What You See Is NOT What You Get.
Written: Aug 08 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Frees Up Your Telephone, Does Not Bump You Off.
Cons: Does not reach advertised speeds.
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| coldsteel7's Full Review: GTE DSL |
Two months ago, I got rid of AOL. It was time to move on to something better. I was tired of getting bumped off-line in the middle of writing an Epinion! I checked the website "2wire.com" and found that GTE was offering DSL service in my area. This website even allowed me to determine how far I was from the switching station (12,000 feet). Because I was within the recommended 18,000 feet, I decided to check it out.
When I called GTE, they advised me that they had a plan that would suit my needs, for only $34.00. This included 786K download, and substantially less for upload. However, they required that you obtain your internet service through on of their affiliate ISP's. This comes with an additional charge of $17.00. I figured that $50.00 was a reasonable price for a superfast internet connection, and the opportunity to free up my telephone line.
I agreed to a one year contract with GTE at this price, and they mailed out the hardware to set up my DSL. They require that you purchase and install your own TBASE-10 internet card, which is required with the other hardware. This service does not include installation, but a set of instructions accompanies the equipment.
When the equipment arrived, it appeared to be rather easy to install. There are several filter configurations that you install on each telephone line to allow the computer to operate on the same lines without interference. There is also a server that plugs into the electrical outlet, and that the telephone lines connect to, between the telephone jack and the TBASE card. The server has three green lights on it, that indicates the status of your connection. Three green lights means you are connected properly.
After connecting all the equipment, I had problems accessing the internet. Although the lights indicated I was properly connected, I was getting an error message. I called the GTE help line, and they were not helpful. I found that clicking the "Try Again" button solved the problem. I don't know why, but it works. So, now I was ready to speed around the Autobahn of the Internet. If only I could figure out how to get the Emergency Brake off.
The Emergency Brake is that thing that keeps me from moving at 786K. I returned to 2Wire.com and ran a bandwidth test on my connection. I consistently test between 280K and 320K. I have tested as low as 180K and as high as 600K. I called GTE to determine why my computer was operating at such a slow speed. They ran several tests to no avail. They ran a test that cleared the telephone lines (because my line was at the maximum tolerable noise level), they sent a repairman out, and they conducted other tests from their offices. When the tests were completed the only explanation I was offered was "Sorry, the speeds aren't guaranteed." Well, that would have been nice to know BEFORE I agreed to a one year contract!
So, now I am stuck with a sub-standard DSL connection, a provider that seems content to ignore my poor internet performance, and a contract that binds me for one year. It seems that they would make it clear that the speeds aren't guaranteed before the service is ordered. It also seems that a speed that isn't "Guaranteed" would be reasonably close to the speeds advertised. I'm sorry, but 320K isn't anywhere close to 786K. If the traffic on my line is heavy enough to create that extent of interference, then they should make it clear that the range of speed can be as low as 180K. (And...I have never even hit 700K)!
All things considered, I am spending about $27.00 a month more for internet service than I was with AOL. In return, I have not gotten bumped off-line, my phone line is freed up, and my internet speed is still substantially faster than it was with AOL. For those reasons alone, I will give GTE DSL two stars.
Because the customer service gave me the run-around, the testing was unproductive and the advertised speeds aren't even approachable, I will not dare venture above two stars. Hopefully by the time my year expires, something better will be available. Until that time, GTE should consider what they can do to improve their service before everyone reaches their one year mark!
Recommended:
No
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