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Whoami
Member
08-03-2001
| Friday, July 29, 2005 - 4:12 pm
Asking on behalf of sis KTBB (whose dial up ISP is so slow, she rarely can get here)..... She just found out she can finally get Qwest DSL in her area. On a whim, I checked out Earthlink's availability too, figuring if Qwest can get there now, so can Earthlink. I was right. So, I have a hard time comparing packages offered, and was hoping for some advice. I'd also love to hear anyone's experiences regarding customer service/technical support on either. First, Qwest's packages: FAST CONNECTION Qwest Choice™ DSL Deluxe with MSN® Premium Up to 1.5 Mbps download/Up to 896 Kbps upload $19.99 a month for the first 12 months ($24.99 a month without a qualifying home phone package). Thereafter, $39.99 a month ($44.99 a month without a qualifying home phone package). GREAT VALUE Qwest Choice™ DSL with MSN® Premium Up to 256 Kbps download/Up to 256 Kbps upload $26.99 a month with a qualifying home phone package ($31.99 a month without a qualifying home phone package). Silly me, at first glance couldn't figure out why the faster connection speed would be cheaper, until I realized its an introductory offer. How much faster would the cheaper one really be than dial up? KTBB has had real trouble with connection speed on her dial up. Not sure if its her area, her phone line, or what. But on a 56k modem she rarely connects at faster than "21" (I assume that means 21k?). If she's lucky, it will get up to 26 or so. Here's Earthlink's package: Introductory rate: $19.95/month for 6 months Regular monthly rate: (after introductory period) $39.95/month for1.5Mbps service $44.95/month for 3.0Mbps service Activation: FREE (regularly $99) Equipment/Standard Installation Kit: FREE (regularly $200) Term Commitment (contract): 12 months As far as I can tell, Qwest doesn't offer the "free web space" offer that Earthlink does. Don't think that will make much difference to KTBB, but who knows. Don't really know what added perks are important or not. So, what kind of customer service issues has anyone had with Qwest? I know for me, I usually come away from Earthink's "tech" support so frustrated it leaves me ticked enough to want to switch. But, at least I only get severe problems only once or twice a year. My main gripe with Earthlink is I usually have to spend days with them proving over and over again that I'm not doing something stupid on my end when I'm having connection problems, rather than them just admitting they have a problem on their end that needs fixing. The last go-around I had with them a few days ago, I had the distinct feeling I was talking to someone with no technical knowledge what so ever, and they were operating off a checklist of things to ask me. Not once did they ask me what my symptoms were, they just asked me all the basic "do you have your computer turned on" type stupid questions. In fact, I kept trying to tell one girl (whose accent was so thick I had to finally demand she speak slowly and more clearly so I could understand her better, rather than having her repeat herself 3 times) that I kept getting booted off after 3 minutes or so. She'd run me through my paces, it would connect, and she'd say, "OK, now your connected so its all fixed! Bye Bye" No hon, in 3 minutes I guarantee you I won't be connected again! Well anyway, any insight/experience/advice shared would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
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Urgrace
Member
08-19-2000
| Monday, August 01, 2005 - 7:26 am
In fact, I kept trying to tell one girl ...that I kept getting booted off after 3 minutes or so. She'd run me through my paces, it would connect, and she'd say, "OK, now your connected so its all fixed! Bye Bye" No hon, in 3 minutes I guarantee you I won't be connected again! Who, did you ever get this figured out? I'm having the same problem with my server. Replaced the modem a couple days ago but may have to change out all the cords too.
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Whoami
Member
08-03-2001
| Monday, August 01, 2005 - 12:45 pm
It seemed to have "fixed itself" Gracie. No doubt they did what ever it was needed doing on their end while I slept. Certainly nothing here changed, unless the alien spaceship that was parked on my roof that night (thus causing the electrical interference Earthlink was sure I was doing to cause the weak connection) took off in the night and parked on your roof instead. Since, from my experience, its always the customer's fault as to why the connection isn't working. 
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Urgrace
Member
08-19-2000
| Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 10:13 am
That's great news for you Who!
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