Caution is required...
Written: Jul 18 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Seemingly heavenly idea
Cons: Don't know of anyone with the service.
|
|
|
| SimonCook's Full Review: FreeXDSL.com |
What is DSL
With the continued increase in the use of the internet, faster and faster access is becoming very important as the contents of the web becomes richer and more multimedia.
DSL is a technology that aims to provide home users with a very quick internet link. The DSL link is a technology that uses an existing telephone line at a different frequency, this has the added benefit of freeing your phone line.
With the number of free ISPs appearing, it seemed inevitible that some company would provide free DSL.
However, to provide free ISP is mainly a free process for the ISPs as most people already have the relevant modems and trechnology to connect. DSL represents a technology that most home users do not have. This technology can cost up to (from some quotes I have seen) $1000 initial set up (including sign up, connection and modem(, and a $40-$60 monthly fee.
freexdsl.com offers a totally free system, including free hardware, free setup and no annual cost. They aim to recover this fee by 'bombarding' you with advertising (most free ISPs do this also).
The Catch?
Many people have been scared off by the $500 for termination! To qualify this, I would point out the original costs, and the fact that for $500 you will only get 1 year service on most DSLs.
It states in the agreement that the Member can either terminate the agreement or the company can (only when tha agreement has been broken). They qualify this statement by saying they have the right to change the agreement.
Most ISPs have similar contracts, the only difference is that there is not usually the $500 to recover!
The hidden catch
Having read the agreement several times, I am unsure if the company WILL switch your cable and telephone if they ever get the rights to provide these services. The contract is not clear on this and I would advise caution.
Conclusion
I do not know of anyone who has actually received any of the proposed hardware or software? Perhaps they are waiting for a certain amount of users before they invest time and money, or perhaps this is a scam to gather a database of Names and addresses.
Additionally, perhaps they are waiting to get government authorization for cable and telephone and at this point will make you switch your long distance and cable carriers.
My advice
Wait a few months until they become established, see the general feedback on the product and see if it really is worth it. Beware of the relevant pitfalls in the agreement.
One final note
Until recently there was no law stating that you could sign a contract electronically. If you have signed up for the service electronically and no longer wish to have the service, you should be able to cancel the order! If in doubt talk to a lawyer!!!
Recommended:
No
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
SimonCook
|
|
Member: Simon Cook
Location: Toms River, NJ
Reviews written: 522
Trusted by: 76 members
About Me:
Computer geek with an attitude!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2008 Shopping.com, Inc.