The LUS Story ( Fiber to the Home ) and more ...

[CajunProud]

Anytime the government (whether it is federal, state or local) runs something that should be run by private industry, they F it up. I am soo sick of this BS, I am beyond pis s ed.

[03cajunalum]

LUS has really made COX step up its game in Lafayette.

I have the fastest internet COX offers here in Vermilion Parish, which is nothing compared to COX in Lafayette.

Cox offers the same speeds and packages in all markets in Acadiana. I suggest giving them a call.

[CajunAmos]

I'm not totally knowledgeable about the LUS system, but I did think this was sold as a fiber-to-the-home initiative but was intended to draw high tech businesses with the large bandwidth availability inherent in the system. The symmetrical bandwidth is a huge plus in movie production (video services). I think you can get 100MB packages for $200/mo, and I don't think that exists anywhere else for near that price. I also expected the system to have some losses in the first few years as you can't build a customer base instantaneously. I know the concept and foresight has been lauded in numerous articles around the country and world, so I don't think the "toss it" idea makes any sense at this point in its model.

[Turbine]

Cox offers the same speeds and packages in all markets in Acadiana. I suggest giving them a call.

I wonder if they added a level (will check) I am at or near $50 a month (just internet) when I signed it was their fastest.

I have been on a COX system in Lafayette and it was easily faster than what O have.

[CajunAmos]

I wonder if they added a level (will check) I am at or near $50 a month (just internet) when I signed it was their fastest.

I have been on a COX system in Lafayette and it was easily faster than what O have.

Copied this from the LUS page.

Speed Levels & Details

---------------------------------------------

10x10 - $28.95

10 Mbps (download & upload)

---------------------------------------------

15x15 - $34.95

15 Mbps (download & upload)

---------------------------------------------

40x40 - $49.95

40 Mbps (download & upload)

---------------------------------------------

75x75 - $99.95

75 Mbps (download & upload)

---------------------------------------------

100x100 - $199.95

100 Mbps (download & upload)

---------------------------------------------



All Internet service packages include:

Up to 7 email accounts with 2 GB storage each
Webmail access that includes personal calendaring, IM capabilities and file sharing
Personal web space up to 70 MB
Access to the 100 Mbps Peer-to-Peer Community Intranet
Direct Ethernet connection (no modem needed)
Award-winning ZoneAlarm Security Suite including virus protection, spam filter, pop-up blocker and more
Secure iOBackup available



Monthly rates shown are available to residential customers only and do not include required taxes or fees. Internet bandwidth that the customer receives is not guaranteed and is best effort.

[03cajunalum]

I wonder if they added a level (will check) I am at or near $50 a month (just internet) when I signed it was their fastest.

I have been on a COX system in Lafayette and it was easily faster than what O have.

Currently I have the 15mbps package I think it's called preferred. No complaints from my end. You're probably on an older outdated package. When they update what's available we don't always find out until its time to renew. A quick call should get you what you seek.

[CajunRed]

I'm not totally knowledgeable about the LUS system, but I did think this was sold as a fiber-to-the-home initiative but was intended to draw high tech businesses with the large bandwidth availability inherent in the system. The symmetrical bandwidth is a huge plus in movie production (video services). I think you can get 100MB packages for $200/mo, and I don't think that exists anywhere else for near that price. I also expected the system to have some losses in the first few years as you can't build a customer base instantaneously. I know the concept and foresight has been lauded in numerous articles around the country and world, so I don't think the "toss it" idea makes any sense at this point in its model.

From what I read in between the lines of the auditor's comments, I think the losses mentioned are over and above the amortized debt and depreciation. The system...if I understand correctly...is absolutely hemorraging money faster than they can count it. That was not expected by a long shot.

[CajunProud]

From what I read in between the lines of the auditor's comments, I think the losses mentioned are over and above the amortized debt and depreciation. The system...if I understand correctly...is absolutely hemorraging money faster than they can count it. That was not expected by a long shot.

That's because they are morons and political hacks.

[marine dude]

I'm sure this has been asked/speculated, and i dont expect an answer, but is there any way LUS could sell their infrastructure to a competitor and expect a return?

[RaginCajun77]

I'm sure this has been asked/speculated, and i dont expect an answer, but is there any way LUS could sell their infrastructure to a competitor and expect a return?

The best they could do is probably sell the infrastructure at a price that covers the bonds issued to put the project in motion.

[leeman]

I've got the 10mps speed. It's fricking awesome.. tv,phone, internet...... 89.00 bucks/month...when the guy came to hook it all up he had to rewire the entire house with higher quality cable . he did it very fast along with shiny new outlets throughout.. for no charge. they just hooked up a new digital electric and water meter.. I know that's another thread... anyway.. I'm pleased with the service... jmo

[LFTCajun]

I am being transferred to Houston and will have to leave behind my 50mps plan. I also had digital TV on the plan with the box running the Microsoft Media Room OS. The only issue I ever had was with a power supply failure up in my attic, which was replaced within two hours. I am now back with Cox temporarily in an apartment while waiting for my new Katy house to be constructed, and I got to tell you, I took LUS Fiber for granted with NO constant restarting a modem (no modem involved with LUS)...

Was the most rock-solid service I've experienced.

[Cajun Monkee]

That's because they are morons and political hacks.

You do realize these are the same people running LUS? An LUS which provides damn good service.

And you do understand why we have an LUS?

[CajunEXPRESS]

You guys in Lafayette should remember that Cox has been televising UL football home games on Cox 4 a channel not carried by Direct, Dish, and of course the LUS. I am just saying if this thing goes out of business you might want to catch a cajun game on television you might not be able to attend, or record it for later. I have Cox for Cox 4 and CST channels on Sun Belt telecasts.

[CajunRed]

I don't know anything about it going out of business, but I suspect that the monthly rates on some LUS plans will go up shortly by as much as 50%. Just like LUS can't sell water or electricity below what actual costs are, it cannot legally continue to sell Fiber below what it costs to bring service to its customers.

[CajunEXPRESS]

Well the cost per consumer goes up with each customer loss, so I do not know if they can raise prices too much and retain, or add new customers. They are in a revenue and cost vice.

[CajunRed]

Well the cost per consumer goes up with each customer loss, so I do not know if they can raise prices too much and retain, or add new customers. They are in a revenue and cost vice.

I mentioned that earlier. They are in a very tight spot. I think their original business model assumed that private business would just roll over...that they would then easily pull away waaaay more customers than they have and will...and would then be showing a profit much earlier. The recent audit appears to point out that the original model was not even CLOSE to being realistic...and CRITICAL changes will have to be made. To be at their bonding limit of $125million so early in the project is not good. This has gotten serious.

[CajunProud]

I absolutely understand that providing basic power to the citizenry is a government function, but providing a service that is menat to be provided by private industry is not a government function.

You do understand the relationship between a government and the citizenry that gives it it's power? Maybe you should read your Constitution.

[Cajunsmike]

I mentioned that earlier. They are in a very tight spot. I think their original business model assumed that private business would just roll over...that they would then easily pull away waaaay more customers than they have and will...and would then be showing a profit much earlier. The recent audit appears to point out that the original model was not even CLOSE to being realistic...and CRITICAL changes will have to be made. To be at their bonding limit of $125million so early in the project is not good. This has gotten serious.

I switched to LUS due to a lower overall price than Cox was charging and also because Cox took away one of my favorite channels off of their basic package. LUS does carry Cox Sports, they don't carry Cox 4 however which has some Cajun athletic events on it. That may be a reason less folks switched than they believed would. Note that Cox is more reasonable in their rates due to the competition however. In fact, I know of folks who walk into Cox's office and tell them they will switch unless they match the LUS rate. Cox agrees to it with the stipulation "no one else can know about this".

[California Cajun]

Cox is getting what internet and cable needed, competition.

I'm not Catholic, but I appreciate what they provide to public schools, alternatives.

The intent of LUS Fiber was undoubtedly to attract business and ensure a vibrant economy for years to come. We're willing to suffer some growing pains other communities aren't, and if we don't lose our nerve in the meantime we will be rewarded.

UL is going to need to develop this kind of enterprising spirit for its athletic department, like quite frankly Louisiana Tech has, if they want to forge ahead of the competition.