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Review by daryllafferty See Profile

  • Location: Tempe, Maricopa, AZ, USA
  • Cost: $49 per month (month by month)
  • Telco party Covad
Reliable.
Expensive, slow speed
Not worth the cost for the speed
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

I've had Covad/Earthlink for about 10 years now. When I first got it, it was a reasonable deal. But now there are much better options, and I am ready to switch to cable.

I pay $50/month for 2.5Mbps down, 320Kbps up (that's 0.3Mbps up).

On the plus side, they have been reliable, with my service going down less than once a year for a few hours at a time.

(Note that my phone service is from Qwest, but Covad uses their lines to provide the DSL service from my ISP Earthlink. It's a little complicated, but it works!)

member for 22.8 years, 111 visits, last login: 13.6 years ago
updated 14 years ago


Review by highpowered See Profile

  • Location: Temecula, Riverside, CA, USA
  • Business customer Business customer
  • Cost Contract price not specified.
Download speed is sometimes OK
Constantly fails line quality tests
Absolutely unacceptable
Pre Sales information:
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Unfortunately, I'm stuck with this joke of an ISP, as I'm in a hotel and this is the only service I have available. The constant downstream packet loss rate is frequently 60%-100%!! I (try to) use Skype, but the poor connection quality causes frequent cutoffs during calls. Watching videos is a masochistic experience. They advertise 5Mbps download speed, but only rarely delivers anything close to that, and only for brief moments. How this company stays in business is beyond me. I'm going to strongly recommend that the hotel dump Covad and get a real ISP immediately.

member for 14.1 years, 1 visits, last login: 14.1 years ago
lodged 14.1 years ago


Review by boscoj See Profile

  • Location: Menlo Park, San Mateo, CA, USA
  • Cost: $109 per month
BIA Dedicated Loop, no phone company, no bandwidth cap
Online acct manager is clunky, 11K ft. from the CO
Very happy . . . upd, getting less happy . . .
Pre Sales information:
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update: I was hoping I would get some more bandwidth at some point, remote dslam, something. Been how many years now? Good deal back in 2000 but $109 these days should be giving me more speed.

Looking to change but I have static ip's with no domain associated.

Meh . . .

After my local isp was purchased by RCN I decided to start fresh. Started out with SDSL @ 768, it was great but they changed the package to ADSL with a 384 upload cap.

Long story short, I upgraded to a dedicated loop (3Mb/768) and 10 static IP's. My router is 11K ft. from the CO so I was getting dumped into safe mode a few times a year. Got them to toggle the safe mode off so that doesn't happen anymore.

I put the router, fw and switch on a ups in my wiring closet and my local switch and computers on other UPS' so now when the power goes out I can still use my connnection for a couple of hours.

I wish they would give me back my SDSL like I signed up for originally.

Pretty much rock solid for 5 years.

I hope they're still around in light of current events.
»/blog?cat=144

member for 17.2 years, 21 visits, last login: 12.9 years ago
updated 14.2 years ago


Review by kochin See Profile

  • Location: Englewood Cliffs, Bergen, NJ, USA
  • Cost: $60 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 16 days
  • Telco party Verizon
Fixed IP; once had been reliable
Reliability is gettting worse these days; tech support not helpful
Ready to switch
Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:

I have stayed with Covad for more than 6 1/2 years. Their DSL service was very reliable during the first 5 years. Then something happened about 2 years ago, and I started experiencing increasing number of disruptions. Recently I have to at least reset the DSL modem twice almost every day.

When I called Covad tech support, they told me there was a equipment change about 2 years ago. The connection problem I am having probably due to either my DSL modem not fully compatible with the new equipment or modem failing. I asked for a free modem replacement, but Covad refused even though it may be their device causing the problem. It seems Covad doesn't at all care about their existing customers. (Or, maybe they just want to get rid of old customers.)

With Covad unwilling to resolve my connection problem, I am definitely looking around to switch. Now I just wish FiOS was avaliable in my area.

--------------------------
As I mentioned in my own response to this review, finally my Covad DSL modem arrived on 1/22/2003. The whole transistion lasted 16 days since I placed the order. During the transition, I lost my DSL connection for about 5 days while waiting for Covad's DSL modem.

Once the modem arrived, I simply plugged it into my phone jack, then properly configured the modem and my router. In no time I started surfing Internet again with faster speed I got from DirecTV.

To be fair with Covad, I must say that the whole transition was mostly smooth except for not receiving the modem before they switched the wires.

For now I am still taking a wait-and-see position. I will use line monitor on dslreports to see how stable the connection is. I have done the speed test several times. The results range from 1025~1247/326.

One thing I don't like about Covad's TeleSoho service is that their static IP is not a reall static IP in a sense that it uses PPPoE for connection. It just alwyas got assigned to the same IP address.

--------------------------
I was a DirecTV DSL customer. As every other DTV DSL users, I was scrambling to get a replacement. After much consideration and help of dslreports, I ordered Covad TeleSoho service on 1/6/2003, and was told that I may have only 1 or 2 days outage during the transition.

On 1/18/2003 my connection was switched to Covad, and I got disconnected from Internet. The problem is that Covad did not send me their DSL modem ahead of time. Therefore, even though I am already receiving connection from them, I can't get onto Internet because I don't have their DSL device.

For some reasons, Covad doesn't want to send out DSL modem until telco tells them the connection has been switched or installed. I would understand that if I were a first time DSL customer. They have to be sure the connection is possible before they send out the device.

However, I ordered Covad service from their DirecTV user switching page on their site, they should be aware that I already have connection installed. They could make the whole transition smooth by sending out the DSL modem before telco switched the wires.

Now I am told it may takes 5 to 7 days for the delivery. That means I am not going to have DSL for about a week. It really sucks.

For other DirecTV users thinking about switching to Covad, my suggestion is to ask them to send you the DSL modem before the switching over takes place.

member for 22.4 years, 108 visits, last login: 13.6 years ago
updated 14.4 years ago

DTVrefuge
join:2002-12-31
Scotts Valley, CA

DTVrefuge

Member

Count yourself Lucky!

Compared to my plight, you are in great shape.
Today marks the 5 week anniversary of my Covad order (I ordered 35 days ago, the day after the DTV announcement). My DTV service quit almost 4 weeks ago (I have had to do with dialup all this time).
Now Covad tells me that their database has a bad entry for my line and maybe they can get me connected before the 6 week anniversary.
Hot swap? NOT!
kochin
join:2001-11-01
Englewood Cliffs, NJ

kochin

Member

Covad DSL modem arrived

After 5 days without DSL connection, at last I received DSL modem from Covad. It is a 4-port ZyXEL Prestige 643 modem. It appears to be a quite capable DSL modem, but its Web interface is rather primitive.

The DSL speed is 1075~1247/326 Kbps, which is close to Covad's advertised speed (1500/384), considering I live about 11180 ft away from my local CO.

Anyway, I still think that Covad can make this transition smoother by sending the DSL modem in advance.
DTVrefuge
join:2002-12-31
Scotts Valley, CA

DTVrefuge

Member

Re: Covad DSL modem arrived

Covad sent my modem well in advance of start of service.
At least 30 days in advance.
OzzieC
join:2003-01-23
Staten Island, NY

OzzieC

Member

No problems with Covad and speeds of 1.2

I switched from DTV to Covad and it took them about 2-3 weeks to do to the switch, send me the modem and it took about 10 minutes to get up and running. I really like them. I called Tech Support once and they were fast. I am currently getting 1.2 and can't wait to tweak my system to get the promised 1.5. The only thing I miss is the static IP address. I think I can get it if I pay an extra $10 or switch to the the next plan. For now I will stay with what I got. So maybe some people had some bad experience with them but it's not everybody. Thanks.
tisfido
join:2003-01-29
Austin, TX

tisfido

Member

Switching From Static w/Nat to Real Static

I spoke to a Covad Rep today and he informed me that you can switch the Zyxel router to bridge mode to get a true static ip connect for those who ordered TeleSoho with the StaticIP/Nat option. You have to sign a Customer Equipment on Premise Addendum to your contract then call Zyxel support to have them walk you through changing the router to a bridge. It is all done via software and apparently not obvious so talking to Zyxel support is required.

krusir
@cisco.com

krusir

Anon

Re: Switching From Static w/Nat to Real Static

No need to call either covad or zyxel tech support. Check zyxel faq page, (serch for it...) you can find the method how to turn the 643 to a bridg.

After that, get a NAT/DSL router, I use SMC7004ABR. Config PPPoe client in 7004, you are all set.

Simon.

Meteor Dive
MVM
join:2001-08-31
Silver Spring, MD

Meteor Dive

MVM

Deterioration

Have you ever considered the fact that your line has been degrading to the point where its getting problematic to keep the line in sync? 6 and 1/2 years calls for possibility of getting your Telco having your line checked with those old copper wires. This is especially so if you don't have a direct home-run line to your DSL to ensure the wiring is not a problem. I really doubt equipment changes would have anything to do with it, other than possible protocol conflicts since they recently swapped Nokia cards at the central office here to which my old modem manage to resync with.

And with every service out there, you really should consider picking up back up modems in case of failure later down the line. It really isn't Covad's problem if the modems outlive their expected life span. Either purchase one from them or pick up one on your own. They go anywhere between 40-90 dollars depending on your needs for router functionality or simple bridging.
kochin
join:2001-11-01
Englewood Cliffs, NJ

kochin

Member

Re: Deterioration

I understand the line might deteriorate over the years. There was a connection problem over 2 years ago. Verizon technician came over and moved it to another pair of wires. In that incident Covad technician proactively contacted his counter part in Verizon to discuss possible causes of the problem, then explained to me fully so that I could talk to Verizon support to get it fixed.

But this time Covad technician just tested the connection from their side and told me the line was clear and good. The modem itself appears to work just fine. It has no problem synchronizing signal with Covad's after cycling the power. Just that it needs cycling so often to keep the connection on and up to speed, it becomes a headache.

Review by cowboy See Profile

  • Location: Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, CA, USA
  • Cost: $129 per month (24 month contract)
  • Telco party Verizon (ex GTE)
Pre Sales information:

2009-07-2
The install date changed a few times, but within a week of the original date.
The Verizon installer was professional, courteous, and good company
The only issue was botched CO cabling, and dealing with COVAD support in India.
In one week, I'll see how the local COVAD folk are

2009-06-23

For my needs, the list of available ISPs quickly dwindled to COVAD resellers (and Speak Easy, who isn't just a reseller, but is dependent upon COVAD) and COVAD itself.

After too many long hours perusing the reviews and forum entries (and my prior experience), it became pretty clear that the worst part of the deal would be the initial setup and shake out of the new dry-run. I opted to have the fewest players involved - and will pay for that choice for the next two years, at which point I'll re-evaluate the options.

Things, thus far, are progressing well - ordered via phone (the only snafu was that the price wasn't quoted as being 2yr commitment). Within an hour I have confirmation that Verizon will show up in exactly one week (fingers crossed)

2009-06-19
My prior ISP (DSL Extreme) removed support for static IPs So the search began again.
+ I need to run services (dns,krb4,smtp,imap,web) for my hobby domain
+ I need static IPs to do that (DYDNS is ok for some things, but...)

member for 24 years, 6633 visits, last login: 74 days ago
updated 14.7 years ago


Review by slimjim8094 See Profile

  • Location: Glen Ridge, Essex, NJ, USA
  • Cost: $35 per month
  • Install: about 3 days
  • Telco party Verizon
Reasonable price, speed, no caps, no port 80 blocking
Goes out too frequently, good if it was faster
Good value
Pre Sales information:
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We switched from Verizon DSL because they sucked - blocked outgoing port 80 and 25 and was mind-numbingly slow (768kbps download and 96kbps upload)

We had a pre-existing AT&T email address we couldn't lose (from our dialup days) so we were paying for both services - AT&T Dialup and Verizon DSL.

We finally outgrew the speed and got 1.5Mbit/256Kbit through AT&T, who was reselling Covad's DSL (at least in our area) and gave us a plan that would bundle the dialup/email and the dsl for much less money. We have since upgraded to 3MBit/384kbit.

The install kit went unused - we just re-used our Verizon modem (a Westell) which is actually slightly faster (a few kbps)

I have filled the connection, both ways, for a full month (literally) and heard nothing about it. No throttling, speed is consistent and almost as advertised (we're a bit away from the DSLAM). We'd appreciate if it was faster, and it goes out about once every other month.

All in all, very pleased.

member for 16 years, 5 visits, last login: 14.5 years ago
lodged 14.9 years ago


Review by scallywagsf See Profile

  • Location: San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
  • Cost: $49 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 24 days
  • Telco party Covad
nothing
reliability, connectivity, customer service, billing, speed
SUX!
Pre Sales information:
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Value for money:

Just don't go there.....

member for 17.5 years, 13 visits, last login: 14.8 years ago
updated 14.9 years ago


jimbo48
join:2000-11-17
Asheville, NC

jimbo48

Member

COVAD speed Delivered




Paying 100.00 a month for DSL phone service with a separate VOIP line.
Running ZyXel Modem with a Linksys Wireless G Router.
Barton 3000+ with 1.5 GB memory
ASUS MOBO
Speed provisioned at 6 MB down 768K upload.
Had "nasty" bad speeds at first-Really was a pisser and the techs at EarthLink didn't care to much to hear me bitchin
Ran a clean CAT5E cable to the TELCO BOX and a new Phone biscuit and new wire to Modem and went from 2.3 to 45-4.6
Naturally- used the tweak guide
DR TCP21 etc.
The twisted pair of CAT5E really cuts out the noise on the line.
Earthlink and COVAD teaming up making the DSL experience
I get similar performance over wireless to a laptop with a linksys wireless card. Look at your wire to the modem and it you're still using the old red,green,black,yellow wiring-change it out and you should see a lot better performance.

Michael FLL
@covad.net

Michael FLL

Anon

Can't wait until our Covad contract is up..

Regular intermittent issues with our full T1 for years. As long as the line tests clean when you open the trouble ticket, they don't want to hear about it. They certainly do not push Bellsouth/ATT and support the customer. Line drops for seconds usually, sometimes a minute or two but rarely enough to break the SLA. Yet often enough to cause weekly frustrations. My opinion would be to avoid them in all Bellsouth/ATT service areas, I know I will not be renewing.






Review by dcdeadbeat5 See Profile

  • Location: Washington, District Of Columbia, DC, USA
  • Cost Contract price not specified.
  • Telco party Verizon
they tend to work well for small companies that other telcos don't want to work with
it once took a week to repair a bonded T1 connection
good overall

My company currently has two T1s from Covad under a program called T1 bonded service. It is extremely reliable most of the time. The only downtime we have ever had was with a bad flash card on the Cisco router they provide. Since the tech they sent was not Cisco certified, it took him almost a week to figure it out. But since then it has been working flawlessly for over a year.

Before the bonded T1s we had a single T1 form Covad and it never went down. Bonded T1s are just more complex and so they require more sophisticated hardware and .

member for 15.4 years, 127 visits, last login: 14.4 years ago
lodged 14.9 years ago


Review by dbennett1106 See Profile

  • Location: Menlo Park, San Mateo, CA, USA
  • Cost: $40 per month
  • Telco party AT&T
Pretty fast
None that I can thing of
go with Covad

My Other Reviews

·T-Mobile
They finally updated my DSL, after almost 8 years. I waas getting 328 kbps and now I get 1.2 Mbps. That is very nice after having just barely DSL.

member for 23.8 years, 6792 visits, last login: 1 year ago
updated 14.9 years ago







Review by hrickpa See Profile

  • Location: Reading, Berks, PA, USA
  • Cost: $39 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 10 days
  • Telco party Verizon
quick setup
the modem they supplyed
excllent service
Pre Sales information:
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Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
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Value for money:

i have 3.0 /384 @ $ 39.95
dynamic ip and use PPoE
i orderd from »highspeed.aol.com

they sent Broadxent 8012-v
problem with the modem (loose sync alot during the day)
suppost to get a broadxent 4 port router instead of the broadxent bridge 8012-v
according to the info when i orderd
i ended up using my own modem (broadxent 8012U)
no dissconnects running 13 days with no sync loss

it was only down twice in 5 months

Update 1
they sent me a replacement modem Broadxent 8120
the broadxent 8012-v went bad

Update 2
the past month there was a major outtage that lasted 11 hours, and there were outtages that lasted for at least 30 minutes that happens twice a week in early morning hours. On sunday april 4th there was an outtage between 1 am to 4 am
worked intermittently (couldn't access some sites none of the search engines worked ).It took atleast 30 minutes to get techsupport. by that time it was working again.

Update 3
beginning of july i was without service for a week the 9th to the 13th
i had no sync that time

Update 4
good comany to go with but expensive
No longer have service from this comany
i went with verizon dsl's 7.1/768 at $37.95


member for 22.8 years, 2425 visits, last login: 2.1 years ago
updated 15 years ago