
| Data Policies | 1 TB (Cable), Unlimited (Fiber) | Unlimited | Unlimited (Fiber), 1 TB (DSL) |
| Customer Satisfaction | Generally High (local focus) | Mixed (larger scale) | Mixed (larger scale) |
| Coverage Focus | Rural/Underserved NC | Widespread Urban/Suburban NC | Widespread Urban/Suburban NC |
Piedmont Communications is an excellent choice for residents and businesses in North Carolina, particularly those located in rural or underserved areas. Their commitment to expanding fiber optic infrastructure makes them a strong contender for individuals seeking reliable, high-speed internet where larger providers may not have invested. The company's transparent pricing, focus on customer service, and competitive speeds, especially with their gigabit fiber offerings, provide significant value.
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For those within their service footprint, Piedmont Communications offers a compelling combination of advanced technology, fair pricing, and community-focused service, making them a highly recommended internet provider.