Twp Council Slams Internet Provider In Howell: ‘It Is Horrible’

HOWELL, NJ – Amid an influx of residents working and learning from home, Howell locals are asking for answers to “horrible” internet service provided by Optimum – and it appears that at least one member of the Howell Township Council feels similarly passionate about the issue.

At a recent council meeting on Sept. 15, Howell Mayor Theresa Berger expressed her own frustration regarding the township’s internet service provider, echoing one disgruntled resident:

“I agree one million percent. It is horrible, it is horrible,” said Berger at the Sept. 15 meeting. “Our internet services in this town are horrible.”

The mayor's response was prompted by a local question during the public portion of the meeting, which called for the council to file a formal complaint with the NJ Board of Public Utilities against Optimum, Howell Township’s internet service provider.

“Many residents are having issues with Optimum, which is making it difficult for people to work from home or remote learning,” the resident wrote. “I think it is time for the council to send a letter to BPU [the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities] on our disappointment of services.”

“It’s certainly not a cheap expense for the people that live in the town,” continued Berger.

Councilman John Bonevich said that the township has heard about issues with the provider before and is in the process of renegotiating with the service. In the meantime, The councilman assured that all qualms will be relayed to the provider.

“That [renegotiation] is coming up,” said Bonevich. “If the internet is not working and their complaint forms are not even working, we are going to have [Optimum] come to the table and maybe have Verizon come to the table and see what will happen.”

The issue of shoddy internet has been a longstanding issue in the township, but has been exacerbated in recent months by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and subsequent increase of residents working and attending school virtually.

“We have to renegotiate [Optimum’s] contract,” said Bonevich. In the meantime, “we can go to BPU and we can make our thoughts known on that.”

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