Blount County, Alabama is known for having terrible experiences with internet providers or the lack thereof. Currently, the largest provider is Otelco. A quick search on Google or Facebook for them will give insight into customer’s opinions of their service. According to data from highspeedinternet.com Oneonta, AL ranks #4 in the nation for the worst internet speed with an average of 7.7mbps downloads. With the funding provided in the Cares Act and the more recent stimulus bill, we can only hope the companies will use the money to increase their network reach and speeds. There are a few options and potential future options available!
Potential Future Options
Cspire
Cspire is an internet service provider that is constantly expanding its network and has shown interest in coming to Alabama if they get enough support. They offer fiber lines with speeds up to 1gbps. You can fill out the check availability form on their website. This will let them know you are interested in their services. You will need to enter your address and email to notify them and receive a notification if they expand.
Starlink
Starlink is a newly launched satellite internet company that is putting satellites into low earth orbit. This should not be confused with traditional satellite internet. Speeds for Starlink beta have been between 50-150 Mbps.
Current Options
Sardistel
Sardistel in my opinion is the best internet available in Blount County for most people. They have been extremely reliable once you are an established customer. What I tell everyone about Sardistel is to expect it to take a crazy long time to get set up because they have a huge backlog but it is well worth the wait. If you look online you may see bad reviews but most of these are people that did not understand there would be a long wait to get the modem and have it activated. If you have good cell service at your location, you should have a good experience with them as they operate on a cellular type wireless network. if you have mediocre cell service or a metal roof blocking out the signal, I highly recommend getting a signal booster. There are different models of boosters depending on your carrier. You can find them on Amazon with these links. AT&T and Verizon.
Otelco
Otelco is available. Thats about all I can say about them.