We're Switching to a New Net Provider

I've been with a local Canadian company called Surf Internet for five years. They started off first on our municipal fiber in New Westminster and seemed like a promising entrant. Through thick and thin, we stayed with them thinking that the company would eventually grow and become a reliable provider. Today, I received an email. Here are the first three paragraphs:

   

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Dear valued customer, 

We hope this email finds you well. We wanted to share an important update regarding our Fibre Internet services that directly impact you. 

After careful consideration of several important factors, we regret to inform you that Surf Internet will no longer be able to offer Fibre service in your location. We understand that this service has been an integral part of your online experience, and we sincerely appreciate your trust in us over the years. Please note that this notice does not apply to your TV or Home Phone service as these services will continue to be offered and will continue to work as long as you have an active Internet connection from Surf Internet or any other service provider. 

The Surf Internet Fibre service is scheduled to be decommissioned on Sunday, October 15th.

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Sure, sure.  It might as well have read: Dear John, it was us, it wasn't you!

Of course, the timing wasn't great.  We are due to leave for the winter on October 31st.  So, that would have left us without internet for about two weeks.  I'll need to move over to another service provider asap.  

Actually, I'm not upset for several reasons.  First, Surf never had a billing system capable of setting up an easy 'snowbird' service for Canadians who winter elsewhere.  They also never managed to have consistent staffing nor could I ever count on getting hold of help, when needed.

Another reason is that I also have my own modem and router setup.  I bought them on my own last summer after the Surf guys couldn't update an ancient all-in-one setup.  The former device couldn't handle the demands of our place as we have Google Home with at least 20 Wi-Fi lights and 40 devices in total.

In fact, the only thing keeping me was the price.  I was grandfathered under Internet rates that were really good.  Switching over will cost me about 40% more but I guess it'll be worth the money to get a more responsive provider.  I will not be going with a major Canadian telecom but another local company that has a stellar reputation.

A Novus technician is due here next Wednesday to get us switched over.