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Review by r81984 See Profile

  • Location: Katy, Harris, TX, USA
  • Cost: $25 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 13 days
Nothing, They are a monopoly
Everything, ATT has no idea what they are doing.
Avoid unless you have no reasonably priced alternatives.
Pre Sales Information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

I had a 6meg adsl line. I moved apartments in the same complex. One building over. They said my new building had Uverse instead of adsl.
The person I called at the 1800 move website said I would have to give them $100 for a new modem. He said I could not buy a used Uverse modem off ebay for $50, they would not activate it.
Then he said he cant switch the adsl to Uverse and had to transfer me to a Uverse tech. The Uverse tech also confirmed I cannot activate a used Uverse modem and I would have to pay them $100 for a new modem. He said the modem I already own for adsl will also not work for Uverse. Well he says he cant set me up and has to transfer me to sales. I get on hold for 25 minutes and hang up. I call back the 1800 move number and this person says he can do everything.
I saw online that some people got a $100 gift card, and because I asked he would give me that to. He set up the Uverse and said I would get my modem in 3 days and my service would be activated the same day. Then he says he cant cancel my adsl account and must transfer me to someone else. WTF??? Why cant 1 person do everything at ATT??? Its all the same damn computer system.
Anyways they wasted 1hr and 30 minutes of my life just to switch my adsl from one apartment to another next door to each other.
Then 2 days later I get an email saying they ran out of Uverse modems and now I have to wait another 9 days to get it.
I hate ATT!!!!! They used to be the best ISP and now they suck. Dont forget they have a 150GB cap which not one person setting me up said anything about caps or asked if I agree to any caps or overage fees. They set me up with a 6meg Uverse line.
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Update - 1 month
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I signed up for the $25 a month plan and they charged me $48, so now I will probably have to waste hours on the phone for them to fix the billing problems.

I hate ATT.

-----------
Update 1/24/14
-----------

I have 18 meg plan and I have to call every year to keep it at the $28/mo price otherwise it goes to over $50.
Speedtest.net
19ms pings
10.23 mbps down and .96 mbps up

»www.att.com/speedtest/
10.86 mbps down and .97 mbps up

But, the NVG510 modem was pure garbage and did not work right. It had disconnect issues that required reboots every few days for 3 months. ATT support kept sending me replacements and I ended up with 3 NVG510 modems that all had the same stupid problems. I still have them not being used in my closet.
I bought a used 2210-02-1ATT off ebay and that older modem worked without any issues. Did not have to ever call support again.
Connection has worked flawlessly for 2 years. Only had to reset modem 1 time.

Pro - if you can live with slower speeds then it is cheaper than comcast.
As far as I know there are no caps. Last month I used over 350 GB.
Con - Some of their modems are garbage and dont work.

member for 22.3 years, 5794 visits, last login: a few hours ago
updated 9.1 years ago


fakefonz
@sbcglobal.net

fakefonz

Anon

ask

You should've asked if they can get you the modem for free. If they couldn't you can ask if they can give you billing credit for a total of $100 to offset the cost of the modem. You can also tell them how long you've been a customer of at&t internet services. You can also threaten to go to your local cable company's internet service. All these methods have been used before to get people a free modem. If it doesn't work with the agent you are speaking to, simply hang up and call again and hope you get a nice agent. Sometimes there are rude snobby agents and sometimes there are good agents. You just have to keep calling until you get a good one. Good luck!

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

r81984

Premium Member

Re: ask

Read my post they never offered me anything.
I then asked for the $100 visa card and then they signed me up for it. They were not going to offer it even after I complain about having to buy a new modem because they are forcing me from adsl to uverse.
chgo_man99
join:2010-01-01
Sunnyvale, CA

chgo_man99

Member

you obviously did not know how to speak to these people

If you told them (pretended) that you already have customer owned modem, model hgv-3600, they would likely have no issues making your u-verse order without $100 modem purchase. Then you'd later call technical support (not sales people who have no clue) and you'd be done.

I am surprised they did not offer you $100 visa gift card as mail-in-rebate to offset cost for the modem. I got this deal with no problem.

Also sometimes it is better to order online than through phone to find best deal.

Never tell customer service department, no matter what company you call, that you got something from ebay. Very often there are stolen things put up there. It is not uncommon to see hgv-3800 gateway (rental model) for auction. These are blacklisted. It's possible whoever told you on phone they can't activate your own u-verse modem were undertrained and thought about this model. You can have your own if its 3600, as long as previous owner or whoever cancelled their service. Just in case have their contact information.

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

1 edit

r81984

Premium Member

Re: you obviously did not know how to speak to these people

Actually I knew exactly how to speak to these people. I was a computer phone tech for years. I was polite and calm and explained further when they said no.
I even explained things in non technical terms after they said no. I asked several times to ensure there was no way to activate a used modem.
Every time they kept saying it was not possible. The sales guy even transfered me to the Uverse tech so I could ask them. The Uverse tech said there is no way to activate a used modem and then he transfered me back to sales.

I read another users's review from november who had an onsite tech say they could not activate the used modem and swapped his out with one from his truck so it could be activated.

If you could read instead of thinking I dont know how to talk to people you would see I posted I GOT THE $100 visa gift card rebate, only after I brought it up. It was not offered to me.

If you read my post I could not order online. I moved apartments in the same complex and they said I had to get uverse in my new apartment so i was transfering service not getting new service. I know exactly what non leased modem to buy, its not complicated to figure it out.
BTW the person on the phone said I HAD to buy my own modem from them - NOT LEASE. The uverse tech said they cant activate a used UVerse modem, it has to be brand new from them. I explained buying a modem from someone that already bought a $100 modem from ATT. I was pretty damn clear. 4 year old would have known what I was talking about.
The worst part is they sold me a $100 modem they did not have in stock so now I will be without internet for an extra week as they wait for it to be manufactured. They really, really suck.

ATT has gone down hill with their shitty customer service and bullshit caps. I have been with adsl for 10 years and they used to be so great. I used to recommend ATT to everyone but not anymore.

The really sad part is they did not once say my service would be capped. Never onced asked if I agree to caps. Never explained about overages.
All they told me is what speed I would get, but I guarantee you it will be capped.
chgo_man99
join:2010-01-01
Sunnyvale, CA

chgo_man99

Member

Re: you obviously did not know how to speak to these people

I see! They sucked with placing my order too, but your case was definietly a lot worse. Because I ordered Internet only, they put me on waiting queue for very long time, like 5 weeks. Called them on November 11, and these guys did not have anything earlier than December 24 (Christmas eve!) . Later I called frequently to push earlier but was only able to go as far as dec 22! They said they could have escalated it to higher priority and activate my service a lot earlier if I ordered tv portion with them (of course). Last time when I had dsl with then, I only had to wait few days after order.

I had Comcast before and I liked it, but had to move out and since then I could stay there only on some weekends. So I canceled Comcast. I stretched with 3G tethering until I had enough due to it being inadequate to my Ned's with low caps and slow speed. Since they upgraded my area to LTE, hspa went downhill.

I was ready to drop tethering for t-mobile broadband prepaid realizing that 3GB is kinda steep for $50. I'd get maybe postpaid which gives me little more, but I would have no need for frequent use and where I live now after The end of weekend (northeast Iowa), there is no tmobile and I would not be able to roam on iwireless since its only available for Phones but not modems.

I had to move out to work for tech company IBM, only to find they set up show in one of the least technologically friendly place in the middle of nowhere! Here all broadband options for residents suck! Even tv options are limited bc here it is only mediacom and most landlords do not allow tenants to install Dish or DirecTV.

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

r81984

Premium Member

Re: you obviously did not know how to speak to these people

It is illegal for HOAs, landlords, etc to stop you from installing a dish. You can install any dish less than 1 meter in diameter. That means you can use any tv service like directv or dish.
Any landlord not allowing a dish is breaking the law.

That helps for tv, but satellite broadband is basically slightly better than dialup.
chgo_man99
join:2010-01-01
Sunnyvale, CA

chgo_man99

Member

Re: you obviously did not know how to speak to these people

said by r81984:

It is illegal for HOAs, landlords, etc to stop you from installing a dish. You can install any dish less than 1 meter in diameter. That means you can use any tv service like directv or dish.
Any landlord not allowing a dish is breaking the law.

That helps for tv, but satellite broadband is basically slightly better than dialup.

That only works if you have your own patio or balcony. Unfortunately they can do whatever they want with the common areas.

Mediacom does provide D3 in my area since not long time ago, but since they are the only player in area, they overcharge (more than Comcast), frequently lie when you call their CS, impose 2 year contract on standalone Internet and have frequent outages. Their only competitor is Qwest DSL 1.5mb/s in most areas, and select get best 6 mb.

And there is local WISP using Motorola canopy wireless that won't work when there is heavy snowstorm or fog.

Whats funny is Verizon already lunched a while ago 4G LTE in Davenport, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids but not in Dubuque. It will be the last place to get it, unless US Cellular lunches 4G this year.
chgo_man99

chgo_man99

Member

Re: you obviously did not know how to speak to these people

Hahaha. It depends where u live. Personally I think tech rants on forums is smarter and more productive than sitting on Craigslist personal looking for hookup.
Expand your moderator at work
chgo_man99

chgo_man99

Member

cap

dsl 150gb, u-verse 250GB same as comcast.
jaycharles2
join:2007-06-29
Evansville, IN

jaycharles2

Member

modem activation

Is it true that a UVERSE modem won't work without activation by AT&T?

I was recently switched from ATT dsl to adsl2 (Uverse internet only).
Under dsl, I had a second modem positioned for use outdoors (turning
off the 1st modem beforehand).

I would like to do the same thing with adsl2, buying a used modem
online. The modem provided by ATT is a Motorola NVG510.

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

r81984

Premium Member

Re: modem activation

I was forced to switch from adsl to Uverse adsl2.
Both the sales guy and the Uverse tech said I could not activate a used modem. The Uverse tech said it cant be done. They said I had to buy a new modem from them and I did not want Uverse they forced me to switch. I was perfectly happy with my adsl 6 meg line.

Now people on this site it can be done, so who knows.

npln
Us Army
join:2000-07-17
Martinez, CA

npln

Member

Re: modem activation

My understanding is that ATT is "forcing" all customers to Uverse. Eventually moving away from the "old" DSL. Why? not sure, there could be many reasons. Raging from Uverse is all IP based, some of the regulations that govern traditional pots may not govern Uverse. To maybe the Uverse techs are a cheaper labor force than the techs that work on the "older" DSL. Who knows, but the executives at ATT that make all the decisions yet have never lifted a tool.

As far as modems go.....older DSL uses pppoe, while Uverse uses MAC address authentication. Thus having more control as to what modems connect and which ones don't.

My 2 cents, may not help you. Just my opinion of ATT. I too was happy with my "old" DSL running at 1.5, never had the need for more. Yet at my new place I get forced to Uverse, had no choice. Yet my next door neighbor does have "old" DSL. I was lucky that all went smooth and happy with the service. I just don't like NOT having a choice! and AT&T doesn't give you one.

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

r81984

Premium Member

Re: modem activation

Uverse does not use mac address authentication. Cloning a mac address will not give you access.

NC DSL
@bellsouth.net

NC DSL

Anon

AT&T DSL/POTS and U-Verse... not the same.

"Why cant 1 person do everything at ATT???"

Actually this one is not AT&T's fault... In order to comply with fair competition rules, the FCC has forced AT&T to treat ADSL/POTS and U-verse as if they are two separate companies... They may not collaborate on pricing, etc. They must have separate techs, tech support, sales, etc. And fair to whom, you might ask... the Cable TV providers. Since U-verse is doing TV, they have to compete just like they are a cable TV company...

Your tax dollars at work.
mitchflorida
join:2004-09-01
Deerfield Beach, FL

mitchflorida

Member

Monopoly?

You must not know the definition of monopoly.

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

r81984

Premium Member

Re: Monopoly?

You must not know what the definition of a monopoly is. You are confused.
NIKKS
join:2002-11-11

NIKKS

Member

Re: Monopoly?

As you are on Uverse, Truestream is available to you?

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

r81984

Premium Member

Re: Monopoly?

It is not. I can only get 6meg dsl through dslextreme.
And according to others, it requires I also pay for a phone line which I dont want and would make it way more expensive than att which makes no sense.

ilikeme
Premium Member
join:2002-08-27
Stafford, TX

ilikeme

Premium Member

350TB?

I don't think it is possible to use 350TB on a 18Mbps connection in a month. I think you meant GB.

Different
@sbcglobal.net

Different

Anon

Not quite

By the way, ATT Uverse and Att "legacy" DSL dont use the same computer systems. There is a BIG WALL inbetween the two. Why? UVERSE is ip based services, thus doesn't fall under the same rules for "legacy" imposed by the PUC! Uverse mirrors more like Comcast, not regulated ad older DSL & POTS.

r81984
Fair and Balanced
Premium Member
join:2001-11-14
Katy, TX

1 edit

r81984

Premium Member

Re: Not quite

said by Different :

By the way, ATT Uverse and Att "legacy" DSL dont use the same computer systems. There is a BIG WALL inbetween the two. Why? UVERSE is ip based services, thus doesn't fall under the same rules for "legacy" imposed by the PUC! Uverse mirrors more like Comcast, not regulated ad older DSL & POTS.

You talk like computers cant talk to each other.
If only there was some kind of inter net of cables to connect computers.

FYI, everyone knows the difference between Uverse IP-DSLAM ADSL2/2+ and their older ATM DSLAM ADSL services. ATT clearly mismanaged everything in their transition. They actually used the transition to steal money from customers.