I've been checking around because I want to lose my slooow diaup. I was thinking of just going with Embarq DSL, but I figured if I went w/ broadband/cable, I could drop my landline and use my cell. I don't talk much on the phone at home (60-100 minutes a month max), and a Tracfone would be fine, especially since I have over 1700 minutes on it - LOL! I could use Skype, too, right? (I don't know much about that yet) Here's what I have found so far: Embarq DSL: 3.0Mbps 39.99 (prices dont inlcude tax or any freebies - free months, etc) 5.0Mbps 49.99 10.0Mbps 54.95 Earthlink cable (website says its available at my address): 7.0Mbps 41.95 10.0mbps 72.95 (no way!!!) They have 5.0 via satellite for 59.99, but I don't want that. Road Runner cable: 7.0Mbps 49.99 10.0Mbps 59.90 They have no 5.0; it goes from 1.5 (34.95/mo) to 7.0 Currently I pay right at $28/mo for my landline and $14.95 for dialup (NetZero 3G). Looking at that data, Earthlink 7.0 Mbps is the best value/deal, assuming you can use that speed with Skype (can you???). Anyone here ever use Earthlink cable/broadband before? Know anyone who does? If so, how is their service, esp customer service? I'm not the most tech-y person. I would just like to be able to download some music, watch Youtube stuff, possibly TV on Hulu and the like (ABC website - Lost, etc), stream radio (K-Love, Live365, etc), that kind of thing. I don't play games or anything like that. Any suggestions? I know I don't post here much, but I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
I use Road Runner. They have a special going on right now. I Pay $7.00 a Month for Basic cable and $10.00 a Month for Basic RR. But if you need a Phone they have a package special. For a Lot less than what the others have and I am sure for what you are paying now. and if you get the Phone , you still get to keep your old Number. I have tried all the rest. and kept comming back to Road Runner/ Time warner. I have been with at&t/ Bell south/ Earth link/ and a many number of Local carriers Like . netrun, lookup.com/ I have realized that RR is simply put the best out there for the Price. I think they even have a Deal right now , If you sign up with them we get $50.00 back if you mention that I sent you. That would be from wthau1@nc.rr.com No I dontwork for them. Just never had any Problems with them , and thier online tech. help is Superb. they even have an Immediate Chat help that has no cost. They are Very helpfull. With the basic cable you only get like the Local channels , about 7 of them. But if you hook up through your VCR , You will get 30 channels. Found this out by accident. Hope you find what you are looking for. HOOF. :allears:
Thanks for the info Hoof. I wouldn't want the internet phone (other than the Skype thing). If I don;t do the cell, I'll just stick w/ a regular landline. The $28 I pay includes all the taxes and fees, and I use OneSuite.com for what little long distance I use. That RR Basic is 1.5Mbps. I used my sister's this past weekend (AT&T), and it didn't seem all that much faster than my dialup!
I have Embarq and Roadrunner, both work fine. You can get Embarq DSL without keeping your landline. I think you have to order your DSL first. Also keep in mind Embarq has been purchased by a new company, so not sure how that will change service. Roadrunner would be your best option for now. The reason I say for now, is if you plan to do a lot of downloading in the future, of movies or music, watch out as they are going to metered billing at some point. www.businessweek.com/technology/···analysis Greensboro was just added to the metered billing list. So if you use more than 40 GB a month, you will have to pay them one dollar for each GB extra used. If you just use the internet and for email and web you should be fine, but those of us that work from home with VPN, and download movies are going to have a problem. We used close to 150 GB a month we don't really do that much. Few movies and few new songs from iturnes. I think our Xbox uses a lot.
Steeler_Fan, you link is truncated. http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Time-Warner-Cable-Expands-Metered-Billing-101655
I've had all three. The only reason I switched from Embarq/Verizon DSL to Roadrunner was for online gaming. I use Vonage VOIP. I have had issues w/ it cutting out when I was uploading stuff on the compter. Newer routers take care of that problem, though by optimizing traffic.
I Still say that Road runner is faster ,better, cheeper than the Rest. you do not have to take all the options they give . you can take just Internet, or just TV. or just phone. or a total package. the choice is up to you. My entire bill for last month was $18.23 and I have TV and Internet. Can't get a better deal than that. I have never had any problems with speed on Road Runner. they are about the Fastest I have seen in a Long time. Bell south said they were faster. But then you had to download their excellerator which slowed thing up even more. Yup For the Little that I pay and the Lot that I get, Road runner is the best deal out there. Hoof.
Another reason to go with Roadrunner you don't have to sign a contract unless you really want to do all three services, with embarq DSL it a 1 year contract no matter what, and 100 dollar fee to get out of it, also with embarq DSL if you make any changes to your service like increase to faster speed. I went from the 5 to 10 Mb speed, and that restart my contract, was a bit annoyed by that, but I don't plan to get rid of it either.
Thanks for all the replies. I think I just need to decide between RR and Earthlink now. I actually found the Earthlink deal on the TWC website. Earthlink has a special for 29.95 for 6 months, then it goes to 41.95 for the 7 Mbps. I will have to see what kind of deal RR can offer before making my final decision. Thanks again!
