[ale] Inexpensive broadband recommendations

[John Wells]

Geoffrey said:
> Further, there
> website says that you can't use your own hardware, you have to use
> theirs for multiple computers.

Nope.  Check here
(http://www.fastaccess.com/consumer/bls_faqs.jsp?siteid=CONSUMER) and
search for "router" on the page.  Here's an excerpt:

Q.  Can I get FastAccess HomeNetworking Service if I purchase a router
from someone other than BellSouth?

A.  BellSouth offers support for your network only when you purchase
FastAccess HomeNetworking Service. This BellSouth service is available for
a  monthly networking charge and a one-time residential gateway equipment
charge.

So, first, HomeNetworking Service means their glorified pan
support...nothing more, nothing less.  Something marketing probably came
up with.  Bunch of BS, but, that's all it is.  You don't have to use their
equipment, if you choose not to, but they're sure going to make it seem
like that's the best option.  If you don't use it, they're just not gonna
help you out if something goes wrong with it.  Come to think about it,
this is probably a great deal....no incompetent help for...free!

Here's another entry that supports this:

Q.  Why should I order FastAccess HomeNetworking Service instead of
purchasing a router from a store?

A.  BellSouth will provide you with what you need to easily connect up to
four computers to your home network without any special wiring. FastAccess
HomeNetworking Service is designed to work seamlessly with your FastAccess
DSL Service. Our FastAccess HomeNetworking web site and consultants will
help you design the perfect network for your home, and our technical
support specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to
answer any questions you may have. When you purchase your home networking
solution through BellSouth, you receive the best in-home networking
equipment. Buying directly from BellSouth allows you to take advantage of
our lower costs while receiving additional value: customer support and a
personal customized network design.

So, you don't have to use their equipment, per the TOS.

Not meaning to harp on this.  Just wanting to point out that for
everything bad about BellSouth, they possibly offer the best value for the
money available in Atlanta.  No restrictions on servers, no extra fee for
multiple computers, if you're willing to incur some risk of having to
support the computers yourself, and no restricted ports afaik.

Course, they're able to offer great deals because of situations already
mentioned on the list.  If all things were equal, I'd most certainly
support the little guy.  And, in the future, when times find me in a more
charitable position, I will.

John





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