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Review by petejayhawk See Profile

  • Location: Rockford, Winnebago, IL, USA
  • Cost: $49 per month
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
  • CLEC party: TDS Metrocom
Good price, great speeds, superb cust. service, best of all...it's NOT SBC!!
None as of yet
Must-have
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

Got this about 2-3 months ago now. Pretty cool modem - router included, easy-as-pie setup. I was really surprised to see that I'm getting better-than-advertised upload speeds and 600+k download, for being almost out of range. I upgraded to the 768k, and I love it. No PPoE, order process was easy, customer service people ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING. It makes such a difference when you actually get to speak to someone, and that person actually has a brain. Spoke with Matt in the Arizona call center. Great guy.

The phone service is awesome, too...25 bucks for unlimited usage. I highly recommend these guys to anyone who is fed up with dealing with these corporate scumbags like SBC. Metrocom's the way to go!

member for 21.1 years, 1 visits, last login: 20.3 years ago
lodged 20.3 years ago


Review by Capn Kirk See Profile

  • Location: Saint Marys, Camden, GA, USA
  • Cost: $39 per month (18 month contract)
  • Install: about 10 days
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
  • CLEC party: TDS Metrocom
Excellent service, support and great value. $36.99 month if you use TDS long distance as well!
None
Awesome provider. Only twice in 2 yrs has there been an outage.
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

TDS Telecom provides awsome service in our area. Great support and excellent reliability. Very consistent connection speeds. I have experienced only two outages in the 2 years I have been using TDS DSL service. 1.5mbs/768kbs service is only $39.99 per month and subscribers get a $3 discount for using TDS True Talk long distance service. So it only costs $36.99 for 1.5mbs/768kbs service.

member for 20.6 years, 2465 visits, last login: 10.8 years ago
lodged 20.4 years ago


metrocom
@tds.net

metrocom

Anon

Metrocom?

If you are referring to True Talk long distance, you are on TDS Telecom service, not TDS Metrocom. TDS Metrocom is a CLEC that is broadening the futures for the poor SBC consumers that wish to have a true phone company.






Review by acpugh7 See Profile

  • Location: Monticello, Wright, MN, USA
  • Cost: $49 per month (24 month contract)
  • Install: about 20 days
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
  • CLEC party: TDS Metrocom
Better than average upload speeds
Slower than average download speeds, does not come close to 768K
If you want download, go with Charter Cable. If you want upload, go with TDS
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

I've used both Charter and TDS Broadband and both are OK. TDS is great because they don't have a restricive AUP while Charter's AUP is sorry.

TDS also has a great upload speed compared to Charter. TDS offers half of download which is great. Charter only offers 128K upload and that's it if you are a consumer.

TDS requires the use of PPPoE. I've been using a Cable/DSL Router Wireless Access Point which supports PPPoE and it works great. I stay connected all the time.

TDS's IP lease time is pretty short, under 24 hours. No static IP addresses are offered unless you go with a business plan.

Monthly price is $49.95.

Install was pretty good. The use of filters does stink but that's DSL for ya.

member for 22.5 years, 51 visits, last login: 19.6 years ago
lodged 20.6 years ago


hulltech
Premium Member
join:2001-12-14
Sheboygan, WI

hulltech

Premium Member

hmm

When I had them I didn't need to use the pppoe software. I just plugged in the modem and away I went.
shankerwi
join:2000-09-19
Oak Creek, WI

shankerwi

Member

Re: hmm

I still have TDS Metrocom and no PPoE here. Wonder if this is just TDS.net?

Riekls
@paulstra.com

Riekls to hulltech

Anon

to hulltech
I have them now and there is no PPoe requirement and i've had the same IP address for 13 months straight. i dont know what service this above guy had ..

RiC0MD
@tds.net

RiC0MD

Anon

TDS.Net

Over priced, and slow down stream rates (768k on a good day). Up stream was fairly good usually ranging from 256 to 384 (on good days). Since I've had the dsl with TDS in Monticello, I've had werid outages, where the modem will just delink, and poor pings across the board. Tech support took a long time to get threw, and 99% of the time, they could only open a ticket, and have somebody look at it the next day. Bottom line, very over priced at $49.99/month with 18 month contract, for 768k Connection. Charter Cable offers nearly the same thing, 2mb down, 256k up for 39.99/month with only 1 year contract. I'd say over the year and 1/2 I've been with TDS, over all expirence has been ok, but I'd expect more from such a company.
burger2000
join:2001-06-25
Madison, WI

burger2000

Member

Re: TDS.Net

At present time, Charter does not sign any High-Speed Internet customers to a contract. You get a 30 day money back guarantee if you do not like the service, and you may cancel at anytime from the minute your service is installed with no penalties.

Someguy44
@unknown

Someguy44

Anon

Telecom and Metrocom

TDS Telecom DSL uses PPPoE and in some legacy areas uses PPPoA

TDS Metrocom uses DHCP in all areas

So if you needed a username/pw to get onto DSL then you are most likely on Telecom and if you dont use a name/pw to get on then you are on Metercom.

Review by psychalgia See Profile

  • Location: Racine, Racine, WI, USA
  • Cost: $135 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 19 days
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
  • CLEC party: TDS Metrocom
they aren't ameritech. I got like 600k both ways (768k), and the install was pretty smooth, even for Ameritech...
they don't tell you when they are coming, you have to bug them a lot, i did the inside wiring myself rather than wait for TDS.
good value, phone line, vmx, call waiting, 768/768 ADSL, easy install, tech is hard to get a hold of, but sales is always around
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

they saved my rear withing 19 days of riddims net conekshuns announcement. Ameritech came in the morning, was gone in 30 mins. I had broad band the next day after I called my tech to get my damn IP. They don't tell you when they are coming, which is annoying, but after royally pissing them off, and being an ass in January, they still took me back. They seem like a good company, trying to do the right things, and more importantly they arent Ameritech. I've got 2 static IPs, which took a little convincing to them that I needed them, phone, VMX, call waiting, the works, plus 768/768K dsl.

oh yeah, here is the info i pulled from DSLR about my connekshun »monitor.dslreports.com/t ··· a=normal

update: i had to pull out of TDS because of their poor billing dept. they wouldnt update their records and would only alert me of late payments (postal issues) to a phone line that was no longer in service. after jacking around for a bit they cut me off permantly, charging me a 500 dollar discon fee and made me pay for all the modems because "they were opened and couldnt take them back." theyre not freaking condoms, but somehow theyre tainted cuz theyve been in my house? awful company...

member for 22.5 years, 95 visits, last login: 20 years ago
updated 20.7 years ago


hetfield
join:2000-03-29
Port Washington, WI

hetfield

Member

2 IPs?

What did you say to convince them to give you two IPs? I just ordered the business class service last week, since I'm in the same boat as you. When I called, they said that they only give one static IP, and they may have an option in the future for purchasing more.
psychalgia
join:2001-08-30
Racine, WI

psychalgia

Member

Re: 2 IPs?

all i had to do was ask them. the sales rep cringes and goes, "gee, i dunno, um, do you really need it? ... What do you need it FOR?"

i said i was planning on doing web service, DNS, SMTP, POP, and FTP and I really needed two IPs for DNS. She was happy to oblige, she just said they had to "justify" it.

hetfield
join:2000-03-29
Port Washington, WI

hetfield

Member

Re: 2 IPs?

Well, they haven't installed my line yet, so maybe it's not too late for me, too. I've been dying for a way to move some services to another box as well as have a second DNS server.

How have things been otherwise? With getting 600k, I'm assuming you're pretty close to the CO (closer that 12000ft?).

Did you try to get reverse DNS through TDS as well? I have Telocity, and they've refused to change the reverse lookup.
psychalgia
join:2001-08-30
Racine, WI

psychalgia

Member

Re: 2 IPs?

yeah, im with gayocity right now. I never considered asking for my reverse to change. Let me check it right now:
h216-170-136-194.dsl.tds.net

fsuckers. Ill call and see if i can get it changed.

well, im in georgetown, a suburb of Racine, just south of regency mall. The CO as I understand it is in Sturtevant, so im thinking im around 2-3 miles, tops, from it. My other location is going to be around 2 miles as well, and ill let you know how that turns out. Unfortuantely they wont be able to do my install there till 9/11, the day after gayocity/riddims goes dry.
timt8
join:2001-05-20
Racine, WI

timt8 to psychalgia

Member

to psychalgia
i have tds.net and live over by blue river and lathrop avenue. had roughly 300k service but finally removed that (ethernet) speed stream and plugged in a westell adsl modem. my download speeds doubled. those westells can be found on ebay for 60 to 90 bucks....

my brother has americrap. my own humble unbiassed opinion is that tds is much better. he also was given a usb speed stream what was junk. replaced it with a westell (ethernet) and he's finally getting some reliable service....
psychalgia
join:2001-08-30
Racine, WI

psychalgia

Member

Re: 2 IPs?

ameritech doesnt provide anything for upstream. Their most expensive service gives like 128k or some piddly thing like that. WIth TDS im about 600/580 or so, depending... thats a little cruddy when I should be getting 768, but whatever, itll do.

Blue River and Lathrop, you're about a block from my nana -> shes on monroe. I went to preschool at Humble park about 120 years ago or something. In fact, I was just over there yesterday cuz my dad bought an MG midget and wanted to let my Nana drive.
GBPackerrs
join:2000-10-09
Green Bay, WI

GBPackerrs to hetfield

Member

to hetfield
I am in the process of ditching my TDS DSL and going to Choice One - simply for the fact that I NEED 3 static IPS for my web server, mail server and of course router. TDS was willing to give me additional static IP's... to the tune of $360 - that is three hundred sixty dollars PER address. Gimme a break. I know 2 people with Choice One DSL and swear by it... wish me luck.

GetReal
@teldta.com

GetReal

Anon

Re: 2 IPs?

You're crazy ... $360 is for class C IP Addressing with their DSL. You've got to get with the program. If you seriously believe somebody could get $360 a month per IP address, then you should go with choice one. Don't let their stock performance scare you or anything.
psychalgia
join:2001-08-30
Racine, WI

psychalgia

Member

Re: 2 IPs?

props to you brah, there is no way TDS would ping you that much, when they literally handed it to me for less. I'm sitting on 1.5/1.5 service and 4 IPs for less money than that, and excluding Nimda/Code Red, the service has been outstanding.
titian09
join:2001-12-14
Kalamazoo, MI

titian09 to GBPackerrs

Member

to GBPackerrs
Well i am trying to decide between TDS and choice one. i Have a couple of questions. I want to host, but dont wanna pay that pricey buisness fee. I was wondering how/the liklihood of being cuaght for hosting was. I was planning un runnign two counter strike servers on there 768 sdsl connection. If there is a good chance of being caught and getting shut down, what should i do? Any advice is appreciated.

Mike

apunahasapemapetalan

Anon

Re: 2 IPs?

I work for TDS and as much as I hate to say it, they would catch it. In fact.... I would be the one catching it. I hate to say it because I'm a CS Freak!

EricN484
@teldta.com

EricN484

Anon

Web Hosting

Dont listen to the person that says that TDS will catch it. I work on the TDS help desk. TDS does not police your connection, it is your bandwidth so you do what you wish with it. We are not like other ISP's where we slap you on the wrist saying "No, you can use up your upload bandwidth even though that YOU paid for it!" The only thing is that if you host a website without a static ip, you wont be able to have a Domain name that everyone can use, they will have to use your IP address to get to your site.
supportguy8
join:2002-11-13
New Glarus, WI

supportguy8

Member

Re: Web Hosting

Yeah don't trust that post. You get 768k / 768k - no ports blocked, no bandwidth restrictions - so far (no rumors either... so don't read that as "it may be coming"). Use it for anything legal...

Host a game server? Very cool.

Host a website or personal page or anything html (legal content)? Cool

Run P2P and get reported by RIAA or MPAA agent - you get one warning and your services will get yanked.

Host an unsecured mail server? Not cool - instant yank of your service and a big nasty bill.

It doesn't take the much intellect to understand you pay for the service, you get to use the service as long as Metrocom doesn't get complaints and you're not annoying other people... as far as I can see why would you NOT run a game server on such a sweet connection?

Anyone who says they shut down servers is probably a competitor selling rack space. The only servers that get shut down are P2P with legal complaints and proof from RIAA/MPAA agents, open mail relays (those just piss me off anyway), and virus laden computers with owners oblivious to what's happening (email warnings are sent, then service is suspended, when they call in they are notified and when it's all clear, service is turned back on).

Oh and spammers, but that's a given. Those people should be beaten with cat5 cables... but that's another thread.

lukpac
@tds.net

lukpac to EricN484

Anon

to EricN484
The line about not being able to use a domain name simply isn't true. There's a DNS service available at »www.dyndns.org/ that will automatically update your DNS records if/when your IP changes. I've been using it for two years on TDS's standard DSL and I've never had a DNS related outage.

Review by (hidden by request)

  • Location: New Berlin, Waukesha, WI, USA
  • Cost: $45 per month (24 month contract)
Great job and well pleased
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

I am quite impressed by TDS Metocom. They were quick to respond and easy to contact for questions or problems. For example, one problem was resolved after they discovered a missed delivery of my dsl filters. TDS sent my filters overnight to resolve the issue. I am pleased. I have them as my regular phone company for two years. They shine there too!

Thank you,
Ed


(review was emailed from domain ourchurch.com)
lodged 20.8 years ago







Review by Hokie4Life See Profile

  • Location: Ypsilanti, Washtenaw, MI, USA
  • Cost: $45 per month (24 month contract)
  • Install: about 25 days
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
  • CLEC party: TDS Metrocom
Decent speeds, latency. Great value, Responsive tech support
Problems with newsgroups
Great service (so far) for the price
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

Recently, we switched from Earthlink to TDS 768/768 DSL service. The move required us to subscribe to TDS voice services as well which really isn't a bad thing considering the monthly savings on our basic telephone bill. The part of the installation/provisioning process that took the longest was waiting for SBC to release the line so that we could be provisioned by TDS. This took about 7-10 days from the time we cancelled our Earthlink DSL service.

The line was finally provisioned on 4/24. TDS sent a tech out to our residence the very next day to test the loope distance and quality (if it doesn't pass the tech's diagnostics, then the DSL order will be canceled by TDS). I called TDS late in the afternoon on 4/24 to find that the tech had indeed been to the residence and that everything looks really good (good "signal" and we're 11,900 feet from the CO).

We finally received the DSL modem on 5/2. I'll put the name and model number of the modem here later as I am at work now. The setup was pretty easy (as long as your network card is set to receive it's IP via DHCP). I was not used to this as with EL, I used a Linksys router and it handled the PPPoE authentication for me. TDS does not require authentication. The modem gets the IP address from TDS's network and my NIC gets an internal IP from the DSL modem. Now, I just have to figure out how to get it to play nicely with my Linksys. That's a project for this weekend.

Anyway, the first speed test after installation the speed was 287down/617up. Tweaking was definitely necessary. After a few tweaks, my latest speed tests are anywhere from 592-648down/522-628up. The latest line quality test is pretty good as there is 0% loss and latency is at 59.7ms. I can honestly say that web browsing seems "snappier" with TDS than it did with EL (after the switch from the Mindspring to the Covad network).

I'll post additional information as warranted.

member for 23.1 years, 2411 visits, last login: 2.4 years ago
lodged 20.9 years ago


moxiegretl
@paysbig.com

moxiegretl

Anon

Tweaking Speed

You mentioned having to "tweak" your speed. How do you go about doing that?

Review by mueske3 See Profile

  • Location: Appleton, Outagamie, WI, USA
  • Cost: $35 per month (24 month contract)
  • Install: about 40 days
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
Nice price for standard phone service
DSL service
DO NOT go with TDS Metrocom for highspeed interent
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

NO MORE TDS!!! Monday 4/14/2003 DSL with TDS was cancelled! Thursday 4/18/2003, back with Roadrunner and could not be more happy. Thanks Roadrunner. Back in Jan of 2003 cancelled Roadrunner to go to TDS, roadrunner did not penalize me. When I realized TDS was no where near the capabilities of Roadrunner, They (ROADRUNNER) welcomed me back. TDS thanks for all the lies about your DSL service. HELLO ROADRUNNER

member for 21.1 years, 18 visits, last login: 18.3 years ago
updated 20.9 years ago

mueske3
join:2003-02-12
Appleton, WI

mueske3

Member

Just to add to TDS' terriblbe speeds

Today is 2/15/2003. To add to my above review. I am running 88down and 106up. Thanks TDS, Thanks for not giving me any thing what so ever you offered me back in Dec. of 2002!!!

micl
Visit Lovely Downtown Port Starboard
Premium Member
join:2001-10-25
Silver Spring, MD

micl

Premium Member

no service in WI???

When i called to inquire about initiating business service in Milwaukee for my company, I was told by the TDS rep that they were not providing DSL service in WI. whatever....
Chucky Cable
join:2002-05-14
Beloit, WI

Chucky Cable

Member

Can you even connect to another tds dsl user ?

I tried to get 2 dsl lines installed in my house from tds. When they both came, I tried to host a game with one line and join it with the other. I couldnt !! I called tds up and they said it was a security matter :/ . Come to think of it I have never had another tds dsl user in any of my games. I thought the internet was to connect people and computers together. So why even have an internet if you cant even connect to another tds user. Glad my friends didnt go with tds. otherwise we wouldnt be able to play games together.

Review by puzling See Profile

  • Location: Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
  • Cost: $45 per month (12 month contract)
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
  • CLEC party: TDS Metrocom
potential 768 SDSL
dishonest sales team, limited availability for Milwaukee
check your distance to C.O. yourself BEFORE signing up with these guys !!
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Value for money:

I wanted SDSL residential service. TDS looked like the only provider. The catch is you have to sign up for voice service to get DSL from TDS. When I called initially, I asked if they foresaw ANY loop distance issues. Naturally, they said no and proceeded to get my voice service installed. Surpise! After voice was in place, they said I was more than 18,000 ft from the C.O. and DSL would be unavailable. So they appeared to be fine with the prospect of me switching back to SBC because of the failed DSL qualification. However, TDS has a policy that gives them 30 - 45 days to release your line to another provider. IOW, they will keep your voice setup for another billing cycle before you can switch. I'm installing a completely new phone line now. I'm thankful that DSLreports has a C.O. distance finder that can even show provider presence for each local C.O. I just wish I had seen that map before I tried signing up with TDS; if I can see the distance problem myself, then the sales team was obviously dishonest in answering my questions about distance. It doesn't take a genius to provide pre-sales DSL info - it just takes honesty. I live on the east side of Milwaukee (53202). Thumbs down for wasting my time TDS. I'm sick of this s#!t.

member for 21.1 years, 59 visits, last login: 14 years ago
lodged 21 years ago


nostromo426
join:2001-03-20
Milwaukee, WI

nostromo426

Member

You're an idiot.

I might as well point out the obvious before someone else does.
DSL is the most restrictive new technology ever offered to the
general public. People see all the ads on TV and listen to all
the hype on the radio and think that EVERYONE can get it.

I did a LOT OF RESEARCH into DSL long BEFORE I ever
started thinking of signing up with a provider. OF COURSE
the sales person is going to say "NO PROBLEM". That is what
they are paid to say. Most phone sales representatives are
under qualified for the product they are selling - especially in
the field of technology. You would have had the same
scenario with SBC and probably worse with say MSN or AOL.
The sales team was NOT dishonest. In some cases, the
true length of the line cannot be determined until AFTER the
attempt is made. Remember 18,000 feet is a guideline, not
a law of physics written in stone. Some lines will support
loops longer than 18,000 feet - some less.

You are frustrated with your own stupidity, and therefore,
decided to take that frustration out on a company that provides
good service at competitive prices. You are lucky they didn't
slap you with a bunch of cancellation fees for breaking your
service contract with them - which they legally can do.

"check your distance to C.O. yourself BEFORE signing up with these guys !!"

That's good advice for any broadband service provider.
Bottomline, the three most important steps BEFORE
signing up with any service contract (DSL or otherwise)
are RESEARCH, RESEARCH and RESEARCH!!!

Hokie4Life
Go Hokies
Premium Member
join:2001-01-23
Winston Salem, NC

Hokie4Life

Premium Member

eh?

Hey nostromo426 See Profile,
I absolutely agree with everything you said in regards to potential customers doing their homework before ordering DSL. However, is it really necessary to call the writer an idiot or insinuate that the writer is stupid because he neglected to do research? You have every right to voice your opinion but geez, cut the noob a little slack.
shankerwi
join:2000-09-19
Oak Creek, WI

shankerwi to nostromo426

Member

to nostromo426

Re: You're an idiot.

I have to agree that name calling does not accomplish anything. The reviewer just wanted to state how important doing your homework is. With that into account, I take the ratings for this review with a grain of salt. I had three different vendors trying to hook up DSL in my apartment, all have failed, except for TDS. AND I get 614 down and 512 up. Not too shabby, since I am estimated at 16,000 feet from my CO. I did do my homework, but still had to try three different times to complete the task of getting DSL installed. To the reviewer... If you are too far from a CO, then give Road Runner or Earthlink Broadband at try.
puzling
join:2003-02-12
Milwaukee, WI

puzling to nostromo426

Member

to nostromo426
I rated only the aspects of service with which I came in contact. Here's some more information: 18,000 feet is indeed written as the restrictive limitation for TDS to make requests of SBC lines (albeit not in stone, nor as a law of physics). TDS confirmed that for me. So if any line changes need to be made (e.g. bridge tap removal), and the loop distance is > 18,000 feet, your line will not be serviceable by TDS. According to the CO finder, TDS has presence at 5 locations within the Milwaukee area. All of these COs are more than 6 miles away from my address. That's close to 32,000 feet. I would forsee distance problems under these circumstances. So... yes, I call that dishonest. Proper distance guidelines for pre-sales should be easily accessible to the consumer. Customer loyalty hinges on all aspects of product and service delivery. Let me know where you work nostromo, so I can avoid doing any business there.
supportguy8
join:2002-11-13
New Glarus, WI

supportguy8

Member

Re: You're an idiot.

Yes TDS has 5 locations of DSLAMs in Milwaukee. And yes, the sales teams sometimes drops the ball and sell large accounts and residential accounts that end up being too far. TDS and other CLECs only go by the information we're provided on the phone lines - we didn't run the cable, but we usually have accurate maps. Sorry your install didn't go, but you could look into IDSL or other forms of high speed connection too.

BTW research is good, but it's always better if the sales people let the customer know the limitations and procedures...

jayttt
@tds.net

jayttt to puzling

Anon

to puzling

Re: You're not an idiot.

I'd just like to make a couple of points (not to beat a dead horse)

1) All DSL mapping tools are somewhat inaccurate, the best only run at 85-95% confidence.

2) Provisioning DSL at over 14KFT tends to be sketchy, even though most will up to 18KFT.

3) DSL Mapping tools give a best case scenario, if there isn't space for a new line down a particular street, the line may be rerouted, thus increasing the actual loop length.

4) I totally agree with you, if it LL was close to 18KFT, you should have been told, and yes in every organization there are sales people who will sell service regardless of potential sketchyness.
puzling
join:2003-02-12
Milwaukee, WI

puzling

Member

Re: You're not an idiot -thanks

Thanks for the comments. The cause of my overall frustration has more to do with wanting to support DSL over cable access. I just don't see how DSL can be a viable contender until all aspects of DSL service are taken to the next level (including sales, speed and ease of provisioning). I wish I could start trenching my own fiber lines around town and start up my own company.

jayttt
@tds.net

jayttt

Anon

Re: You're not an idiot -thanks

Yeah it is a very difficult issue, on the one hand companies want to sell, thus downplaying the possibility of trouble. On the other it would be nice if customers were informed. Cable networks are generally newer, which no doubt helps those companies provision service more easily (60 years ago it didn't matter how you ran a phone line as long as basic dialtone worked, and also techs were paid to resolve issues, not keep records). I've noticed most dsl providers generally phase things in terms of 'good canadates' but really most people don't listen to that. With your situation though, I would think you'd be close to 18k anyway (best case would be 16 i would think if not more in mapping tools) which is getting out there. Some providers have actully stoped dropping loops over 14.5K just for the reason. It will be interesting to see what happens with the cable vs. dsl debate. In my case, I hardly watch tv, so cable would be prohibitively expensive (probly 40-65ish). I would think data only cable lines would be on par with dsl in terms of overall expense.

Review by WiscGuy See Profile

  • Location: Waukesha, Waukesha, WI, USA
  • Cost: $45 per month (24 month contract)
  • Telco party TDS Metrocom
Easy Setup
Will not refund modem charge if inside wiring is bad
Do not get this service unless you know your inside wiring will work
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

I recently received my DSL modem through TDS Metrocom. From initial phone call to getting my modem was about 2 weeks, which was not bad. When I got the modem home and hooked it up, the DSL light on the modem would not stay on when the computer started up. I looked at the IP address and it started with 169 (which means you have a bad connection). I called Tech support which told me to try other jacks in the house and if that didn't work to try the phone box. I tried other jacks, which did not work.

I then went down in the basement of my 40 unit apartment building to find the phone box. Luckily, my phone jack in the box was labeled, so I was able to run a test against the phone box. This test was successful as the DSL light stayed on when it tried to connect. I took it back up to my apartment and it still did not work. I then talked with someone from the repair department and they stated that older buildings(my building was built in 1988) may not have wire capable of handling a DSL signal. They advised me to contact my landlord to see if he would rewire my apartment. Now I don't know of any landlord that is going to rip up his building just for one person, but I called anyway. The landlord, of course, was not willing to rewire his building for me, which is perfectly acceptable as I don't think I would tear up my building if I was a landlord either.

Now the fun begins, I called TDS and spoke to their Tier 1 support person, explained the situation and stated I wanted to cancel, but did not want to be charged the $150 modem fee since the service did not work. He then said he would talk to his supervisor and see what he could do. He got back on the phone and said his supervisor would not allow it because it was because of inside wiring. I then asked to speak to the supervisor, who turned out to be quite rude. He would not budge on it, so I asked to speak to his supervisor. His supervisor was more understanding, but still would not budge on refunding my $150. They claimed my landlord was being "unreasonable" in not wanting to rewire his building. I have yet to get my money refunded, but my fight is not over.

Bottom line here is this, make sure the wiring in your house/apartment will handle DSL signal before ordering. If it does not work, you will end up in the same fight I am in to try to get your money back for the modem they sent you. I am not sure how a private business can tell a private consumer how to act, but that is exactly what they are doing. If you order DSL through TDS Metrocom and your house's wiring is too old to accept a DSL signal, they will require you to rewire your house to make the service work. You do NOT have to option to not rewire. They will require you to spend hundreds of dollars to rewire your house just so you can use their service. To me this is a very poor business practice and if they are looking to gain market share over Ameritech, this is not the way to do it.

member for 21.1 years, 1 visits, last login: 21.1 years ago
lodged 21.1 years ago

kmoss
join:2002-09-14
Lisle, IL

kmoss

Member

Wiring

Why don't you call some indy wire contractors and see if they can help. If there is a cleaner exisiting pair, they may be able to bring it up on that. Depending on how your building is built, they may be able to pull up new copper from your basement also.
mueske3
join:2003-02-12
Appleton, WI

mueske3

Member

Re: Wiring

Wait a minute, why should this guy pay for a contractor? That is the most messed up thing I have ever heard. When I had my DSL installed testes were run to see if DSL was cabable. TDS, or whoever should have seen this coming. Now they can't supply him service, but are making him pay. DUDE, it sounds stupid, and to many the money is a small amount. However, call an attorney. Your $150.00 could turn out to be a whole lot more. This is simple, not only would you get to keep your $150.00, but TDS would love to get your attorney's bill in the mail. Not to mention, you lost time. TDS is terrible, I have spoken with an attorney regarding TDS, and he is just waiting for me to say lets go for it.
WiscGuy
join:2003-02-18
Waukesha, WI

WiscGuy

Member

Re: Wiring

Thanks to everyone for their advice on this to me. I did call them back last night to discuss this further and they have decided to waive the $150 modem charge that they had threatened to charge me. I guess the higher up the supervisor chain you get the more concerned they are with customer service. It is a good thing they caved because I was ready to put the Better Business Bureau and an attorney against them. You are right that $150 is not much, but it was enough for me not to pay them for not providing a service. Looking at it from TDS' point of view, is this much hassle worth the possibility of losing a customer and the potential loss of more customer's due to bad word of mouth advertising?
On a much better note...Time Warner is coming in 2 nights to hook up my cable modem service. Hope the experience with them is better than it was with TDS.
kmoss
join:2002-09-14
Lisle, IL

kmoss to mueske3

Member

to mueske3
Why is it messed up? The telcos can test the signal strenght up to the dmarc. Inside wiring that is old or shoddy is his, or his landlords responsibility. Since his landlord doesn't want to run new copper, if he's really serious, have a wiring contractor do it. Most charge about $75 per hour, as opposed to an attorney who will charge $150 or more per hour. You think any attorneys out there want to take a case for a measley $150 dsl charge? Get real. Attorney and BBB, that's funny.
supportguy8
join:2002-11-13
New Glarus, WI

supportguy8

Member

Re: Wiring

Or simply go to home depot and purchase 100' of cat 3 4 wire UTP phone cable for $7 and string a line from the NID outside the house to a phone jack anywhere in the house - POW instant DSL line.

Metrocom does test for good signal to the outside of the house - or the modem wouldn't have been sent. The inside wiring isn't installed, serviced, or maintained by ANY phone company - so why would it by a telecom's fault that there is an inside wiring issue preventing good signal?

Its sad people are so sue happy, but there are things that people actually need to fix to enable their phone lines to handle a signal pushing more data then a university campus had 15 years ago. A 30ga phone line wrapped over tube lights and around 220v wires isn't going work.

nostromo426
join:2001-03-20
Milwaukee, WI

nostromo426

Member

Your complaint is with your landlord, not TDS.

I'm sorry WiscGuy, but you clearly do not understand
how the telecom industry works. ILEC's and CLEC's
are responsible for the wiring OUTSIDE your dwelling,
and you (or your landlord) is responsible for the
wiring INSIDE your dwelling. Simply put, your landlord
is being totally unreasonable.

You are paying rent for your apartment, right?
What would you do if you did not have heat?
What would you do if you did not have water?
What would you do if you did not have electricity?
The same goes for your telephone.

I wouldn't consider a 1988 dwelling having "old" wiring,
because our office building was built in the 1800's and
it's wires (granted most have were updated) supports
DSL!!! Did a TDS technician come to your apartment
to test the line? The problem with the wiring should
have been discovered at that time.

Finally, your comment about the BBB and an attorney
is down right laughable.
mueske3
join:2003-02-12
Appleton, WI

mueske3

Member

Do what you have to do when your screwed

Wow, no dought kmoss and nostromo426 work for TDS!! First off a landord that owns a multiple unit IS NOT going to change wiring for 1 person. If the phones work properly, it will not happen. Secondly, nostromo426 you yourself ask if TDS came out and tested the line, and if they did they should've realized this then. Exactly, and if they didn't test the line first, they would have never serviced this person for DSL service. Theytested it to a certain point and send screw the rest. Third the attorney talk is stupid. Well just wait until you have problems and TDS gives you no choice but to resource an alternative method to set them straight. I have had nothing but trouble with my service, and TDS wanted to charge me all these fees. I sure did talk with a attorney. Simply put, "TDS did not and has not offered me anything what so ever they said they would, by all means TDS has to try and remedy the situation or they have faulted". This is what I was told, "$40, $150, $1,200.00 retainer, and $550.00\hr with out a dought would be TDS Metrocom's bill. No ifs ands or buts about it. The situation is like this, I offer kmoss, and n426 service to there vehicles, and say I will fix it and it will run 2x better than before. Then they get there vehicles back, and there is no change, one car I didn't fix at all, the other just changed the oil. Bottom line is the vehicles have not changed at all. What are you 2 going to do? 1. not pay me. 2. tell me to remedy the problem and give you what I said I could. 3. If I do nothing for you, find way to remedy the problem, and yes that means seeking legal help if need be.

TJin northbrook
@204.215.x.x

TJin northbrook

Anon

Re: Do what you have to do when your screwed

Can you spell? DOUBT is doubt. What does dought mean?
mueske3
join:2003-02-12
Appleton, WI

mueske3

Member

Re: Do what you have to do when your screwed

And I bet out of all the replies in dslreports this is the only thing spelled wrong. Good to see that someone has enough time to look into all of the reviews for spelling errors. Sorry all I meant doubt, but spelled it dought.

Noneone
@teldta.com

Noneone to mueske3

Anon

to mueske3
The telephone companys test all the way to the box, after that the telephone company has nothing to do with the inside phone lines. I agree that TDS should not charge for the modem but how long was your order form completed until you called TDS?
supportguy8
join:2002-11-13
New Glarus, WI

supportguy8

Member

Re: Do what you have to do when your screwed

That's the kicker. Metro setups are sometimes hairy, that's expected. If the issue is known to be a issue - it gets fixed if it can be fixed. Or the customer is told how to get it fixed or suggestions on who to talk to.

Apartment buildings are a challenge because of the wiring issue - but if your landlord likes you as a renter then maybe he'll allow a 2nd line to be run that'll handle the DSL signal. Or the landlord and a electrician could try and work out a plan.

What's a lawyer going to do? Take your money and enjoy the ride home.

everything aside - Metrocom would refund money if the issue is known to be unfixable, I verified that with the sales person before I signed up (you should have too). I took down names, dates, and times - but I guess I like being in control of situations.

Someguy44
@unknown

Someguy44

Anon

Internal Wiring

kmoss, metrocom is not able to touch internal wiring due to legal issues. It is technically illegal for metrocom to touch any wiring at all because SBC owns it. That is why metrocom will not replace the internal wiring

sickandtired
@sbcglobal.net

sickandtired

Anon

tds dsl wiring


I joined this company and had problems right away. They even told me I had to rewire my house. They said the wiring was too old. So I did this my self for $10. It's not that hard. Anyway, they also replaced the dsl modem. I still had problems and techs came out. I kept bothering them and one day the problem just went away. Now a little over a year later, I'm having it again. I have outages during the day and then it's on at night or vice versa. Or service for a few hours in the morning. It's awful service to say the least. This has been going on for almost a month now. They are giving me the run around. power whatever new modem etc. I'm canceling my service and they will have to sue me for any fees they might want. I'm not going to pay them another red cent. I'll get a lawyer if I have to and take them for all they've got. They are a lousy internet service. Stay as far away from them as posible.

Review by JayMadison23 See Profile

  • Location: Madison, Dane, WI, USA
  • Cost: $45 per month (24 month contract)
  • Install: about 40 days
  • Telco party Ameritech
  • CLEC party: TDS Metrocom
Reliable connection; competent tech support; no rate increases as yet
Install was messy; some of the tech support people were very unhelpful
All the services work well, though I hope I never have to move the line
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

I’ve waited quite a while to write this review, so let me start at the beginning. I originally ordered 256k DSL and phone service package in late May / early June 2001, and at that time I was told it would take about 3 – 4 weeks to get setup, which was fine since I could always use the connection at work or my neighbors.

About the 3 week mark I received my initial letter from Metrocom, stating my *approximate* installation date, which actually turned out to correct. The one problem was that the loop was totally dead. This required calling tech support, where I got a ‘not my problem’ sort of answer from several people. Finally I went for a supervisor etc and got a tech out to check it out.

Of course the line was dead (who knows why that couldn’t have figured that out the first time). That required Ameritech to do the whole process over again (which required waiting five business days, then another two for a Metrocom tech). This time the line was dropped off next door, which required a repeat of the process again, luckily the supervisor I had talked to before had given me a direct number, and Metrocom was nice enough to give me a cell phone for the remaining week of downtime.

This time everything worked fine, and the DSL modem was in my hand within the week. The installation was a breeze, the as was the email setup etc. It also integrated perfectly with my router, which tech support even helped me configure (a rarity). Since then things have been great, and they haven’t tried to sell me on lots of value added services, which is also a welcome change. I love my DSL, and it’s much more cost effective than cable, since I watch virtually no television.

member for 21.1 years, 13 visits, last login: 21 years ago
lodged 21.1 years ago