Broadband in Prospect Heights? Cablevision Monopoly?

What do you mean by 'fast'? Cablevision/Optonline Boost is quite fast and quite reliable for an extra $15. Their regular service needs to be taken behind a barn and shot.

No other cable providers are in the area. FiOS is not yet available in most (or maybe all) of PH.

yup

I spoke to Verizon about FIOS and they said several buildings along Eastern Parkway and the newer buildings along the disputed border have FIOS. They are having a hard time getting permission from some of the building owners to install the necessary equipment for service. I'm thinking this is likely true because Cablevision has stepped up their phone calls to me about expanding my service and how much better their channel lineup is when compared to FIOS.

whynot_31 wrote: Fios is a pain to install, both at the building level and the individual apartment level.

I'm a building owner and Verizon told me they do not offer FIOS in my area, even though a new condo on the block has it.

That said, Cablevision Ultra is twice as fast as the fastest FIOS and costs less, so screw Verizon.

You can always go the broadband "card" route. I have service via Sprint. It's a simple USB device and the coverage is good. Not the most perfect solution - but it's quick, mobile and does not require any home installation.