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SMCinAZ
Premium
join:2000-11-29
Glendale, AZ
clubs: | Try DSL Extreme They did right by me, ultra low pings, cheap monthly price for 128 or 256 up. They do well in the Bay Area and LA. | |
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dru
join:2000-09-14
Corona, CA
| The problem is CLEC Carrier, not Backbone The problem here is Focal Communications filed Chapter 11 with a pre-negotiated bankruptcy which calls for shutdown of DSL in most areas, and they provided their "partners" little warning (less than 30 days). I believe this CLEC has been providing your ISP with the DSL loop and this is why a new modem, wiring, etc is required.
I can't really speak for Apex but I'd bet any amount of money the last thing they wanted was a situation like this.
Actual IP Backbone providers (Level3, Genuity, Worldcom, etc) are easy to replace and actually, no self-respecting ISP would be single-homed these days anyway. However, CLECS who provide the actual layer-2 connection via loops actually wire their network to the lines to your home or location. When these carriers fail, then you have down time because physical rewiring to another DSLAM is required along with a ton of "lineshare" paperwork.
Most of the previous providers you likely had also had dependencies on CLECS. For example, Northpoint, Rhythms, Jato, etc have all shut down their networks after the bubble burst, and Covad went through tough times and a filing but emerged stronger. The Rhythms network was reborn as Worldcom (used by Cyberonic for example) but nobody knows what will ultimately happen in their case. Unfortunately, in Focal's case, they are retreating their business to focus on core voice offerings.
There is another option, however, and that is to select an ISP who uses ILEC lines (Verizon, SBC) to provide their service. There is really no reason you need to use the telco's own ISP for your internet services, and all you have to do is compare the reviews here between SBC and the better independents to see that independents can do it better. Not only service/support, but many independents supply a static IP at no charge, may allow small servers, and don't have the privacy issues (read the SBC terms of service to see what I mean)
Both DSLExtreme and SONIC provide service in the Bay Area with good reviews. You might also find out who Apex will be using for their service if you stay.
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I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe. | |
| jason_sf
Premium
join:2001-09-18
San Francisco, CA
|  Questionable Service
On Jan. 11th I found out that my account had been turned off. The tech explained that they needed to switch me to another carrier because they were no longer using focal. No explanation as to why they were not using focal. They claimed to have called me earlier in the week and said that my number was disconnected. They assumed since my number was disconnected that I no longer wanted dsl service and proceeded to shutoff my account. The tech turned on my account and offered to place an order to switch to their new service, which would not be available until after January 31st. He said that it would be similar service but could not give details or pricing. I declined to place the order. I am currently looking into other options. Jason | |
| | Gara
join:2002-10-23
Santa Rosa, CA
| Re: Questionable Service I didn't even get a call when they told me it was shutting down. Just a letter... the new service is going to be 1500/384 and its 69.99 a month. I couldn't believe they wanted to charge me that much for 384 service when I was paying that for the 512. I was told I had to decide by the 15th and I called today to close the account. I already placed an order with cybertronic dsl for 59.99 a month for 1500/768 and 5 ips. They have already setup my line and I am waiting for the modem. Thankfully they just setup the dsl on the lineshare while apex continues to use the loop line or whatever it is. However apex says it takes 21 days to close down my account and I am stuck paying for those 21 days! oooh well goodbye apex I only knew you for 2 months but it was long enough. At least I am out of the two year contract! | |
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| Forums » comments on review of Apex Telecom Inc. |
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