jcricket
join:2002-08-30
Seattle, WA
|  Qwest vs. Speakeasy
I'm thinking of switching from Speakeasy Classic ADSL (1.5/256 - $49.99/month) to Qwest Choice DSL Deluxe with MSN (1.5/896 - $39.99/month). I currently use Qwest as my local telco, so I qualify for the $5 phone package discount. If I do the math right, after the discounts/rebates (even including the cost of the modem), I'll save about $10/month for the same speed.
I was hoping that other Qwest/MSN users could answer a couple of technical questions and give me their opinions of the Qwest/MSN service.
1) Do I have to load the MSN Premium software? I'll be connecting both a Mac and PC (through an ethernet switch to the DSL router/modem) and I don't need any of the MSN® Premium features, so I'm hoping I don't have to load that software. Ideally I'd just be using my regular web browser and other applications.
2) I have a domain hosted on another provider, so I get my POP/SMTP through them. Does Qwest/MSN block POP or SMTP ports?
3) How is the uptime/service level? I've had almost 0 downtime over the past year with Speakeasy. I used Qwest in the past, but Speakeasy had a cheaper high speed package, which is why I switched.
4) For simplicity's sake I have ignored the extra "fees" and "taxes" that I'm sure Qwest tacks on to the $39.99. My actual monthly costs with Speakeasy are $56.60. What are your actual monthly DSL costs with Qwest?
Thanks,
-j |
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Suffering
Retrovertigo
Premium,VIP
join:2004-03-06
127.0.0.1
clubs:
| said by jcricket  :1) Do I have to load the MSN Premium software? I'll be connecting both a Mac and PC (through an ethernet switch to the DSL router/modem) and I don't need any of the MSN® Premium features, so I'm hoping I don't have to load that software. Ideally I'd just be using my regular web browser and other applications.
nope, you don't have to.
said by jcricket :2) I have a domain hosted on another provider, so I get my POP/SMTP through them. Does Qwest/MSN block POP or SMTP ports?
Nope. They don't.
said by jcricket :3) How is the uptime/service level? I've had almost 0 downtime over the past year with Speakeasy. I used Qwest in the past, but Speakeasy had a cheaper high speed package, which is why I switched.
Should be pretty much the same. Qwest.net usually doesn't have issues, and if there was a dslam issue that would effect you if you were with qwest/msn or speakeasy.
said by jcricket :4) For simplicity's sake I have ignored the extra "fees" and "taxes" that I'm sure Qwest tacks on to the $39.99. My actual monthly costs with Speakeasy are $56.60. What are your actual monthly DSL costs with Qwest?
There would be the same taxes with qwest as there would be with speakeasy.
You said that you have someone hosting a domain... if you use them for email it would be about another $10-15 cheaper if you went with qwest.net broadband basic.
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Positive Affirmation Of Creative Destruction |
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jcricket
join:2002-08-30
Seattle, WA
| said by Suffering :You said that you have someone hosting a domain... if you use them for email it would be about another $10-15 cheaper if you went with qwest.net broadband basic.
Yes, I get my mail through my domain hosting provider, so I don't need email. Don't need web space, email, MSN features, etc. All I need is DSL access at 1.5/896. I looked at the Qwest web site, but didn't see a way to order just qwest.net broadband basic for home/residential use.
Any hints?
- j |
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MaxEntropy
join:2004-04-18
Missoula, MT
| Everyone that has Qwest.net Basic either picks business if ordering online or calls them up and sets it up that way. If you choose business and aren't using the connection for business it doesn't matter, no harm done. That's what I did and it is considered residential even though I picked business, ie when I call up support. |
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