Question for lawyers

[Kaos]

Scenario:

Just rented a space in a new shopping center.  Call AT&T for Internet.  Quote me $115 a month for 1G fiber.  Then say hold up.  Need to call the landlord to tell him you are going to use us. There is an issue with access. 

Call landlord, email landlord.  Don’t hear back for two weeks. 

Get a call today from “JT Fluffernuts” who says “hey.  Wanted to let you know we are the sole internet providers for that center.  I know you have a deal with AT&T. But they just aren’t gonna be allowed in there.  No Verizon or TMobile or any of that.  Just us. 

“But don’t worry.  I’m gonna get you a great deal on it.  Can’t be beat.  So what I’m looking at is a 1G. That’s more than you need probably. But here’s my bottom line.  For a one contract you’re looking at about $995 a month.  With a five year deal
I can cut that to $625 a month.”’

I told him he’s lost his fucking mind.  I’m just going with AT&T. 

“Don’t think you get it pal.  My wife and her brother are part owners in that center.  If AT&T runs lines I have permission to tear them out.   I already tore them out once.  I’m giving you the best deal I can here. I started this internet company back in December. I’m a small business just trying to get by.  I know you support small businesses…”

I told him there was no way I was paying six times what I could get it for from any other company. 

Do I have any recourse? 

[WiregrassTiger]

Yes. Find out where he lives. Give me a call if you’re going to be around this weekend.

We should be able to negotiate something with this motherfucker.

[Buzz Killington]

Not a lawyer, but I have watched every episode of Perry Mason...

I would think that you should have easy grounds to get out of that shitty lease unless he had a clause about using only that company for the innernets though.  Or, go with WT's idea and Gillooly the guy.

[The Six]

This is not "supporting small business" at all. It's flat out extortion.

[Snakebite]

My neighborhood HOA is locked into a contract with AT&T Fiber.  The apartment that we were in while our home was being built was in contract with WOW! (that was shitty internet).  I have always felt like internet service in places I have been have been monopolized by corporate contracts.  Let's just go with WT's idea and whoop they asses.

[Snaggletiger]

All comes down to the wording in the lease.  If it doesn't specifically give the owner the exclusive right to choose the interwebz provider, then he can pound sand.

[chinook]

don't wire it...use cellular. then wifis in the office. 

[GH2001]

don't wire it...use cellular. then wifis in the office.

Right. Was gonna suggest a mifi spot for him just to spite the ahole.

[Buzz Killington]

Right. Was gonna suggest a mifi spot for him just to spite the ahole.

Or just wire it and sue the shit outta the mafiosa when he pulls them out.

[WiregrassTiger]

I certainly hope this is not going to have a negative effect on my discount.

[Kaos]

All comes down to the wording in the lease.  If it doesn't specifically give the owner the exclusive right to choose the interwebz provider, then he can pound sand.

Not a word about it in the lease.

[Snaggletiger]

Not a word about it in the lease.

Pound sand.

[AUJarhead]

I still like WT’s idea.

[Kaos]

I still like WT’s idea.

It was my first thought.