Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.

Broadband Users Still Sing the Blues

Getting DSL service for fast Net access still entails many headaches.

Tom Spring

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

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.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No
  • Great year-end deals
    for small business!
  • Get 24/7 live remote AT&T Tech Support 360* service along with select Lenovo* PCs (with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors) and save up to 200!

    Learn more

  • HP EliteBook* 6930p Notebook with Intel® vPro™ technology and a free HP Basic Docking Station - $641 instant savings!

    Learn more

Dell Laptop Deals

People who read this also read:

Sponsored Links