Local Entrepreneurs Challenge Internet Monopolies by Launching New ISP

In an inspiring tale of local entrepreneurship challenging entrenched corporate giants, two brothers-in-law from Saline, Michigan, embarked on a mission to revolutionize internet access in their community. Fed up with the perceived shortcomings of existing providers, they launched their own Internet Service Provider, Prime-One, offering a fiber-optic alternative that promises enhanced speed, reliability, and customer service. Their venture not only addresses a significant local need but also sets a precedent for community-driven solutions in areas dominated by a single major telecommunications company.

This innovative approach underscores a broader movement towards localized infrastructure development, as smaller players leverage intimate knowledge of their communities and agile business models to compete with industry behemoths. By focusing on direct, responsive service and cutting-edge technology, Prime-One exemplifies how grassroots efforts can foster healthy competition and deliver superior outcomes for consumers, potentially inspiring similar initiatives nationwide. Their success story highlights the transformative power of local initiative in overcoming monopolistic challenges and empowering communities with better connectivity.

From Frustration to Fiber-Optic Frontier

The genesis of Prime-One stems from a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the prevailing internet service landscape in Saline, Michigan. Samuel Herman, a local resident and chief operating officer of his family's construction business, experienced firsthand the frustrations associated with Comcast's Xfinity service, citing inconsistent speeds and a lack of reliable connectivity. This personal ordeal, coupled with the realization that no fiber-based alternatives existed in his vicinity, spurred him to consider a radical solution: building his own ISP. Enlisting the expertise of his brother-in-law, Alexander Baciu, they recognized an opportunity to leverage their existing infrastructure knowledge and construction capabilities to fill a critical void in the market.

Their entrepreneurial journey began with a clear vision: to establish a local internet provider that prioritizes customer satisfaction and delivers a genuinely high-quality service. Herman recounted persistent issues with Comcast, where temporary fixes were often the norm, reinforcing his belief that a fundamental shift was needed. Having observed the limitations of incumbent providers, he understood the dire need for a more stable and consistent internet solution for his community. This understanding propelled them to transition from merely discussing the problem to actively constructing a robust, fiber-optic network designed to serve the needs of frustrated residents, marking a significant step towards local digital empowerment.

Prime-One's Ascendancy and Market Impact

Prime-One's rapid growth since its inception in August 2024 is a testament to the acute demand for high-quality, reliable internet service in Saline. With just six months in operation, the company has successfully onboarded over 100 customers and now boasts a team of 15 employees. The company differentiates itself by offering pure fiber optic connections with unlimited data, starting at competitive rates for 500 Mbps and extending up to an impressive 5 Gbps, complete with necessary hardware like an Optical Network Terminal, modem, and router. Crucially, their commitment to reliability is underscored by their decision to install all infrastructure underground, ensuring greater protection and consistent connectivity.

Beyond technical specifications, Prime-One places a strong emphasis on customer support, providing direct phone assistance—a stark contrast to the predominantly online chat support offered by larger competitors. Currently, their network is poised to serve approximately 1,500 homes across 75 miles of fiber optic cables, with ambitious plans to expand coverage to 4,000 homes in the near future, including multi-unit residential buildings. This local challenge has even prompted a response from major players, with Comcast announcing network upgrades in the area, and other ISPs like MetroNet and Frontier initiating fiber line construction. This dynamic shift demonstrates Prime-One's pivotal role in stimulating competition and fostering improved internet services for the entire community.