Brookline, MA Internet Providers?

[BrooklineBiker]

Hi everyone,
We use RCN as our residential internet provider. They just raised our rate $11 per month due to the expiration of a 1 year promotional rate. The service is ok but price matters for our budget. Besides Comcast and the town's wifi provider, do we have alternative providers? (Comcast always seems to have hidden fees and the town's wifi provider has a weak signal to our house). Thanks!
Neil

[Nothlit]

I have Comcast in Lexington MA and there are no hidden fees, assuming you just have internet-only service. (In other words, the price listed on their web site is exactly what I pay every month, and not a penny different.) I think if you also have TV or phone service through them then there may be sales tax, "franchise fees", etc. which maybe you could consider "hidden." But none of those exist on internet-only plans, as far as I can tell. It could be that that varies by town.

In all honesty, I'd probably just play the two off each other. Call up RCN and threaten to cancel, saying you could get X price from Comcast if you switch. They'll likely just match it.

[BrooklineBiker]

I have Comcast in Lexington MA and there are no hidden fees, assuming you just have internet-only service. (In other words, the price listed on their web site is exactly what I pay every month, and not a penny different.) I think if you also have TV or phone service through them then there may be sales tax, "franchise fees", etc. which maybe you could consider "hidden." But none of those exist on internet-only plans, as far as I can tell. It could be that that varies by town.

In all honesty, I'd probably just play the two off each other. Call up RCN and threaten to cancel, saying you could get X price from Comcast if you switch. They'll likely just match it.

Hi Nothlit,
Before posting, I had called both RCN and Comcast. RCN would not budge on their rates even if after I talked with a manager. Comcast wants to charge installation and a rental fee for the modem. Thus, I am seeking alternatives.
Best,
Neil

[jnik]

I used DSLExtreme ("naked" DSL, no phone) and was pretty happy with them. It's DSL, so 1.5 down, but was maybe $30 a month.

Municipal wifi now? Dang.

[Tennis Maniac]

Check Earthlink  http://www.earthlink.net/access/cable.faces

In my area (Albany, NY) they resell Time Warner's Road Runner service and don't charge extra for modem rental, fees, taxes, etc.  I paid $29.95 for the first 6 months and $34.95 since then.  The normal rate is $42.95, so I might be on a promotion, but it's been over a year.  The service is exactly the same as Road Runner (speed, reliability).  I'm not sure what deal they have with Comcast, but I imagine similar to TW.

Hope this helps.