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 Review by swamie 
Posted: 106 days ago
member for 7.6 years, 178 visits, last login: 106 days ago
 Houston,Harris,TX
 $19 per month (12 month contract)
 about 4 days
 AT&T
 "Speed as advertised, low latency"
 "Modems don't have integrated wireless; contract"
 "Best DSL for the price in my area"
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That's it...
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Review by bahalana
UPDATED: 221 days ago
member for 221 days, 1 visits, last login: 107 days ago
Spring,Harris,TX
$39 per month (12 month contract)
AT&T
"Speed, speed, speed, and customer service"
"None yet"
"If you live in my area, get it!"
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I switched from AT&T/Yahoo DSL (which was nightmare in itself). Once I got Oplink service up, the difference was amazing. I'm paying less (if you don't include the static IP) for almost 5X the speed. I ordered the 3 Mbps Basic DSL package for $29.99, plus a static IP for $10 extra and I'm getting 2.5 Mbps down/420 kbps up actual numbers. These people were also willing to go above and beyond to help me get switched from AT&T. By the time it was over I was on a first-name basis with a couple of them. You can read all the gory details here if you like: »radarjockey.net/?p=7 It's only been two weeks up now, but I am definitely a happy camper. Oplink has to be the best broadband Internet option where I live in Spring, bar none.
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Review by Sahrin
UPDATED: 239 days ago
member for 3.9 years, 50 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Houston,Harris,TX
$19 per month (12 month contract)
about 11 days
AT&T
"Great service (No exagerration, best tech service I've ever had)"
"DSL is distance based."
"Fair prices, allows you to get out from under the Teleco Monopoly - but DSL has technical limitations that you have to face down"
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I dropped Cable in Houston after the Switch to Comcast (It's Sucktastic!). Following this change, I sought out a new ISP. I was done with major corporations, and given that Comcast owns the only major network in town my choices were fairly circumspect.
After a perfunctory search of Broadband Reports and the Web at large (Google, thank you) I turned up a small independent ISP called Oplink. I read their plain website and communicated exactly what I was looking for - people who understand what they are doing, but don't have the orgy of usless 'features' shoved down our throats by corporate America.
I placed an order for their "Basic" (1.5/385) service a day after ordering my landline service from AT&T (I was wire-less until the decision to do DSL) - this is how Oplink recommends you order new service, and then sat back and waited. In response to my e-mail, withing 12 hours, Oplink had replied with a very informative e-mail telling me exactly (to 100 feet) how far I was away from the nearest DSL head-end (13,200 feet), what service I had ordered and how soon I could expect it to "go live."
The modem arrived on schedule, and given my unfamiliarity with DSL modems I am as yet uncertain of the ultimate quality of the hardware, it is a Westell Wirespeed (Model number not clearly listed, perhaps 890?).
Initially, due to the existence of several "bridge taps" on my line, I was unable to get connectivity on my line. This was an egineering problem of AT&T's - and from the moment I detected the problem, Oplink was on the ball - and within 4Hours had an answer to me from AT&T - explaining very clearly what the problem was, and how long it would take to fix it. (It's AT&T's crappy network design, not Oplink - who is 'leasing' the last mile from them). This issue was resolved within five days (despite requiring AT&T personnel to actually go out and repair the lines), and my service was active a day earlier than Oplink promised. I received a phone call the day before the issue was to be repaired informing me that it would be fixed, and service was restored that day (1 day before promised).
Please note that the 11 days quoted in the notes above includes 1) Labor Day weekend holiday, and 2) 5 days to repair the poorly executed lines on AT&T's network.
Following the service activation, I began running speed tests as the connection felt much slower than what I was accustomed to with Cable. (Of course, with a drop from 6Mbps to 1.5Mbps, what would you expect).
Initial results were disappointing. On all servers tested, my results have been in the neighborhood of 300Kbps upstream and 250Kbps down.
I state this with the caveat that given my inexperience with DSL and my past experience with more bandwidth I may be unfairly judging the service provided, however as compared with the stated maximums I am disappointed with performance. My distance from the cable company may be a function of this "failure," an issue I am trying to get clarification from Oplink on as we speak.
So as of right now, my final thoughts are:
+Excellent Customer Service, best from ANY ISP I have dealth with, by far
+Seamless installation process
+Works great with the obstinate and belligerent local phone company to get results for their customers (or at least answers)
+Great communication with customers
-Bandwidth measured doesn't match with bandwidth quoted
Overall, I recommend Oplink, especially if your distance from the Phone Company is very low, if only to support small business and competition (though their killer service helps out quite a bit).
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
After getting in touch with Oplink on the bandwidth issue, they confirmed my suspicions that due to my distance from the DSLAM, I would be unable to receive the quoted bandwidth. They were completely up front about the technical issues, and offered me the opportunity to "opt-out" of my contract (a 12 month deal) as a result of the service issues.
While I am disappointed that I can't get the max speed, still - Oplink handled this situation incredibly professionally, and their understanding and willingness to "level with me" as a customer was refreshing.
I am uncertain if I will be remaining with Oplink, but let me say that their service thus far as demonstrated is a massive vote in their favor. I will definitely be considering continuing service with them, even with the bandwidth reductions. If you are closer to the DSLAM - I would recommend them over any other carrier.
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Review by bgm83
Posted: 271 days ago
member for 271 days, 3 visits, last login: 267 days ago
Tomball,Harris,TX
$30 per month (12 month contract)
about 3 days
AT&T
"Near flawless uptime, good speed, excellent customer service"
"None whatsoever"
"All the performance of the bigger providers, and much better service"
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I had suffered through my 56K connection for long enough. I knew I was within range for DSL, and the special that Oplink was running at the time ($12.95 for the first 6 months, $29.95 after) was enough to convince me to try them. I put in my order through their web site, and within 3 days I had received my setup kit containing a Westell WireSpeed modem, model number B90-211060-04, and all necessary Ethernet cables and line filters. The setup process was quick and very easy.
Speeds have been about as good as I can expect considering my distance from the CO (about 11,000 feet). The plan offers 1.5 Mbps down and 384 Kbps up - I regularly achieve about 85% of this both ways, which is more than enough for me.
There have been a few downtimes for router upgrades and the like, but they have always been during off-peak hours, and I have always been informed of them via e-mail well ahead of time. Aside from these, the service uptime and quality have been just about flawless.
One thing that has definitely endeared Oplink to me is their unbelievably quick customer service. Just about every question I've e-mailed to their support team has been answered within 10 minutes. I am in the process of moving, and my new apartment is within range for their service. As you can probably tell, I really want to keep them as my provider. The support team informed me that there would be no problem whatsoever in continuing my contract at the new place, and even gave me a two-day overlap in service transfer to ensure that I wouldn't be stuck without internet access. As a customer you don't get this sort of service from many companies these days.
Overall this has definitely been my best experience with any ISP in eight years. I highly recommend Oplink to anyone and everyone in the Houston metropolitan area.
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Review by cocozzad
Posted: 309 days ago
member for 1.6 years, 42 visits, last login: 76 days ago
Houston,Harris,TX
 Business customer
$30 per month (12 month contract)
about 5 days
"Speeds near adverstised; low latency; no ppoe"
"none"
"Oplink rocks"
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Oplink is unlike any ISP that I have used. Their DSL products are the best in the market. Speeds are very near what is advertised. More important is the low latency rate with Oplink. And, if you use a dynamic IP no need to worry about PPOE.
No matter what anyone says, PPOE has overhead. It is great for an over provisioned ISP, but sucks for the consumer.
I posted a previous review about Oplink that was negative. However, my problem was never with Oplink; it was with Federal Express because they had great difficulty trying to deliver one small modem just across town from Point A
to Point B. Oplink did their job just fine.
Almost forgot: When you call Oplink for support, an actual decent human being answers the phone and helps you.
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Review by ultra_texan
Posted: 317 days ago
member for 317 days, 0 visits, last login: 317 days ago
Deer Park,Harris,TX
$30 per month (12 month contract)
about 4 days
AT&T
"Reliable DSL, knowlegeable, available tech. support during normal business hrs."
"Tech. support available on on-call basis after hrs. but they do call back quickly!"
"Best DSL provider in Houston area!!"
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Staff is very knowledgeable, professional and courteous. No waiting to speak to someone during normal business hrs....ever! This is a huge plus when compared to the big providers. If there ever is a minor problem, the only delay is waiting on local telco to do their part. If tech. support is needed after hrs., they call you back within 15 mins.
I have Standard Plus dsl svc.: 3.0 Mbps down and 512 Kbps up. My actual speed is 2.55 down and 400 up. Not bad.
The self-install kit is free and delivered to your door within a couple of days. The equipment comes with lifetime warranty, also.
They do not use PPPoE so the service is more usable and reliable and is truly always on. Not true with ISP's who use PPPoE.
I've been an Oplink.net customer for over a year now and I'm very satisfied so if you're in the Houston area, don't fool around with anyone else. They're no deal when you read the fine print. Contact Oplink.net. You won't be disappointed!
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Review by cocozzad
Posted: 318 days ago
member for 1.6 years, 42 visits, last login: 76 days ago
Houston,Harris,TX
$30 per month (12 month contract)
AT&T
"Reliable connection"
"1st DSL install was great: 2nd DSL install is a disaster"
"Something has changed. Customer service use to be great! Now?"
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About 3 or 4 months ago we needed a second dedicated DSL at our radio station. I chose Oplink because of their high user rating. Sure enough, they were fantastic. Fast install, great customer service and total reliability.
Last week we needed to order another DSL, and we once again chose Oplink. Unfortunately our experience this time is the total opposite. Oplink sent a modem via FEDEX Ground. (FEDEX Ground is a whole other story!). They have now had the modem out for delivery on a truck for 5 days. One must assume that they have lost it. I contacted Oplink, and they did call me back promptly after hours. However, I was told that they only use FEDEX; they were not going to send another modem; I could either go to their location to get another one; or I could just buy my own. Somehow it seems to be our fault that FEDEX did not deliver the modem??????
I sent another email to Oplink today, but it was just ignored. Something has changed at Oplink. My first experience was the best; a few months later my experience is the worst.
I had been recommending them like crazy! That went the other way today.
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 Review by shawnyboy
Posted: 351 days ago
member for 7.1 years, 178 visits, last login: 75 days ago
Waller,Harris,TX
Contract price not specified. (12 month contract)
about 5 days
AT&T
"Virtually no downtime when switching from AT&T, VOIP seems more stable, they don't block port 25 outbound."
"Slightly higher price than AT&T, one service outage so far, after-hours support is shaky."
"So far, so good."
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I've had SBC/AT&T DSL ever since it became available to me in December of 2005. Overall, I had no problems with AT&T other than the post-intoductory pricing and the fact that they block port 25 outbound. I host my own mail server, and having to use their SMTP relay as the "last-mile" was a bit frustrating, but I got over it. In the roughly 18 months that I had service, I don't recall ever experiencing an outage, and the speeds were around 2500 Kbps for my 1.5-3.0 MB package. I don't do much (if any) gaming, and I had only recently gotten VOIP, so upload speeds weren't that big of a deal, but I was averaging around 400 Kbps. All in all, I was happy.
The straw that broke the camel's back had to do with AT&T's new decision to require SSL on outbound SMTP traffic. I had been watching Oplink on DSLR and with their new introductory pricing, I decided to switch.
The good:
I signed up online, and within minutes I had received my welcome letter. The really cool thing is that I never lost service with AT&T until the day my Oplink service went live. I work from home, so that saved me a few hour-loing commutes into the office.
I have SunRocket VOIP, and I was constantly rebooting my gizmo to get my phone to start working again. It's been a lot more stable with Oplink. It might be coincedence, but running straight ethernet as opposed to PPPoE probably doesn't hurt things, either.
The bad:
Last week (week of 5/14), I lost service for about 15-20 minutes. I called the support line and got a recording that all customers were affected and that they were working on the issue. Not a big deal, but after almost 18 months without an outage, it was disheartening to have one a few days into my service. According to my buddy, it was the first outage that he's been aware of, so I'll chalk it up to bad luck.
I moved into an apartment last week, and while it took AT&T less than 24 hours to move my phone service, it took 5 days to get DSL up and running (evidently, that's AT&T's rule, not theirs). Service was supposed to have been live by 5/22 at 7:00 PM, but that deadline came and went. I called support at about 8:45 PM. There is no live after-hours support, but the voice mail service is supposed to page someone out. Needless to say, I didn't get a call until the next morning. As soon as I spoke with someone, the problem was resolved quickly. I was just bummed that it took until the next day to speak with someone.
All in all, I'm happy with Oplink. The service is a bit more flexible for what I do, and I like going with the smaller, local provider. As long as outages are near zero, I'll stick around.
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Review by lumpster
Posted: 1 year ago
member for 1 year, 5 visits, last login: 115 days ago
Spring,Harris,TX
$30 per month (12 month contract)
about 4 days
Southwestern Bell
"They helped me switch from SBC in less than 4 days!"
"None so far"
"So far so good, hope they live up to the hype"
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I used RoadRunner for years. I finally got fed up with the down time and Tech Support run-around so I switched to SBC DSL a year ago. I never had any issues with SBC (now ATT) until a week ago. My DSL line went down (flashing red DSL light on the modem). I tried to tell the tech over the phone that I thought it was my modem but the tech didn't believe me and continued reading the little script. After being patient for about 10 minutes, the tech finally finished and said, "ok, it looks like someone will have to call you back in the morning" (it was after 5pm, I guess no "real" techs work after 5pm at ATT). I waited until morning, but no one called (they said they would call between 8am and 10am). I couldn't wait any longer (I work from home 80% of the time) so I followed my gut and strolled down to BestBuy to get a new DSL modem. Got home, plugged the new modem in, and WHAM.... DSL was working (I knew it was the modem). ATT finally called the next day (only 36 hours late). First thing they say is, "it looks like your DSL service is now functioning, is there anything else we can assist you with?" I felt bad for the tech that called cause I was pissed. "Of course you can help me, you can send me a new modem since I had to go buy one yesterday to get my DSL service up and running NO THANKS TO ATT!" The tech said, "I am sorry to hear that... let me check your account... I'm sorry sir but ATT only offers a 12 month warranty on our modems and you are outside the 12 months." What? It turns out I was exactly 12 days over the 12 month warranty period. I asked if there were any other options and the tech said they would transfer me to the sales dept. After waiting on hold for about 20 minutes, a sales rep got on the line. They said my only option would be to sign a new 1 year deal at $25/month and get a new modem for $49 with a $49 rebate. Man I hate rebates. I said no thanks.
I had looked into Oplink.net a year ago when I switched to DSL but they couldn't beat the $17.99/month price that SBC (now ATT) was offering for 3Mb/512kb. I should have called Oplink.net a year ago and asked if they would work with me on price. Oh well, all I can say is I'm glad I remembered the name. Oplink.net was the first website I went to after I got off the phone with ATT. I signed up, got my modem the next day, and I was switched to Oplink.net in 4 days. Wow, now that's service. Now I can return this ATT DSL modem to BestBuy and get my money back.
So far speeds are the same as with ATT (I get about 2500 down and 420 up). I was hoping the NO PPPoE hype would get me a little better download/upload speed but I'm sure most of that has to do with how far away I am from the CO and/or RT. Bottom line, glad I made the switch, and with Oplink.net's lifetime warranty on their DSL modems, I'll never have to deal with buying a new modem again! Keep up the good work Oplink.net.
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Review by carboncrtor
Posted: 1.1 years ago
member for 1.1 years, 0 visits, last login: 1.1 years ago
Houston,Harris,TX
$39 per month (12 month contract)
about 3 days
Southwestern Bell
"The sales and support guys are really good."
"Nothing I can think of at this time..."
"Oplink is one of the better ISP's I've ever used."
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I called up to this place that I had found on google.com called Oplink to get some more information about what D.S.L. is and how it works, etc.. The guys up there, namely Ryan and Kevin, really know their stuff. Every question I had was quickly answered in a fashion that I could understand. Not a bunch of technological-jargon. I went with the $39.99 /mo 3.0 MBPS deal. The install process was virtually seamless. I had to wait til the end of the day on my due date, which was somewhat nerve racking because I was so ready to get online, but none the less I was online when they said I would be. Also a big plus is Oplink doesn't use PPPoE like AT&T. I always hated that login process.
Overall, Oplink is the best I.S.P. I've had to date. Whoever it was I talked to when I originally called was such a smooth operator and love that he put the D.S.L. network in words I could understand. I will be a customer with Oplink til the end of time. Thanks guys.
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Oplink is Number One !
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