Computer/Network/Internet Nerd Question !

[Stoplight]

All,

Okay...I live in a rural part of Florida. When I moved here, the only internet available was legacy DSL (AT&T is what I have...I’m paying for max 7 Mbps download speed )...I have satellite TV (Direct TV)....no cable TV or internet available (I miss my Comcast fiber in Maryland !!!)

We just went through 5 days without DSL internet (AGAIN !!!) Fixed this morning, but the Wife and I were suffering from withdrawal pains...

So now AT&T and Direct TV are one...and it appears AT&T is pulling cable in our neighborhood...I got a letter saying I can upgrade to AT&T’s “U-Verse” high speed internet.

OTOH, reading customer comments and tech stuff on U-Verse, and their support, makes me cringe !!! Seems there are a LOT of variables regarding U-Verse speed/service...main one being the distance from the fiber node, and condition of the copper to the house !

So my questions are :

1. Do you have U-Verse in a rural area ?

2. Are you happy with the speed you get ?

3. Are you happy with their tech support ?

I’m really thinking with staying with legacy DSL, but honestly ? I don’t know if AT&T will offer that, once they finish their neighborhood upgrade !

Sat internet is probably the only other option...

Comments/experiences are most welcome !!!


Stoplight...

 

[userque]

DSLReports Home : Broadband ISP Reviews News Tools and Forums

All you need to know.

You can use the review finder on the home page, plug in your zip code.

You can also join and (I believe) get the actual speeds that others have gotten when they ran the speed test using the site, in your area.

Now if you're the only one in your zip code with internet access, you can expand your search to see what people are getting and saying about any provider.

You may also get a little information from speedtest.net

HTH

All,

Okay...I live in a rural part of Florida. When I moved here, the only internet available was legacy DSL (AT&T is what I have...I’m paying for max 7 Mbps download speed )...I have satellite TV (Direct TV)....no cable TV or internet available (I miss my Comcast fiber in Maryland !!!)

We just went through 5 days without DSL internet (AGAIN !!!) Fixed this morning, but the Wife and I were suffering from withdrawal pains...

So now AT&T and Direct TV are one...and it appears AT&T is pulling cable in our neighborhood...I got a letter saying I can upgrade to AT&T’s “U-Verse” high speed internet.

OTOH, reading customer comments and tech stuff on U-Verse, and their support, makes me cringe !!! Seems there are a LOT of variables regarding U-Verse speed/service...main one being the distance from the fiber node, and condition of the copper to the house !

So my questions are :

1. Do you have U-Verse in a rural area ?

2. Are you happy with the speed you get ?

3. Are you happy with their tech support ?

I’m really thinking with staying with legacy DSL, but honestly ? I don’t know if AT&T will offer that, once they finish their neighborhood upgrade !

Sat internet is probably the only other option...

Comments/experiences are most welcome !!!


Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

Thanks, Q !!!

Just curious to hear what other TSPTalk U-Verse customers, throughout the country, may have experienced, too...


Stoplight...

 

[Boghie]

Stoplight,

I am not a U-Verse customer, but my pappy is. His access and service seems good to go. They upsold him so expect that. Kinda like any cable company.

Anyway, I would put money that your access will be great. They have to build new infrastructure to support U-Verse so the fiber and copper they put in will be new. I would concentrate on your internal buildout.

 

[k0nkuzh0n]

In my experience, cable companies are mostly all the same. Same tactics, same low-satisfactory customer service.

Of all the ones I've had, I've actually liked TWC the best, as their customer service seemed to be the most sympathetic. They also seemed to have a very flexible pricing system that enabled them to offer deals to get people not to cancel.

Ultimately, its all about having multiple options. If there is only one option, you don't really have much of a bargaining chip.

 

[Stoplight]

Thanks, All !!!

So far, so good on the repairs

Just as an aside : I decided to replace my AT&T/Motorola DSL modem (the second one I've bought), because about 2 months ago, it reported a "hardware failure", and all the LEDS on the front panel flash...even though it still connected just fine...this made it....ummmm..."difficult" to troubleshoot with tech support ("Is the Internet LED green now ?") Well, neither Wal Mart (last purchase), Radio Shack, nor even the local AT&T store even CARRY DSL modems anymore I finally found a Netgear at the local Office Depot...AT&T tech support made it very clear that they weren't happy, and were trying to help me, as a "courtesy"...she even admitted googling that model to see what they wanted me to try next ! BTW...I've swapped the old modem back in, and it still works fine....the problem was in their infrastructure, which I spent an hour, trying to explain to her I debated returning the Netgear, but I think I'll just stick with it...

While standing in line at the Office Depot, I got to talking about U-verse with a computer networking guy in line with me (nice Polo shirt with company logo, minivan with Company name, etc etc). He said : "If they get the initial install right, you're golden ! If they have problems, you're screwed forever !" :worried:

Also interesting to note that, in the promotional offers that have begun trickling in re: U-verse, they bundle it with VoIP...I don't WANT voice ! They also never once mentioned the TV aspects of it I suspect that's because, as a long-term Direct TV subscriber, I'm WAY past any promotional offers, and they're making a killing on my Direct TV subscription !


Stoplight...

 

[PessOptimist]

They want you to bundle VoIP so you can't call tech support when it is down:notrust:. You can always use the cell phone I suppose.

VoIP is a great idea if you think the interweb will always be up for you.

We installed a VoIP system at work about two years ago and since then the trouble tickets have increased about 400%. Plus we have to work with our friends in IT on some of the issues. Not saying it is bad, just saying. Having two copper wires that will give you dial tone when you need it is not bad. Having a DC battery backup to keep it working during power outages is a factor too. Archaic thinking but factors.

PO

 

[Stoplight]

They want you to bundle VoIP so you can't call tech support when it is down:notrust:. You can always use the cell phone I suppose.

VoIP is a great idea if you think the interweb will always be up for you.

We installed a VoIP system at work about two years ago and since then the trouble tickets have increased about 400%. Plus we have to work with our friends in IT on some of the issues. Not saying it is bad, just saying. Having two copper wires that will give you dial tone when you need it is not bad. Having a DC battery backup to keep it working during power outages is a factor too. Archaic thinking but factors.

PO

PO

Hey, PO !!! Thanks for your input....sorry I didn’t see it sooner, but I skipped the Forum for a while, and it must’ve slipped off the “recent Posts” list... Your comments are interesting ! Read on...

So, the contractors pulling the new cable left a hole in my front yard, with some orange pipe coming out of it, and a coil of fiber cable on the ground. Today, an AT&T guy was out there, wiring up a new pedestal. Being the “Sidewalk Superintendent” that I am, I decided he’d probably be the BEST guy to talk to, about what was going on !

Very interesting conversation ! Turns out that was the new fiber node, serving 4 houses...but the best news was, they’re going to run fiber to the house (FTTP) !!! Woo hoo !!! The AT&T web site says I can now sign up for 45 Mbps download speed, if I want to pay that price (around $85/month, after promo fares expire, near as I can tell...they make it impossible to find any info on what the “standard” rate will be !). There are also several tiers of slower speeds, at reduced prices. He said the FTTP will be installed “on request”, so I’ll still have copper to the house until I order U-verse service. He guessed that I’d HAVE to go with a U-Verse digital account for internet and VOIP sooner or later, because they will ultimately abandon the neighborhood hardware that supports my legacy DSL and POTS copper line.

RE: the power issue : I raised that question with him...my Brother, who retired from a power company, warned me about that when I bought the house in 2009. He said : “KEEP your wired phone line !!! After a hurricane, if you don’t have power, it’ll still work, while VOIP will be down until they get around to fixing it ! AND, it’s considered an “entertainment service”, not a regulated utility, so there is no government mandate that they get you back up !!!”

OTOH...today the tech pointed out...”The only piece of powered equipment between your phone and the office (probably 10 miles away) was the cordless phone itself, and the residential gateway in your house...everything else is glass ! Thus, a battery backup, or household generator power, on the gateway and the phone will keep you connected...and then there’s your cell phone, too !”

Hmmmm...obviously AT&T is getting out of the copper wired business, and pushing us into the digital era, WITH sensible backup plans. AND, the cost appears to be less that what I currently pay, so that’s probably not a bad thing ! Did the math today, and I was surprised to see I’m paying almost $300/month for the wired line, Direct TV, 6 Mbps internet, and 2 unlimited talk and text cell phones through Net 10. I suspect I can bring that down, even after the promo rates expire !!! No wonder people are "cutting (or shaving !) the cord"...

Ah, progress !!!


Stoplight...

 

[k0nkuzh0n]

after the promo rates expire

After the promo rates expire, you call to cancel.
They offer you new promo rates not to cancel.
Good to go for another 6/12 months. That simple my friend

 

[Stoplight]

After the promo rates expire, you call to cancel.
They offer you new promo rates not to cancel.
Good to go for another 6/12 months. That simple my friend

K,

I hear ya !!! BUT....I think they only fall for that IF you have a viable alternative to threaten them with...boils down to leverage/competition !!! For me ? Nothing I can tap can approach the internet speeds AT&T will be able to provide with FTTP !!! They kinda got me by the short hairs, if you get my drift !!!

Thinking about the same thing when the Wife's Sirus/XM car sat radio renews...can I leverage the cost of streaming radio via our cell phone, vs their service ??? Hmmmmm......

I'm open to suggestions, on either the internet play, OR the sat radio !!! :smile:


Stoplight...

 

[Scout333]

Thanks, All !!!

So far, so good on the repairs

Just as an aside : I decided to replace my AT&T/Motorola DSL modem (the second one I've bought), because about 2 months ago, it reported a "hardware failure", and all the LEDS on the front panel flash...even though it still connected just fine...this made it....ummmm..."difficult" to troubleshoot with tech support ("Is the Internet LED green now ?") Well, neither Wal Mart (last purchase), Radio Shack, nor even the local AT&T store even CARRY DSL modems anymore I finally found a Netgear at the local Office Depot...AT&T tech support made it very clear that they weren't happy, and were trying to help me, as a "courtesy"...she even admitted googling that model to see what they wanted me to try next ! BTW...I've swapped the old modem back in, and it still works fine....the problem was in their infrastructure, which I spent an hour, trying to explain to her I debated returning the Netgear, but I think I'll just stick with it...

While standing in line at the Office Depot, I got to talking about U-verse with a computer networking guy in line with me (nice Polo shirt with company logo, minivan with Company name, etc etc). He said : "If they get the initial install right, you're golden ! If they have problems, you're screwed forever !" :worried:

Also interesting to note that, in the promotional offers that have begun trickling in re: U-verse, they bundle it with VoIP...I don't WANT voice ! They also never once mentioned the TV aspects of it I suspect that's because, as a long-term Direct TV subscriber, I'm WAY past any promotional offers, and they're making a killing on my Direct TV subscription !


Stoplight...

Stop, I have had AT&T DSL for 8 years and I am now on my fourth modem. All of these have been provided by AT&T at no charge to me. The last one was- guess what- A Netgear with AT&T on the casing. I complained to Tech Support about the number of my modems which died and they sent the Netgear which I am using in tandem with the Apple Airport wireless router. Easy to hook up! I'm not very tech savvy so if I can -anyone can I have been very happy so far. Have you tried Dish instead of Direct TV? It is much better in our area of the South. Good luck! When the internet is down no one is happy!

 

[Stoplight]

Stop, I have had AT&T DSL for 8 years and I am now on my fourth modem. All of these have been provided by AT&T at no charge to me. The last one was- guess what- A Netgear with AT&T on the casing. I complained to Tech Support about the number of my modems which died and they sent the Netgear which I am using in tandem with the Apple Airport wireless router. Easy to hook up! I'm not very tech savvy so if I can -anyone can I have been very happy so far. Have you tried Dish instead of Direct TV? It is much better in our area of the South. Good luck! When the internet is down no one is happy!

Scout,

Thanks for stopping by, and commenting !!!

Geez !!! You must've signed up for their "Interior Wiring Plan" , or they just liked you !!! When my first one died, they wanted ~$75 to replace it...found the exact same modem at Wal Mart for $44...plug and play !!!

My new Netgear is working just fine...$55...NOT AT&T branded, and no Apple stuff in my house...had to configure some stuff using their Setup Wizard, and my DSL info...but it all works !!!

I HAVE had problems connecting it to my old DLink router...I put the Netgear into "Modem Only" mode, so I don't have to reconfigure my wireless clients on the Dlink.

The Dlink router and the Netgear modem have the same IP address...changed the Dlink router internal addy, and now I can access it, but can NOT access the Netgear configuration page, even at its default internal IP address ! No big deal...my DCHP, etc, is being handled by my old Dlink router...the Netgear is merely connecting to the DSL signal, and passing through to the wireless router...I'm SURE there is a way to do it, but I'm not interested in pursuing it any further !!!

As I noted above, I'll probably upgrade to an AT&T U-Verse digital line, and their residential gateway, once they make me !!! I don't like that it appears their RG wireless only does 811.g speeds...will probably STILL want to use my DLink for wireless, at .n speed... In the meantime, I'll plan to squeeze every nickle out of my cost for the Netgear modem !!!


Stoplight...

 

[Scout333]

Scout,

Thanks for stopping by, and commenting !!!

Geez !!! You must've signed up for their "Interior Wiring Plan" , or they just liked you !!! When my first one died, they wanted ~$75 to replace it...found the exact same modem at Wal Mart for $44...plug and play !!!

My new Netgear is working just fine...$55...NOT AT&T branded, and no Apple stuff in my house...had to configure some stuff using their Setup Wizard, and my DSL info...but it all works !!!

I HAVE had problems connecting it to my old DLink router...I put the Netgear into "Modem Only" mode, so I don't have to reconfigure my wireless clients on the Dlink.

The Dlink router and the Netgear modem have the same IP address...changed the Dlink router internal addy, and now I can access it, but can NOT access the Netgear configuration page, even at its default internal IP address ! No big deal...my DCHP, etc, is being handled by my old Dlink router...the Netgear is merely connecting to the DSL signal, and passing through to the wireless router...I'm SURE there is a way to do it, but I'm not interested in pursuing it any further !!!

As I noted above, I'll probably upgrade to an AT&T U-Verse digital line, and their residential gateway, once they make me !!! I don't like that it appears their RG wireless only does 811.g speeds...will probably STILL want to use my DLink for wireless, at .n speed... In the meantime, I'll plan to squeeze every nickle out of my cost for the Netgear modem !!!


Stoplight...

Just a thought, you don't have to have Apple products to use the Airport router. I don't have an Apple computer or Tablet they will handle almost anything. Just set the Netgear for Modem only like you already are doing. The Airport router is a little pricy though believe I paid $ 170 or so. No drops or weak wireless signals since I got the Netgear and the Airport router.

 

[FogSailing]

Hi Stoplight:

My wife and I relocated to a small senior community about 15 miles outside Surprise, Az. Our 2 climates couldn't be more different. However, we are rural (15 miles from anywhere) and there is not anything but desert between us and our nearest city (Surprise, Az). Cox is our network and they ran cable out here to our community and act as the primary service for this area. We have 15MBs for upload and 60MBs for download. When the weather is bad, the service suffers because we will get knocked offline, slower internet, etc. but those are exceptions rather than the rule. We are generally happy with our provider although they are too expensive and I would think the same for ATT. Our bill for cable tv, internet, and home phone runs $174 a month. Their tech support has been good. I have had 2 instances where I needed their help and they assisted in getting the problem resolved over the phone on one, and sent out a technician the other time...so not bad. Hope you get better service from the upgrade.

FS

 

[k0nkuzh0n]

K,

I hear ya !!! BUT....I think they only fall for that IF you have a viable alternative to threaten them with...boils down to leverage/competition !!! For me ? Nothing I can tap can approach the internet speeds AT&T will be able to provide with FTTP !!! They kinda got me by the short hairs, if you get my drift !!!

Thinking about the same thing when the Wife's Sirus/XM car sat radio renews...can I leverage the cost of streaming radio via our cell phone, vs their service ??? Hmmmmm......

I'm open to suggestions, on either the internet play, OR the sat radio !!! :smile:


Stoplight...

The call centers aren't local, so most of the time they aren't aware of what competition is available. However, what promos are available are regional and certainly do account for the competitiveness of the market.

Internet is definitely a little different than cable when it comes to getting deals though. Now-a-days, most people have the internet, 'need' it. And the biggest mitigation to surviving without cable... is the internet (streaming services). Well and/or Over the Air with an antenna.