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I know everyone complains about how "expensive" Comcast internet is, but let me tell you it is not. Before Comcast i had dsl from a local phone company in my area (not Verizon or Qwest) and was paying $49.99 a month for what I thought at the time was fast service at 256kbps. Then I found out just how wrong I was when I got Comcast. I am paying less than I was with the dsl, and getting 25x faster service. It's a no brainer. Not to mention that even with dsl services from the big guy in this area (Qwest), your price is dependant on having a minimum phone package, or you don't get the full discounts. At least with my Comcast, there is no minimum package to get the bundle discount. I have had the service for 2 1/2 years, and have had no outages (other than an area wide power outage last January), and although I am not really techinically savvy, any time I called Comcast for help on the service, they were really friendly and helpful, and have always been able to help me member for 17.5 years, driveby review (so far) lodged 17.5 years ago
until I had to move and switch to Charter (horrible POS), I had Comcast for approx 8 years. It has always been reliable, incredibly fast and tech support was terrific. I had no problem running 4 pc's at one time (two playing everquest) as well as having 2 VOIP lines without a hiccup. The only time I had a problem was with the cable outside my house going to the box which they replaced within 2 days. Granted they are a bit pricey, but I would have stuck with them for another 8 years if I could have. member for 17.5 years, 1 visits, last login: 17.5 years ago lodged 17.5 years ago
I had ATT@home from July to Dec 2001, then ATT Broadband (ATTBI) since the changeover. I have my own cable modem (3Com Sharkfin, no problems with it) and have a Linksys BEFSR41 NAT router/firewall for one PC. Dynamic IP since the switch, but it has only changed once since Dec. 2001. Yes, the download cap to 1500 kbps sucks, but in practical terms I hardly notice it unless I download large files (rarely). I don't game or use file-sharing programs like Morpheus, etc., so no big deal. MUCH better than dialup, and I can't get reliable DSL out this far from the central office (14,000+ feet). My main beef with ATTBI is the hopeless level 1 tech support - everyone is pleasant, but they really can't help you beyond "powercycle your modem, blah, blah, blah." I had to deal with them when my downloads gradually dwindled to 400 kbps during the first three weeks of Jan. 2002. At first I thought it was my wiring, but eventually (thanks to DSLReports tools and the excellent people in the Tweaks forum), figured out it was the node (no thanks to "Customer Care.") Eventually the download problem was fixed, but no one could tell me what the real problem was, what was being done to fix it (beyond "Your problem is being addressed"), or even an estimate of when repairs might be complete. Overall: Not a bad deal for broadband at the price. However, I wouldn't pay more for the service given the caps, and I don't think I'd upgrade if they offered tiered pricing. However, I have no real alternatives to cable, so in a sense I'm stuck with ATTBI. Bypass level 1 techs if possible if you have even some basic knowledge (I think DSLReports ought to be mandatory reading for their techs.) [Update - 4/29/2004] Now on Comcast - faster download (3000 kbps) and upload (256 kbps). I'm pretty happy with the service, and have had only one outage which was fixed within three hours. I also have premium cable TV (two digital boxes) with Comcast as a package deal. All is well so far. [Update - 5/31/2006] Still pretty happy with the service - now up to 6000 kbps down and 384 kbps up. I think this was also due to replacing my Sharkfin modem with a new Motorola SB5120 Surfboard. Occasional slowdowns or outages two or three times a year, which are usually fixed fairly quickly. Still with two digital cable boxes as a package deal, no Internet phone service. member for 22.7 years, 1489 visits, last login: 15.7 years ago updated 17.8 years ago
Good enough member for 21.6 years, 5839 visits, last login: 331 days ago updated 17.8 years ago
I've used Comcast since 2003 and after a dismal installation process figured I wouldn't be with them for long. Since that time and my initial problems were cleared up, my service has been excellent. My connection rarely goes down, maybe once in the past three months and that was for 10 or so minutes. I play online games and my pings are always great. I just signed up for the 8 meg plan and my current speed tests for downloading are between 9 and 10Mbps while my uploading is at 800kbps. Not bad at all. Recommended! Latest speed test: dslreports.com speed test result on 2006-05-06 22:41:49 EST: 10541 / 709 Your download speed : 10541 kbps or 1317.6 KB/sec. That is 111.1% better than an average user on comcast.net Your upload speed : 709 kbps or 88.7 KB/sec. That is 77.6% better than an average user on comcast.net member for 21.5 years, 2140 visits, last login: 3.1 years ago updated 17.9 years ago
just installed today, happy so far member for 18.5 years, 111 visits, last login: 14.7 years ago lodged 17.9 years ago
I had a tech come out and install my comcast hsi in my new place. Since I did not have my old rca modem from my first install the tech provided my with a new modem ( I believe it was called Teryton ) anyways the tech left without making sure I had connectivity to my pc. Basicly he saw all the lights on the modem and he was done with this install:( Anyways I turned on my pc to see if I had internet and sure enough I did not:( So I proceeded to use the software that I got and of course I was getting a message that I needed to call customer service my account was still active at my old adress. After that little fiasco I was up and running:) Update: 1/3/04 Two weeks after I had comcast hsi installed I called to see if hn was availble in my area even though it says nothing on the website. So I called and the sales guy said yes it was and I had a tech on the next week:) But was interesting was the sales guy told me I would be getting 4.0/384, I am pretty sure he was confused as to what speed I would be getting since Seattle would not be getting the upgrade till the first of the year. Anyways soild speeds with hn and no lag with my xbox since that is where the tech put my modem/router at and usb adapter hooked up to my pc which I don't understand why the usb adapter is only wireless-b and not the g standard like the modem/router is. Update: 4/20/06 Well after moving yet again, and might add for the last time I decided to get into to the Comcast fold again:) I must say even after the tech gave me a modem that would not even come close to 8/768 package that I ordered I am very happy with the service. I just ended up swaping out them modem at the North Seattle Comcast Store. They gave me a SB 5101 which is a pretty nice modem at that. I hear that the current firmware is buggy, but I have not seen any problems otherwise. Will update in about a month member for 23.8 years, 2820 visits, last login: 12.8 years ago updated 17.9 years ago
I am a former Comcast employee, as well as a former Earthlink tech support agent, so I have heard the spiel from all directions. It boils down to this. Look to Comcast first television and high-speed Internet, then look to DSL, then move. I write this review because something has happened for the first time since a power failure a few months back: I had issues with the Comcast Internet service. I performed a bunch of tests and came to the conclusion the issue was with the cable service. I called support and was informed that there were 46 others with issues in my area, and that confidence was high that the service would be restored within a few hours. A few hours, then a night had passed with no improvement. I called and apparently no one had called to report the issue, hence the outage had not been declared. My appointment for resolution was for the following day, and we had limited connectivity, so we sweated it out at home. Here it is, appointment day, and I got a call from a tech. He reported that he had 6 work orders in hand for the same issue in my apartment complex. I look outside and there are now three Comcast trucks (one van, two cherry-pickers) and guys floating around the complex with Nextels. This issue could have been resolved two days ago, but because the customers did not call in, there was no way to track it. Some may twist this into a fault of Comcast, but knowing how it is from the other side, it is impractical to expect such a response level without the customers' help. OK... in the time since I wrote that last paragraph, the tech who called me earlier showed up at my door to confirm the service was working. I informed him of the 0% packet loss and this positive review on BBR. He was obviously pleased. I shook his hand and he went about his business. I have heard many stories about various utilities, but I have never seen a company that sells a voluntary service that has such rapid response as Comcast. I have informed my wife that, should we ever move, my only qualifications are electricity, running water, and Comcast High Speed Internet. I have more to say on this general topic, but I have made my point, so I will shut up now. member for 18.4 years, 2 visits, last login: 17.9 years ago lodged 17.9 years ago
Started with ATT@Home in June 2000. Install was quick and painless with static IP address. Suffered through the email hell that always seemed to plague @Home. Downloads were consistenly in the 4000+ range, sometimes up to 6000. Went down on Saturday, 01 December 2001 when @Home pulled the plug on ATT. Got the automated phone call Monday afternoon 03 December that my service was restored. Now have dynamic IP address via DHCP. Still had 3000 range download speeds after the switchover; my neighborhood didn't yet support purchased modems, and my leased CyberSURFR Wave evidently was never capped. After the @Home-ATTBI switchover, had issues with posting to moderated Usenet groups; once I finally convinced Tier 1 to stop quoting scripts and escalate me to Tier 2, the issue was resolved in 3 days. (It was a combination of configuration issues on ATTBI's end with some regional news servers.) Neighborhood was finally upgraded and I purchased SURFboard SB4100 April 2002; self-registered in 5 minutes and returned leased modem in person next day; speeds are consistently near the caps ever since (1450/124). Update 01/2003: Caps increased to 1800/256, speeds consistently 1725/210 (note that upload doesn't quite make it to the stated cap, probably reflecting an equipment limitation in my neighborhood). Billing (by paper statement) has always been 100 percent accurate and timely. Online bill pay via credit/debit card is simple and reliable. Update: ATTBI-Comcast email transition and forwarding on 6/30 was a piece of cake from a technology standpoint (2 minutes spent changing settings in Outlook Express), but a train wreck from a public relations standpoint (the loudly-announced and strongly-encouraged Transition Wizard software was completely unnecessary.) The much-feared Usenet migration to a 1 GB monthly cap using Giganews hasn't happened yet. IP address is still in the ATTBI block (12.x.x.x) and reverse DNS is still xxxxx-client-attbi, so the network transition is still pending. Update 3/06: Service rated at 6000/384, routinely hit 5700+ down and 350+ up with 4-year-old SurfBoard 4100. Giganews Usenet transition was a piece of cake. With latest speed increase, started to notice peak-time slowdowns. member for 22.8 years, 3125 visits, last login: 12.8 years ago updated 18 years ago
Finally got the HSI today! I ordered the Comcast last month on the 18th and support told me that i need to get the Basic Cable in order to get the promotion that i was aftering ($19.95/month for 3 months and $150 Rebate) A comcast contractor came out and connected the cable outside and told me that others will come by to bury the cable in 5-10 days... good thing i still have SBC DSL. After about 8 days, 2 guys came out and buried the cable and setup the appointment for the HSI Install. Today, a very nice gentleman came by and installed the HSI, i wanted another data outlet in my office so that i don't have to move my routers/modems to the living area (colors won't match the room ), he informed that the cable outlet custom install will be $39.95, i agreed and it took him about 30 mins to do the whole thing (drill holes,install covers). Connected my Motorola SB5100 (purchased it online for $40) to the coax cable and Cat5 to my laptop..was able to pull IP from Comcast but not regular websites, of course this would be the case since i need to register my modem with Comcast. I tried the CD that came with the Install but for some reason XP is not loading it..Comcast Tech (actually he is a contractor as well) told me that the CD's XP bug is an known issue and he just set up a proxy server for me to get on Comcast and told me to register there. He then jotted down my modem's serial numbers and HFC Mac Address and left. I entered my Subscriber number and Registeration Code and went on to register..it was very easy and painless, i setup my comcast email address and reset my modem and everything started to work nicely. getting 3000 download/290 upload Overall, it was a very very smooth install and i'm very satisfied with the speed increases! Ok 2 nights ago i have finally exprienced what it's like when someone is hogging the Node..my download went from 3000 to 500! i emailed Comcast today (too busy over the weekend) and expressed my concerns..and not expecting to get a reply from them..but boy was i surprised when i saw a reply just 20 minutes later! The email states that when this happens it's most likely that someone in my neighborhood is running a Server..and they prohibit servers for this exact reason. He also stated that they will do their best to find the culprit, and i guess they'll mail him/her a letter. But anyway..highspeed is backup now. and like i said, i'm pleasantly surprised that the Comcast Online Support was that quick. Just want to update on this since it's been little over a week after the initial install. Speed has been fairly stable, aside from high peak times where the download would go down to the 1800s but it's still not bad at all. Just saw an upload speed of 385 the other day but the upload has gone down to 264 again..so i guess it was one of those nice "glitches" ---- Haven't gotten any outages yet. speed has been very consistant (2800-3010 range), Comcast did call and asked if i was happy with the service..nice gesture on their part i guess. oh and i have installed the Comcast Digital Phone as well and it rox --- Update 10:53 PM 4/17/2004 No outages out any kind so far. speeds have been [b]very stable[/b] i am seeing some kinda consistency here and i like it alot. I don't know if it's because most of my neighbors don't use Comcast..or has comcast upgraded or been using newer equipment here. Digital Phone service has been rock solid. with Total $40/month caller-id/call waiting/call-waiting callerid/call block/call foward how can you beat this price??? i know SBC can't. ------ 9/19/2004 It has been almost 6 month from my initial HSI install. No outages of any kind has ever happened here. In fact most of the people living in this area are very happy with Comcast. I guess we are lucky that we are one of the better areas that Comcast serves. Speed is at 3012/280..although it would be very nice to see the upload increase but since i don't do alot of uploading myself.. I'm aware of the upgrades that SBC Yahoo has been giving e.g. their new $36/month 3mb/256 plan..but unless they have a similar priced local phone service like Comcast Digital Phone.. i'd stay with Comcast..the game plan is alot of people are just seeing the Internet prices and ignore the local phone services..SBC(Southwestern Bell)'s local phone service is not only crappy but expensive. ------ Upgraded to Gold Package last month ($10 more a month) Have been getting 5800s/780s constantly! ---- Upgraded to Linksys WR54GS Router along with the matching Linksys Wireless PC cards, after few tweaks, I am able to get speeds to 5000-6000/700-789 range. Very happy with Comcast HSI so far, though i am fully aware of the price decrease of SBC Yahoo but I'm keeping Comcast unless SBC goes to the fiber route which could be years from now. 8/23/2005 I will be cancelling Comcast HSI due to the lure of SBC's $14.95/month DSL add to the fact that my company has stopped paying for home internet access. $52/month sounds mighty pricey. My overall experience: Service has been Good to Excellent, speed has been fairly consistent from time to time i experienced some slowdowns but overall i'm satisified. 3/20/2006 I am back to Comcast HSI. Installation was quick. i called 800-comcast to provision my modem. The tech transferred me to the Internet department and "activated" my account right away after giving my HFC Mac Address to him. Speed is 6000/400 i got the 19.95/month for 6 months deal and also there is a $75 rebate. I am happy so far. member for 21.6 years, 4453 visits, last login: 2.7 years ago updated 18 years ago
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