Author Topic: Internet Connection: DSL to cable  (Read 3191 times)

dodojojo

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Internet Connection: DSL to cable
« on: July 03, 2014, 06:50:31 PM »
I've been with Verizon DSL for about 8 years now.  And though I've moaned about the slow speed, it's a utility I've pretty much forgotten about as long as it works.  Recently, I actually looked through Comcast's advertisement rather than chucking it into the recycling bin.  The deal that caught my eye was for $39.99 for up to 25Mbps.  I pay around $43 for Verizon.

That prompted me to log in to see what my Verizon Mbps is and yikes, it's 1 - 3 Mbps.  I chatted with Verizon to see if they better Comcast's offer or else I would seriously need to reconsider my options.  For my location, 1 - 3 Mbps is as good as it gets.  The Comcast rep warned me that with Comcast, I would have to share the cable line with other customers.  So even though 25Mbps may sound great, it won't necessarily work at that rate.  Whereas my DSL line is dedicated to me.

Any thoughts on the above statement?  Even if the cable line bogs down, would it be any slower than what I get from Verizon now?  Would you make the switch?

Other factors include the $8 modem rental from Comcast.  Or I can buy a modem/wifi router on my own and they look to be anywhere from the $50's to over $200. After one year, the Comcast costs rises to $54.99.

My thought process is that I'm willing to pay a little more IF the connection speeds are significantly better.  I just don't know enough to figure out if that's going to be the case.

Daley

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Re: Internet Connection: DSL to cable
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2014, 07:14:11 PM »
Maybe give the ISP section of the guide a read.

As to your specifics:

1) You don't need that much bandwidth.
2) That's most assuredly an intro price from Comcast, and they will jack it up on you and bill you for other stuff.
3) If I had to choose between Comcast and Verizon, I'd choose Verizon.
4) If I had to choose between a different DSL dry-loop provider and Verizon, I'd choose the dry loop alternatives.

Look into DSLExtreme and Toast.net and just stick with the DSL.

zataks

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Re: Internet Connection: DSL to cable
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2014, 07:18:55 PM »
UP TO 25mbps.  With Comcast you'll likely have trouble getting that.
Comcast customer service is painful.
If you use your own equipment, Comcast can easily claim it is your equipment causing the problem.

If you're not already aware, do a quick Google of Comcast.  Can ALL those bad reviews really be true and serious?  Yes, and their probably to lenient with these MFers.

rjowen

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Re: Internet Connection: DSL to cable
« Reply #3 on: July 03, 2014, 09:12:35 PM »
I just went the other way with Comcast and switched to DSL. Some things to consider:
  • As other's mentioned, you won't get that $35 price after everything else. I had a modem fee ($8/month) plus a "service protection fee" ($4) and taxes. My plan was $60/month, but my bill was really $80.
  • That price for internet might require you to add on a cable package. I was on the phone with them for quite some time today and they assured me there was no deal that gave me more than 3 MBPS for less than $50 / month (before fees and taxes), but you might maybe have a new customer deal not available to me.
  • Read MMM's summary about what an awful company Comcast is and what they did in his hometown to try and keep people off of FREE fiber lines [/ii]
I actually had great customer service from Comcast, and I think their speeds are more reliable than DSL.  The thing is, you mist diligently call them every 6 months to re-up a discount package, and they will always charge you more.

According to the research I did today, if you can get ~12 MBPS out of DSL that should be fine for gaming or streaming video. If you need something more serious Comcast is unfortunately the only other choice here in Colorado.

dodojojo

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Re: Internet Connection: DSL to cable
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2014, 05:28:20 PM »
Thank you all for your advice. 

Quote
If I had to choose between a different DSL dry-loop provider and Verizon, I'd choose the dry loop alternatives.

Look into DSLExtreme and Toast.net and just stick with the DSL.

I've never heard of this--learn something new everyday...Is this the DSL equivalent to the non-major wireless plans that use the big 4's towers? 

DSLExtreme is available in my building.  If I understand it correctly, they would be offering me Verizon's connection but at a lower price?

Well, if I can't increase the speed, I guess lowering the price is alright...

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!