Starry internet to stop serving Columbus
Less than two years after entering the market, the discount internet provider Starry is discontinuing its Columbus service.
The Boston-based company told customers this week that it will soon stop supplying central Ohio.
“It is particularly difficult to tell you today that Starry will begin phasing out its Internet services in the Columbus, Ohio market beginning this spring,” Starry wrote to its customers. “We will be in touch with you to provide you with a more specific date for the discontinuation of your Starry service. You don’t have to do anything at the moment.”
Starry launched the Columbus service in the summer of 2021, offering internet connectivity for just $25 per month before transitioning to a regular $50 per month plan.
Columbus was Starry’s sixth market and first in the Midwest after Boston, New York City, Washington, Denver and Los Angeles. The company said it was closing the Columbus market to focus on the others.
“Exiting the Columbus market was a difficult decision that we did not take lightly,” said Chet Kanojia, Starry’s chief executive officer, in a press release.
“Every community deserves robust competition and a wide choice of broadband providers, and Starry’s goal was to offer a quality, affordable option to families across Columbus. I am proud of what our team has built and the impact we have made in neighborhoods across Columbus. However, our business is evolving and given the challenging macro environment we have had to make some difficult decisions. The decision to exit Columbus gives us the opportunity to continue investing in our five core city markets and to continue to grow our footprint and customer base in those communities.”
Starry said it will begin in March with the withdrawal of Columbus service and end in June. The company said customers will be notified if they lose service and given the option to switch to other providers.
“We don’t recommend specific providers, but our account team is able to help our customers identify which other providers might serve their location and can ease the transition from Starry,” said company spokeswoman Mimi Ryals.
Starry didn’t put the number of customers in Columbus past “thousands,” but said his network reaches more than 350,000 Columbus homes.
Customers were directed to a Starry blog for details on the company’s decision.
@JimWeiker
