As your national outdoor hospitality association, OHI wants you to know we are aware of the issues campgrounds across the country are experiencing with Spectrum regarding the termination or possible termination of Wi-Fi service, and we are working actively to find a solution.
OHI is in the process of forming a coalition of the leading national hospitality and lodging associations also affected by this issue to increase our voice and our negotiating power with Spectrum.
We have also tapped into the expertise of Eric Stumberg, owner of TengoInternet, an OHI discount provider and member of the OHI Business Forum, who has offered the following insights to help guide our efforts:
In what appears to be a nationwide initiative, Spectrum recently identified and notified select high-data-usage coax/cable internet accounts across the country for being in breach of its Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). According to the Spectrum AUP, Spectrum can modify and enforce its AUP at its sole discretion.
These flagged accounts have been provided with options to remedy the breach or face suspension or termination of service. Spectrum directs these affected accounts to contact its Community Solutions which provides bulk-rate solutions and may also mitigate account termination until a permanent solution to the breach is found.
If you have received a Notice of Material Breach from Spectrum, below are a few immediate options you can consider:
1. Contact your local Spectrum representative to verify if the account flag was applied in error or can be removed.
2. Respond to the violation notice to avoid termination and contact the Spectrum Community Solutions. Below are the known mitigations:
- Adjust your property coax internet service to stop sharing service with guests/residents and only use Spectrum coax line for your campground office;
- Purchase Spectrum Community Solutions bulk rate at $25-$35 per site per month; and
- Request service continuation until an alternative is found.
3. If the quote from the Spectrum Community Solutions Team is unsatisfactory or infeasible, consider transitioning to an internet provider whose contracts and AUP align with the use of supporting your guest WiFi network. There are national and regional wired and fixed wireless providers, in addition to satellite options for immediate restoration.
NOTE: In addition to TengoInternet, the OHI Marketplace offers Wi-Fi options for our members at ohi.org/discounts.
Another informative resource for campgrounds affected by this issue that we recommend watching is a recent townhall, hosted by Campground Views owner Mark Koep who was joined by TengoInternet’s Stumberg and other industry experts from Access Parks, RV Park TV/It’s All About Satellites, the Towne Law Firm PC and Smart Tech Consulting. The video can be viewed here.
The solution to this issue will require our industry coming together. OHI and our coalition partners believe other internet service providers (ISPs) will likely begin charging on a “per site” basis for WiFi as well, so this has the potential to impact you regardless with which ISP you are currently contracted.
As your national association, it is our mission to advance outdoor hospitality businesses and part of that is advocating and finding solutions when we can for challenges our members face. We will continue to actively pursue a solution to this issue and keep you updated on our progress.
If you have received a notice from Spectrum, or any other ISP, please share your story with us here. This will help as OHI advocates for you at the highest levels to find a solution to this issue. You can also use this form if you have questions or comments.
Thank you for being a valued member of the OHI community.
Paul Bambei
President and CEO, OHI
