SBCGLOBAL DSL vs. CHARTER CABLE BROADBAND
Written: Aug 14 '06 (Updated Jul 27 '07)
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Pros: Price, customer support, and reliability (so far).
Cons: 25% speed loss.
The Bottom Line: I had to experiment with DSL.
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| vplite's Full Review: SBC Yahoo |
LATEST UPDATE:
AT&T (formerly SBC) is charging $25 a month for to keep my service. Charter's deal is $30 a month for 6 months then the regular $43 a month.
I recently reinstalled my operating system (XP Pro) after upgrading my computer to a RAID0. I had an issue with Email and AT&T technical support was outstanding. I remember how poor Charter's tech support was, and this was confirmed by a friend who recently called Charter.
I'm keeping AT&T. The speed is OK, and who needs the hassle of changing my Email address again.
UPDATE:
I'm glad I kept my cable modem. My DSL has an annoying habbit of dropping me maybe once a week and sometimes more than once a day. There is a reason T supplies self-help software, I just find using it too often annoying.
Since the signal is weaker, my wireless connection is less reliable. Using the cell phone or the microwave cuts my wireless connection. Oh well, the cost is less than half of the cost of cable. If I was using only a computer directly connected to the modem, I would probably be much happier. I don't HATE Sbcglobal DSL because I remember my cable ISP was far from perfect. I am locked in for a year, and then will strongly consider going back to cable (especially if they have a "deal" going).
Getting the $50 giftcard was a real hassle. When it had not shown up after 2 months, I made a couple of calls (their system had "forgotten" the rebate), which resulted in their sending me a form to fill out and mail back. I finally got the card, but their process stinks.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: This Epinion discusses issues specific to specific vendors, and issues generally relevant to any DSL/cable broadband Internet comparison.
Two weeks ago AT&T (formerly SBC and Bell South) finished installing what is called a Central Office two blocks from my home. This large beige box they installed contains a switching mechanism that provides DSL Internet access. I was excited because I would now be eligible for high speed Internet access, SBCGlobal, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) through my existing telephone line. Prior to the installation I was too far, I believe over 18,000 feet, from the nearest Central Office, so DSL was unavailable My only option was Charter Cable broadband. Charter’s broadband bill had grown to $43/month plus tax.
DSL is the only alternative to cable for providing high speed Internet access for most of us.
THE DEAL
When the Central Office was activated, I called AT&T and got the details. The DSL modem was free after rebate, and the wireless modem, which allows connection of computers using a wireless card, cost $30. They charged $12.95 shipping. Since I already had a Linksys wireless router, I opted for the standard modem. The DSL modem connected seamlessly with my existing router, with no reconfiguration required.
The packages offered were (speeds are per second):
1.5 megabits/ - $14.95/month minus a $25 gift card. Regular price $29.95 a month.
3.0 megabits - $19.99/month minus a $50 gift card. Regular price $34.99 a month.
6.0 megabits - $29.99/month minus a $50 gift card. Regular price $39.99 a month.
These speeds can be compared to dialup Internet access, which provides access speeds of 24-50 kilobits/second, costs $10/month and ties up your telephone line.
A year commitment is required for the packages. You must pay a $200 penalty if you cancel unless you move to a residence where T DSL is unavailable.
The gift card is about as good as cash. I’ve used the cards I’ve gotten in the past to buy gas.
T will renew your package after a year at the then current promotional price.
MY EXPERIENCE
The DSL modem, Ethernet cables, and an installation CD arrived with easy to understand instructions in a couple of days. I needed 2 calls to tech support to configure Microsoft Office Outlook.
I opted for the 3 Meg package, which is what I had with my Charter cable broadband. My actual download speed with cable was about 2.9 Meg; with DSL it is about 2.25 Meg, about a 25% drop. This is not noticeable unless I am downloading large software files.
You must install a small DSL converter box on the telephone connection you will use for DSL and install in-line filters on all devices (telephones, fax) in your home, so DSL use does not affect your telephone use. In summary if you know how to replace a telephone, you should have no trouble hooking up the required equipment.
A security suite provided by Computer Associates is available at no cost with SBCGlobal. The September 2006 issue of Consumer Reports tested a number of anti-virus programs, and rated the antivirus software of Computer Associates near the bottom of programs tested. F-Secure, the included Charter Cable security suite was rated somewhat higher, but still in the bottom half of products tested. I am now testing The Zone Labs suite, which is known for their free Zone Alarm firewall product, and was very highly rated by Consumer Reports.
DSL has always been available in the two weeks since it has been activated, and I have been impressed with the fast and excellent SBCGlobal technical support. Since October 2003 I have used Charter cable Internet access as well as television, and had been generally satisfied. I have become disenchanted with Charter Cable this year, since I have experienced broadband outages of several hours on 4 occasions this year, and a 5 day broadband and TV outage after a severe storm in July. My telephone never went out, which really got me thinking about DSL. I called Charter’s customer service about an Outlook issue I was experiencing, and, after a long wait, was told they no longer support software other than their own and I should call Microsoft. They also refused to give me a credit for the days I was without service.
Charter customer did respond nicely when I called to cancel my Internet service. They immediately told me they were running a special that would save me $20 a month. I said thanks but no thanks. A couple of friends called to cancel their entire Charter service and both got a $28 cut in their bill.
UPDATE FINAL THOUGHTS: Even with the problems, I would still recommend switching from Cable to DSL for a year, to save some money and see how it works for you. Your luck might well be better than mine. I will have saved well over $300 for a year of service, plus I will likely be a "new" cable broadband customer if I switch back, adding more savings. We might even ditch our landline, although I will miss the calls from charities and the political recordings, (4-6 per day) before election time.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 25
Version Number or Year: 2006
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Epinions.com ID:
vplite
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Location: Las Vegas, NV
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 17 members
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Computers are great, but the more you know, the more you know you don't know.
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