Socket Internet was co-founded in 1994 by George Pfenenger and John Dupuy. Socket Internet is now the largest local Internet provider in Missouri, and has experienced rapid growth throughout Missouri and the rest of the region.
For the past three years, Socket Internet has been named one of the top 500 fastest growing private companies in America by Inc magazine. In 2004, Socket Telecom, an affiliate of Socket Internet, entered Missouri’s local & long-distance telephone industry for businesses. Business owners can now choose to receive both their telephone service and Socket Internet service from a single local company.
Socket Internet’s mission is to bring smaller-market businesses a choice in local telephone providers that have previously only been available in larger markets. Socket’s focus is to provide the highest quality of customer service and technical knowledge with a customizable selection of telecommunication services. Towards that end, Socket has invested into building a state-of-the-art network utilizing the newest and best technology.
Socket Internet is based in Missouri, but provides service nation-wide. Here’s what my experience with them has been like…
Billing ~
Straight-forward. No tricks, no gimmicks, and no surprises. Socket has auto-draft convenience or mailed out bills if you prefer them. Reminders go out monthly by email just before your draft date, (in case you forget that you’re on auto-draft and need a last-minute warning).
Prices ~
Competitive and stable. I’ve been with Socket almost 4 years, and never had a price increase, even though they continue to add new services, making it more and more valuable.
Services ~
I use the dial-up service, so that’s what I know best. Socket also offers higher speed connections in most areas. With local numbers available in all major cities and a startling number of small communities, I can dial in for free practically all the time. Socket also has a nationwide toll-free dial-in number, for those times when I’m just too far out. The low per-minute charge for the toll-free service makes it a reasonable alternative for times when I travel.
Accelerator ~
For those of us using the dial-up service, Socket offers an accelerator service. Honestly, I don’t understand how it works. Socket offered a 3 month half-price no-strings trial recently though, so I tried it out. Pages load noticeably faster, and it comes with an email filter that is keeping my inbox soooo much cleaner!
Customer Service ~
Truly customer-oriented service is rare these days, but Socket has it. On the very few occasions that I’ve need to call in for help from customer service, I been met with knowledge, easy-to-work with staff that addressed my issues promptly and completely.
Tech Support ~
These guys are awesome!! I cannot give high enough praise for the folks answering the tech support lines at Socket. I think they know *everything*. Despite the unusual collection of systems I’ve called in for help with, they have always known exactly what I needed to do to get connected and stay productive.
Phone Number ~
Even the best customer service and tech support doesn’t do you any good if it’s too hard to remember. Every department at Socket can be reached through the same easy-to-memorize toll-free number, 1-800-SOCKET3.
Free Month ~
For years, Socket has offered the first month free. Try out this great ISP with no risk!
