Mark_in_CO
@Level3.com
| reply to BillRadio
Re: Qwest laying fiber?
Bill,
I haven't had a Qwest line for 3 years, I only use my mobile for dial tone, so I don't really care if they take the copper.
Turbocpe,
FTTN (Fiber to the node) is faster because it runs fiber to the local wiring access node then on your regular copper to your house. I believe a DSLAM is installed at the wiring node and back ends ATM over fiber - I am sure there is someone here that can provide all the details. The wiring node is usually 100-3000 ft away rather than 15,000 ft to my central office. Hence 7M is easy and 20M is possible but not currently being offered by Qwest in my area. I am sure they will change their mind as Comcast step up their speed.
Meanwhile ...
Qwest install went well, but not the sales pitch speed 7M/2M, instead I got 7M/896k. Still pretty good, and it runs A LOT faster than 8M/384k Comcast cable, plus less CPU overhead (kinda weird that one - I can only guess I was being port scanned on Comcast). Bit Torrent runs 2-5x faster than on Comcast, and my remote desktop over Citrix telecommute doesn't get bogged down if I BT in the background. It is naked (no dial tone) DSL for $46 minus $5 since I have bundled it with DirectTV.
I am on Month-to-month which is no contract and price is fixed for 12 months, then increases by $10. I am hoping that in a year there will be other options to upgrade to, i.e. WiMax, or another DSL FTTN ISP, worst case is I would switch back to Comcast for their $19.99/month intro offer.
Odd thing is that Qwest.Net does not offer any e-mail or NNTP, so bear that in mind. You can also choose Microsoft as the ISP over your Qwest fiber - the price is the same.
Still no news on Qwest Choice TV, I am now hearing it could be 2 to 12 months away, so I went with DirectTV. DirectTV is $60/month for 1 PVR + 2 regular receivers and 200 or so channels, with movie channels free for 3 months. |
