[ale] DSL switch from Directv

[Matt Kern]

cfowler wrote:

>Right now I see 2 options:
>
>Speakeasy and Speedfactory.  The only difference is that Speakeast gives
>us equipment free and not Speedfactory.  Any suggestions on what to do?
>
>
>
>
>
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I placed an order with speakeasy on Dec 21.  It was supposed to be a 
"hot swap" (not that thats technically possible with DSL service anyhow, 
but thats another matter altogether).  I still haven't received a loop 
install date.  Speakeasy blames it on Covad...said they needed a little 
kick to get the order moving.  So far, I'm impressed with the knowledge 
of the people on the other end of the phone line, but execution is 
SERIOUSLY lacking at the moment.  On top of this, DTV dropped my 
connection on the 17th, so I've been in dial-up hell since.

Just to clear up what is being offered at Speakeasy, since several of 
the posts thus far have had differing info:
    - 1.5Mbits/128Kbits
    - Unlimited dial up
    - 5 email accounts (and aliases for each if you'd like)
    - 1 static ip (additional ip's up to 5 can be purchased for 
$2.95/month).
    - WiFi sharing, home networking and server friendly TOS.
    - No activation charge and $199 rebate on hardware (effectively 
zeroing out the cost of the hw).

Also note that DNS is not provided with the package.  They also offer an 
RPMfind server dedicated only to subscribers, and given the TOS you 
could upgrade to the 1.5/768 package for 99 bucks and share it via wifi 
with your neighbors and split the cost.

Now, all that said...I'm not particluarly happy with my run-around in 
getting my dsl back online.  So, at this point they're walking a very 
fine line, and I may cancel for another subscriber at any time.  Ah, 
thats one more negative...a 1 year contract with a $300 cancellation 
fee.  From what I've seen on SpeedFactory, its $150 if you cancel.

Outside Speakeasy and SpeedFactory our options suck...HellSouth and 
Adelphia ( in my neck 'o the woods).  Though Adelphia is in Chapter 11 
protection, they are offering a very attractive price (though in most 
cases you get what you pay for, just ask an Adelphia tech what thier 
throughput is...they're just powercycle drones).  They're offering their 
powerlink cable network and Digital Basic cable tv, along with 14 
channels of HBO for 39.95 for the first three months, and 77.95 
thereafter.  Tough to pass up, but I've been a customer of theirs in the 
past, and have no desire to go back...even at cut rate pricing.

Just my $0.02.

/mk


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