My review of Omnicity Corp (OMCY), a public WIFI ISP based in Indiana:
RUN, don't walk away - if you are in our situation and have very few or no alternative, get Hughesnet or similar - BELIEVE me, it's cheaper in the long run, and at least you will have service.
I would strongly recommend (as a trader) that investors avoid OMCY - as the prospectus simply doesn't tell the story. It sounds great - but this company is going nowhere quickly.
We are located in a rural area of N. Central Indiana and tried another WIFI company, then a 2G solution, then Omnicity WIFI.
After CAREFULLY, THOROUGHLY verifying their service claim with Debbie (new sales) by phone on 3 separate occassions, we ordered the residential package up to 1Mb download w/static IP address. Total cost $39.95 per month ($34.94 service, $5.00 ip). From call to install was 3 business days as claimed. Installer knew what he was doing and was prepared - BUT the installer was a contractor, not from Omnicity.
Ordered 12/15/09 - solid the first 28 days, and we were very satisfied. Then on 1/13/10 the outages started.
Initially tech support answered the phone - and to their credit tech support did return most calls within 24 hours. The administrative offices did not return calls. Another note here is that at NO TIME does anyone but tech support identify themselves, not on the phone, and not in letter or email. In addition, when managers from Omnicity call the phone number is withheld!
How's that for service?!
The explanation was "tower issues" "upgrades" "new equipment". They basically had "no specific information" about what the "plans" were by administration to address the issues. I also note that Omnicity got their stories confused. One tech would say equipment was being replaced, then another would say they're working on a reboot, or something similar.
Outages were NEVER announced. In addition to the outages, up time during this period when service was available it was choppy and very erratic.
Between 1/13/10 and 2/1/10 we noted these outages:
1/13/10: 19 hours
1/14/10: 15 hours
1/15/10: 7.5 hours
1/21/10: 7 hours
1/28/10: 6.5 hours
1/29/10: 24 hours
1/30/10: 24 hours
1/31/10: 24 hours
2/1/10: 19 hours
By 2/13/10 our total downtime exceeded 200 hours in one month.
I had a conversation with "Steve" who claimed to be an Omnicity Manager - he actually called their service "a turd" - again, how professional. He said "yep, you're down - and you're probably going down again".
I filed complaints with the BBB (Omnicity receives a grade of "F" from BBB and is NOT a BBB supporting business), and the FCC.
Omnicity's answer to my complaints:
They terminated my service the day they received the letter of complaint from the BBB of Indianapolis!
They did refund my $39.95 for February - and since they decided to terminate me, I insisted (on threat of doing a chargeback with my bank and taking the money) on a refund of my $149.95 installation fee.
I am currently engaged in informing as many people as possible - DO NOT make the mistake of dealing with Omnicity.
Another interesting note:
One of the Omnicity (OMCY) directors is also a current CEO of Wabash REMC - Mr. Rob Pearson. I am currently investigating a serious conflict of interest there, as I don't believe Mr. Pearson can hold both a chair at Omnicity, and the CEO position of Wabash REMC.
Omnicity's stated goal is to establish and exploit relationships with REMC's to further market share, and profit - HOW CAN A CURRENT CEO OF AN REMC ALSO HOLD A SEAT ON OMNIICITY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
At the very least, it's a serious appearance of impropriety which needs to be fully disclosed to all Wabash REMC customers/shareholders.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Indiana General Assembly - Senate Bill 309 - Property Tax increase
Below is a copy of my view on Indiana SB 309 (IN. General Assembly).
INDIANA CITIZENS MUST STOP THIS BILL - CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR NOW.
The current law in Indiana system allows school corporations to move up to 3.5% of capital
projects fund money to cover utility and insurance expense, based on numbers
from 2005, by exploiting a loophole.
THIS BILL HAS NOW BEEN UPGRADED TO AN EMERGENCY BILL - AS THE SENATE IS TRYING TO PASS IT BEFORE TOO MANY TAXPAYERS ARE AWARE OF IT...BECAUSE IF PASSED, THIS BILL WILL INCREASE PROPERTY TAX ON INDIANA PROPERTY OWNERS AN ESTIMATED $116.5 MILLION - AND THAT'S AN ESTIMATE. IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY TRIGGER CIRCUIT BREAKER - WHICH MEANS ALL TAXING UNITS (GOVERNMENT LANGUAGE MEANING ALL THOSE WHO TAX YOU) - MEANING THAT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT WOULD THEN TRY TO PLACE FURTHER TAXES AND FEES ON INDIANA TAXPAYERS USING THIS AS AN EXCUSE.
I contacted State Senator Randy Head (Indiana Senate District 18) with the following email:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directly from the fiscal impact statement:
"School corporations would be permitted to increase the tax rate for the CPF
to generate the additional $116.5 M for CY 2010 and CY 2011. If school
corporations increase their CPF rates, the higher tax rates would increase
net property tax liabilities and could possibly increase circuit breaker
credits if they have been triggered. All taxing units would be affected by
the loss of revenue from any increase in circuit breaker credits."
This is why I oppose this bill, and would think it prudent for any fiscally
responsible member to do the same. This is a $116.5 M tax increase, and that
number is estimated. If circuit breaker is triggered, additional revenue
would be required - and we KNOW where that would come from.
It's real simple, and this is where average citizens get irritated, and
rightfully so. Schools and government agencies are like children, and are
not being responsible for their funds. Giving them more is NOT the answer.
This is like giving your child a $5.00 allowance this week, and he spends it
- but wants something that costs $10.00, he's going to come to you for the
$10.00. If you give him the $10, he WILL spend that money and ask for more.
The responsible approach is to TEACH your child that if he wants a $10.00
item, and receives $5.00 per week - he must SAVE for 2 weeks.
It's time to TEACH the school districts, and government agencies the same
lesson we should all have learned as kids...and we are talking about a lot
more than $10.00.
The current system allows school corporations to move up to 3.5% of capital
projects fund money to cover utility and insurance expense, based on numbers
from 2005 by exploiting a loophole. As pointed out by watchdog, and other
fiscal groups, there are ways in which shortages (most specifically
insurance pooling) can be covered, and possibly even SAVE some money based
on the current 3.5%.
The problem is that the districts AREN'T LOOKING for it - why? Because they
are counting on Mom and Dad (in this case, the General Assembly) to give
them more allowance.
So - again, I would ask that you oppose this bill and suggest to the school
coporations that they be wise with their funding. If the GA wants to help
the districts, perhaps a bill or other assistance in obtaining proper
pooling of insurance would be the correct approach?
INDIANA CITIZENS MUST STOP THIS BILL - CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR NOW.
The current law in Indiana system allows school corporations to move up to 3.5% of capital
projects fund money to cover utility and insurance expense, based on numbers
from 2005, by exploiting a loophole.
THIS BILL HAS NOW BEEN UPGRADED TO AN EMERGENCY BILL - AS THE SENATE IS TRYING TO PASS IT BEFORE TOO MANY TAXPAYERS ARE AWARE OF IT...BECAUSE IF PASSED, THIS BILL WILL INCREASE PROPERTY TAX ON INDIANA PROPERTY OWNERS AN ESTIMATED $116.5 MILLION - AND THAT'S AN ESTIMATE. IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY TRIGGER CIRCUIT BREAKER - WHICH MEANS ALL TAXING UNITS (GOVERNMENT LANGUAGE MEANING ALL THOSE WHO TAX YOU) - MEANING THAT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT WOULD THEN TRY TO PLACE FURTHER TAXES AND FEES ON INDIANA TAXPAYERS USING THIS AS AN EXCUSE.
I contacted State Senator Randy Head (Indiana Senate District 18) with the following email:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directly from the fiscal impact statement:
"School corporations would be permitted to increase the tax rate for the CPF
to generate the additional $116.5 M for CY 2010 and CY 2011. If school
corporations increase their CPF rates, the higher tax rates would increase
net property tax liabilities and could possibly increase circuit breaker
credits if they have been triggered. All taxing units would be affected by
the loss of revenue from any increase in circuit breaker credits."
This is why I oppose this bill, and would think it prudent for any fiscally
responsible member to do the same. This is a $116.5 M tax increase, and that
number is estimated. If circuit breaker is triggered, additional revenue
would be required - and we KNOW where that would come from.
It's real simple, and this is where average citizens get irritated, and
rightfully so. Schools and government agencies are like children, and are
not being responsible for their funds. Giving them more is NOT the answer.
This is like giving your child a $5.00 allowance this week, and he spends it
- but wants something that costs $10.00, he's going to come to you for the
$10.00. If you give him the $10, he WILL spend that money and ask for more.
The responsible approach is to TEACH your child that if he wants a $10.00
item, and receives $5.00 per week - he must SAVE for 2 weeks.
It's time to TEACH the school districts, and government agencies the same
lesson we should all have learned as kids...and we are talking about a lot
more than $10.00.
The current system allows school corporations to move up to 3.5% of capital
projects fund money to cover utility and insurance expense, based on numbers
from 2005 by exploiting a loophole. As pointed out by watchdog, and other
fiscal groups, there are ways in which shortages (most specifically
insurance pooling) can be covered, and possibly even SAVE some money based
on the current 3.5%.
The problem is that the districts AREN'T LOOKING for it - why? Because they
are counting on Mom and Dad (in this case, the General Assembly) to give
them more allowance.
So - again, I would ask that you oppose this bill and suggest to the school
coporations that they be wise with their funding. If the GA wants to help
the districts, perhaps a bill or other assistance in obtaining proper
pooling of insurance would be the correct approach?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Amazing..President Robin Hood makes a Thanksgiving address saying we should "share" obviously recognizing the charitable nature of U S citizens...
Yet, while in Europe and nearly every other country...after bowing and cowtowing to leaders of every second and third rate country..many of whom would be speaking Russian or Japaneese were it not for AMERICAN SACRIFICE AND BLOOD..he apologizes and demonizes the very people he is asking to "share" with others.
This after he and the other liberal extremists in Congress are busily legislating the out and out unconstitutional theft of wealth from EVERY working American who pays taxes.
I have a suggestion for you Mr. Hood:
Since you're ashamed of your country, and have demonstrated that your only goal in seeking the Presidency is the systematic socialization and gutting of the United States, while enriching yourself & the liberal whack jobs in your cabinet & Congress...YOU share with them.
In fact why not just move to the Socialist country of your choice?
In other words..go screw yourself.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Predictably alleged Senator Bayh voted for cloture to support Harry Reid, and against his constituents here in Indiana who oppose the so called health care bill. This is nothing new. Mr. Bayh has been kissing the backside of the Dem party, and President Robin Hood for well over a year.
Mr. Bayh had previously said he would consider siding with the GOP were a plan introduced which contained the government option - which is BS code for takeover of health care by the government. Fortunately, Mr. Bayh recieved an out when presented with poll results from an extremely left wing group which claimed his party would punish him if he opposed such a plan. So - he happily had an excuse to continue brown nosing his buddies in leadership and the White House.
Mr. Bayh had previously said he would consider siding with the GOP were a plan introduced which contained the government option - which is BS code for takeover of health care by the government. Fortunately, Mr. Bayh recieved an out when presented with poll results from an extremely left wing group which claimed his party would punish him if he opposed such a plan. So - he happily had an excuse to continue brown nosing his buddies in leadership and the White House.
Amazingly he has yet to explain his conflict of interest where health care is concerned. After taking more than a Million dollars in "contributions" from the health care industry, and with his Wife receiving millions each year working for companies who will benefit if Obamacare is passed, Mr Bayh lied to his constituents (better known as his employers) about his recess schedule..then hid for the month REFUSING to answer his EMPLOYERS.
He certainly isn't hiding from making sure he votes in favor of his own pockets to give away billions to his Wifes employers.
Indiana...it's time to remind the Bayh family what happens when they fail to work for us. Like his Father, it's time for Evan Bayh to be fired...I'm sure he will move out of state just like Daddy..perhaps he can move to Nevada first to console his fellow loser Harry Reid...then they can both move to Chicago to keep BO company in 2012.
Why not go ahead and join Rev. Wright's church early - and go "pray" with the "God Damn America" croud - Comrade Bayh.
Good riddence.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Senator Evan Bayh is hiding from constituents
Senator Even Bayh is hiding from his constituents. I contacted his D C office asking for his schedule of events during the recess - they directed me to the Indianapolis office. The Indy office number is NOT being answered for the past several days - goes to voicemail.
I contacted his office today (8/7/09) and they are saying his schedule isn't "finalized" yet - they're sure he will spend a "good amount of time" in the district...and apologized for the Indy number being busy. I pointed out that the recess starts tonight - I told the assistant that I certainly hoped the Senator wasn't hiding from us - that he has alot of explaning to do regarding his refusal to disclose information on his positions to health care, and cap and tax.
The assistant said to "watch his website" that the schedule will be posted.
I guess a guy like this ... who's Wife is raking in literally millions of dollars from healthcare insurers who will benefit greatly from a government healthcare takeover - can't be bothered by us.
This man needs to be voted out.
I contacted his office today (8/7/09) and they are saying his schedule isn't "finalized" yet - they're sure he will spend a "good amount of time" in the district...and apologized for the Indy number being busy. I pointed out that the recess starts tonight - I told the assistant that I certainly hoped the Senator wasn't hiding from us - that he has alot of explaning to do regarding his refusal to disclose information on his positions to health care, and cap and tax.
The assistant said to "watch his website" that the schedule will be posted.
I guess a guy like this ... who's Wife is raking in literally millions of dollars from healthcare insurers who will benefit greatly from a government healthcare takeover - can't be bothered by us.
This man needs to be voted out.
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