It was Friday evening. I had just gotten home after a long day in the office. I sat down to watch an episode of the latest Netflix series that I was looking forward to binging that weekend, but the internet wasn’t working. I reset the modem and tested other devices. It was no use. I picked up the phone and tried to call my provider. It took 27 minutes of battling an automated “Karen” to reach an actual person. I explained that my service was out, and that I tried resetting the modem. The aggravated agent said that they worked in the sales department and that I needed to speak with someone in customer service. They put me on hold and transferred me to another department. I waited for 48 minutes, listening to elevator music until someone in the customer service department answered the phone. I re-explained my issue to them, struggling to contain my frustration. They stated that I needed to speak with someone in the device management and troubleshooting department. I waited for another 38 minutes. I explained my issue again to the person who answered. They stated that it was a customer service issue. I told them I already spoke with customer service, but they insisted and transferred me anyway. I waited for another 2 hours and 16 minutes. I probably listened to all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies as the hold music continued to play. Finally, the music stopped. They had just hung up on me.

I didn’t know it yet, but the moment that music stopped, Gig it was born. I have since come to realize two things. The first is that the internet service industry is broken. Large conglomerates have divided the country into specific territories where they’ve agreed not to compete with one another, creating a legal monopoly. The lack of competition has resulted in providers who simply do not care about customer satisfaction. They recognize that internet service is a necessity and that customers will pay regardless of how they are treated. Gig it was created to change the narrative, to be an internet service provider that prioritizes not just functionality, like speed and reliability, but also the customer’s complete experience, especially our personal interactions.

The second realization is that I am not alone. There are millions of people just like me who are tired, frustrated, and desperate to escape their current provider. We aren’t large enough to help everyone, but all great things have humble beginnings, and I believe that treating people like the incredible human beings that we all are is the only path towards success. We are excited and honored to begin this journey with you and we look forward to ushering in a new era of internet service.

Jon Paterakis, CEO