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Best choice for high-speed internet

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by Audrey, Jun 21, 2007.

  1. Audrey

    Audrey Member

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    RapidDSL wireless at 512 up/1.5 down
    Verizon DSL 384 up/1.5 down
    CavTel T1 768K line, shared among three people

    Prices all basically the same (a little less for Verizon). I've heard the "best effort" language from Verizon and also think we're pretty far from a CO. What else should I be aware of? Thanks techies, I don't know what I'd do without you!
     
    Audrey, Jun 21, 2007
    #1
  2. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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    Are you in the Broadlands?

    If so you can't get DSL at all.
     
    hornerjo, Jun 21, 2007
    #2
  3. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Unless something has changed recently, or you're talking about a DSL installation outside of Broadlands, if anyone is telling you that DSL is available here, they're most probably wrong. I would love to be proven otherwise though, as I've been wanting a DSL line with static IP's for years now. Checking the sites you mentioned with my address information shows that it is NOT available.

    There is 'iDSL' which is basically an ISDN line; trust me, you don't want to even get close to this... 128/128 and will cost you over $130/month, if not more.

    The T1 option is something many people have looked into, but the issue comes up about what do you do if someone stops paying, moves from the area, etc. From talking with many people who went down that road, many have told me they would not have done it if they had known about the 'dynamics'. Albeit, I know of at least one person who has done this successfully though. Of course, none of the people involved moved or plan to move in the short term. So if you're going to share it with folks you can 'trust', by all means, give it a try. Just realize that the person who has the line will be the one dealing with all the support issues, etc.

    In regards to DSL, it's basically going to run through the same 'wires' regardless of who you go with. So, find a company that has a good balance of service/support, and price. Also look at their SLA (Service Level Agreement); do they specify a turnaround on getting an issue fixed? Do they reimburse you for extended outages, etc.
     
    Mr. Linux, Jun 21, 2007
    #3
  4. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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    Right now, until Verizon gets FiOS up and running, the best choice is Comcast internet IHMO.
     
    hornerjo, Jun 21, 2007
    #4
  5. Audrey

    Audrey Member

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    I should have mentioned - it's for my office on Premier Plaza up by Rt 7 and Ashburn Village Blvd. Comcast is supposed to call me back but hasn't...Verizon said they wouldn't provide DSL there and then they said they would...from what I've seen there are very few options there. The wireless looked like a good option but I don't know much about it.
     
    Audrey, Jun 21, 2007
    #5
  6. Pictor Guy

    Pictor Guy New Member

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    iDSL has come down in price since the late 90's. Just before I got rid of my line with 13 static IPs I was paying under $90. But the 128k/128k connection was horrible for anything other than email. I even looked into binding two lines but no one did it and it was getting close to the price of a fractional T1. Still rather slow compared to Comcast.

    For business DSL outside the Broadlands light loop I would inspect SLAs and see what they offer on SDSL. Or depending on speed needs, consider a T1.
     
    Pictor Guy, Jun 21, 2007
    #6
  7. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Good thing you jumped ship, they raised their prices in the last few years. I think Verizon is increasing their charges and passing that off to the ISP, who then has to pass it off to the customer... I understand their logic though; if I were Verizon, I would hate to have to maintain legacy iDSL equipment. I use mine for email just as you suggested, but even that is a stretch these days with attachments, etc. I'm hoping to have more 'business-like' options with FIOS or even Comcast in the near future. All I need is a pipe, at least one static IP and the permission to run servers...
     
    Mr. Linux, Jun 22, 2007
    #7
  8. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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    Looks like you can, from the Verizon FiOS FAQ:

    Can I get a static IP address? (#12071)
    Yes, but you'll need to switch to the FiOS business plan.

    Static 15Mbps/2Mbps package: (1-year contract required)

    $99.95/month;

    Up to 5 static IP addresses.

    Additional static IP addresses available at extra fee.

    Features include:
    *Free Wired Router
    *Free Tech install
    *Super high-speed Internet access
    *10 standard email accounts
    *Unlimited remote dial-up access
    *20MB personal web space
    *24/7 live Technical Support
    *30-day money back guarantee
    *Free installation by Verizon Technicians
    *Access to tools and news at the Verizon Business Center

    See:
    »biz.verizon.net/pands/fios/features.asp
    for an up-to-date listing of business plan offerings and prices.

    and from http://biz.verizon.net/pands/fios/Default.asp:
    Revolutionize your world with a new kind of high speed Internet access.

    With Verizon FiOS Internet Service for Business you will be able to access the Internet like never before. Using our next-generation fiber-optic network, FiOS will bring the capacity, speed, and quality of advanced telecommunications right to your business. With maximum connection speeds up to 30 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps upstream, FiOS will enable you to increase productivity and improve your bottom line now and for years to come. And, Verizon FiOS Internet Service for Business is not only affordable, but has advanced capabilities like these:

    *Ultra-fast downloads from Web sites for research, surfing and e-mail
    *Ability to receive and send very large text, graphics and photo files with ease
    *Allows you to maintain a Web site for branding your business or for e-commerce
    *Real audio or video streaming
    *Ability to effectively share one FiOS connection with multiple users
     
    hornerjo, Jun 22, 2007
    #8
  9. Twriter

    Twriter Get a Mac!

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    A friend of mine uses SkyNet at his business. They call it "Wireless DSL". He has a flat panel antenna on the roof of his building that they installed.

    They have both business and residential plans. I looked at their website (www.skynetaccess.com). I get the impression that you can get speeds from 1 Mbps to 20 Mbps, depending on how much you want to pay.
    Their coverage map is very hard to read, but it appears that most of Broadlands North is covered.

    My friend is very happy with their business service. Is anyone here using their residential service?

    --- John B.
     
    Twriter, Jul 5, 2007
    #9
  10. the_UPS_store

    the_UPS_store New Member

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    Twriter,

    I have the new UPS Store at Southern Walk Village Center and I am currently looking for an alternative to Openband which will not be hear for at least another month. The only thing that I am allowed to do is satellite or wireless, so this is sounding like a great match for my needs.
    Your friend, how long has he been on Skynet? Do you know if service has been out and for how long?
    If you or your friend could give me any pointers on Skynet or such it will much appreciated. Give me a call, email or simply stop on by. Thanks!!

    Ronald Mondarez
    The UPS Store #5742
    43300-116 Southern Walk Plaza
    Broadlands, VA 20148
    tel 703.729.2215
    fax 703.729.4966
    store5742@theupsstore.com
     
    the_UPS_store, Jul 27, 2007
    #10

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