 Review by Sandman5 
UPDATED: 1.3 years ago
member for 6.1 years, 3131 visits, last login: a few hours ago
 Chula Vista,San Diego,CA
 $30 per month
 about 14 days
 "Download speed is usually very good. Tech support is generaly helpful."
 "I'm kind of getting tired of the rate increases."
 "Good value, good service."
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Install Co-ordination:
Connection Reliability:
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(ratings match consensus)
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So far my only complaints with Cox HSI are with the DNS servers. Fortunately Cox is quick to issue credit to your account for downtime (if you ask for it).
Update (9/26/2003):
Cox has imposed at least one rate increase since I wrote this review, but I bought my own modem a while back. So my cost for internet service went down by $5.00 per month. I have a caching DNS server, so I haven't noticed any more hiccups with Cox's DNS servers (it would be interesting to see if there are still problems with this).
I'm getting ready to move and will be within a few miles of where I lived when I first started using Cox@Home. My wife and I will be sharing a home with my Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law, which means that there will be 2 power users on the same connection. With the byte caps in place I'm a bit worried. I called SBC to check out their DSL offerings and I just don't know if I can deal with the slower download speed.
Update (9/08/2004):
Regarding some of my previous points: My caching DNS server was actually not set up (I thought it was) so apparently the DNS issues have been cleared up. I have still never received any warnings about going over the byte caps.
I upgraded to the premier package after Cox upped everyone's speeds because Cox was offering the premier package for no extra charge for the first 3 months. I haven't really noticed any difference, though when I run speed tests the speeds are usually spot on (preferred package=4Mb/512kb, premier=5Mb/768kb). So far I don't think the premier package is worth the extra $15/month.
Update (5/9/2005):
Well the premier package was not worth the extra $15/month so I downgraded back to preferred. It looks like Cox is having DNS issues again.
The DNS problems don't affect me very often but there are times where my modem lights all look normal but I cannot connect to any web sites, and don't have any other connectivity either (IM, e-mail, etc.). When this happens I have to wonder if it's a DNS issue or if something else is going on. I changed the name server settings in my router (I'm using Level 3's DNS servers) and will set up a caching DNS server sometime within the next couple of weeks.
There is currently a rumor in the Cox HSI forum that certain areas will be upgraded to 5Mb/2Mb for preferred and 15Mb/2Mb for premier. If that happens in this area then it will be worth it to upgrade to the premier package. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Update (4/20/2007):
Everything is going well. The previous connectivity issues I was having have been resolved. Part of the problem was a failing modem, and part of it was signal issues.
I think the current speed for premier is 7Mb/2Mb but I haven't upgraded.
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