Broadband Users Still Sing the Blues

Beating the Broadband Blues

1. Do research: When considering an ISP, find out as much as you can about its financial stability, service quality, and installation record. DSLReports.com is a good place to start.
   
   
2. Buy from the big boys: The higher up your ISP is on the DSL food chain, the less likely it is to go out of business.
   
   
3. Investigate alternatives: Two-way satellite services from Hughes Networks and StarBand and fixed wireless service from providers such as Sprint and WorldCom offer high-speed access via line-of-sight transmissions. Interference from foliage and bad weather is an issue.
   
   
4. Install your own service: Verizon, Covad, SBC, and others offer do-it-yourself DSL installation kits that eliminate the wait for a technician. You can save up to $100--but the phone company must still activate your line for DSL service, which can take weeks.
   
   
5. Keep your analog modem: Check with your provider to see if it offers dial-up service as a backup for times when broadband service is down--or when you're traveling. EarthLink's high-speed customers can use 6500 numbers for dial-up.
   
   
6. Get a printed contract: Online versions can change. Check your actual bandwidth at sites like MSN Computing Central and Cable-Modem.net to see if it meets your ISP's guaranteed minimum. Business users especially should check the fine print. For example, some ISPs limit the size of e-mail attachments.
   
   
7. Keep good written records: Notes with specific dates and times of service interruptions and calls to technical support will come in handy if you ever ask for a refund.