Is Optimum or Altice a Monopoly in the Hamptons? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you live or own a home in the Hamptons, chances are you’ve felt the frustration of dealing with Altice (Optimum). Whether it’s slow speeds, unreliable service, or poor customer support, the options for wired internet in our area are slim to none. In fact, for many residents, Altice is the only option—making it feel like a true monopoly.
But is Optimum really a monopoly in the Hamptons? And more importantly—what alternatives do you have?
Why Does It Feel Like a Monopoly?
In economic terms, a monopoly exists when one company dominates a market with no effective competition. In much of the Hamptons—Montauk, East Hampton, Southampton, and surrounding areas—Altice is the only wired provider offering internet, phone, and cable services.
That means no Verizon Fios. No Comcast. No other high-speed fiber options.
And while Altice doesn’t technically hold a legal monopoly (their franchise agreements are non-exclusive), the cost and complexity of building out new infrastructure makes it extremely difficult for any competitor to enter the market.
Why Aren’t Other Providers Here?
You might wonder why companies like Verizon or even smaller ISPs haven’t stepped in. The reality is:
• Altice owns the existing infrastructure—competitors can’t use their lines.
• Building new fiber would cost millions of dollars and take years to complete.
• Strict zoning and trenching laws in the Hamptons make construction slow and expensive.
• The seasonal nature of many properties makes ROI less appealing for big providers.
So even though Altice doesn’t have a legal lock on the market, they function like a monopoly—and they know it.
The Result? Poor Service and Few Options
Without competition, Altice has little incentive to improve service. We’ve seen:
• Frequent outages
• Sluggish speeds—especially during summer months
• Subpar customer support
• Opaque pricing and data caps
Many homeowners are asking the same question: “Is there a better internet option in the Hamptons?”
The good news is: Yes.
A New Option: Starlink Internet for the Hamptons
If you’re tired of waiting for a miracle from Altice, it might be time to look to the sky.
Starlink by SpaceX offers high-speed satellite internet that works across the entire Hamptons region—no cables, no franchise fees, and no dependency on Optimum’s infrastructure.
At Home Technology Experts, we’ve already helped dozens of clients in Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Montauk, and Southampton get online with Starlink—whether as their primary internet or as a backup solution for business continuity and smart home reliability.
Not Just a Replacement—A Powerful Backup
While Starlink can serve as a standalone internet service, most of our clients use it as a backup to Optimum—especially those with:
• Remote work requirements
• Smart home systems
• Surveillance cameras or remote-access controls
• VoIP or intercom systems
• Luxury rentals requiring always-on connectivity
With the right failover setup, your home can automatically switch to Starlink if Optimum goes down—keeping your home, business, and guests connected without skipping a beat.
Benefits of Starlink Internet:
• Fast speeds: 100–250 Mbps in most Hamptons locations
• Low latency: Great for video calls and automation systems
• Available now: No trenching, no Altice delays
• Works as a primary or redundant internet source
Ready to Ditch (or Back Up) Optimum?
If you’re fed up with Optimum or simply want the peace of mind that comes with reliable backup connectivity, we’re here to help. Our team specializes in custom Starlink installations for luxury homes, remote estates, and critical systems.
👉 Explore Starlink installation and service options here
Final Thoughts
Altice may act like a monopoly in the Hamptons—but they don’t have to be your only option. With Starlink, homeowners now have a reliable alternative or a smart backup to avoid frustrating outages.
Don’t wait for fiber that may never come. Let’s get you connected now—and stay connected no matter what.
Book an on-site consultation now!