Review by jyeung  UPDATED: 1.2 years ago member for 5.6 years, 408 visits, last login: 12 days ago
North York,ON
$50 per month (12 month contract)
Bell Canada
"Solid 7Mbps performance (if you're lucky to be in a ADSL2+ area)"
"310-SURF Outsourced Support, Pricing"
"Use another DSL ISP. Cheaper alternatives to be had. If you can get full 7Mbps, don't mind bad support, then get it."
| Pre Sales information: Install Co-ordination: Connection reliability: Tech Support: Services: Value for money: (ratings match consensus)
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I signed up for Bell Internet (formerly Sympatico) because of a promotional offer 2007 Christmas.
While overall the service has been solid as I live in a ADSL2+ area, and they installed a remote a few hundred meters away, their support is very poor. Upon calling 310-SURF, you are almost certain to get a tech in India that is often difficult to comprehend.
That being said, the direct forum is an awesome source for support. If you can, stick with the Direct Forum.
Pricing is expensive as well compared to other DSL ISPs (around $20 difference), but you get up to 7Mbps vs. up to 5Mbps. Bandwidth limit is set at 60 GB/month, which is also lower than other DSL competitors.
The modem gateway they send is a 2Wire, which is actually a pretty decent unit - I use my own SpeedTouch 516, but the 2Wire is a solid piece of equipment that I'm pretty impressed with.
I don't torrent, and don't download much so bandwidth caps don't affect me (for now). The throttling I don't mind either as I don't use it, but I do not agree with Bell's practices in doing such things - especially to other wholesale customers.
Bottom line? Get it if you don't mind bad support, high prices, low bandwidth caps, and want 7Mbps. For all others, you're better off with another ISP. I happen to not need the bandwidth, so Bell Internet serves me fine for now.
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