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Review by bakedcorn See Profile

  • Location: Richmond Hill, ON, Canada
  • Cost: $62 per month
  • Install: about 14 days
Quick, seamless and ontime - update.
None at the moment.
Recommended thus far but time will tell.
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection Reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

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Phase 1 of 4 - get new ISP
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January 16th, 2015
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Purchased the unlimited 25/10 FTTN DSL internet package for 49.95 (incl. dryloop) + 4.95 modem rental online via Distributel's website - found it to be quick, simple, convenient and painless.
Total purchase or commitment upon order for the month of Feb:

FTTN Internet up to 25 Mbps (Dry Loop) (Jan 30 - Feb 28, 2015) $53.17
Modem Rental (Jan 30 - Feb 28, 2015) $5.27
Installation Fee: Installation Fee: FTTN Internet up to 25 Mbps (Dry Loop) $39.00
Activation Fee: Activation Fee $10.00
Activation Fee: Online Sign-Up Discount -$10.00
HST (ON) - R121738256 $12.67
Total paid by Credit Card $110.11

January 21'st, 2015
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Received a call (which I missed) whereby the appointment has been confirmed for January 30th between 8 & 5pm and any deviation should be noted to Distributel.

January 30th, 2015
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Got a call from the Bell tech; on his way. I forgot to pick up the modem from Canada Post however the Bell tech informed me that its not required and that he'll test the connection to the Demarc and to the dedicated jack on the top floor of my place (he also rewired to the jack on the top floor to ensure consistency). All tested clean, a solid 25MBs down however the up was a measly 4MBs or 5MBs if I were lucky. I was informed by the Bell tech that its typical for this to occur due to the distance from the CO. At this point, even with Rogers I would max out at maybe 3 or 4MBs upload; considered a null point.

***Please note I'm still signed up with Rogers whilst I test Distributel for quality and consistancy for the next couple of weeks if not for a month. Also been with Rogers for nearly 20 years. I would get perks and huge discounts but lately, I've been getting the door to the face via retention - so its time to move on.

The bell tech was kind enough to have lunch while I headed over to Canada Post to pick up my modem - at this point I'm excited - lol.
When I got back he was still having his lunch (in his truck) however I did not want to interrupt him so I proceeded to head into the house and hookup the modem. To my dismay, I was limited to 3.5MBs down and 3.5MBs up. I swapped cables etc to no avail. I called the Bell tech (call display) and we went through a few troubleshooting steps. Within minutes I was hitting just over 26MBs/3.5MBs.

Thus far it has been steady with no drops, I'm able to watch Netflix with out issue on my computer and on the panel on the main floor via those powerlink adapters.

My current setup has the SMARTRG setup for routing and wireless and a Linksys ES2700 set for bridged mode and thus far I'm happy but I will continue to monitor and update as the days and weeks go by.
The plan is to move away from Rogers as it is becoming too expensive for me to continue paying (80+ for 30/10 capped at 270GB) + another 70 bucks for cable and PVR rental.

As for my ratings, I cannot rate Best or Worst for Tech Support and Services as its been only a few hours hence my 50/50 rating.

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Phase 2 of 4 - Cancel Rogers Internet
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TBA

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Phase 3 of 4 - Order Zazeen TV
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TBA

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Phase 4 of 4 - Cancel Rogers Cable
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TBA

Update #1 - Feb 13, 2015

Performing multiple tests via Speedtest.net and thus far the connection has been stable. The tests are performed throughout the day in varying timeslots i.e. 2pm, 4pm, 6-8pm etc with all tests resulting in average speeds of 23/3.5. Other tests consists of multiple youtube video sessions opened via browser (1080P) + Netflix (HD) + 8GB download = stability. As for tech support, I have called in a few times and their response times compared to what others have reported are within minutes. The calls were actually placed for account and online access information to their webportal. I was transferred from their first line to tech support without delay. Will continue to update where possible.

»www.speedtest.net/result ··· 1674.png

VPN Connection to Quebec:

»www.speedtest.net/result ··· 1398.png

Update #2 - Feb 23, 2015

Called Rogers to cancel internet service. Was transferred to their cancellation department and was asked for the reason. Provided explanation and they followed up with a 25% discount on my current internet and cable packages and would throw in the modem for free for 24 months. I was informed that i was an excellent long standing customer for almost 20 years. My response, why did the previous 2 service reps not provide the same savings but basically telling me to bugger off. She apologized and was sympathetic. I mentioned that its now too late and then she closed with your cable discounts no longer apply. Pffft - how nice! Rogers Hybrid 30 will be disconnected on the 28th - the end of my billing cycle.

No issues thus far with Distributel.

Update #2 - March 3, 2015

Officially off of Rogers internet service, all equipment (high-speed modem) returned. Rogers had counter offered me another discount but it was a futile attempt. However as it relates to cable tv, Rogers was able to offer me a huge discount which I could not turn down. As it currently stands, internet + cable = $135.00. However I am still interested in the IPTV that Distributel offers.

November 2015

Rogers advertised 100/10 package for 59.99 per month for three months however I called up a contact from Rogers via Redflagdeals and managed to get the package for 2 years @ 59.99. I then spoke to retention about cable service etc. At first they would not budge but I then managed to speak to another rep whereby he was gracious enough to work out a slight upgrade in cable and internet (VIP Plus, 1TB 6 channel PVR + cable including the modem/wifi router with taxes in 132.15 a month for 2 years. Had to jump on this.
Unfortunately I had to bail on Distributel - impeccable service. Yes there are other "free" solutions out there however given the requirement for specific shows not available OTA or Internet tv this appeases me.

Thanks

member for 9.1 years, 8 visits, last login: 7.6 years ago
updated 7.6 years ago