Host.net a BroadbandONE company - Buyer beware, they hold your co-located server hardware for ransom
Host.net, (Broadband One) based in Boca Raton Florida really knows how to hold a gun to their customers head and how to play with contracts to screw you over.
You are being warned!
If you use host.net or broadband one for your hosting or co-locating, there is a very good chance that you will never see your co-located hardware and other equipment again.
I was forced to move to them after they took over another Florida ISP (A very good ISP). After assuring me that the move would be smooth and nothing would change, I went and installed all my servers. Then I was told that this is more space than your last ISP told us you needed and your hosting price is going up 40%.
I had to either sign the contract immediately or they would cut me off. I had 2 hours to move 120 websites to a new ISP or sign a new contract.
No choice I signed the contract and I neve even got a copy of it (YES My fault but I did ask for a copy multiple times).
Finally I did try to move away from them after my 1 year contract was up. I was never late with one payment and fully paid up.
So I arrive to move my equipment and stupid me, I told the truth and said I was moving the equipment. They would not allow me in. Claiming they needed a 48 hour security window, incase a disgruntled employee wanted to do damage. I said I own the company and was on record as the owner. I said I didn't mind waiting 48 hours but to ensure that my account was cancelled and no more money was due.
A few hours later they email me a clause in a new contract about 'automatically renewing' every year and the price of this host just changes as they see fit.
Apparently I now owe them another $2800 to wrap up to the end of the year. They will not accept anything less than full payment because apparently they are mind readers and know my plans.
Remember, my account is not delinquent and I am in good standing AND the equipment belongs to me — however, they claim that I intend to not fulfill my contract. I don't know how they can read my mind and how they know what I 'intend' to do but they will not allow me near my equipment.
HOST.net Broadband One now refuse to allow me to access my co-located servers. I am not allowed near them, they actually went so far and to prohibit me from coming onto their property. I am not allowed access the equipment I own and I cannot remove it.
After calling the police and a little show down at their office, I was told by the police that it's a civil matter. I will have to fight it in the courts, which I will do.
Another HOST.net employee told me that the the 4 such case with police intervention recently. He also told me that if I had lied and said that I was just their to upgrade something, they would have let me in to take my equipment.
SO bottom line. Host.net Broadband One will end up screwing me over and I will lose both a lot of money and probably my equipment too. They are too big to fight but I will do my best.
If you are looking for an ISP to host your co-located servers... STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM HOST.net BROADBAND ONE AS YOU CAN!
You have been warned, these people have no scruples and you RISK THE LOSS OF ALL YOUR HARDWARE, NETWORK EQUIPMENT AND DATA! Host.net will hold it ransom and they will do whatever they can to get as much money out of you as they can for as long as you can and force you to pay it in order to get yoru equipment back.
Stay away from host.net broadband one
PS. The actual quality of the service at Host.net Broadband One is pretty good (not the best but fairly good) but their business model of bulling and railroading customers and clients makes them the worst Co-location ISP in the industry to work with.
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