how-to block ads
|
»next review in page
Review by jay_rm 
UPDATED: 115 days ago
member for 7.6 years, 1810 visits, last login: 2 days ago
 Hampshire,Kane,IL
 $65 per month
 about 3 days
 "It just flat works - 24/7 !"
 "None as of Aug 2009"
 "It's all good - all the time !"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
AUGUST 2009 Update - Simply outstanding for a small ISP. No problems, no outages that have been an issue. FVI has modified it's downlink policy and removed the "burst" mode (so many MB at max speed, followed by throttling to your subscribed speed). Now, it's full bore DL for longer then I've ever transferred data (>200MB at a time for software upgrades).. I'm still running the ORIGINAL Canopy module first installed many years ago 
FVI gets max stars from this user !
*******************************************
October 2008 update - Wow ! The service has been simply outstanding for the last 12 months. I can hardly remember any glitches or service issues that lasted more then a few minutes (and they've never been totally down except for a few summertime electrical outages that were area-wide). They evidently have the subscriber load under control. FOUR STARS + and I'm still cruising along on my ORIGINAL Motorola Canopy module that's over 5 years old !! I'm now using a Buffalo router running Tomato firmware, which has been 100% transparent and very effective for QoS control of the VoIP lines - *M*U*C*H* better then previous firmware loads.
*************************
August 2007 update - All has been well with FVI since late Spring 2007. They seem to have their connectivity issues worked out and apart from a few weather related outages, they've been running along fine at their advertised speed. I had to go with a DDNS supplier since one of the summers hardware retrofit's bounced me off the IP I had since day one (2.5 years !!) and I found out that they never really set me up for a static IP even though they SAID THEY DID. Oh well - DDNS solved the problem because they now want $$/mo for static IP service. Guess margins are going down
***********
Jan 2007 update - well, it's been a tough couple of months for good 'ol FVI. Seems their success is finally caused them the trouble I was concerned about way back when I first signed up. They've had frequent slowdowns and outages caused by lack of bandwidth. Although they've been upfront about the issue and supposedly have a plan to grow their access to backbone fiber, they've taken a beating from some of the less informed customers. They currently are renting bandwidth from one of the competition, which has helped, but it has not solved the underlying problem.
I still recommend FVI (not a whole lot of other broadband choices here anyway) but you need to understand what you're getting and HOW you're getting it.
*************
24 month update - service availability has been outstanding since the last Motorola Canopy module firmware update in Oct 2005 - I suspect I'm close to telco FiveNine quality (99.999% up-time). Speed test still 3000 x 512 after accounting for router overhead. The FVI equipment is basically transparent.
Still highly recommended and now the CPE is free !
*************
OK, after 18 months, I think I'm seeing the results of a little over-subscribing. But, in general, service is still a B+. Since I'm 3 wireless hops away from fiber, I've got multiple chances of dropping service due to equipment or power failures. I'm running un-NAT'ed with a Sveasoft-powered, QoS enabled Linksys router and see typical speeds of 2800/475. I figure I'm down about 10% in speed due to my VoIP QoS parameters.
*************
I'm running a multi-user LAN behind a router, with 2 lines of VoIP. I'm getting advertised speeds on a 3500/512 5.7 GHz wireless link. After 12+ months of service, I'm generally pleased with the performance.
Customer service has always been fair to good.
Bottom line is that FVI wireless is the ONLY earth-based broadband service available at my location and they've down a much better then average job.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
 | »next review in page (previous review)
Review by karlfollman
UPDATED: 321 days ago
member for 5.7 years, 32 visits, last login: 41 days ago
Hampshire,Kane,IL
$74 per month (24 month contract)
about 5 days
"Fantastic download speeds - hardly noticeable shared bandwidth"
"Small technical support department - can wait, but help is great"
"Best service available in Hampshire, IL"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
I began subscribing to FVI in Jan 2004. Because of my profession, I have to be hooked up to a fast ISP in order to support my remote clients (I consult in financial software and through VPN, I often download 3-4 M Byte files). Fox Valley touts their highest speed as 4.0Mbps down / 768Kbps up for $74.95 on a 24-month contract.
Recently, Mediacom upgraded their service in my area touting their Online Max service as "capable of download speeds up to 20 Mbps and upload speeds up to 2 Mbps" for $59.95 a month - no contract! Sounded like a great deal and at a $15 per month savings. So I called Mediacom and had it installed yesterday. It was time to do some controlled speed tests.
Using DSL Reports and two other speed testing tools, I performed several "controlled" tests to get a decent sampling. One series of tests were at 4:30 PM Friday, the others at 6:15 AM Saturday. Each series of tests took approximately 30 minutes. Results are as follows (Mediacom / FVI):
1.827 / 3.823 Mbps down; 1.022 / 1.047 Mbps up Friday
6.263 / 4.192 Mbps down; 1.087 / 1.080 Mbps up Saturday
As the results show, broadband sharing on Friday significantly impacts Mediacom's download speeds with FVI leaving them in the dust; on Saturday morning, with fewer people online to diminish broadband sharing, Mediacom does provide a faster link. Upload speeds for both ISPs are rather constant and differences are insignificant.
BOTTOM LINE: if you work from home like I do during weekday hours, FVI is without a doubt, the ISP of choice and worth the extra $15 a month (to make money you need to spend money). If you need occasional bursts of high speed (I noticed Mediacom did burst to 14.565 Mbps down for a couple of seconds whereas FVI maxed out at 5.143 Mbps during the Saturday tests), then save $15 and go with Mediacom.
Perhaps another deciding factor is technical support - whereas Mediacom has hundreds of technicians, they are not very knowledgeable and your luck must find you one who knows how to solve issues (word of mouth opinion from some other folks who have Mediacom - I have not personally experienced their technical support, yet); at FVI, though sometimes you need to leave a message since their tech staff is small, you get someone who solves the problem with the first callback.
Other notes - ratings:
Pre-sales: very little advertised information and web site is rather succinct, hence a 3
Install: I installed the transponder on my roof to save money but task was easy; had their tech guy installed (and climbed my roof), would have been a 5
Connection: I use a UPS on the FVI modem; only connection losses are when there are regional power outages but FVI has backup systems to get back on line - rates a 5
Tech: always knowledgeable; rated 4 because sometimes need to leave message, otherwise 5 for smarts
Services: 10 e-mail addresses rates a 5, but hosting and other services bumps to 4 (can't use MS Front Page to load content)
Value: with speeds like this, 5 stars
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by rp69
UPDATED: 4.5 years ago
member for 6 years, 19 visits, last login: 2.7 years ago
South Elgin,Kane,IL
$99 per month (12 month contract)
about 5 days
"Fast Install, Reliable Service, Low Price, Great Speeds"
"None so far"
"Highly Recommend These Guys"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
I have been starved for 4.5 years in my area for high speed Internet. I have gone through every avenue possible in exploration of options. Fox Valley came to my rescue and alleviated me from a $120/mo IDSL line. (And No I don't work for them)
The installation team came to my house as stated and were courteous and installed the tiny antennae on my roof and were out the door within an hour.
They came to my area through a slick way of setting up a repeater so that my neighborhood can finally qualify for wireless. I have had it now for 2 weeks and I just tested it under some very nasty weather (hard rains & 45MPH winds) and there were no problems! I ran the speedtest from DSL reports and it is almost on par with what I subscribed to in terms of DL/UL speeds. They do not use any funky PPoE garbage like the other wireless ISP's out there which is a plus and I got a block of static IP's with a nominal charge.
I'm very grateful for their ingenuity in providing service in my area and I couldn't be more pleased with their service thus far. Great Job!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
*May 12, 2005 Update*
It's been well over a year now and the fact that I'm still using them says a lot. My area finally caught on with the rest of the civilized world and I now have multiple choices for ISP's. I now have options for DSL through SBC, I have Cable Modem options through Comcast and I have Fox Valley Internet.
First off I remain with Fox Valley for two reasons: First being that they maintain the true spirit of a real ISP. Comcast, and SBC they are NOT ISP's but are service providers that happen to provide Internet services as part of their portfolio. What's the big deal you may ask? Much. For starters not being true ISP's Comcast and SBC are more privy to rob you of your service liberties and filter services or hosting capabilities and limit your options in terms of netblock ranges etc. Comcast for example does not provide static IP's, which I happen to dislike as I host my own services as a hobbyist. Now granted many people abuse or neglect these services which is understandable to why they generally set restrictions. Providing that the customer is willing to be responsible, allow them to do it and perhaps charge a bit more, but the bottom line is that Comcast and SBC do not offer nor are interested in offering flexible solutions. If I were not a bit-head and did not want or need these services, I would most likely lean toward them as they are cheaper and offer comparable performance. But I like the small biz, I used to work for Ameritech.Net and I favor the small fry model as they are typically more focused to the customer and more likely to provide flexible options and service extensions which is why I'm staying with FVI. I like them they're a local company and I want to support them. I know DLS is a good service, they got too big too fast and never bothered to return my calls (too little too late, not looking back). Besides they only offer PPOE and I'm not at all interested in that. Unless FVI raises their rates or neuters their services or the support sours I will consider moving off them but the bottom line is they work, they're fast, reliable and affordable and I admire their customer focus. I'm staying my ground and remaining loyal to the company that took the risk to offer services first in my area. These guys rock!
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by firmie
Posted: 4.5 years ago
member for 6.9 years, 181 visits, last login: 97 days ago
South Elgin,Kane,IL
$34 per month (24 month contract)
about 1 days
"Fast, Reliable,"
"no VoIP package"
"Best bang for your buck"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
Ordered 3mb down and 356 up. I get it everyday! order/install was smooth. I have been using them for two years now...from dial-up to high speed.
Cable can't touch these guys.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by CompleteSpaz
UPDATED: 5.2 years ago
member for 7.1 years, 9 visits, last login: 5.2 years ago
Gilberts,Kane,IL
$40 per month (12 month contract)
about 1 days
"Knowledgeable service, painless installation, reasonable prices."
"None so far."
"If you live in the Elgin area, it's the way to go broadband"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
I've been using FVI for almost 2 years now and it has been very solid and reliable.
By default, FVI assigns you a NAT'ed IP address which is protected by their firewall. Perfect for the user who does not have the time or expretise to maintain their own firewall and keep Windows patched. To my suprise, when I changed out my Firewall box, I was automatically given the option to select an Internet addressable IP address the first time I started my browser*. This is ideal for the advanced user who wants to VPN to work or run their own Mail / Web server. Yes, it's a dynamic IP address, but it hasn't changed.
Did I mention that they do not use PPPoE? If you're not familiar with PPPoE, then take my word that a 'direct' Ethernet connection is a much better way to go.
FVI promises 3 Meg download speeds. My tests show that I consistently get 3.5 Meg. I went with the 385k upload plan and typically get around 365k. Can't complain.
* If you're still using IE and are concerned about your privacy and security online, hop over to www.mozilla.org, download, install, and use Firefox.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by lager01
Posted: 6.6 years ago
member for 6.6 years, 0 visits, last login: 6.6 years ago
Carpentersville,Kane,IL
$34 per month (24 month contract)
about 2 days
"Company is very responsive"
"Company needs a Welcome Kit for new subscribers"
"Very Happy with the Service"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
I just recently had Fox Valley Internet install their wireless service at my home in the Glen Eagle Farm subdivision of Carpentersville. In a sentence, I am very happy with the service. So far, both my wife and I have used it with great satisfaction. I am planning a phase two installation of a wireless LAN inside my house so that we can connect with multiple computers. This will allow my wife to conduct her business on our home desktop while I am working off of my business laptop, anywhere in the house or on the patio. Awesome!
The installer did a superb job of setting the antenna in an area that is not clearly visible from the street, yet where it has the best reception and least “jitter”? I think that is the distortion. The wires were hidden very well. He took about an hour and was very willing to talk about the company history…It is nice to know a little about the company you are contracting with.
Setup was very quick and with a little adjustment I was up and running at the maximum quoted speed. I contracted the 256K base speed with the 2.5Mbps burst with total rechargeable burst size of 10MB…to put it in laymen’s terms, I was able to download some software updates that would have taken hours over a dial up in seconds over the FVI service…need I say more. I did purchase the equipment as opposed to leasing. My monthly on-going cost is $34.95. When compared to what I was paying via AOL…this is a deal. By the way, I am in process of ridding myself of AOL and the non-stop pop ups and the unwanted junk email…Thank you FVI! The only place where I think FVI could do a better job is to expand their FAQs. I had a few questions late in the evening that could not get answered until the next day. I think if they put together a welcome kit, this would be a great help.
I have already been recommending FVI to my neighbors. I guess I should see if I could get a referral fee? Anyway, I think FVI is great and that for those of us out in the boonies, they are the only option. Comcast and SBC as far as I know have no plans on coming out there. I have called and emailed both and have gotten nothing but the old run around. FVI is a small company with a great service and great follow-up. What more could we ask for.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by rmtodd2
Posted: 6.9 years ago
member for 7 years, 3 visits, last login: 6.7 years ago
Saint Charles,Kane,IL
$50 per month (month by month)
about 1 days
"Extremely reliable service, tech support better than most"
"Motorola Canopy equipment requires clear LOS (Line of Site) to transmitter"
"Excellent value and service in an area with few other broadband options"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
Short Review :
Fast and easy installation, good tech support, very reliable service, all at a reasonable price. I love it when the little guys provide a high quality service that the big guys (SBC/Ameritech and AT&T) either can't or won't provide. I highly recommend considering these guys.
Details :
This one was a no brainer. No other viable broadband service is available at my location. Too far from the CO for DSL other than IDSL, and CO not equiped for IDSL. AT&T Broadband has been promising cable internet service for 4 years and has yet to make it available or provide an ETA.
The order and install process for this wireless service was outstanding. One phone call is all it took. They answered all questions, identified all service options and pricing, placed the order for the service and the subscriber equipment, and faxed the contract. That was it. I picked up the subscriber equipment at their office in Elgin 2 hours later.
I should point out two items unique to my situation.
First, I was able to bypass the "site survey" process they use to determine if a site is eligable for service. A site survey usually takes about a week, and involves a visit to the install site by a technitian to verify Line Of Site, signal strength, and identify acceptable placements for the subscriber module. In my case, a neighbor recently had a site survey done and I was reasonably confident that my site had similar characteristics. This worked for me, but I would not recommend skipping the site survey to others.
Second, I chose the self install option. The installation is quite simple if you are comfortable working on a roof top to pull a CAT5 run into the house, running a grounding wire to a grounding post, and amining the subscriber module. If not, spend the $125.00 to have FVI come out and install the subscriber module for you. The self install took me a full day to get it all buttoned down.
With the subscriber module installed, all that was left was one quick phone call to tech support to have them set up my email accounts, and provide them with the MAC addresses of the devices (computers) on my home network.
That's it. I have had a full 256K up/down for 2 months now with zero (yes, zero!) downtime.
I did have to request a static IP ($10 setup, $5/month extra) to get my VPN to my office at work up and running. That was another 10 minute phone call to tech support. With the VPN in place I now have flawless access to my office network an IP phone extension running across the VPN.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by hawksfans
Posted: 7 years ago
member for 7.6 years, 8 visits, last login: 3.5 years ago
Hampshire,Kane,IL
$50 per month (12 month contract)
about 3 days
"Quick and Easy Set-Up! Great Service! Quick!!! These guys are the real deal!"
"none yet."
"First Broadband provider in Hampshire."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
I ordered the 2.5Mbps/128k deal to start. The whole process was simple. The install was easy and painless. My signal was super and I even installed the antenna in my attic since I am close to the tower. So far so good. From start to finish, it took about an hour to get up and running. I ordered the site survey on 11/10, placed the order on 11/12, picked up the equipment today, after work, and was up and running by 8pm. I would definitely recommend FVI. If I have any updates I'll post it.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by iamaddman
Posted: 7 years ago
member for 7.7 years, 449 visits, last login: 3 years ago
Lake In The Hills,Mchenry,IL
$59 per month (12 month contract)
about 4 days
"Great Support, Installation, Cutting Edge Technology"
"None So Far"
"Excellent Solution for LITH Broadband, and Excellent people to deal with."
| Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
|
I had been inquiring with FV for a while once I heard they were approved to lease tower space from the Villiage of Huntley. I have to say for as much as I bugged them about rollout, they where extremely professional and honest about the whats and whens of there rollout.
I finally got the call this past Sat. (10/19/02) that service was available. I decided on the professional install. Because of the new launch they said it could be 7 - 10 days before I could get an install date, and to my surprise 4 days later I was live. The install was very professional and clean. The antenna is as advertised, about the size of a large shoe.
Once installed you have to call FBV's support line to get setup, and this takes all of about 10 - 15 minutes. Once I was up and running with my desktop I then added a wireless router. I did have a small glitch with the router, but their tech support was all over it and got me on track quickly.
The service is as advertised. I have the 256 which includes up to a 2.5mb burst, and the first speed test I ran came back with a 1.79mb reading. WOW!! So long dial up!!!! The spead levels off like it is supposed to after the burst, but a 4mb file took about a minute to download.
It has only been a day, but I am extremely happy with the service, support, and installation. I would highly recommend Fox Valley Internet to my fellow broadband starved residents in Western Lake In The Hills.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
| »next page (previous review)
Review by Kevin134
Posted: 7.2 years ago
member for 7.2 years, 2 visits, last login: 7.1 years ago
South Elgin,Kane,IL
$59 per month (12 month contract)
about 3 days
"Great customer service, easy to self-install"
"very happy with service."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Tech Support:
Value for money:
|
Just setup an account with FYI. Picked up antenna, installed it on Friday, and had service on Saturday. Self install was a breeze. Only 150 setup fee, and $60 month for 256 access with burst reate to 2.5MB. So far great! Have been waiting along time in South Elgin for a fast/affordable service......
The tech even called the following day to make sure everything was going okay!
Cannot rate reliability yet, I have only had it for a few days. I can't wait to cancel my IDSL service.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Fox Valley Internet |
|
|
Fox Valley Internet
·