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Review by Merc248 
UPDATED: 3.3 years ago
member for 8.8 years, 64 visits, last login: 364 days ago
 Seattle,King,WA
 $60 per month
 Qwest
CLEC party: Qwest
 "Sales division is top notch; they actually care about the customer! Very stable and fast connection so far"
 "Newsgroup download speed very limited, interleaving (through Qwest), manual setup of various stuff"
 "Very awesome ISP; they keep most of their promises and is dedicated to the customer"
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(This will be updated as I go through the various order process steps)
I've ordered 5 Mbps / 896 Kbps (Qwest) service from ISOMEDIA with a dynamic IP.
So far, I'm past the pre-sales and am waiting for my modem and my line to go up, which will take an additional three days, due to the extra weekend days. However, even when I'm this early in the installation phase, the experience has been EXTREMELY smooth and favorable.
First of all, I have to comment on the overall staff's courteousness and knowledge on everything: I somehow directed myself to the tech support line (yeah, I know, I'm dumb) and they still did what the sales department would usually do, like prequalification and various sales questions. They then redirected me to a sales rep (Tammy, best sales rep ever), who didn't try to pull any fast ones in terms of setting me up with any super secret ISP bundles or plans; she actually suggested to me several options in terms of price / performance ratio without any hidden junk.
I ended up going with Qwest rather than Covad due to the low price / performance ratio. I also asked her a question as to why my previous ISP (Earthlink) couldn't offer me anything higher than 3 Mbps, and she actually knew the precise and easy answer without all the hassle of going through several levels of techs (which is what it took to find out that information when I was with Earthlink.)
As I said above, I ended up choosing the 5000/896 kbps connection from Qwest through ISOMEDIA. However, Tammy told me a few days later that Qwest had actually put an order in for a 7000/896 kbps connection. I'm not sure if I'll be keeping that connection, since it all depends on whether the connection costs relatively the same (for the ISP at least) as the 5000/896 kbps connection. It was extremely nice to see that they were willing to provision me at a higher speed for the same monthly cost, though.
I will update this review with more details as they come along. So far, I am EXTREMELY satisfied with ISOMEDIA, especially their sales staff.
EDIT (07.10.2006):
Alright, my modem hasn't arrived yet (they actually just shipped it out for whatever reason, I was told that it was shipped out last Thursday morning...) It doesn't matter though, I actually found a few things on the Qwest DSLReports forum that allowed me to change a few settings on my Arescom NetDSL 800 modem in order to connect to the service. The connection is extremely stable; it doesn't flake out at all like my previous ISP when I'm downloading a bunch of stuff off of Bittorrent, nor does it flake out at certain times of the day. I noticed that even if I'm provisioned at 7000/896 kbps, I can't seem to get anywhere near 7000 kbps download; I always seem to end up getting around 3000 - 4800 kbps, which is fine by me, though I suppose I'll be making a few phone calls to see what's up. My upload speed is consistently at around 750 kbps (around 92 KB per second), which is extremely nice.
One day, I had the urge to get Newsgroup access. I really wanted it. There was no information on how to activate it myself, so... I ended up calling my ISP up. Seems that no one really asks for Newsgroup access nowadays, but well, they were willing to give me access to the server. Only bad thing is that I had to tell them over the phone my username and password; it'd be much better if this was all done online, but eh, it doesn't really matter. I'm assuming email accounts are setup the same way as well, though I really have no need for an extra email account from ISOMEDIA. After setting up the Newsgroup stuff, I wanted to see how fast it fetches article headers and how fast it fetches the actual articles. The server allows you to fetch the article headers are almost your maximum download speed. However... when you want to actually download an article, it slows down quite a bit to 15 KB per second. Horrible. I suppose it'd be better to get a dedicated Usenet server from another company.
For the interleaving issue (since I was using Qwest through ISOMEDIA), I wanted to see if it was even enabled on my line, and if it is, see if ISOMEDIA could even disable it for me. And... yes, it was enabled, and no, ISOMEDIA couldn't do a thing. I can't do a thing about it either even after escalating myself through the various levels of administration. Oh well.
Anyway, a lot of the things I complained about above aren't really ISOMEDIA's fault. The experience has still been extremely favorable and I still love them. A lot.
EDIT (7.12.2006):
Alright, just got the first invoice. I was surprised at a number of things that I will need to clear up: one, the setup fee that was supposedly waived was still on the bill. Two, the monthly fee shows up as $67 rather than $61. The former was already resolved quickly after shooting off a call to the accounting office; however, I haven't talked to them about the latter yet. I was also told at the beginning that my base monthly fee would be $55 plus whatever telco surcharge (which would, at maximum, take me to around $62 if we take the current telco surcharge and place it with the previously asserted base fee.) However, it was to my surprise to find that the base monthly fee was actually $60 and not $55. I will try to get this clarified as soon as I can. For any other future customers, take note of the above as well.
EDIT (7.17.2006):
Okay, after messing around with my network devices and various amounts of routers (I've got a 2Wire Homeportal 100, D-Link DI-624 Wireless Router, and a Zoom 5660 X3 that ISOMEDIA sent me), I finally have the ultimate setup: the Zoom modem/router is the primary router that serves out DHCP assigned IP addresses and whatnot, while the other two are simply there to bridge the networks together (I also have a switch and a hub that all of these devices are connected to, including the computers.) Why am I explaining this? Because I ended up getting a MUCH higher transfer rate than when I had my Zoom modem/router setup behind my 2Wire router! I'm now getting around 5500-6500 Kbps, which is plenty good, considering that I initially subscribed (and still am paying) for the 5000/896 Kbps service!
The financial issues were all resolved, thanks to Tammy (sales) and Meri (accounting.) They promptly looked into the issues and resolved them quickly. They kept a very tight correspondance with me as well at all times; they would call me up and let me know of any updates on the issues, as well as email me with any other new information (as a clarification, they didn't seem to do this simply to buy time, but to rather show that they were indeed making actual progress on the issues, which were resolved within a day or two.)
After looking at the above, I found that I'm a really messy writer and the above should be cleaned up. But I'll leave the above as is as a sort of "humble" step-by-step reference of my experiences with ISOMEDIA. Hopefully this review helps!
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Review by urbanenomad
Posted: 3.5 years ago
member for 3.5 years, 0 visits, last login: 3.5 years ago
Chula Vista,San Diego,CA
$62 per month (12 month contract)
 about 7 days
CLEC party: Covad
"Great Technical support and good customer relations"
"Must deal with 3rd party ISP telco company which tends to make direct fixes to the actual service a bit harder"
"Most telco company's customer service are not very friendly, but Isomedia's Tech, Customer serv and sales all are excellent!"
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I needed to add a static DSL service for my store so I can remotely view my laundromat's video surveillance system. I searched around in my location and Isomedia was the cheapest static IP address DSL service.
The service quality was as good as any other DSL service particularly since this company isn't really the actual ISP but a reseller of other DSL services (at least that is true for my situation) but what really seperated them from other DSL services was their excellent and amiable Sales team, Customer service and Technical Service. They have been very friendly and helpful in all my DSL needs. Even when they had to unfortunately switch my carriers they were very prompt on contacting me and making sure I had another service that I can sign up for. I would use them again for any static IP DSL requirements.
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Review by (hidden by request)
Posted: 3.5 years ago
(review was emailed from domain microsoft.com)
Redmond,King,WA
$55 per month (12 month contract)
Verizon
CLEC party: Verizon
"Awesome customer service"
"Slightly more expensive than others."
"I highly recommend ISOMEDIA DSL."
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ISOMEDIA has consistantly gone out of their way to keep me happy and ensure my continued business.
When I call their techs, it generally takes them about 2 minutes to figure out I'm a network geek and not someone's grandmother. After that, they listen to me and solve me problems. There's no pre-scripted 1st-tier support crap here. You just talk directly to techs who know what's up.
The sales and support people are stellar as well. On one occassion, Tammy from ISOMEDIA actually three-way called Verizon to setup local phone service for me. I just went along for the ride.
I know that I could get identical DSL service directly thru Verizon for slightly less money, and I wouldn't dream of it. ISOMEDIA is worth the extra bucks.
I suppose I should say something about the DSL service itself, but there's not much to say. I host all kinds of servers off my DSL connection, and it never skips a beat.
Disclaimer: I was not compensated in *any* way for this review.
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Review by (hidden by request)
Posted: 3.6 years ago
(review was emailed from domain pioneernet.net)
Kirkland,King,WA
Contract price not specified.
"Prompt and reliable service"
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Isomedia Customer
We recently moved locations and as usual Verizon was a pain, but Isomedia
did a great job. Isomedia's customer service is what I like. When I have a
question or problem, they are always reachable (unlike Verizon) and the
technical staff is knowledgeable and willing to help.
Thank You
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Review by bhernacki
Posted: 3.6 years ago
member for 3.6 years, 0 visits, last login: 3.6 years ago
Redmond,King,WA
$45 per month
"Geat communication, customer service & reliability"
"They needed to use a Verizon line (no other choices here)"
"Static IP address and better bandwidth for a better price"
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I am eager to see if the VOIP phone service offered by Isomedia works well. It is potentailly a "best bet" for small businesses. I have tried 3 VOIP services and was very disappointed. Dealing with a local vender is always the best as far as I'm concerned
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Review by alanho
Posted: 3.6 years ago
member for 7.8 years, 36 visits, last login: 195 days ago
Mukilteo,Snohomish,WA
$49 per month (12 month contract)
about 11 days
Qwest
CLEC party: Qwest
"The best ISP in the business"
"Accounting system"
"Choose this ISP, you won't be dissappointed"
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I was an early CompuServe customer back in 1976…and have worked with one or more ISPs continually since then; 30 years. Over that time I have never had an ISP with better customer service. Isomedia is by far the best ISP that I have ever used. They have integrity, they continually work to improve their services, and their customer service is unparalleled. Isomedia hires capable, friendly and talented staff. People that you would like to have as a friend. You will find many ISPs with more resources, better systems, but you won’t find one that is as helpful or as easy to work with. The only downside I have experienced with Isomedia is their accounting system. Who ever wrote that software should be banished to a career digging ditches as penance. Hopefully they will upgrade to a better system soon. Tammy Vago, Isomedia Corporate Account Manager, is one of my favorite sales persons of all time. You are in for a treat if you get to work with her.
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Review by wlodge2
Posted: 3.6 years ago
member for 3.6 years, 4 visits, last login: 3.6 years ago
Bellevue,King,WA
$30 per month (12 month contract)
about 7 days
Qwest
"Great Customer Service & Connection"
"None So far!"
"Service is by far great, tech support seemless, a great company"
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Before joining the Isomedia DSL group my previous experience had been with dial up service. That service worked well, but I didn't know what I was missing. My experience with the Isomedia service has been outstanding starting with my first telephone inquiry to that company. The entire installation/orientation process was handled extremely well. The hardware and availability of technical assistance have been flawless. I highly recommend this group (Isomedia) to anyone seeking an upgrade in their internet connection service. The Isomedia service and expertise is extended also to those fortunate enough to be operating Mac equipment.
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Review by (hidden by request)
Posted: 3.6 years ago
(review was emailed from domain cnw.com)
Blaine,Whatcom,WA
$44 per month
Verizon
"Fast, Friendly, Reliable!!"
"none so far"
"Great company! Best customer service out of any company I have delt with."
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As a regular client, I went from HORRIBLE Verizon DSL to Isomedia and am
very happy! Not only do I save money but the customer service is
unmatched. Faster connection and prompt attention to any problem is
heads above the rest.
Thank You,
Joe Bailey
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Review by amiller6
Posted: 3.6 years ago
member for 3.6 years, 1 visits, last login: 3.6 years ago
Seattle,King,WA
 Business customer
$125 per month
Qwest
"GREAT Service, great company, great connectivity"
"Are you kidding? No bad points here!"
"Fast, accurate delivery of great broadband connectivity by a great team"
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Isomedia has been providing me and my family members with personal ISP services for years, and also been the service provider at my business for about 10 years. "0" complaints! They've always delivered exactly what they promised, a great company with great products that work year in year out. I can only think of a few times in thousands of days of service that we have had any issues come up - this is one of the ONLY companies we've ever dealt with that treats customers like gold... When we've called in to tech support, we are connected right through to a competent, qualified CSR who researches the problem right on the spot. If it wasn't resolved right then, they have always been great about working on it immediately and getting it resolved in a prompt and complete manner. They've always followed up to make sure everything is working correctly. Hassle free, "0" complaints. We've also changed our service package on several occasions- Again, great experience with very responsive staff. Same day or next day turnaround on service change requests, again, great! Oh... and the broadband connection... reliable, fast, and... bottom line, it works day in, day out- What matters in business. Best in their business!
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Review by zookoo
UPDATED: 3.6 years ago
member for 4.9 years, 1 visits, last login: 3.6 years ago
Bellevue,King,WA
$26 per month (month by month)
about 7 days
Qwest
CLEC party: Qwest
"Excellent value, smooth setup, web mail, friendly staff"
"All pricing options not listed on website; online tools/self-service not as sophisticated as some"
"A superb ISP"
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I've been an Isomedia dial-up customer for years. Thirsting for broadband, I checked out their DSL offers on their website. It was initially too expensive for my budget, so I called and asked if there were any more affordable packages. Yes! was the enthusiastic answer and I had 256/256 service for a very competitive price for dynamic IP. (Echoing earlier posts, the presale support from Tammy was excellent).
The modem package from Qwest was extremely simple to install - no setup problems.
Sales was extremely friendly and helpful, always following up on every issue. Support is good. They handle any telco issues, so even if the problem is on Qwest's end, Isomedia will always be my point-of-contact (a *very* nice benefit). I've had to contact support on several occaisions (password reset, account questions, problems with Qwest) and was very pleased with the service I received. The incident with Qwest involved a few hours on the phone - the Isomedia support engineer was clearly driving the process (and the telco!). Questions sent get prompt responses.
The web mail feature is fairly sophisticated and it is great for access from the office, on the road, etc. The built-in Spam blocker is fairly effective.
Room for improvement: Isomedia could improve their website by adding more technical support information, such as DSL modem and other configuration settings. They do have a small support site and offer essential tools, like password reset, account managements, etc. They're there, they work, just not as flashy or intuitive compared to sites with similar functionality. They do have a listing of past and present network issues, but I notice not all issues are listed. I'm sure they could get a lot more customers by advertising all their broadband offerring price points.
Summary: Isomedia is an ISP I don't need to think about, because the service is always rock solid - my Internet Just Works. With just a few dollars more than dialup, I'm enjoying all the advantages of DSL. Isomedia offers a reliable connection with good support. Really, what more do you need??
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ISOMEDIA
