Most people will realize a significant savings.
For example, a minimum satellite internet service is typically $50 (10/1 Mbps down/up, 10GB data cap). (Cellular internet costs are comparable to satellite.) A full-featured “Freedom Essentials” Verizon land line is typically $75 including $15 in fees. (Digital service through WiredWest is not expected to include the fees and recovery charges levied by Verizon.) Total cost for residents today typically starts at $125 per month.
By comparison, fiber optic service ($49 for symmetric 25 Mbps, no data cap) and a full-featured digital phone ($25) together cost $74 per month representing a savings of at least $50 per month.
Verizon DSL subscribers will likely find that the WiredWest internet and phone ($75) is about the same as Verizon’s bundled internet and phone (typically $80 including fees).
Importantly, fiber optic residents may also incur additional property tax to cover the bond payments. It is estimated that the revenues based on a 40% subscription rate will be sufficient to offset debt payments, but residents may be on the hook to pay up to the full debt payments through increased property taxes, click here to find out if you are at risk. Across the 32 towns, the average homeowner is estimated to pay an average of $8 to $12 per month in additional taxes, with a few communities paying more and a few paying less. Thus, even with additional taxes, most people will experience significant savings and those who pay slightly more will enjoy far superior service while supporting an important community asset that will add value not only to connected premises, but also to overall quality of life in that town.