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FAQs

If you have questions regarding a service you utilize or are interested in, please explore our FAQs and answers provided. Please reach out to the team at Public Service if you still have questions.

Network Management

Does Public Service discriminate against particular types of applications or content?

No. Public Service does not manage its network based on online protocols, activities, or applications that a customer uses. Rather, Public Service’s network management practices focus on the largest bandwidth volumes being used by individual customers.

When does Public Service use this method?

Public Service uses its reasonable network management practices and policies to manage network congestion and network security.

What should I do if my account is suspended?

If your account is suspended, you should contact Public Service and follow Public Service’s instructions for reinstating service.

Will I be suspended from the network if I use certain applications?

Public Service’s reasonable network management tools and practices do not discriminate between applications. They are application-agnostic. Thus, Public Service will not manage its network congestion or security protocols based on applications being used by its customers with Public Service’s broadband Internet service. Public Service’s network management is based on current network conditions and the amount of bandwidth being used by individual customers.

What can I expect if I am in violation of Public Service’s Terms and Conditions of Service, company policies, or service contracts?

In addition to being subject to the specific terms of the Terms and Conditions of Service, or individual company policy or service contract, if you, the customer, are using conduct which abuses or threatens harm to the Public Service network at any time, the impact to your online experience may include, but will not necessarily be limited to, any one or all of the following:

  • Notification by Public Service that you are in excess of the monthly bandwidth threshold and provision of a reasonable time frame in which to take corrective action
  • Removal or blockage of material that violates Public Service’s Terms and Conditions of Service or company policies or service contracts, including but not limited to, illegal content
  • Suspension or delay of the delivery of email if deemed excessive
  • Filtering of Internet transmissions
  • Suspension or termination of your Broadband Internet service account

Customers could also experience longer download or upload times or slower web surfing.

Will Public Service’s network management impact my online experience?

Public Service uses reasonable network management tools and practices that are minimally intrusive to its customers and are consistent with industry standards. In accordance with Public Service’s Terms and Conditions for Service and Broadband Internet Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”), Customers have agreed to comply with all current bandwidth, data storage, and other limitations on Public Service’s Broadband Internet services. Thus, Public Service’s tools and practices will generally impact only users that have consumed an excessive amount of bandwidth at any time during a one-month period. Users are more likely to experience an impact on online experience during peak periods where congestion is prevalent.

How does Public Service manage its network?

Public Service has policies in place to ensure that customers are able to access the lawful Internet content of their choice, run the Internet applications of their choice and to promote the continued development of the Internet. Public Service’s network management practices are nondiscriminatory, application-neutral, and minimally intrusive. Public Service may use one or more of the following to manage its network:

  • Capping a user’s bandwidth capacity with monthly usage thresholds per account
  • Charging overage fees for the use of bandwidth over the specified capacity
  • Application-agnostic, usage consumption-based prioritization of traffic
  • Making additions or upgrades to increase network capacity
  • Enforcing its Acceptable Use Policy and Terms and Conditions of service against customers abusing the network
  • Using security protocols to ensure authentication of customers
  • Monitoring the network to identify congestion, security breaches, malware or damage to the network
  • Blocking spam
  • Preventing viruses from harming the network
  • Thwarting denial of service attacks

Network management practices are a necessity to guard against harmful threats to the network such as network congestion, security attacks, excessive spam, and viruses. Reasonable network management practices ensure that you will have the best possible broadband Internet experience.

Why does Public Service manage its network?

Public Service manages its network in order to provide the ultimate broadband Internet service to its customers. Public Service acknowledges that bandwidth and network resources are not infinite and must be reasonably confined. In order to bring you the best possible broadband Internet experience, Public Service enforces network management policies that limit network congestion and delay while ensuring that all Internet content is treated equally and is not unlawfully blocked or degraded.

The FCC encourages all fixed broadband Internet access providers, such as Public Service, to manage networks with transparency and non-discrimination.

What is network management?

Network management is the reasonable and nondiscriminatory enforcement of network usage policies and the management of bandwidth use and capacity while maintaining the promotion of the dynamic benefits of an open and accessible Internet.

Account Setup and Management

How do I apply for your services?

Simply contact one of our Customer Service Representatives for assistance or visit one of our local offices.

Why does my first bill for new services seem so high?

Public Service bills a month in advance. Depending on your account start date & billing cycle, a prorated amount will be added to your first bill.

When is my bill due?

Your bill is due by the 10th of each month.

Do I need to sign a contract for residential services?

Signing a contract may reduce the cost of installation & monthly fee, but you are not required to sign one.

How long does it take to get residential service installed?

Our goal is to have services installed within three to five business days of your request. If construction is required, that will extend the install date.

Outages

Why do my services buffer?

There may be an issue with the equipment at your home. Please take your equipment to one of our local offices for additional testing or possibly a tech visit.

How long does it take to restore an outage?

It depends on the severity of the outage, but our goal is to restore any outages as quickly as possible.

What if I have an outage after hours?

We have a 24/7 repair team that is ready to assist with your troubles.

Services Areas

Is fiber available in my area?

Please contact one of our Customer Service Representatives to confirm if fiber is available in your area.

What areas do you provide services for?

Public Service coverage areas includes Reynolds, Roberta, Butler, Forsyth, Culloden, Lizella, Talbotton, and Geneva.

Business Services

Am I allowed to have a business email?

Absolutely! Our business customers are allowed to have up to 5 email accounts.

Is there any tech support offered for after hours if my services go down?

Yes, we have 24/7 tech support available to assist with any technical issues you may experience.

How much does it cost for business internet?

Public Service offers different internet plans for different prices. Learn more by contacting a business representative for a consultation.

Can I get business internet at my home?

If you prefer to work from home, we can provide small business owners business internet services at their home.

Is business internet available in my area?

We offer business internet for business owners in our coverage area. To check if business internet is available in your area, contact our Public Service business representative.

Residential Wireless

Are there any other hidden fees that I should know about?

No! There are no hidden fees with the monthly plans.

Am I allowed to add more data if I need to?

Yes. Adding more data to your plans are allowed for an additional fee.

What’s the cost of the wireless service?

Our plans start as low as $54.99 per month plus the equipment fee, taxes, and all service fees. Contact a Customer Services Representative to see what plan works best for you.

What plan will I need?

We have two different plans for your internet speeds & two plans to for data usage, however we cannot guarantee the speeds because they do fluctuate with the tower.

Does your company offer wireless services?

Yes. Public Service Wireless is run through LTE towers. The signal comes from the tower to our modem at your location.

Residential Home Security

Do I have to have your internet to get home security?

Yes. You will have to have internet services with our company.

Am I able to access my home security from anywhere?

Yes. You can watch your surveillance cameras anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.

DIRECTV STREAM

What is the difference between DIRECTV STREAM and regular cable?

While cable TV provides television service through a wired connection from a cable service provider, DIRECTV STREAM is available through an internet connection. Cable TV only covers live TV while DIRECTV STREAM offers live TV, streaming, and on-demand options.

Does DIRECTV STREAM provide access to Spanish-language and sports networks, as well as other international language channels?

Customers can add Spanish-language options and other international language options to any DIRECTV STREAM package. Ask us for more details.

How can I choose the best DIRECTV STREAM package?

DIRECTV offers an online quiz to help you choose the right package for your household. Take the quiz here.

Does DIRECTV STREAM provide access to local channels?

Yes. All DIRECTV STREAM customers can access local channels based on their billing ZIP code. Visit DIRECTV’s Channel Lookup Tool to learn more.

Residential Phone

Is long distance calling available with your company?

Yes. Long-distance calling is available with our company.

Will my phone work if the power goes out?

Unfortunately, during a power outage telephone service, including access to e911 will not be available.

Will I need to buy a particular phone to use with your service?

No. Your current phone should continue to work with our phone services.

Will my number be listed in the phone book?

Yes. We do offer a plan for a small monthly fee to keep your information private.

If I switch to your company, can I keep my same phone number?

Yes. Local Number Portability or LNP allows a customer to change local carriers and keep their current phone number. This can take up to 5 to 7 business days.

Residential Internet

What is the difference between upload and download speed?

Download is the speed at which your computer receives data from the internet. Upload is the speed at which your computer sends data to the internet (or cloud). This is mostly relevant when you are uploading pictures or videos from your computer to someplace on the internet.

Can I change speeds if I pick the wrong package?

Yes. Upgrading your package is available if what you have does not fit your needs.

How much internet speed do I need?

Your speed depends on if you’re an occasional emailer or an all-night gamer. Contact our customer service representative to discuss the perfect package for you.

Can I use my own modem?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your own modem, but you may use your own router.

What internet plans does your company offer?

Public Service has many internet plans ranging from 30 meg to 1 gig. Our DSL customers can choose from 20meg and up.