Review by ethaves - Location: Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Cost Contract price not specified.
- Ameritech
- CLEC party: Covad
Provided timely responses to our questions Prices not competitive, no service level agreements, no incentives for signing long-term contract Covad Business Solutions (formerly BlueStar.net) does not deserve your business.
| Pre Sales information: Value for money:
| member for 23.9 years, 176 visits, last login: 22.3 years ago updated 22.6 years ago
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former employee
Anon
2001-Feb-23 10:54 pm
Covad a sinking shipAfter reading a long message about Covad/BlueStar and its business model,I would like to comment on Covad from a former employee's point of view.
My humble opinion is that Covad had a bigger appetite than stomach. Their business model was horrible. I spent half of my time talking to customers as to why their connections were so horrible. Thats poor business.
On a lighter note, what a great severence package!!!
Thanks Covad for the confidence in hiring me, the desperation move to close down my office and kick me to the curb, and a 12k severence package! | |
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Review by tnewell - Location: Columbus, Muscogee, GA, USA
- Business customer
- Cost: $129 per month (24 month contract)
- Install: about 45 days
- BellSouth
- CLEC party: Covad
none Install nightmare Just droped service for my area, looking for another provider
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Original service was with BlueStar.net that was purchased by Covad in January 2001. I signed on in January 2001 with BlueStar then was notified of change to Covad Business Services. On June 1 they changed the circuit to a Covad circuit and replaced my router. Then on 6/29/01I got a letter indicating that they were no longer going to provide me service and I found out that the Columbus GA area was not going to be picked up under the Covad safety net. So, I am stuck with another install fee (fo another provider) but thank goodness I can use the new router that they installed two weeks before dropping service. My understanding is that BlueStar is no more as they terminated everyone last week and all Bluestar or Covad Business Services customers are out of luck. My advise is stay away from them. member for 23.1 years, 2679 visits, last login: 8.9 years ago lodged 22.8 years ago
STE7 join:2000-09-15 Sterrett, AL
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STE7
Member
2001-Jul-2 12:50 pm
COME ON NEGATIVE FEEDBACK :(I'm sure that this will receive some negative feedback but here goes. I am also a Bluestar.net customer although Covad is going to offer service for me for $90.00 more a month than I was paying for my Bluestar.net service. So I went searching and the only nationwide business SDSL service provider that could give me my old price was DSL.NET. They've had some bad press and they are closing about 250 COs but that's only effecting 5% of their customers. So far the service is great so give DSL.NET a call. [text was edited by author 2001-07-02 12:59:13] | |
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Alifred
Anon
2001-Jul-2 5:27 pm
Re: COME ON NEGATIVE FEEDBACK :(I would like to know somethings about DSL.net corporation. 1. How did the installation go. 2. How long did it take you to get service from the day you signed the contract. 3. how is there custemer sevice when you have a problem. 4. do you have your DSL on you Wan or Lan
My email is alif@manteeglens.com | |
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Bluestar (Covad) didn't even give us a noticeWe had a 24 month contract with Bluestar signed in April 2000 for $161/month. Covad began billing in January 2001, but everything still went through Bluestar. Then two weeks ago, I couldn't log onto the FTP site to change our web site. Then our email went down. I called Bluestar and found out that they had shut down. I didn't receive a notice in my bill, a letter or even an email from Covad. I was instructed to call Covad and set up service with them. When I got through, they wanted to charge me for new equipment and charge the same fee for 1/2 the speed connection that I had with Bluestar. They came the real killer--We would be down for 3-4 weeks before they could install the new equipment. This business couldn't survive that long without our web site, email and internet access. I signed up with Bluegrass.Net and within 10 days, we had our web hosting, email and connection working with them. Also, we get a line 5 times faster for 1/2 what we were paying at Bluestar. Covad will sink soon! | |
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Review by JAAulde - Location: Antioch, Davidson, TN, USA
- Cost Contract price not specified.
It's been a great ride It's over Bluestar is no more
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It's been fun, but now it's time to say goodbye. Good luck to everyone in the job search! member for 22.9 years, 8532 visits, last login: 36 days ago lodged 22.8 years ago
Review by darrelc - Location: Indianapolis, Marion, IN, USA
- Business customer
- Cost: $199 per month (12 month contract)
- Install: about 14 days
- Ameritech
- CLEC party: Covad
quick install, excellent technical support, no down time! none yet Excellent experience so far
| Pre Sales information: Install Co-ordination: Connection reliability: Tech Support: Services: Value for money:
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I needed a quick connection due to my previous provider going belly-up. BlueStar (now Covad Business Solutions) came through. Pre-install information was excellent, and when I called to place the order, my account exec as at my office within 45 minutes so I could sign the contract. The install went very smoothly, even to the point that when Covad tech showed up to finish the install on a Friday, I missed him because they gave me a window of 1-5 pm and he showed at 11:30 am. Although they quoted 30-45 days on the install, we were live in 14 days from signing the contract. On tech support, I have had 4 occasions to call them regarding our domain transfer and email. Each time, I purposely called over the lunch hour or early afternoon. Every call was answered within 2 minutes, and the techs I spoke to were knowledgable and friendly. The one call that needed to be escelated was done quickly and without me needing to ask. Speed has been consistent and reliable (always 320K+, paying for 384K) without any speed tweaks. Overall, this has been an excellent experience so far! member for 22.9 years, 350 visits, last login: 21.7 years ago lodged 22.8 years ago
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Posted doubleSorry, somehow my old review was gone, today I submitted a new one, now it's posted twice? LOL.
Can anyone delete one of them?
Thanks | |
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Review by Chuckster6 - Location: Brentwood, Williamson, TN, USA
- Business customer
- Cost: $630 per month (36 month contract)
- Install: about 45 days
- BellSouth
- CLEC party:
Good Sales Process, Reasonable Install, Reasonable Performance Horrible Billing & Customer Service Pay another $300 to get a T1 with a stable carrier!
| Pre Sales information: Install Co-ordination: Connection reliability: Tech Support: Services: Value for money:
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Got a disconnect notice for two of our circuits on 5/21 threatening shutoff on 5/30 for nonpayment. Turns out that our accounting group had not seen an invoice in 5 months! What are the chances of us losing 10 separate invoices over a 5 month period?!? No phone calls, no past due invoices... Just a disconnect notice with 9 days lead over a holiday weekend! Now what kind of company with its act together will let AR age 150+ without a single followup somewhere in there? It took 2 days of calling and emailing their billing dept before I could get a human being. And that gentleman was "gracious" enough to extend our disconnect window for 4 whole days!! We're more than happy to pay for service if we can get our hands on an invoice every once in a while. And judging from how busy the collections dept appears to be, I don't think we're the only one that this has happened to. Anybody else in the same boat? member for 22.9 years, 9 visits, last login: 22.5 years ago lodged 22.9 years ago
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jonesie
Anon
2001-Jun-25 7:19 pm
Dont need to pay now, bluestar.net is gone | |
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Review by IAMWANMAN - Location: Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
- Business customer
- Cost: $169 per month (24 month contract)
- Install: about 60 days
- BellSouth
- CLEC party:
Great,neat brochures Sales guy sucks Don't trust the sales guy!!
| Pre Sales information: Install Co-ordination: Connection reliability: Tech Support: Services: Value for money:
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Flashy sales guy comes in. Promises me the world. After that.. I haven't seen or heard from him. I call, call and call and no return calls from him. I was told that CBS would be a better org. to work with, but that is a total joke. Line was dropped by bell, some guy came out to "hook" me up. After that, I connected, got it working for one day and have been down since. This was about 2 months ago. I am being billed. I called the sales guy, no reply. I call my Field Acct. Consultant, no reply. I call the General Manager/Sales Manager, no reply. I call some guy that is a state manager, no reply. Bottom line- I am not paying bills. I am looking at other SDSL providers in the Greenville, SC market. Good luck to any of you who fell into this evil trap! member for 23 years, 3 visits, last login: 23 years ago lodged 23 years ago
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fixitWould love to talk to you about this problem. I am the SM in Greenville and haven't received any messages reguarding an account like this. Please contact me at 672-3766 reguarding this issue to see if we can come to some resolution. | |
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Anon
2001-Apr-11 11:45 pm
try calling tech supportIf you have an outage with bluestar you should call they're tech support. Not to diss sales guys but their job isn't to support the end user when there is an outage. Hopefully you can call the support. I have had great support from them. [text was edited by moderator] | |
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BlueStar BankruptBluestar went bankrupt. They said they were going to pull the plug on March 1, 2001, but a court injunction kept them live (See what happens when the court system is a customer). | |
| | JAAuldeWeb Developer MVM join:2001-05-09 Frederick, MD ARRIS SB6141 Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite Ubiquiti UniFi AP
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Re: BlueStar BankruptBluestar did not go bankrupt and their was no such "court order". Bluestar is still existent under the name Covad Business Solutions, » www.covadbiz.com . The "pulling of the plug in March" has to do with several un-profitable markets being shut down because the company was losing money on them. Some of the market closures were delayed to work through the leagl issues of specific contracts. | |
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(topic move) Bluestar No More!System message: moderator action (wheelert) -------------------------------- This entire topic was moved to the forum Post Jail probably because that forum is more suitable for it. click here to follow it. | |
| wheelert$93 |
(topic move) Nuvox is the Answer!!!!!!!!System message: moderator action (wheelert) -------------------------------- This entire topic was moved to the forum Post Jail probably because that forum is more suitable for it. click here to follow it. | |
| wheelert$93 |
(topic move) Network Telephone!System message: moderator action (wheelert) -------------------------------- This entire topic was moved to the forum Post Jail probably because that forum is more suitable for it. click here to follow it. | |
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Review by alexsch - Location: Austin, Travis, TX, USA
- Cost Contract price not specified.
They know how to sell They are pulling out all their DSL services Bluestar DSL Customers need a new provider
| Pre Sales information: Install Co-ordination: Connection reliability: Tech Support: Services: Value for money:
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Bluestar.net is out of business and there are no DSL providers in the south. Anyone know of a good Business DSL Solution provider in the Southern states? member for 23.2 years, 9 visits, last login: 13.8 years ago lodged 23.2 years ago
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ScottJackson
Anon
2001-Jan-17 9:20 pm
Covad / BluestarCovad has a program called the safety net program with which they re-establish service to customers who have had sporadic or loss of service from isp's owned by Covad. Since I am also a Bluestar customer I am getting in touch with them. From what I have read about the service they will re-establish or pick up the customers the isp's can not maintain and provide service directly. | |
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whatsup
Anon
2001-Jan-18 10:32 am
Not out of BuisnessBluestar is not out of business but will resume under the name Covad Business Solutions direct sales. | |
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Anon
2001-Jan-19 10:46 am
Did BlueStar ever get you installedDid they discontinue service in your area prior to your installation? | |
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Bluestar still going strong!I have read most of the posting regarding Bluestar.net and I would like to try to clarify a few issues, not make excuses.
To begin, Bluestar.net is NOT closing its doors. In fact they have merged with Covad Communications to become Covad Business Solutions begining 2/1/01. Although some CO's had to be closed due to the lack of profitabilty we still have numerous CO's going strong and I forsee addtional CO's being added in the future.
I have been involved in the telecom industry for over 5 years and although it is unfortunate, installation problems due happen. I wish it were a perfect telcom world. All companies have had clients that have suffered horror stories and that is unfortunate. You must understand that most CLEC's are still reliant on the the incumbant bell regional office to provide the line to clients and that can cause delays or even cancellations. Also poorly trained or unethical sales people can also create a nightmare for your business. In addition communication is a 2 way street. I have encountered numerous times that installations have been delayed or circuits cancelled due to the customers mis-information or lack of availabailty.
I just want to state that I consider all of my clients not customers but friends and I attempt everything in my power to make them successful. My impression of Bluestar.net so far is that they share this belief.
If I can assist anyone or they wish to chat more with me please email me doug.turasky@bluestar.net.
Doug Turasky Account Executive Bluestar.net | |
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court
Anon
2001-Jan-30 1:12 pm
Re: Bluestar still going strong!What about the CO's in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Tampa, etc? Those CO's have been closed; Bluestar has sent letters to those customers, and Bluestar has discontinued service to all those clients. | |
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IT Man
Anon
2001-Jan-31 9:49 am
Re: Bluestar still going strong!As a South Carolina user I have to say that: 1. I have no knowledge of the CO closing here. In fact our service was installed just prior to Christmas. 2.So far I am happy with the service.
IT Man | |
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Court,
Re-read my comments. I stated that SOME CO's and sales offices were closing but that the company as a whole is very solid. These particular CO's were not profitable but, we will continue our focus on providing quality, customer service oriented solutions for our customers in the numerous other CO's supported.
Thank you, Doug Turasky Account Executive Covad Business Solutions doug.turasky@bluestar.net | |
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to Anon
Anon
2001-Feb-1 11:28 am
to Anon
I would just like to say thanks to Doug Turasky for responding to an inquiry regarding our service with Bluestar. I don't know how many other ISP's have been calling my office the last few months telling me that Bluestar was shutting off service in Memphis, and that we better "get out" while there is still time. For awhile there I was a little nervous as to what was going to happen. I have talked to several people with Bluestar since, and they have all reassured me that just because the sales office in Memphis was closing our service would continue without interuption. We are going into our 2nd year with Bluestar and I have to be honest when I say that we have been please with the overall service we are getting from them. A satisfied Customer! David Miller | |
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douglas brown to Anon
Anon
2001-Feb-8 2:59 am
to Anon
Hello I called BLUE STAR last Nov to get dsl service I was told that I could not get DSL in my part of town (COLUMBUS GA) but they said that i could get a T-1 line put in (FT-1 @ 256kbs for about $250.00 a mo. plus about $1500.00 for the router and install charges) okay no prob. after thinking about it this would be a better path for me. I was told it would take about 2 days for the eng. to call me to get some info from me ( he call me two weeks later after i called asking for him). after i talked to him i was told it would take about 45 days from that day to get the FT-1 line in place ( so the first two weeks were wasted ). after 30 days i called the blue office in col. and asked what was going on and i was told that they would call me back in a few min. ( i think i talked to rebeca im not sure) well she never called me back so i called her. she said that there was a problem and that she could not get service to me ( after about 60 days after i signed the contract i was told i colud not get the FT-1 ). that is BULL S**T my home is new is wired with cat-5 and bell south was very happy to put one in for about 3 time the amount Black Star was CONTRACTED to sell it for (bellsouths FT-1 is about $700.00 mo)thanks for the small bule star foot ball and the CONTRACT THAT YOU DID NOT LIVE UP TO. thanks douglas brown brown577@bellsouth.net | |
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ghan @dialup.mindspring.co |
ghan
Anon
2001-Feb-2 11:19 pm
Connected in MiamiWe had a good install experience after delays getting the line installed. Calls to Bluestar account execs were returned that afternoon. Tech support was great and opened our router to pcanywhere.
Just short experience on operation. Will check back later.
BTW this is after the 2/1 covad changeover | |
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Louisville KY
Anon
2001-Feb-6 1:17 pm
Bad Installation but Solid ServiceOur company signed up for DSL service w/ Bluestar but were out of range of the CO for everything but their "NEW" IDSL service that tops out at 128K (sounds like ISDN to me). After almost 5 months and multiple vists by installation guys from both BlueStar & Bellsouth I halted the installation b/c it was getting nowhere. Their customer liason (Francene Hignight) was really bad at keeping me informed of what was going on. Every time I called it was like everyone had forgotten I still wasn't installed and they needed to look into it.
I then ordered a fractional T1 through BlueStar. After several foul ups and almost 3 months they finally got me up and running. Service and speed has been exactly as advertised. Have been pleased w/ email support. Service runs well and I have had no down time to date.
All in all, BlueStar's installation is really bad, but the product seems to be good at a good price.
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| JAAuldeWeb Developer MVM join:2001-05-09 Frederick, MD ARRIS SB6141 Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite Ubiquiti UniFi AP
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Speak not of what you know not...Do you check your sources before you post? Bluestar is NOT out of business. It is alive under the name Covad Business Solutions, » www.covadbiz.com . They did, however, pull out of certain markets becasue of the lack of profitability in them. If you happen to be in one of those markets, it is likely there aren't any DSL providers there at all because of the profitability issue. | |
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Must Have Been A Vision...BlueStar is definitely out of business now. Just read the notice at www.bluestar.net.... Covad conveniently started calling their "business solutions" division BlueStar again at the start of June and then pulled the plug on BlueStar.
Guess they didn't want people to think they were leaving Covad customers out in the rain...
Too late... BlueStar became Covad and then Covad screwed over 90 markets they didn't feel would be worth dealing with! | |
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Review by larrymiller - Location: Memphis, Shelby, TN, USA
- Business customer
- Cost: $600 per month (36 month contract)
Don't know! Never receievd T1 service that was ordered Closed Business! M I A ! D O A ! Who will service their existing customers?
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BlueStar is no more! Not in Memphis anyway! Received notice today that they are closing the Memphis office. Other closures? Who will take over their accounts? member for 23.4 years, 526 visits, last login: 12.5 years ago lodged 23.2 years ago
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Anon
2001-Mar-22 11:24 pm
I've got that SDSL t-1 circuit you are looking forLarry, I've seen this situation daily the provider was not prepared for distance from c.o. problems I can help. This is a golden opportunity as we can deliver when no one else can. please call 901.949.8709 901.767.3638 brian capo | |
| | JAAuldeWeb Developer MVM join:2001-05-09 Frederick, MD |
Re: I've got that SDSL t-1 circuit you are looking forSDSL t-1 !!?? Interesting--you do know they are both very different layer one (OSI) products...right? | |
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Re: I've got that SDSL t-1 circuit you are looking forWhen I stated T-1 it was in reference to bandwidth. In a situation where distance,DLC or slick is an issue we roll service out over T-1 Infrastructure.we also provide the customer with a router that has a built in CSU/DSU. I will be in nashvill this fri. training new recruits does your business have a need for broadband? I will gladly meet with you. | |
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Bottom FeederHow low can you get! Searching for Sales leads on DSL Reports. Yeah, you can help until your company looses it's funding. | |
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Anon
2001-May-11 11:19 pm
Re: Bottom FeederYour attitude stinks,unlike you perhaps that is why I am consistantly a top rep.It is people and companies like you who let customers dwindle. Perhaps this man's business happens to rely on connectivity.Ever thought of that? It also sounds as if your perseption of Integrity is skewed. | |
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GO GET HIM CAPO!!!YOU DA' MAN...WE ROCK! | |
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Review by erroneous - Location: Minneapolis, Hennepin, MN, USA
- Business customer
- Cost: $194 per month
- Install: about 30 days
- Qwest
- CLEC party: Covad
They provided what they said they would Lack of communication for installation date So far...so good
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After fighting with QWest and our problems with them (poor connection, constant drops) we made the decision to go with Bluestar/Covad. Wondering if we were going to trade one set of headaches for another, there was some apprehension about the switch. We had three meetings with Bluestar before we decided to make the change. At the time our DSL with QWest was completely down, they said we needed a new router and it would take 7 - 10 days to get it. After 2-1/2 months of dealing with this ongoing problem with QWest we decided to go for the change. The Bluestar/Covad sales reps were very helpful and willing to work with us in our situation. Their normal time from order to on is 45 days, they had us up in 30 days. The only gripe I had is the lack of communication by Bluestar about the day they were comming to our office to set everything up. With a phone call to customer service (no time on hold either) we were up and surfing in 10 minutes, a couple of transfers to other departments gave me the information to access our webspace. They took care of our domain hosting and email accounts. The whole thing went very smoothly. I sure hope this is a good sign of what is to come. member for 23.4 years, 11 visits, last login: 22.6 years ago lodged 23.3 years ago
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