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Review by (hidden by request)
(review was emailed from domain besenbruch.info)
lodged 186 days ago
 Mililani,Honolulu,HI
 $58 per month "Speed stability, tech support" "Initial setup" "A decent value"
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I have used Hawaiian Telcom in several ways over the years. First, they
provided telephone service, then added Internet connectivity for a Lavanet account. It began as a 1.5
mbit connection, before increasing to 3 mbits several years later. As the years
passed, I enjoyed a rather expensive, but rock solid arrangement.
Then Lavanet changed their e-mail to Gmail, and I jumped directly to Hawaiian Telcom. I ended up paying about $30 ($58 per month for phone and internet) less per month with this arrangement, but more than doubling the speed (to 7 mbit, 1 mbit up). What I lost was the stability. Don't get me wrong; it's not bad, but the day in, day out, month after month stability isn't there. Rather, there are outages about 2-3 times a month.
That lack of stability has allowed me to check out their tech support. It appears to be local. They can do basic troubleshooting of the system, and schedule repairs. They don't know much about Linux, but they know what routers are, and they don't insist on bypassing them on every call. One tech even knew what pinging was.
The connection is also less consistent than it was, although it is always faster than the earlier service. My heaviest use comes from streaming video through Netflix, updating or installing Linux systems, and torrenting. I typically throttle the torrents to 400 kbits down and 50 kbits up, leaving just over half the bandwidth to other users in the house. I haven't detected any selective throttling on Hawaiian Telcom's end, yet.
We are fortunate in Hawaii to have some choice in our Internet providers. We lack a fiber optic provider, but we also have Time-Warner Cable (called Oceanic locally). Over the years, Oceanic has garnered something of a reputation with its frequent outages, horrible tech support, variable speeds, and bizarre billing. With Hawaiian Telcom trying to bump speed and break into the
television market itself, Oceanic has also increased speed and tried to ensure more consistent service.
Hawaii is something of a backwater when it comes to connectivity, but the situation isn't too bad. We have some competition, and what Hawaiian Telcom provides is decent. If they maintain this level of service, or upgrade it, I plan on sticking around.
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Review by ancientpc 
member for 317 days, 5 visits, last login: 302 days ago
updated 307 days ago
- Honolulu,Honolulu,HI
- $35 per month
 about 2 days- "cheap, great customer service, fast turnaround time, static IP"
- "only 90% of advertised speed, bittorrent throttling"
- "great local company, good price and good service, bad for torrenting"
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My past experiences is dealing with Time Warner RoadRunner, AT&T U-verse, SBC DSL, and Verizon FIOS have all been neutral or bad.
When I first moved here I signed up with RoadRunner, but they forgot about my appointment and the earliest reschedule was another week out. Frustrated, I decided to go with Hawaiian Telecom.
I called them up and they sent out a modem and changed the shipping to UPS 2-day so I could get it before the weekend. Setup was straightforward, and I was online and ran a couple of bandwidth tests. Advertised was 3/1 mbps (for $35/mo), I got 2.85/0.77. They also offer 5/1 and 7/1 for $10 and $20 more respectively.
2 weeks later I called to setup the DSL router into bridge mode. Time from dialing to problem solved: 2m56s! I called back later to ask some questions and my wait time was ~5 minutes, but both times the tech reps were extremely knowledgeable and not spewing crap or flipping pages (I've worked tech support for years :-/).
I initially went with cable due to familiarity, but working with a local company that actually tries is a refreshing change of pace.
Update: After the first honeymoon week with them, they started throttling my downstream whenever I started my torrent client.
Update: I reran torrent client on ports 20-21 and encrypted all traffic. They are now throttling my connection based on encrypted traffic as well. I was able to trigger throttling using scp and rsync over ssh.
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Review by stosher
member for 3.4 years, 25 visits, last login: 32 days ago
updated 311 days ago
- Pahoa,Hawaii,HI
 Business customer- Contract price not specified.
- ". .. . .. umm . . ."
- "m o n o p o l y"
- ". .beware . . ."
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. . Oa'hu \ honolulu : it's called " the busy island " now . ßyer ße v e r y wary . Lines are ≠a l w a y s busy . We can not blame it on Japan either . Monopolies - never - work out well for consumers . hi telcom is a orphaned Verizon ® company h t h ∞ »www.ntt.net/english/about/network_map.cfm 11.04.06 11:00 HST • â‰
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 Review by KenTheCook
member for 6.3 years, 503 visits, last login: 27 days ago
updated 317 days ago
- Lahaina,Maui,HI
- $36 per month
 AT&T- "Moved & switched to 11 Mbs down for $35/mo. lifetime"
- "Very worthwhile, very steady"
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Review-3/31/11. I have DSL only, Skype for outgoing calls, cell for incoming. I pay $36.++/mo. for 11Mbs & get 10.5 down, 1.13 up consistently for the last year. HawaiianTel has worked great for me over 6 yrs. Cust Svc. also excellent.
I recommend Hawaiian Tel over cable.
Ken Gillette
*****12/0709******** New Review: My modem that I got from Verizon finally went out. I got a new one free from H-Tel after calling them. They also cleared up some billing problems. I still get now 2800+/ 700 avg. on my computer. Still very happy to deal w/ them.
Comments:
 KenTheCookVornado FanPremium
join:2005-10-26
Lahaina, HI | My review- Ellensburg, I have no idea!!! As far as H-Tel & my computer & telephone, I'm completely happy w/ them. I still pay about $47/ mo. for both w/ steady 2646/723.
KenTheCook 5/26/09 | |
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Review by donseal
member for 3.2 years, 5 visits, last login: 1.1 years ago
updated 1.1 years ago
- Eleele,Kauai,HI
- Contract price not specified.
- "Consistant speed and always up"
- "Nameserver response"
- "Barely acceptable"
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Download is pretty consistent @3300b/sec
DNS lookup is very slow. Often 5-10 seconds.
Abocom Modem is only 802.11g, WPA
Would prefer 802.11n & WPA2
____________
RoadRunner is faster when its up. Recovery from minor power glitches [lights just flicker] can take up to two hours.
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 Review by pog
member for 7.6 years, 3325 visits, last login: a few hours ago
updated 1.2 years ago
- Kihei,Maui,HI
- $29 per month
- "solid connection, no peak period slowdowns"
- "slow compared to mainland"
- "good value but aging infrastructure"
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I've had service on this line from the Telco since 2000. For a while it was GTE, then it was Verizon, now it's Hawaiian Telcom. During my time with Verizon, I made the transition from Frame Relay to ATM... however, the speeds I'm getting now (7mpbs/768kbps) were more than possible with the FR equipment. My home line does not qualify for the 11mbps package.
Anyway, I also manage a number of other DSL connections around Maui... all either Upcountry, Lahaina, Wailuku, or Kihei. I don't really pay attention to Pre Sales info but nothing negative stands out.
Connectivity has been rock solid for a long time. There's no escaping the ping penalty for being located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
The services are great. I define service as connectivity only, though. I don't use ISP email, I don't use the portal, I don't care about "value-added" anything.
Awesome value for money. No slow downs (at least for me, connected to my Kihei CO). No caps (yet). There is no 3rd party DSL provider that comes close... especially since you still have to pay Hawaiian Tel for the line no matter what.
update 2010-11-14: I was finally able to get 7mbps service recently at home. They sent me a free wireless modem and I returned the old modem to the HT store at Kaahumanu Mall. The next bill I received (dated 2 weeks AFTER I returned the modem) had a charge of $195 for the new modem! I was prepared to cancel everything and tell them to shove it. When I called to complain, they said no problem and asked for the receipt number for when I returned the old modem. This was not a glitch, the rep said. Everyone has to CALL in to get credited for their return. Not a very pleasant thing to do without upfront explanation. Not a very smart thing, either. How does it pay to anger customers for no reason? (This is a systemic problem with HT's billing and ordering departments. I have many RECENT horror stories about the phone side of their operations, especially the business side).
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Review by cousinisaac
member for 1.4 years, 17 visits, last login: 1.3 years ago
updated 1.3 years ago
- Honolulu,Honolulu,HI
- $30 per month
- (month by month)
- about 10 days
- "Tech support calls you back- even on weekends!"
- "Westell modem has no security and loses connection"
- "With a better modem, I'd be happy."
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I ordered the Hawaiiantel dsl standalone (no home phone) 3 Mbs service for about $30 per month. The speed is fine, and the customer service is great when they can help you- they'll even call back on weekends!
The problem is with the modem itself, the Westell 7500 (Model Number A90-750020-07). The tier-1 tech support guys don't know how to configure it completely and it's no surprise because the web based gui is obtuse. It's got loads of features that only advanced users or the techie provisioning the line should see like ATM Loopback and RIP, but you can't configure the firewall to do simple things like hide your ip address from the world (stealth mode) or block unsolicited incoming traffic easily. In fact the firewall only stops outbound traffic. Ports 443, 2420, and 6363 are all left open and there appears to be no way to shut them down. They are for remote management, which, even if you turn off for your own account, is left on and open to the internet for anyone with the master password to use. If that is out in the wild, you're screwed. Lastly, the supposedly dynamic IP address only refreshes if the modem is left off for 3 hours or more and even then it never seems to refresh. So I have been with the same IP address for months, leaving ample time for anyone to hammer away at what little security there is. I suspect that it is because of this that my connection goes down frequently.
I've asked for a different modem but they just laugh. And of course, the make of the modem, Westell, just point me back to Hi-tel for support. I'm going to try using my old 2wire modem, if I can.
One other aside- and this might affect you whether or not you are a hi-tel customer. They had their DNS servers pointed at old, out of date, CNAME records for some of my websites that are hosted elsewhere which meant that hi-tel customers using their default dns servers could not see my sites. I am not the only one this happened to- I've read other accounts online of the same thing. But since I use OpenDNS (better security) I was unaware of the issue until I tried to load my site from another computer outside my network. So, for a few months, I was unaware that my sites were unavailable to potential clients. Their tech support were very good in calling me back to handle the issue, but for me the only was to resolve it for good was to reset my dns settings with my registrar so as to force their servers to recognize the correct addresses.
Since that issue is resolved and independent of my DSL service, the bottom line for me is that I would stick with hi-tel provided I can use a different modem. But I am exploring my options.
I give hi-tel an A for effort and an F for whoever made the decision to go with the Westell 7500. It's quite possible that was a carry-over from the Verizon days, but I'd really like a device that is better secured.
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| | Westell Yeah, their service is GREAT!
But that Westell has GOT TO GO!!! Its a crap-shoot whether NATs work or not....
I bought a TP-LINK TD-W8960N in Toronto. I have to configure it here so the client can plug and play.
Any idea where Hawaii Tel. have documented their service settings?
I'll watch this page for any replies.
Thanks in Advance!
Rich. | |
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 Review by Konaguy
member for 11.3 years, 2904 visits, last login: 5 days ago
updated 1.3 years ago
- Kailua Kona,Hawaii,HI
- $29 per month
- about 9 days
- "Fast Service"
- "Mis configured DSLAM"
- "Inside home wiring DSL's Achilles heal"
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I have had Hawaiian Telcom (formerly Verizon Hawaii) DSL service for over 2 years now. My 3Mbps/768K connection is rock solid.Yes, I did have problems when I first got DSL and when Carlyle took over Verizon Hawaii. But overall it has been a stress free experience.I consistently get the speeds I pay for.
Update 9/01/07: Hawaiian Telcom has started to offer higher DSL speeds of 7/11Mbps/1Mbps. The only caveat is it is not widely available yet.Even when it does get more widely available, you need to be 8K and 6K from central office to get either 7Mbps or 11Mbps service.
39.99 for 7Mbps service (with landline)
49.99 for 11Mbps service (with landline)
55.99 for 11Mbps service (without landline)
45.99 for 7Mbps service (without landline)
69.99 for MyChoice bundle (with 7Mbps service)
79.99 for MyChoice bundle (with 11Mbps service)
Update 8/24/08: I got upgraded from 7Mbps ATM DSL to 11Mbps MPLS DSL service.It is like night and day. The previous DSL tier I had provided very spotty download speeds. With my new 11Mbps service, the speeds are much more consistent.
Update 10/06/2010: I canceled my DSL service and went back to Road Runner. The inside wiring at my house is faulty. This was causing a lot of problems with my DSL service.
Oceanic installed a dedicated coaxial cable to my room from the outside network interface when I originally got their service in 2000.
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 Review by GregLee
member for 4.7 years, 104 visits, last login: 76 days ago
updated 1.6 years ago
- Waimanalo,Honolulu,HI
- $21 per month
- "Manage your own network."
- "none"
- "best available in my area"
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Hawaiian Telcom supplies a modem/router, the Westell 327w "VersaLink", with 4 ethernet sockets and wireless connectivity. It has worked without a problem for several years, as I've added device after device to my network. I've got connected two computers (one a Linux system connected wirelessly), two DirectTV satellite receivers (wired), xbox360 (wired), PS3 (wireless), Wii (wireless), printer (wireless), AV receiver (wired), internet radio (wireless), TV (wired). (Five of these are connected through a little $15 ethernet switch.)
At the moment I'm paying $20.83 per month for the lowest level of service, which is 3mbps down and 768k up, but next week I'm upgrading to 7mbps down, which will cost me $4+ dollars more per month. This rate is part of a bundle with my regular phone and long distance service. I think the basic unbundled price is $30 per month.
I considered Roadrunner from Oceanic TWC, but it is much more expensive, and much less configurable. Roadrunner might be okay if you're made of money and only interested in connecting a single Windows computer to the internet. Otherwise, not so good. I helped a friend set up a single Linux computer for Roadrunner, and it worked, but it wasn't straightforward -- it required programming expertise. He had to buy some more networking stuff to connect up a second computer. Trying to set up a local network of any complexity with Roadrunner would be quite a project, I think. While, if I want to configure the Westell modem, supplied to me at no extra charge, I just point my web browser at the Westell modem and edit the web pages. The Westell couldn't care less what operating system my computer is running.
I can't say how easy installation would be for a naive user (which I am not). I ordered my DSL service by phone, and Hawaiian Tel sent me the modem and documentation by mail. I had no problem setting it up. The two or three times I've had a question, the CSRs at HawaiianTel have been knowledgeable and courteous.
Every 3-5 months, I'd guess, I've seen a 4-5 hour service outage of the DSL service.
Greg Lee
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Reviews:
 ·WOW Internet and..
·Time Warner Cable
| RoadRunner I think you're spreading FUD about RoadRunner they do support Linux to run on the DataNetwork. But BIG DEAL they make you buy your own router or lease one from them. They don't give everything away. Be glad that they don't charge $4+ for that modem rental each month but INCLUDE it. OH did i mention that you don't have to bundle your connection with phone to get good rates? All you have to do is sign up online or get a Sales Rep that wants to make a sale. i'm sure your DSL has you in a contract too. OOPS! TWC doesn't require contracts. everything is month to month.
And if you don't know how to plug in a router to a modem, then i wouldn't be touching any internet modem to start off with.
PS- when did ports become sockets? I thought sockets were install in houses for electricity.
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www.twopugsbrand.com Kosher, Vegan, and Organic Certified Dog and Cat treats/foods and other products! www.etsy.com/shop/snakx4u/ Organic, Kosher, Gluten Free, Vegan Human Baked Goods | |
| | GregLee
join:2007-05-07
Waimanalo, HI Reviews:
 ·Hawaiian Telcom
| Re: RoadRunner said by hottboiinnc:PS- when did ports become sockets? I thought sockets were install in houses for electricity. A port is a logical i/o device; a socket, here, is a physical i/o device.
I am not paying a separate rental fee for the modem/router that HawaiianTel supplied. There was a contract when I first signed up for DSL service, but I don't know that I'm on a contract, now. I suppose it's possible. | |
| | | Reviews:
·WOW Internet and..
·Time Warner Cable
| Re: RoadRunner i didn't say you were paying a rental fee for a modem. i said TWC could charge that to give you a router/modem combo instead they give you a modem FREE to use and give the option to "rent" a router from them OR you can buy one you want and it will all work the same. You DO NOT have to program anything for Linux as you claim with RoadRunner, unless you want your system to do something that it does not normally do. RoadRunner does Mac based sign on and that is using the MAC address of the modem and nothing else. Once that is in the system nothing else needs to be programmed. It is the true "always on" unlike DSL where it requires PPPoE.
You contract "pays" for the modem/router that the telco gave you. Hence why the routers/modems are usually cheap with them.
and you can claim all you want about the port/socket. on a router or modem their a PORT an a connection in the house---IE the electric outlet is a SOCKET.
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www.twopugsbrand.com Kosher, Vegan, and Organic Certified Dog and Cat treats/foods and other products! www.etsy.com/shop/snakx4u/ Organic, Kosher, Gluten Free, Vegan Human Baked Goods | |
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KonaguyLive From Kailua-Kona, HawaiiPremium
join:2000-10-21
Kailua Kona, HI Reviews:
·RoadRunner Cable
·Hawaiian Telcom
| Hawaiian Telcom I have Hawaiian Telcom's DSL service as a part of the MyChoice bundle my parents subscribe to.
1. HawTel's DSL doesn't use PPPoE.
2. When HawTel used to be Verizon Hawaii you had to commit to a contract to get DSL service. This no longer the case with HawTel's
DSL service. | |
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Review by ksmithofwa
member for 5.5 years, 66 visits, last login: 1.4 years ago
updated 1.6 years ago
- Honolulu,Honolulu,HI
- $36 per month
- "Usually is fast."
- "Sometimes is slow so I gotta call and make some huhu"
- "Usually fast and good 24/7/365. I said usually."
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No complaints here. Sometimes runs slow but usually rocks. I get pretty much what I pay for. K out !
Update 6/26/2010....I've had DSL by Hawaiian Telcom for a number of years and now they sell a product called Naked DSL which just means you don't pay for the phone portion and no longer have the ability to get a dial tone. The only signal is that high frequency sound that is DSL. Now here is the kicker. I no longer pay for the phone line and mysteriously my connection has gone to hell. Drops out all the time. Slower than it used to be and I live literally a stone's throw from the Central Office. So what gives? I am guessing that Hawaiian Telcom put some sort of regulation on my line or did something to screw me. So the only solution I can think of right now is to go with the competition......update to come regarding that solution.
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The black hole of the internet • ------> hawaiiantel.net (64.8.70.102)
a ipod touch user 11.03.14 21:00 HST • 
Hi Telcom . .10.10.20