Modems To Be Upgraded to Allow for 250 MBPS Service

After several months of work by the Ad-Hoc Commission formed for that purpose, the Taskforce considering options for Cable and Internet service recommended that the Association renew service with RCN. This group of Owners completed and considered results from a survey of residents and owners, and with the help of that put together an extensive RFP (request for proposal). This was sent to 5 cable and internet providers, who were invited to bid and interviewed. As a result of this process, the taskforce unanimously recommended renewal with RCN.

INCIDENTALLY…Why not AT&T after they installed the Fiber Network? This has been the most commonly asked question since the process started.

It’s a good question. VERY SADLY, AT&T did not respond to the RFP by the deadline. Furthermore, when the Association finally received their response, they had not substantially completed the RFP requests. SAME FOR COMCAST, if you were wondering. Both were invited to bid. BOTH, did not substantially complete the RFP requests. And by the way, even if they had, both services would have also substantially increased the monthly expense of the bulk contract. In the case of AT&T, by A LOT.

The AT&T fiber network is on line and active, and residents can order retail services. Units within Park Tower are now “Fiber Ready” and for any owners marketing their Unit for Sale or Rent, you can now include the detail that Park Tower units are fiber ready.

So, what’s new with RCN?

Not much will change. The lineup with remain the same, including the premium Showtime network.

The monthly rate will increase $1.18 to $46.79 per month.

There is one huge improvement! Base internet service will increase to 250 mbps! And you will be able to upgrade your service up to 1 Gig. We are told before long, residents may be able to upgrade to as much as 10 Gigs. To take advantage of this service, ALL RESIDENTS who do not already have the 250 mbps capable modem as a result of upgrades, will have to schedule to have their modem to be switched out.

We tentatively scheduled a free install period with RCN, Tuesday March 12th thru Monday April 1st. Between now and March 12th, a door drop will go out with more details, and information on how to contact RCN to get this set up. During this 3 week period, scheduling and installation of the new modem will be free of charge. So it is important when you receive the notice, you take the time to schedule your installation.

Also, RCN will conduct a Lobby Service Event on Tuesday March 19th in the evening, with wine and cheese, between 5:00-7:00pm.  Details about this will be confirmed with the door drop. This will also be a good time to stop by and discuss your service with an RCN rep in person, to ask any questions or get help resolving any problems you might be having with service.

If you presently have your internet service upgraded to 250 mbps or better, then you likely already have the necessary modem. You won’t have to do anything. BUT, you should notice the charge for this upgrade going away on your RCN statement for April service.

More to come with the door drop, expected in early March.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, parktowercondo@draperandkramer.com.