At OpenCape, our mission is to empower communities on Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts, and beyond with reliable, high-speed internet that meets today’s demands and anticipates tomorrow’s. The recent broadband and cellular data network assessment by the Cape Cod Commission underscores the critical importance of closing connectivity gaps and ensuring that everyone has equitable access to quality internet. Read the full report . Key Findings from the Assessment: The assessment highlights several areas where connectivity falls short for many residents: Affordability : Among those who were less than “very satisfied” with their current service, 69% cited high costs as a significant barrier. High Costs : More than half of subscribers pay over $100 per month for internet service alone, placing a strain on household budgets. Reliability Issues : Regular slowdowns and service drops were reported by 39% of respondents, with disruptions happening at least once per week. These findings confirm what many in our communities have long experienced: the need for improved, affordable, and dependable internet service is greater than ever. OpenCape's Commitment to Bridging the Digital Divide At OpenCape, we’re actively working to close these gaps by expanding our fiber network and offering competitive, high-quality internet solutions across the region. Our efforts include: Expanding Our Fiber Network : We currently connect over 100 institutions to our state-of-the-art fiber network. Since it went online in 2013, OpenCape has provided a vital alternative source of fiber service, creating competition for municipalities, institutions, and both large and small businesses. OpenCape’s fiber connections are available to all customers across Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts, with primary uptake among enterprises and larger organizations. Business Zones : We’ve deployed fiber in business areas of Buzzards Bay , Falmouth , Hyannis , and Woods Hole , with accessible options for both businesses and residents. Our Buzzards Bay zone offers free installation for both business and residential users, while Hyannis provides free installations specifically for residential customers. ➡️ Learn more about our Main Streets Fiber program. Our Goals Through these efforts, we aim to: Deliver fiber-based solutions  that meet today’s needs and anticipate the demands of tomorrow. Support economic growth, innovation, and quality of life  with connectivity that is truly future-proof. We stand with the Cape Cod Commission in their mission to enhance broadband infrastructure. OpenCape is proud to play a role in building a stronger, more connected Cape Cod, where high-speed internet can become a reality for all. Support OpenCape’s Mission If you believe in empowering communities through access to reliable, high-speed internet, join us! Your support can help OpenCape bridge the digital divide and create a more connected, equitable future. Make your donation today  and support this important initiative.

The internet is practically a necessity these days, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with the same internet service provider (ISP) forever. In fact, switching ISPs can be a great way to save money, get a more consistent connection, or enjoy faster speeds. But maybe you've heard horror stories about long wait times and complicated installations, and that's kept you from making the switch. Well, fear not! Switching ISPs has become a much smoother process in recent years. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect: 1. Do Your Research Before you ditch your current provider, check out what other ISPs are available in your area. A quick web search can get you started. Here’s an easy search to run: “Internet Service Provider [Name of your town].” Look at plans, pricing, and customer reviews to find the best fit for your needs. Make sure you understand all the fees.  2. Fees Some ISPs have no fees and no taxes, while others charge numerous fees. Some prices include the cost of renting a router, while others hide that in an additional fee. 2. Understand Your Current Contract Many ISPs no longer lock you into long-term contracts, but it's always a good idea to double-check your latest bill or online statement. If you are under contract, you might have to pay an early termination fee (ETF) to break it. Knowing this upfront will help you factor that cost into your decision to switch or plan your timing to coincide with your contract expiration. 3. Schedule the Switch Seamlessly These days, many ISPs can activate your new service remotely, meaning minimal disruption to your internet connection. Ideally, you can schedule your new service to start a day or two before you cancel your old service. This way, you'll have minimal downtime. 4. Returning Equipment Most ISPs require you to return their modem or router when you cancel service. They'll usually provide a prepaid shipping box or ask you to drop it off at a designated location. Make sure you take care of this promptly to avoid any additional charges. 5. Be Wary of Retention Deals Once your current ISP knows you're planning to leave, they might try to win you back with a special offer. These deals can be tempting, but carefully consider if it matches your long-term needs or if switching to a new provider is still a better option. Switching ISPs can save you money and get you the internet service you deserve. By following these steps, you can make the switch a smooth and stress-free process. The Bottom Line If you're experiencing connection problems, they won't disappear just because your provider offered you a deal on more speed.  Increased speed and bandwidth won't solve service disruptions or slowdowns. Make the switch to OpenCape for reliable, high-speed internet that doesn’t compromise on quality. See how we can provide a better connection for your home or business.

Exciting News for Buzzards Bay! OpenCape is thrilled to announce the expansion of our high-speed fiber network to the Belmont Circle area in Buzzards Bay. This strategic move, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Town of Bourne, aims to deliver cutting-edge connectivity to businesses and residents alike. Experience the Power of 1G, 5G, and 10G Fiber With this expansion, businesses and residents in the Belmont Circle area can now access our powerful 1G, 5G, and 10G fiber internet services. This means lightning-fast speeds, unparalleled reliability, and a future-proof connection that can handle anything you throw at it. A Boost for Bourne's Business Community This infrastructure upgrade reflects Bourne's commitment to fostering a thriving business environment. By providing access to high-speed internet, we're empowering local businesses to grow, innovate, and compete on a global scale. Expanding Our Reach This expansion marks another significant milestone in OpenCape's mission to bring next-generation connectivity to Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. We're dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. A Thank You to Our Partners We extend our sincere gratitude to our team, Sertex Broadband Solutions, and R.W. Bryant Contracting, Inc. for their hard work and dedication in making this project a reality. Learn More and Sign Up Today! Visit OpenCape.org/Buzzards-Bay to learn more about our fiber internet services and to sign up for your connection. Check out this video to see the project in action:

Hyannis Gets a Fiber Speed Boost! OpenCape is excited to announce the availability of 1G, 5G, and 10G fiber internet services in downtown Hyannis. Our cutting-edge XPON technology is being installed right now - along Main St., North St., and South St., bringing a new era of connectivity to businesses and residents. Why choose OpenCape? Blazing-Fast Speeds:  Experience internet speeds that are multiples faster than traditional cable, allowing you to stream, download, and work without interruptions. Unmatched Reliability:  Say goodbye to buffering and lost connections. Our network is designed for maximum uptime and stability. Future-Proof Technology:  Prepare for the future with a network that can handle the ever-increasing demands of modern technology. And the best part? Free Residential Connections:  Thanks to support from the Town of Barnstable and the U.S. Department of HUD Community Development Block Grant, eligible residential customers in Hyannis can enjoy free fiber internet  for a limited time. Don't miss out!  To be among the first to experience the benefits of OpenCape's next-generation fiber internet, Sign up now  for customer installation, starting in October. Check out this video to see the project in action:

BEAD and GAP funding represent over $300 million available to the Commonwealth to improve internet infrastructure and bridge the digital equity gap. OpenCape collaborated with numerous municipalities and organizations during the BEAD Challenge Period, providing our region the opportunity to highlight how unreliable and inefficient the current services from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are. The data we collected was striking: 84%  of respondents said they were unhappy with their current service and would switch providers if given a choice. 42%  cited poor performance as the primary reason for wanting to switch. 41%  cited high costs as a major issue. More than 50%  of speed tests conducted failed to meet the 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload threshold established by Mass Broadband, despite providers claiming the region is “well served.” OpenCape is also concerned about how Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) were treated in this program. Many could have accessed 1GB/1GB service, but were overlooked. We submitted over 100 challenges, based on speed and status, highlighting these vital institutions that deserve robust service. While the rebuttal process is still ongoing, the lack of transparency is troubling. Moreover, some of the awards given are questionable. For example, Verizon was awarded $37,068,263 to connect 1,211 homes in Massachusetts—an average of $30,358.94 per household. In contrast, the national average cost to connect a home to fiber is about $2,500, with difficult installations ranging from $5,000 to $7,500. But $30,000 per household? Sadly, this isn’t surprising. It appears large cable companies had significant influence over the process. This is disappointing because these funds won’t be available again, and instead of ensuring that our residents and businesses gain access to future-proof internet solutions to drive economic growth, Mass Broadband chose the easier path. The 100/20 guidelines conveniently benefit big cable providers at the expense of real progress. It’s worth noting that our neighbors in Rhode Island mandated a 100/100 Mbps minimum to ensure they were setting future-focused goals.

A few Saturdays ago in Falmouth, MA, my wife and I enjoyed a day out, capped off by an evening at the Commodores Cape Cod league baseball game. While everything was fantastic, one incident left me pondering the hidden costs of unreliable internet - for both businesses and customers. My wife found herself stuck in a long line at a store due to credit card processing issues. Sitting outside with our dog, Max, I witnessed a revolving door of frustrated customers entering the store only to leave immediately upon seeing the queue. In the ten minutes I observed, at least 15 people walked away, presumably put off by the wait. This incident sparked a question: How much revenue did this store lose because of the lines caused by a poor internet connection? Now, credit card transactions themselves generally require minimal bandwidth. But the bigger issue lies in the ripple effect caused by slow or unstable internet. Here's how: Frustration and Lost Sales: Customers facing long lines due to processing delays are more likely to abandon their purchases and head elsewhere. This lost business directly impacts the store's bottom line. Negative Customer Experience: Slow internet creates a negative in-store experience, potentially damaging customer loyalty and encouraging them to take their business elsewhere in the future. Impact on Reputation: Word-of-mouth travels fast. A single negative experience can spread quickly, deterring other potential customers from visiting. My colleagues also reported similar issues at other stores in Falmouth that day. This suggests that unreliable internet might be a more widespread problem in the area. The Takeaway: For businesses, reliable internet is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. In a competitive marketplace, a slow internet connection can be a significant disadvantage. The story from Falmouth highlights how seemingly minor internet issues can translate into major revenue losses and customer dissatisfaction. Investing in reliable internet infrastructure is a smart business decision, allowing businesses to operate efficiently, provide a smooth customer experience, and stay competitive. We provide internet access all over Cape Cod, and PON services on Main streets in the following areas: Falmouth, Woods Hole, Buzzards Bay and coming soon Hyannis.  Thanks to PON, you now have access to reliable, high-speed 100% fiber internet connectivity, regardless of financial constraints. We've eliminated the cost barrier so you can experience better, faster, and more reliable internet connectivity.  Is your business experiencing similar problems? Share your experiences in the comments below! Or while you at it get a free quote at  opencape.org/business

Southcoast Health utilizes OpenCape at Tobey Hospital, Charlton Hospital, and St. Luke’s Regional Trauma Center. At OpenCape, we’re committed to ensuring reliable internet access for critical facilities across our service footprint, extending beyond Cape Cod, especially for healthcare institutions. Here’s what’s happening: For the past 5+ years, OpenCape has partnered with and serviced many Southcoast Health locations, including: Southcoast Health Tobey Hospital (Wareham): We have installed a second, underground fiber optic pathway to provide an additional layer of security and stability to their internet connection. Saint Luke’s Hospital in (New Bedford): A dedicated 100 Gig fiber optic circuit is being installed, ensuring high-speed, reliable internet for this vital regional trauma center. Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River): They recently benefited from the installation of a redundant internet circuit, further strengthening their network infrastructure. Why is this important? OpenCape provides both transport and internet circuits for Southcoast, ensuring that patients and providers have the most reliable internet connections. This is essential for modern healthcare operations, from accessing patient records and conducting telehealth consultations to seamlessly coordinating care delivery. This vital infrastructure ensures uninterrupted service for patients and staff. Minimally Invasive Installations Fun Fact!   The impressive trucks you see digging the trenches are vacuum excavation trucks. They utilize powerful suction systems for precise dirt and debris removal, minimizing disruption to existing utilities and the surrounding environment. By investing in infrastructure redundancy and high-speed connections, Southcoast Health is helping its hospitals—Tobey Hospital, Saint Luke’s Regional Trauma Center, and Charlton Memorial Hospital—continue to provide exceptional care to our community. Discover how OpenCape can assist you by clicking here .

Promotions Start Saturday June 29th 2024 How it Works:   Follow and like the latest OpenCape Falmouth Commodores post for a chance to win a $100 Anejo gift certificate! You can like and share multiple posts to improve your chances of winning. Alternate Entry Method:   Winning name will be picked on Friday, August 16, 2024. Winner will be selected using a random name picker.  Winner will be notified via email or social media direct message.

The headline in Hiawatha Bray's article at the Boston Globe today says it all "A statewide 911 crash is not supposed to happen." At OpenCape, we're committed to fostering a thriving community and we are an integral part of this service, OpenCape powers the connection to the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office which operates an Emergency Communications Center located on Joint Base Cape Cod which is responsible for the dispatch of emergency 911 calls for many municipalities across Cape Cod . While yesterday's statewide outage has nothing to do with OpenCape or the Barnstable County Sherriff. It highlights the importance in having robust and reliable infrastructure. Just like the foundation of a house, our infrastructure – especially our internet infrastructure – needs to be strong and well-maintained to support our growing needs. Many of our current systems were built years ago, and haven't kept pace with the demands of today's digital world. This aging infrastructure can lead to outages, slowdowns, and frustration for residents and businesses alike. Redundancy: The Key to Reliability One of the biggest concerns with aging infrastructure is a lack of redundancy. Imagine a bridge with only one lane – if there's an accident, the entire flow of traffic grinds to a halt. Similarly, if a single point of failure occurs in our current internet system, large portions of the community could lose connectivity. Building a More Resilient Future OpenCape is actively exploring solutions to address these challenges. One key focus is on building redundancy into our infrastructure. This means having multiple pathways for data to travel, so that if one route goes down, others can pick up the slack, minimizing disruption. By investing in a more modern and redundant infrastructure, we can ensure: Improved reliability: Fewer outages and disruptions for everyone. Enhanced performance: Faster internet speeds and smoother online experiences. Greater resilience: The ability to withstand unexpected challenges and keep our community connected. Working Together for a Brighter Tomorrow OpenCape is committed to working with residents, businesses, and policymakers to develop a comprehensive plan for upgrading our infrastructure. Stay tuned for future updates and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can build a future-proofed community where everyone has access to the reliable and high-speed internet they deserve.

Residents and businesses on Cape Cod and the Islands need to come together to tackle a major challenge: unreliable and expensive internet service. This critical infrastructure is holding back the region's potential in areas like healthcare, education, and economic development. Here's the good news! A coalition of local groups has launched the "FIX CAPE INTERNET CHALLENGE" to gather data and raise awareness about the issue. This initiative will help ensure Cape Cod gets the resources it needs for faster, more reliable internet. How You Can Help: Take the Speed Test: Visit FixCapeInternet.com and participate in a simple online speed tests. This data will be crucial in showing the true state of internet connectivity on Cape Cod. Spread the Word: The more people who participate, the stronger our case will be. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the challenge and encourage them to take the test. Join the Kick-Off Event: Come learn more about the initiative and hear from local leaders at the event on Wednesday, June 26th at 11 AM at Love, Live, Local in Downtown Hyannis (539 South Street). Why This Matters: Reliable internet is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. It connects us to healthcare, education, and job opportunities. It allows businesses to thrive and fosters innovation. By working together, we can ensure Cape Cod has the infrastructure it needs to reach its full potential. Let's Fix Cape Internet!

Imagine a world without instant access to information, seamless communication, and endless entertainment options. Just a couple of decades ago, this was the reality for many. Today, thanks to the incredible advancements in high-speed internet, the way we live, work, and connect has been fundamentally transformed. A Hyperconnected World: High-speed internet, powered by technologies like fiber optics, has ushered in an era of unprecedented connectivity. Say goodbye to the geographical limitations of information access. With a few clicks, we can access a global library of knowledge, connect with loved ones across continents in real-time, and participate in a vibrant online marketplace. This hyper-connectivity has impacted various aspects of our lives in profound ways: Empowered Businesses: High-speed internet has fueled the rise of the digital economy. E-commerce websites, cloud computing platforms, and collaborative tools have transformed the way businesses operate. Companies can now reach a global audience, facilitate remote work, and streamline operations, fostering innovation and economic growth. Transformed Education: E-learning platforms and online resources have democratized access to education.Students can now learn from world-renowned professors, participate in online courses, and access a wealth of educational materials, regardless of location. Revolutionized Communication: Social media platforms have become the new town squares, fostering communication and community building on a massive scale. Video conferencing allows for seamless virtual meetings and collaborations, blurring the lines between physical and remote work environments. Boosted Entertainment: Streaming services have revolutionized entertainment. High-speed internet allows us to enjoy movies, shows, and music with exceptional quality and on-demand access. Online gaming has become a global phenomenon, fostering competition and connection among people worldwide. Beyond the Obvious: The impact of high-speed internet extends beyond the more readily apparent benefits. It has facilitated advancements in healthcare through telemedicine, allowing remote consultations and diagnoses. It has empowered citizen journalism, giving a voice to the underrepresented. It has fostered innovation across industries, from the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) to the rise of artificial intelligence. Challenges and Considerations: While the benefits are undeniable, it's important to acknowledge the challenges associated with a hyperconnected world. Issues like digital divides, online security threats, and the possibility of information overload require ongoing attention. As we move forward, it's crucial to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet and develop responsible practices to navigate the digital landscape. Conclusion: High-speed internet has undeniably reshaped our world. It has unlocked opportunities, facilitated communication, and fueled innovation. As we continue to explore the possibilities of this powerful technology, it's clear that the impact of high-speed internet on our lives is here to stay, continuously shaping the way we live, work, and connect in the digital age.

In today's competitive business landscape, staying ahead requires embracing innovation and optimization. One of the most transformative forces for businesses of all sizes is fiber-optic internet. This cutting-edge technology delivers a game-changing leap in connectivity compared to traditional options like copper cable. But let's get down to brass tacks - how exactly does fiber-optic connectivity lead to business transformation? Here are some key benefits that can propel your company forward: 1. Blazing-Fast Speeds and Unmatched Reliability: Fiber-optic cables transmit data using light pulses, resulting in significantly faster speeds than traditional copper cables. This translates to: Effortless downloads and uploads of large files. Seamless video conferencing, even in high definition. Real-time collaboration and data sharing, regardless of location. Reduced latency, critical for applications like cloud computing and VoIP. With fiber-optic connectivity, downtime becomes a distant memory. The robust infrastructure ensures consistent, reliable internet access, minimizing disruptions and maximizing productivity. 2. Unlocking the Potential of Cloud-Based Applications: The rise of cloud-based applications has revolutionized how businesses operate. From CRM and project management tools to data storage and analytics, these solutions offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, their full potential is unlocked by a high-speed and reliable internet connection. Fiber-optic connectivity ensures seamless access to these critical tools, empowering businesses to leverage the power of the cloud. 3. Empowering a Remote Workforce: The ability to attract and retain top talent, regardless of location, is a significant advantage in today's job market. Fiber-optic connectivity empowers a flexible and geographically distributed workforce. Employees can collaborate effectively, access company resources, and participate in video conferences seamlessly, fostering a productive and efficient work environment from anywhere with an internet connection. 4. Enhanced Security and Scalability: Fiber-optic technology offers inherent security advantages due to its resistance to interference. This is crucial for businesses handling sensitive data. Additionally, fiber-optic networks are highly scalable, allowing you to easily upgrade your bandwidth as your business grows. No need to worry about your internet infrastructure limiting your expansion. 5. A Foundation for Future Technologies: Emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) rely heavily on high-speed, reliable data transmission. Fiber-optic connectivity lays the foundation for embracing these advancements and future-proofing your business for the digital age. OpenCape: Your Partner in Business Transformation Here at OpenCape, we believe fiber-optic internet is an investment in your business success. We offer a variety of high-speed plans specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Ready to unleash the transformative power of fiber-optic connectivity? Contact OpenCape today! We'll help you find the perfect plan for your needs and guide you on your journey to business transformation.