What with the local friction against AT&T specifically, and the discomfort with telecom giants generally, some local residents have been scouting options for independent ISPs. We're here to share.
Indeed, for our own little hamlet especially, which is home to current tech workers, early internet pioneers, and assorted other citizens-of-political-conscience, it seems odd that AT&T and Comcast should be the only options, especially in light of the national scrutiny of telecom mergers and bad business practices. For those of you who are sick of paying monthly fealty to AT&T or Comcast for your internet, good news: you're not alone. A recent inquiry by neighbors inspired us to do our own homework, and this is what we've turned up. Apparently the most popular (as in, well-liked) local ISP is Monkeybrains, based in Potrero and providing 8 to 20Mbps. Launched as a pilot in 2010 and currently expanded, they use wireless transmission to cover the city, and their closest antenna is behind Buena Vista Park. A representative from Monkeybrains said of the Haight that "we have coverage there but the hill's kind of steep, so some houses don't get coverage." To find out if you're covered, just give them a call. They're currently taking applications for new customers and booking appointments one-and-a-half to two weeks out. Another semi-viable option is Webpass, which isn't yet available in the Haight but can be installed in 20-or-more unit buildings and is reportedly crazy fast. Then there's sonic.net, which already provides residential service to the Haight. So the word is, non-giant options are available but few, and hopefully growing.
Indeed, for our own little hamlet especially, which is home to current tech workers, early internet pioneers, and assorted other citizens-of-political-conscience, it seems odd that AT&T and Comcast should be the only options, especially in light of the national scrutiny of telecom mergers and bad business practices. For those of you who are sick of paying monthly fealty to AT&T or Comcast for your internet, good news: you're not alone. A recent inquiry by neighbors inspired us to do our own homework, and this is what we've turned up. Apparently the most popular (as in, well-liked) local ISP is Monkeybrains, based in Potrero and providing 8 to 20Mbps. Launched as a pilot in 2010 and currently expanded, they use wireless transmission to cover the city, and their closest antenna is behind Buena Vista Park. A representative from Monkeybrains said of the Haight that "we have coverage there but the hill's kind of steep, so some houses don't get coverage." To find out if you're covered, just give them a call. They're currently taking applications for new customers and booking appointments one-and-a-half to two weeks out. Another semi-viable option is Webpass, which isn't yet available in the Haight but can be installed in 20-or-more unit buildings and is reportedly crazy fast. Then there's sonic.net, which already provides residential service to the Haight. So the word is, non-giant options are available but few, and hopefully growing.
