After installing my high-speed roadrunner cable modem, I was disappointed to see that I was having some sort of an outage problem. Everyday my digital cable service would go out on me. Sometimes for 5, 15, 30 minutes, and even till the next day. And it would mysteriously come back on. Like if someone was pulling out the plug and plugging it back in. This outage problem also effects the rest of my neighbors in the building.

Customer service was of no use to me. They couldn’t find out what the problem was or where it lies. The explanation that they gave me was that they were still upgrading all the lines down in my area. So, in the end, I decided to cancel my digital cable service and my cable modem and switched to DSL. Which was unfortunate because when it did worked, I loved it.

I had even tried to see if I was able to get another cable service provider like RCN. Unfortunately, Time Warner Cable has the monopoly down in the Lower Manhattan area. So I was stuck with using an old-fashioned television antenna. However, another high speed Internet technology called DSL or Digital Subscriber Line was available to me.

Before deciding on which service provider to choose, I had done research on the Internet, talked to friends and read many reviews. Most had suggested Verizon. So I contacted Verizon to see if DSL was available to me. It was, since I can see their office outside of my living room window. So I went ahead and ordered the necessary equipment from Verizon.

The equipment arrived on time. The package includes a DSL modem and all the filters, and software. Verizon also included a Logitech camera, which you could keep. Upon receiving the equipment I installed all of the filters and the modem and software. However, I encountered installation problems with the CD. It did not load onto my PC. So I contacted their tech support line and they were very helpful.

After I installed the software on my PC, which was necessary to surf the web. Because this is what it uses to dial in to their servers. I was online surfing at speeds of up to 50x faster than regular dial up. I was downloading MP3 files and other files that were available on the Internet. No more dial up or constant outages like my cable service.

The price of the DSL was that for the first three months they would charge me $29.95 a month and then thereafter it would be just $49.95 a month. I would have preferred to keep it at $29.95 a month but I didn’t have control over that. As long as it was working, I would be willing to pay that $49.95 a month.

So far I was happy with the service that Verizon was providing. Till one day when my DSL line suddenly stopped working. So I called their tech support line and told them what happened. They tried to figure out what was wrong but couldn’t fix it. So they told me that they had to dispatch a technician to my house. This would have been fine if they didn’t charge me for it. They said they would charge me $150 ONLY if they couldn’t fix it. So I decided that it was not worth it to me anymore. I wasn’t going to gamble away $150, so I decided to cancel the DSL service. In some ways I liked my cable provider, because they don’t charge you a dime for trying to fix the service.

Another funny thing is that they provided me with a return label to me so that I can ship the equipment back to them. Which didn’t make any sense to me at all.
They would pay for the return shipping of their equipment, but they won't pay for fixing the service. Doesn't make any sense at all.

Don't get me wrong though, I really loved Verizon DSL when it worked. But since they tried to pull that nickel and dime game, I cancelled it.

At the time of rewriting this epinions, I had once again signed up for cable modem and the digital TV service from Time Warner cable. And it has been stable ever since. No more cable outages like the first time I got it. I guess they were finished with upgrading the area. And now I absolutely love my cable and cable modem service.

Verizon DSL update...October 4 2007

I have once again resubscribed to Verizon's DSL service. It greatly improved. I haven't experienced any outtages. I was also quite impressed with their technical and customer service support. So impressed that I upgraded my package from the 786K speed to the 3.0MBPS.

8-24-2008 update
My one year contract with Verizon DSL is over. Since resubscribing, I have not experienced any outtages whatso ever. The few times that I had to call tech support they were very, very helpful and fixed all of my problems.

I highly recommend Verizon DSL if you are in the New York City area. I am now anxiously awaiting for there FIOS internet service to arrive in my area. If when they do become available to me, I will definitely sign up for FIOS.

Way to go Verizon.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 30 per month