When i ordered the 30Mbps package I was told there was an optional installation fee and opted out as I've worked in IT and know how to set up a router. Still, a technician was sent out to call in the order and I set it up. I received a $232 bill for the first month. Besides the nickel and dimeing order fees I received a $75 install fee. I called customer service and asked for the incorrect charge to be removed. Instead of removing the fee they adamantly argued that the installation fee is always mandatory and that I was confused. I said I wasn't comfortable paying the fee and was threatened with credit services. They bullied me into paying up and I immediately disconnected my service, racking up another $100 disconnect fee. The connection speed hovered around 25 Mbps but throttled down to just 15 Mbps with frequent disconnects in just 2 weeks! I had a more reliable connection with Mediacom and that's saying something. I ended up hotspotting data and while not optimal, it's miles better than the "service" provided. TL;DR Speed/Reliability is below average. Cost is insane, should be half the amount. Customer service is non-existent at Swiftel. If you have a different option than Swiftel/Mediacom in Brookings, take it. read more

Do I love Swiftel? No, not really. Do I have another option in Brookings? No, not really. Not if you want actual uninterrupted internet. After wasting a year of my life with the horrendous nightmare that is Mediacom (the worst ISP in the history of ISP's) I switched to Swiftel. In the many years since I have had nothing but solid, fast, reliable internet service. It's too expensive, should be faster and forces you to bundle a phone, but in the people republic of Brookings it is the best possible option by a w-i-d-e margin. read more

Swiftel does things as difficult as they can legally get away with. Here are some issues I have with them. - Slow upload speeds - Non-competitive internet prices - If you only want internet, you are also forced to get phone service - Only sends notifications via snail mail (if they get lost, it's not their problem) - If you're late expect a disconnect within 10 days. - If you're late expect to pay a fee of about $20 to reconnect - If you get disconnected expect to pay a $180 deposit, which they will keep for 12 months and only refund with perfect payment history. - Uncaring phone support - Sends independent statements, but slips most notices in with municipal utilities I would recommend another provider, but the only other option in the Brookings area is Mediacom which isn't much better. read more

This company has the most sneaky charges I've ever experienced. In my contract, it was clearly stated that I would only see a $100 one-time fee on top of the average internet bill of $68, a total of $168. I received my first bill - which was over $300. When I asked, they said that they were sorry they didn't tell me I would be charged that much, but there was nothing they could do. When I terminated my contract, they had no mention of termination fees in the contract signing or when I terminated, and received a bill of over $130, after calling, they said the same thing again. If you want good communication with your internet provider, and reasonable fees and service, GO TO A DIFFERENT PROVIDER!!!!!!! read more

USE ANOTHER PROVIDER!!! Download and upload speeds seem to deviate from advertised values on a regular basis. Online bill payment system is frequently inoperable which seems ironic that an internet service provider is not capable of maintaining a functional website. Services hours are mostly limited to Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM (except for technical support call center). Requires that you purchase a landline in your package, so pricing is typically more costly compared to packages from other providers that offer stand-alone internet service or internet and television packages without a mandatory landline. read more