Probably changing ISP's, few questions; - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gilly · #1 09-10-2006, 06:19 PM

Hey gang, may be changing ISP's, and from dial-up to cable. I can't get DSL here, I don't think DSL is faster than cable but seems to be available more cheaply, BUT you can't get it just anywhere. Details of what I can get:
"Approximately 3Mbps downstream — surf, search, and download large files at incredible speeds 256Kbps upstream — upload data and send attachments with ease Advanced security features, including anti-virus and firewall software New parental and inbox controls to reduce spam and other unwanted email Allows for up to 10 email accounts No need for a second phone line".
I can get this for $19.99 teaser rate for 6 months through Best Buy. I can also get the install kit for free after instant rebate, $50 off a Motorola cable modem (will cost me about $30 after the rebate), a $100 Best Buy gift card for signing up through Best Buy, the regular price after the 6 month teaser is $43.00.
I've never changed providers, been on lousy but cheap dial up since I got a PC in 1999, so will be hard to change. Any tips about what to watch out for appreciated. We have been on a yearly contract and that will end about the middle of October, would like to have the cable system operating correctly before then.
Gilly

Botnst · #2 09-10-2006, 06:30 PM

I had DSL for a while and now have Cox Cable. I believe that (at least in my area) Cox is noticably faster most of the time. However, sometimes it drags, I assume when lots of customers are downloading porno simultaneously. I understand that DSL doesn't have that problem.

You might also check into bidirectional satellite internet. I recall hearing that some company has a system like that. I know nothing definite.

On a related matter, I'd love to tell (the appropriately named...) Cox to kiss-off. But they pretty have a monopoly in my local area (except for satellite). Cox just raised their rates, again, and cut the services for the lowest tier. They even took teh Weather Channel off of the lowest tier. To me that is unethical. We live in a hurricane-prone area and now folks can't get the Weather Channel unless they buy a higher-tiered service.

Satellite is looking more inviting.

Larry Delor · #3 09-10-2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

Cox just raised their rates, again, and cut the services for the lowest tier. They even took the Weather Channel off of the lowest tier. To me that is unethical. We live in a hurricane-prone area and now folks can't get the Weather Channel unless they buy a higher-tiered service.

I agree, the weather channel should be on the lowest tier in Hurricane prone areas. I'll trade the two shopping channels and the two spanish language channels for the weather channel.

Comcast, for the first time in 10 years decided not to raise their rates. You think that the fact that Verizon is introducing their fiber optic service around here has something to do with it? Well...put it this way...In the areas that are not going to get Fttp soon, they are having rate hikes.
They are also hiring for sales positions and promising $45k a year.
I think the initial take rate surprised them. (how many customers went with fiber instead of staying with cable)

As far as what to look for? Hmmm read the contract to make sure you don't have to subscribe to all of the premium channels ($$$) for the duration of the contract. (Unless you want them, of course)

Gilly · #4 09-10-2006, 08:58 PM

Getting a bit confused. We do have Charter for cable TV, happy enough with what they call "expanded basic" service, no premium channels, don't really want them. Just adding cable internet access.
Gilly

Larry Delor · #5 09-10-2006, 09:00 PM

Comcast gives you a discount here if you have basic and internet vs. just internet. (Yeah, I know it sounds backwards, but that's the way it is.)

Gilly · #6 09-10-2006, 09:22 PM

We'll get a deal, I guess the $43 a month is a deal, by having cable and also the cable internet, looks like save $12 month, no contract, month to month deal, which will be nice if DSL suddenly becomes available here. $43 a month seems OK for 3 kbps???
Gilly

G-Benz · #7 09-10-2006, 09:30 PM

Verizon FIOS in your area yet? 150 Mips for $34.99! For $44.99, you get 300 Mips download speeds!! Since I was upgrading from a 56K modem, 150 was a quantum leap anyway.

Cable modem IS subject to traffic issues, while DSL speed is not as affected, but your proximity to the nearest signal station affects speed. FIOS has neither of those issues.

Been over two years for me right now with FIOS, and I haven't had any issues since inception. Not available everywhere yet though...

Gilly · #8 09-10-2006, 09:54 PM

What is mips? you mean mbps???
Gilly

#9 09-10-2006, 09:57 PM

Comcast is pretty good. I currently have the 8Mbps download and 512Kbps upload. I've gotten 6MB (Megabytes, not megabits) download speeds on limewire.

I'm thinking of downgrading to the 5mbps service to save a few bucks per month.

Gilly · #10 09-10-2006, 10:02 PM

The qualifier at Verizon is junk, can't find out, but I'll email them.
If I use one of these programs/sites that that tell you what's available in an area ( www.t1shopper.com ) they come up with cable (Charter) and satellite options (hughes), nothing about fiber optic.
Gilly

Gilly · #11 09-11-2006, 10:12 AM

It wasn't T1 shopper but another couple sites that always led to Hughes for satellite or else Charter for cable. Anyways, T1 Shopper says I would "probably" be able to get this one DSL service, but no-go on that. I can't even email Verizon, keeps leading me to the qualifier screen that keeps changing my address and asking if it is correct. From what I've been reading I'd say it's not available here. The odd thing is on regular DSL, my mother-in-law over on the other side of town can have it, but I've checked MY phone number and a few other peoples phone numbers on this side (newer side) of town and can't get it. Wife is sick of me searching and searching for something cheaper, fianlly just said to drop it and pay the $43/month for now.
Gilly

TwitchKitty · #12 09-11-2006, 11:08 AM

Look at dslreports.com. They have forums for each ISP, yes cable too, and you can read what people have to say about your new service before you buy.

If you don't have a firewall, get one.

Ask about a fixed address, you can host your own website.

Gilly · #13 09-11-2006, 11:27 AM

Thanks Twitchy, I'll do that, although I think that IS one I went to, but just searching for cheaper providers, but I'll check Charter, but not much for options here, unless I am misunderstanding how this all works. But given up on DSL, I think we need some newer equipment here in good ol' Evansville WI. Or move to the other side of town so I'm closer to the equipment.....

As an aside, on my computer, my Outlook Express won't need to change with the new ISP and cable will it? I won't need to save or transfer my address book and the like, just send out an email to my address book receipients about the new email addy??
Gilly

TwitchKitty · #14 09-11-2006, 01:43 PM

Get a modem with an ethernet connection so that you can hook it up to a router, preferably wireless, and share the internet connection with other computers.

If you are using the email accounts with your ISP then you will just make a new account and give everyone your new address.

I quit using ISP email and use internet based email. This way I don't have to change everytime we move, a move is coming up soon. I have switched to gmail for now, others are available. google: free email

A264172 · #15 09-11-2006, 02:09 PM

Sorry to hijack but...

on my cable system you can be shut off by the cable company for months, not get a bill, plug in your cable connection and get the weather channel...

just like dialing 911 on disconected cell phone.