Collegiate Times

In several of the main off-campus apartment complexes in Blacksburg, Access Media 3 essentially has a monopoly on Internet services.

Students don’t have the option of choosing another Internet provider, and in this day in age, students can’t get by without one.

Apartment complexes exclusive contracts do have a plus side — they can make the service less costly, which is good for all parties — but when issues arise, they need to be addressed so students aren’t taken advantage of.

The issue right now with Access Media 3 is that blackouts have been occurring and the complaints of the students are seemingly falling upon deaf ears.

Complaints to Access Media 3 are being heard by a customer service department in Illinois that has no way of knowing the specifics of the situation because of sheer distance.

Without knowing who the third party is that is in charge of maintaining the equipment actually delivering the service, there is no accountability on either. And until that issue is resolved, students will continue feeling like they're getting the short end of the stick.

A version of this article appeared in the Feb 19 issue of the Collegiate Times.