Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SECO) is a municipal broadband provider serving the town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Established to offer competitive internet services alongside traditional utility offerings, SECO aims to provide reliable, high-speed internet access to its residents and businesses. As a local entity, SECO often focuses on community needs, differentiating itself from larger national providers through localized customer support and infrastructure investment. The 2025-26 period sees SECO continuing its expansion and upgrade efforts to meet growing demand for bandwidth and advanced digital services.
Key Statistics:
SECO offers a tiered approach to its internet plans, designed to cater to a range of user needs, from basic browsing to high-demand streaming and remote work. The focus is on providing symmetrical speeds where possible, particularly with their fiber offerings, ensuring a robust experience for all online activities. Pricing is competitive within the local market, with an emphasis on transparent billing and minimal hidden fees. The 2025-26 offerings highlight increased speeds and enhanced reliability.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SECO Essential 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | None | No |
| SECO Standard 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $74.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | None | No |
| SECO Premium 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $89.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | None | No |
| SECO Gigabit Pro | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $99.99 | $15/month (router rental) | None | No |
SECO's plan structure emphasizes symmetrical speeds, which is a significant advantage for users engaging in video conferencing, online gaming, or uploading large files. The absence of data caps across all plans further enhances their value proposition, providing users with unlimited internet access without throttling concerns. Equipment rental fees are standard, with options for customers to use their own compatible modems and routers to potentially reduce monthly costs.
SECO's internet service is exclusively available to residents and businesses located within the municipal boundaries of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. As a town-owned utility, its service area is geographically defined and does not extend to neighboring communities. The ongoing fiber expansion aims to bring high-speed connectivity to all corners of Shrewsbury, addressing any disparities in service quality between older, established neighborhoods and newer developments or more remote sections of the town.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SECO Essential 100 | $59.99 | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | Yes (with SECO TV/Phone) |
| SECO Standard 300 | $74.99 | $74.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | Yes (with SECO TV/Phone) |
| SECO Premium 500 | $89.99 | $89.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | Yes (with SECO TV/Phone) |
| SECO Gigabit Pro | $99.99 | $99.99 | $15/month (router rental) | Yes (with SECO TV/Phone) |
SECO's pricing structure is notably transparent, with promotional prices often aligning with standard rates, especially for their fiber plans. This offers excellent value, as customers don't face significant price hikes after an initial promotional period. The absence of data caps and contract requirements further enhances the perceived value. Bundling options with SECO's other utility services can provide additional cost savings for households that utilize their television and phone services.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Symmetrical upload and download speeds on fiber plans | Limited service area (Shrewsbury, MA only) |
| No data caps on any plans | Equipment rental fees can add to monthly cost |
| No long-term contracts required | Installation fees may apply for new fiber connections |
| Local, community-focused customer support | Availability of highest speed tiers may depend on fiber deployment progress |
| Competitive pricing for high-speed fiber | Limited provider choice for residents outside Shrewsbury |
As a municipal provider, SECO often emphasizes a high level of personalized customer service. Support is handled locally, which can lead to quicker resolution times and a better understanding of customer needs. The focus is on building community trust and providing reliable service. Installation satisfaction is generally high due to trained local technicians who are familiar with the town's infrastructure.
| Feature | SECO Internet | Comcast (Xfinity) | Verizon (if available) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | Fiber-to-the-Home (primary) | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Cable | Fiber-to-the-Home (limited) |
| Speeds (Max Download) | 1 Gbps | 2 Gbps (Gigabit Pro) | 2 Gbps (Fios) |
| Speeds (Symmetrical Upload) | Yes (on Fiber) | No (significantly lower than download) | Yes (on Fiber) |
| Data Caps | None | Yes (typically 1.2 TB, with overage charges) | None (typically) |
| Contract Terms | No Contract | Often requires 1-2 year contract for best pricing | No Contract (month-to-month) |
| Customer Satisfaction | High (local focus) | Mixed (large provider issues) | High (for fiber areas) |
| Pricing | Competitive, transparent | Can be lower initially, but rises significantly | Competitive, but availability limited |
Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SECO) internet service is an excellent choice for residents and businesses within Shrewsbury, MA, who prioritize reliable, high-speed internet with transparent pricing and no data caps. Its fiber-to-the-home network offers symmetrical speeds, making it ideal for remote workers, gamers, and heavy streamers. The local, community-focused customer support is a significant advantage over larger national providers. If you reside in Shrewsbury and are looking for a dependable internet connection without the hassle of contracts or data limitations, SECO is a top contender. For users who value local service and consistent performance, SECO provides a strong value proposition. Those outside of Shrewsbury will need to look at other providers.