Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (really)( old news - 03:43PM Tuesday Dec 26 2000) tags: business · trouble As reported here last week, and then withdrawn.. MegaPath/Phoenix has decided Telocity will take over the residential lines. TELOCITY TAKES OVER RESIDENTIAL LINES FROM MEGAPATH Residential Users Continue to Receive High-Speed Internet Service CUPERTINO, Calif. and PLEASANTON, Calif. (December 26, 2000) - MegaPath Networks Inc. today announced that Telocity (NASDAQ NM: TLCT) has agreed to serve as the DSL Broadband Service Provider for the residential lines MegaPath acquired when MegaPath purchased the assets of Phoenix Networks in October 2000. Today's announcement comes within two weeks of an exclusive joint referral marketing agreement in which each company actively refers customers who could best served by the other. Because MegaPath specializes in serving the business DSL customer, we have been looking for the ideal residential DSL provider that can best serve these residential accounts," said Harry Taxin, president and CEO of MegaPath. "Based on Telocity's reputation for high-quality service in the consumer space and our recent first-hand dealings with the company, we're confident that these residential customers will be in good hands with Telocity." The companies plan to make the transition as seamless as possible, ensuring continuity of service and support for all customers. "We are pleased to take on these residential DSL customers and will work to make the transition to Telocity an easy and seamless one," said Dave Finley, Telocity's chief operating officer. "Because Telocity is focused solely on providing the best broadband services to the home, we will ensure these residential customers receive unparalleled customer care and service." The Internet Service Provider (ISP) transition will take place in two stages. First, back office changes by MegaPath and Telocity are expected to be completed December 30, 2000, when these residential subscribers will become official Telocity customers. Within a few weeks, as part of the second stage of transition, residential customers will receive Telocity's residential services benefits, including five free email accounts and 24 hour/seven-day-a week customer support to replace the service formerly provided by Phoenix Networks. Customers will also receive the self-installable Telocity VelocityPort(TM) gateway to replace their PhoenixDSL modem. The proprietary Telocity gateway enables value-added services for Telocity's subscribers, including home networking capabilities and firewall security features. The Telocity gateway has also been designed to enable home automation, remote control of residential electronics, video-on-demand and voice-enabled services. Telocity and MegaPath have sent information about the transition to residential customers and have posted details online at telocity.com/phoenixdsl.
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 |  | Anon
| Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) Wanted to clarify that transition information was sent via regular mail, not e-mail, and should begin showing up in customers' mailboxes today and tomorrow.
Separately, we're working on all 3 sites, and content should be up shortly. | |
| | | 
Wolf7
join:2000-11-20
Griffin, GA
clubs:
| Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) [QUOTE=PhoenixDSL PR Wanted to clarify that transition information was sent via regular mail, not e-mail, and should begin showing up in customers' mailboxes today and tomorrow.
Separately, we're working on all 3 sites, and content should be up shortly.]
What will happen to the many IDSL customers? My understanding is that Telocity does not do IDSL.
Regards
Wolf | |
| | | | djmegahertz
join:2000-05-08
Deerfield Beach, FL
|  Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real)
I have my local phone service with the cable company, and choose not to use their cable modem service.
Will Teleocity continue to serve dedicated DSL lines?
For those that do not understand what I mean, dedicated means that the service come on its own line.
Telocity brings it on the same line you talk on from the phone company.
Or, how about this senario, my neighbor has a roommate, and he has Pheonix (again comes on a dedicated line) and my neighbor also has telocity on his phone line. They can't put both on one line, so what's next? | |
| | | | | stanzen
join:2000-06-29
|  Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real)
IMHO, Telocity will either absorb this monthly cost (I doubt it), or they will pass it on to us. Telocity might also maintain these lines for a little while and then "transition" eveyone to a shared voice line. Shared lines are not the greatest thing. I have friends who recently dropped their Earthlink/PacBell shared DSL line because of the reduced quality of their telephone audio. | |
| | | | pete6414
join:2000-05-24
Tualatin, OR
| From http://www.telocity.com/phoenixdsl/faq.asp:
"A. If you are receiving IDSL service, you will keep your current modem. However, you will receive detailed information on switching your email and domain names. "
So I guess we IDSLers are covered (but no "Velocity Gateway" thingie, boohoo)
"Effective December 30, 2000 you will be relieved of any contractual obligations with PhoenixDSL. Telocity offers their service on a month-to-month basis. No contract will be required...Your monthly service charge will be consistent with the pricing for other Telocity customers in your region. "
As an IDSL customer in a Qwest region, under contract at 69.95/month for 2 years, I couldn't be more pleased with these developments... | |
| | | | | | | | | | | cschweda$
join:1999-09-07
Chicago, IL | Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) Hey don't knock Telocity. They're remarkably good when they have no routing problems. As an early beta-tester in Chicago, I've still got my 1.05/1.05M SDSL connection.
Beats the hell outta 99% of other DSL service options! | |
| | | | | | |
Wolf7
join:2000-11-20
Griffin, GA
clubs:
| Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) Well don't recall anyone "knocking" Telocity! Just said that I didn't care for their USB or PCI modem. Nor do I really want the extra "value added" items that they mention.
Then looking at the Telocity Board, it sure seems that they have their share of outages and router problems too.
--
Regards from the Southland
Wolf | |
| | | | | | | | 
AYSM
@phoenixdsl.net | Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) Telocity is a f---ing joke!!! I dumped them to go to Phoenix now they're baaaccckkk - Just like a lousy Travolta movie. Looks like I won't see nothing - AGAIN!!! Sprint Wireless - HERE I COME!!! | |
| | | | | | Anon | From the Telocity FAQ:
"Q. Can I decline this offer and halt my DSL service?
A. Telocity looks forward to providing your Internet service. Your PhoenixDSL termination fee will continue to apply if you disconnect service."
This quote is inconsistent from what you found. Where in the FAQ did you come across this, "Effective December 30, 2000 you will be relieved of any contractual obligations with PhoenixDSL. Telocity offers their service on a month-to-month basis. No contract will be required...Your monthly service charge will be consistent with the pricing for other Telocity customers in your region. "
I received the letter from Megapath/Telocity today. The letter also said a termination fee will apply if I discontinue service; and the service would cost $49.99.
That's $10 more than my current contract.
How can they not honor the Phoenixdsl contract and expect me to do so? | |
| | | | | | | Anon | Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real)
"Effective December 30, 2000 you will be relieved of any contractual obligations with PhoenixDSL. Telocity offers their service on a month-to-month basis. No contract will be required..."
I know I saw this quote somewhere on their site yesterday, but cannot find it today! I'm concerned that this means they may try to charge "termination fees" if a customer refuses their new terms (higher price; lower upload speed; etc.)
However, I suspect the "termination fee" is a formality, only if someone cancels before the actual switchover on Dec 30. After that, there is no annual contract, so someone ought to be able to cancel at any time.
But I still don't know why that statement has disappeared from the site...
I've sent an email to Telocity asking about this ... waiting to hear... | |
| | | | | | 
dbergst
join:2000-10-26
Rockville, MD
| Since Telocity seems to be changing their story, here is a copy of the FAQ as it ORIGINALLY appeared in Dec 2000 (note that it clearly states who owns the PhoenixDSL modems - us residential customers now apparently getting the shaft):
Telocity Becomes Your New ISP
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why did MegaPath choose Telocity?
A. MegaPath Networks, which purchased the assets of PhoenixDSL in October, has been looking for the ideal residential broadband services company to take care of you. MegaPath evaluated several alternatives before selecting Telocity as your new ISP. Telocity is a leading, nationwide provider of broadband services for the home, offering high-quality customer service and exciting enhanced services. In fact, DSLreports.com, the premier consumer broadband information Web site, consistently names Telocity as a "recommended" DSL provider based upon user feedback.
Q: What steps are involved in this transfer?
A:There are two phases: Back office changes which are expected to be complete by December 30, 2000Within a few weeks, as part of the second stage of transition, residential customers will receive Telocity's residential services benefits, including five free email accounts and 24 hour/seven-day-a week customer support to replace the service formerly provided by Phoenix Networks. Customers will also receive the self-installable Telocity VelocityPort(TM) gateway to replace their PhoenixDSL modem.
Q. What services does Telocity offer?
A. Telocity provides broadband services that promote the high-speed lifestyles of its customers through a proprietary device known as the Telocity VelocityPort gateway. The basic package includes: 24/7 customer service; Always-on, ultra-fast Internet connections; 10 MB of Web space and a static IP address to host your own Web site; 5 email addresses with an additional 10 MB of space; Rich, multimedia content through Telocity's strategic partnership with NBCi; and Access to more than 40,000 news groups.
Q: Will the speed of my DSL line change?
A: Your DSL line speed will remain the same.
Q. Does Telocity offer static IP?
A. All Telocity customers receive a static IP address. During the migration to Telocity service you will be assigned a new static IP address.
Q: Will my domain name change? Will my email address change?
A: Initially your service will continue in its current state. During January we will be providing you with a Telocity VelocityPort gateway to replace your existing modem. At this time, your domain name and email address will change to Telocity.com. As we move forward with this transition, you will receive correspondence with the details.
Q: Can I request a new service (domain name or email hosting)?
A: As part of the Telocity offering you will be able to have a single domain name. In addition, your service will have the capability for 5 separate email accounts.
Q. What additional services does Telocity offer?
A. Telocity just launched its first set of enhanced services called Connect & ProtectTM to make multiple computer access simple. This package of services provides firewall computer security and filters out unwanted emails and viruses. This service is available to Telocity customers, beginning January 2001, for $9.95 a month, in addition to the cost of Telocity's basic monthly services. Telocity will soon announce other enhanced services for subscribers.
Q. Can I decline this offer and halt my DSL service?
A. Telocity looks forward to providing your Internet service. If for any reason you choose not to accept this offer, you must call Telocity toll free at (888) 833-5308 or (888) 833-5556 before 8:00 p.m. PST on December 29, 2000 and your current PhoenixDSL service will be disconnected shortly thereafter.
Q. How quickly will my service be transferred? What happens in the meantime?
A. Telocity will transfer your service as quickly as possible. While the transfer is being completed, you'll keep using your PhoenixDSL service. Telocity will send you a Telocity VelocityPort gateway prior to your migration date. You'll want to refer to this web site for the date of your migration. You'll unplug your old modem and install Telocity's in about 15 minutes. Then you're up and running with Telocity.
Q. What is the Telocity VelocityPort gateway? What will I do with my PhoenixDSL modem?
A. The Telocity gateway is an integral component of the company's service-delivery platform. It has been designed so Telocity can provide value-added services such as home networking, home automation and the remote control of residential electronics, enhanced firewall security features, voice-enabled services and much more. Telocity joined forces with technology leaders such as NEC Electronics Inc., Broadcom, Alcatel, Motorola and Texas Instruments to develop the features and functionality of the gateway. Use of the gateway is provided to subscribers as part of their monthly service charge.
The Phoenix DSL modem is yours.
Q. Will I experience an interruption in service during the account transfer?
A. When the transfer is made, generally, your service will only be down as long as it takes you to install and configure the Telocity gateway. This plug and play process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. We will give you very specific directions about what you need to do.
Q. I am an IDSL customer? Will I still get the Telocity gateway?
A. If you are receiving IDSL service, you will keep your current modem. However, you will receive detailed information on switching your email and domain names.
Q: Will my service price change?
A: Your monthly service charge will be consistent with the pricing for other Telocity customers in your region.
Q. When will Telocity bill me?
A: Once we ship you the Telocity VelocityPort gateway, billing will begin according to the Service Agreement.
Q: When can I contact Telocity tech support?
A: Telocity will be migrating customers by city. This page on the Telocity web site, http://www.telocity.com/phoenixdsl, will be updated with the migration dates.
Upon completion of the migration, Telocity's 24-hour customer service team will be available to answer your technical questions. You can reach them by phone at 1 (800) TELOCITY.
Any questions regarding this migration need to be routed to the Telocity transition team. Representatives are available by phone 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST Monday through Saturday:
Call - Toll free (888) 833-5308 or (888) 833-5556. | |
| | | | 
Good Ol Dan
join:2000-05-15
Rochelle Park, NJ
| >What will happen to the many IDSL customers? My understanding is that Telocity does not do IDSL.
Oops... got ISDL and ISDN confused the first time around: ISDL should be OK, but not so ISDN and dialup...
"Dear Customer,
As you know, MegaPath Networks Inc. purchased the assets of Phoenix Networks
in October of this year. Because MegaPath specializes in serving the
business customer, we have been looking for alternate providers for our
dialup and ISDN customers.
We regret that we can no longer support dialup and ISDN lines. For this
reason, we are notifying you that all dialup and ISDN accounts will be
terminated on December 31, 2000.
We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that circumstances will allow us
to serve you in the future.
This change does NOT affect your DSL service. If you have questions
regarding your DSL service, please visit www.phoenixdsl.com (for
residential DSL) or www.megapath.net (for business DSL).
Sincerely,
Harry M. Taxin
Chief Executive Officer
MegaPath Networks Inc."
Nice guys... 4 days notice, and just *one* business day.
Dan
[text was edited by author 2000-12-28 07:35:21] | |
| | | | | | | | 
sadowski
I Am My Own Doppelganger
Premium,MVM
join:2000-04-14
Buffalo, NY
clubs:
| said by PhoenixDSL PR:
Wanted to clarify that transition information was sent via regular mail, not e-mail, and should begin showing up in customers' mailboxes today and tomorrow.
Separately, we're working on all 3 sites, and content should be up shortly.
And what about those of us who were billed for the month of January... will that be refunded? (My CC wasn't actually billed yet but the email said for Nov, Dec, & Jan.) | |
| | | | Anon | Well folks I think we are all getting the shaft. I too signed a contract with PhoenixDSL and waited for the install. Within a week after my install the announcement of the MegaPath merger was publicized. Knowing I had a 1 year contract I felt fairly secure that MegaPath would have to honor the terms of the contract or face a class action law suit from folks like myself and others.
I agree that the "snail mail" letter dated 12-23-2000 and received 12-28-2000 with just 1 business day to discuss options was not very professional. I was unhappy. Yet when reading the origional contract, we are required to give PhoenixDSL at least 30 day notice prior to termination. Again, not very professional.
I have been happy with my dedicated ADSL line. The speed is good and I have not had too many outages (just 1) in my short time frame. If there is an attorney out there who might want to represent us, I would love to talk to them to see if we have any legal grounds to stand on.
I called Telocity last evening and complained of the higher price per month ($39.95 -> $49.95). They also told me that after the transition a new gateway would be shipped to me (for $24.95) with a rebate of $24.95 when I return my current bridge. When I signed up for PhoenixDSL, I was told I owned the hardware. If that is the case then I want to keep it. Like I said I think we are getting the shaft on this deal. The only way I will stay is if the service is better. | |
| | | |
dbergst
join:2000-10-26
Rockville, MD
| Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) To quote my copy of the contract, I believe the 30 day notice was for EITHER party in the agreement, i.e.:
10. Subject to our rights under Paragraph 5 to immediately terminate this Agreement, either party may terminate this Agreement if the other fails to cure a material breach of the Agreement within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of the breach. We are entitled to suspend performance immediately in the event you arethirty (30) days overdue in payments or if, in our judgment, you have violated Paragraph 5. In all events, you are responsible for all charges incurred by us as a result of your termination, including by illustration, and not by limitation, telephone company circuit termination charges. | |
| | |
gos
@unixpunk.net
| Ok, this is unreasonable... Would anyone want to approach
this as a group to telocity/megapath? I don't know about
a class action lawsuit, but if one company buys out another,
a customer can't be FORCED into a new contract. This is
their doing and not ours. My email address is mikew@magpage.com I am a phoenixdsl customer, i have a
northpoint 784/784 kbit SDSL service. Having my price go
up 10.00 a month and my speeds go down, while being forced
into it, is a crock. Anyone want to join together and fight
this outrageous behavior? Drop me an email, if enough of
you want to complain, lets do something about it. I sure as
hell don't want any service that isn't 100% standard.
If it requires there POS hardware, and not a standard piece
of networking equipment, they can go to hell..
Mike Wiacek | |
| | | Anon
|
[text was edited by author 2000-12-29 21:05:31] | |
| | |
daveb
@idt.net | Add me to the class action suit! I haven't even had snailmail contact from Megapath or telocity! I only know about this from finding it on DSLReports. | |
| | | Anon | This is crapy , I got the letter from Megapath/Telocity about the switch over , in addition of telling me what Telocity is going to provide they say that they are going to change the per month charge. I am paying 39.95 to phoenix and they are asking for 49.95. On top of this , they are saying If i dont want to continue on the new price I cannot cancel and If i will cancel all the penalties of early cancellation will apply. How is this possible. I wrote a letter to Phoenix asking for clarification but havent heard any thing back from them. My contract is for 39.93/month for a year, how can Telocity yank up the price and force me to continue. Can somebody throw some light here ???
Regards
Confused, Frustrated and Looking for Legal Assistance. | |
| | | Anon
|  The contract issue
[text was edited by author 2000-12-30 03:31:30] | |
| |
Phoenixsucks
@home.com
| The only good out of this entire Phoenix situation is they have not billed my account in 2 months. That is a $80 saving. I plan on switching to Telocity and then cancelling the service out of principal.
I am looking into legal action (class action lawsuit) against phoenix/megapath/northpoint/telocity. They are forcing me to switch telling me I am under contract but when it comes to the price they tell me the contract is null/void. | |
| | |
gy
@192.200.x.x | Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) | |
| | |
kendrid
@cdw.com
| "The only good out of this entire Phoenix situation is they have not billed my account in 2 months. That is a $80 saving. "
Don't get too excited about not being charged. I have never been charged by them. I just got a $450 charge on my credit card. I have only had DSL for 5 months - and it was completely down November and December.
I called them and they said it will be up to 48 hours before some one calls me back. I can't figure out how 5 x $40 = $450.
A credit card dispute may be on the way.. | |
| | | |
kendrid
@cdw.com
| Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) "Don't get too excited about not being charged. I have never been charged by them. I just got a $450 charge on my credit card. I have only had DSL for 5 months - and it was completely down November and December.
I called them and they said it will be up to 48 hours before some one calls me back. I can't figure out how 5 x $40 = $450. "
They just emailed me back (within 15 minutes of me emailing them). When it comes to them getting their money, the respond quickly.
They charged me for 5 months of service. They are refunding the 2 months my service is down (which is decent of them).
The issue I now have is that they billed me $250 for the modem. I thought the modem was $200. Does anyone know for sure what it cost?
Thanks. | |
| | | | | howrman
join:2000-07-08
Philadelphia, PA | Re: Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (real) The price for the 3Com modem I received in May was $200. Further, Northpoint offered a $250 rebate on the modem, so I actually made $50 on the whole deal. Your charge for the modem should be itemized on your order form. | |
| | rjh1950
join:2000-07-07
Bronxville, NY | YES,
I'd be happy to join a class action suit. The idea that they can hold us to a contract whose terms they unilaterally change is outrageous, abusive, and should not be allowed to stand.
Bob | |
| | Rubidium
join:2000-10-07
Novi, MI
| I received the letter from Telocity last Friday. I called to discuss the pricing with them and they were totally unreceptive to any requests for them to honor the original contract I had with Phoenix. They just said that that was Phoenix's responsibility (problem) and that there was nothing they could do about the pricing.
Please include me in any class action suits. | |
| |
pbm
@4.19.x.x
| I just got off the phone with a Telocity rep. I asked how they plan on explaining the price increase as well as the termination fee. The rep said that there is no termination fee, however if I am rolled over into their system (which is today or tomorrow) they are going to charge me for 1 month. Basically, I told him he was full of crap and that I'd dispute the charges. I also gave him a piece of my mind about how we got the letter in the mail only giving us a couple of days to compare new DSL providers. He tried to blame it soley on PhoenixDSL, but I told him that this excuse was sh$# and they might be facing a class action lawsuit. He said he was unaware of such events.
Can us customers be treated worse????
Power to the people! | |
| kb8doa
join:1999-07-02
Miami, FL
| We ain't seen nothing yet!
Same day of the PhoenixDSL Residential -> Telocity
handover announcement:
Miami FL -
TELOCITY OUTAGE FOR WHOLE REGION (going on 4 hours now...)
yet my PhoenixDSL has currrently up all this time...
This makes the second major outage during the past week !!!
--
Impeach George Jr.
Appoint Hillary ! | |
| bjrosen
join:2000-06-21
Westford, MA
| What's happening to Rhythms customers? | |
| |
See 9 replies to this post | |
Wolf7
join:2000-11-20
Griffin, GA
clubs:
| Telocity takes over Phoenix Residential (really) Found this on the Phoenix board.Submited by zbrett. www.telocity.com/phoenixdsl/faq.asp Seems to answer most questions. Hope their service is as good as the service I have gotten from Phoenix. (except for almost non existent tech support)
Regards
wolf | |
| | Anon | Should we give them a chance? | |
| |
Wolf7
join:2000-11-20
Griffin, GA
clubs:
| Re: Should we give them a chance? Took me three weeks and several e-mails to Phoenix to finally get an e-maill address.
Had thought of switching services. But after reading Telocities faq page and receiving an e-mail from Phoenix (regarding my first post) I think I'll stay and see what develops. At least with a month to month agreement it will not be that difficult to switch later if they don't deliver.
Regards
Wolf | |
| | | 
lml2000
Whazzup
join:2000-08-17
Los Angeles, CA
 ·RoadRunner Cable
|  Re: Should we give them a chance?
The details of the matter still appear sketchy as each sub's service, depending upon his CLEC and current pricing and level of service, is different. What I do find to be a bit disconcerting, not necessarily to myself, but to a number of sub's, is the lack of proper notice by Telocity of the options of Phoenix sub's should they choose not to agree to the transfer of service from Phoenix to Telocity. Receiving a notice on December 27, and having to decide, or line up another ISP in TWO DAYS if the terms of the Telocity contract, is not acceptable. Such terms evidence an adhesion contract whose terms are essentially unenforceable. In other words, any sub who is compelled to agree to the terms of the Telocity contract is not necessarily bound by them because the sub entering into such contract essentially has NO CHOICE. The sub must be afforded CHOICE in order that he/she may FREELY entered into the contract, whether it is month-to-month, or whatever. The bottom line here is that once Telocity gets its notices out to Phoenix residential subs, the sub should have at least 30 days to select another ISP if it chooses for whatever reason not to accept the terms of the Telocity contract.
As I see it, each subscriber has rights of a third-party beneficiary to whatever contract exists b/w Phoenix and Telocity. In other words, Phoenix is not completely free to transfer all its obligations to its residential subs to Telocity without the consent of the affected subs, particularly if there is a material change in the terms such as pricing, level of service, etc. More to the point, I can't see how Phoenix can transfer service to Telocity, and Telocity can charge more for the service than existed under the Phoenix contract UNLESS the sub consents to the change to those terms of the contract. My conclusion is that Telocity will honor the existing pricing under the Phoenix contracts, and is unlikely to charge more than what the sub was paying under his existing contract with Phoenix.
--
Regards,
lml | |
| | | Anon | that's pretty sad...i know for a fact it takes about 5 minutes to set up the email accounts at phoenix... | |
| | |
Wolf7
join:2000-11-20
Griffin, GA
clubs:
| Re: Should we give them a chance? [QUOTE=Orangehead]that's pretty sad...i know for a fact it takes about 5 minutes to set up the email accounts at phoenix...
That is true......once you are able to talk to a real person, rather than a recording that advises you to send an e-mail.
Regards
Wolf | |
| |
jfor
@216.44.x.x
| I don't know if you have noticed, but they changed the paragraph regarding the cancellation. It reads now:"Can I decline this offer and halt my DSL service?
A. Telocity looks forward to providing your Internet service. Your PhoenixDSL termination fee will continue to apply if you disconnect service". This morning they were saying we had until December 29th to cancel!!!!!.... I have called Telocity and I was told that after Friday no cancellation charge applies, because I will become a Telocity customer on Saturday December 30th.... | |
| 
ch1co
join:2000-10-27
Ridgefield Park, NJ
| Ain't this a fine kick in the pants!
After visiting the Telocity FAQ, it looks like the fee would only apply if I cancel before the end of this month. After that, Telocity's month-to-month service would begin. I'm not particularly thrilled over the price increase, especially since I'm now in the 48th hour of an outage (phoenixdsl.net ticket #5315 if anyone from Phoenix is monitoring and still gives a hoot.)
I hear Road Runner is coming to my area within a month with free installation and a $39.95 monthly fee that includes modem rental. The Telocity rep wouldn't budge on their $49.95 monthly fee. Maybe they'll just be an interim solution.
[text was edited by author 2000-12-26 21:02:36] | |
| |
See 22 replies to this post | |
bkim
join:2000-08-07
Chicago, IL
| no more true SDSL speeds?
In your area, downloads can be as fast as 784 Kbps, or up to 27 times faster than a 28K modem dial-up connection. Most pages will appear in a flash, and a large file that used to take minutes to download over dial-up will arrive in seconds. Upload speed, which is what you do when you send email, is as fast as 392 Kbps. (Normally with SDSL, upload and download speeds are the same, but we optimize download speed to be faster because that's what you do most often.)
Of course, this does not make me happy. First, I find out that I have to pay $10 more a month. Then, I find out that my 784/784 connection will probably no longer be that, but a 784/392 connection. Do I also have to pay the $24.95 for them to ship me their "Telocity VelocityPort gateway?" And what do I do with the 3Com SDSL bridge that I'm using now?
What is this optimization bs? Aren't the upload and download speeds independent of each other?
Also, I have yet to receive any notification from Telocity or PhoenixDSL, about any of this. This is somewhat distressing, considering that the Telocity website cites a Dec. 29th deadline (only three days from now) for cancelling the automatic switchover.
[text was edited by author 2000-12-26 23:41:45] | |
| | esjatharvee
join:2000-08-03
Westford, MA
| Re: no more true SDSL speeds? said by bkim:
According to the telocity website (»www.telocity.com/products/value.asp ):
Upload speed, which is what you do when you send email, is as fast as 392 Kbps. (Normally with SDSL, upload and download speeds are the same, but we optimize download speed to be faster because that's what you do most often.)
...
Also, I have yet to receive any notification from Telocity or PhoenixDSL, about any of this. This is somewhat distressing, considering that the Telocity website cites a Dec. 29th deadline (only three days from now) for cancelling the automatic switchover.
first, you misquoted the upload speed. It's only 90 kbps not 392. While for most people, this should be okay, for me, it is most definitely not okay. I upload data to clients sites when I work at home and the 90 kbps cap is a serious problem. I also provide content (noncommercial) for a variety of groups in the form of mailing lists w/ a web interface. This is the another reason why the 90 kbps cap doesn't fit.
I can hear the talking heads now yammer about why do I not just get a commercial feed and the answer is "cost". I'm self-employed and I can justify almost $600-$900 per year cost for a 408/768 ADSL connection but I can't justify $1600 to $2300 per year for a similar (albeit slower) service.
what really annoys me most is all of the crap they pile onto these service offerings to justify higher prices. I just need a reliable pipe with a static IP address. I don't need Web hosting, multiple mailboxes, VPNs, managed firewall services or any of that crap. The only time I ever call technical support is when the pipe breaks and that's just to get an ETA for a fix.
If there is any ISP reading this that is willing to sell me a pipe equivalent to what I have now from rhythms (the only DSL vendor in the area) for a reasonable fee, feel free to e-mail me at: esj@harvee.billerica.ma.us with your company information.
--- eric | |
| | | | | |
bkim
join:2000-08-07
Chicago, IL
| said by esjatharvee:
first, you misquoted the upload speed. It's only 90 kbps not 392...
I did not misquote the upload speed. That was copied and pasted directly from the Telocity website. It is the level of service that Telocity says they will provide in my area. This may not apply for your area.
Whatever the case, the letter I received from Telocity/MegaPath says that the speed of my DSL line should not change--which I hope will be the truth. | |
| |
ch1co
join:2000-10-27
Ridgefield Park, NJ
| said by bkim:
Do I also have to pay the $24.95 for them to ship me their "Telocity VelocityPort gateway?" And what do I do with the 3Com SDSL bridge that I'm using now?
The info I received from Megapath and Telocity left me with the distinct impression that the VelocityPort would be shipped free of charge. And the FAQs state that "the Phoenix DSL modem is yours." Pretty expensive paperweight.  | |
| | | | 
Mylar
join:2000-08-01
Imperial, MO
| Telocity pricing depends on your area
thats why they make you put in the first 6 digits of your phone number to enter their web page....
so if you are speaking of pricing issues or things on their web page please include what area you are from
for instance I'm from St.Louis, MO, 314-842-XXXX
and their page says their service here is 39.95 a month... but only talks about ADSL... 1.5M/128k
which has me worried because i had a contract with pheonix for 784/784... I only got 416/416 but i'm redoing my internal wiring before the new gateway gets here and I'd like to see if telocity can bump me up to my original contracted speed.(assuming they dont switch me to bloody ADSL speeds)
Also I'm worried about my pings.... man i hope they have decent routing.
--
Mylar the Incomprehensible
My Diary:
»/dsl_diary/other/178981 | |
| | 
mdntblu
join:1999-09-30
Corona, CA
| Re: Telocity pricing depends on your area I'd rather have the 1.5M/128k over 784k/784k. I hardly upload and when I do 128k is fast enough. I currently have 1.5M/128k with Pacific Bell and I think it's great. Especially if you were getting only 416/416 before.
Brad http://www.fscigroup.com | |
| | | 
RARPSL
join:1999-12-08
Suffern, NY
| Re: Telocity pricing depends on your areasaid by mdntblu:
I'd rather have the 1.5M/128k over 784k/784k. I hardly upload and when I do 128k is fast enough. I currently have 1.5M/128k with Pacific Bell and I think it's great. Especially if you were getting only 416/416 before.
Brad http://www.fscigroup.com
128k may NOT be fast enough. When you download (ie: Use that 1.5M downlink), you must use the 128k uplink to send the "I've gotten your packet - send me another" ACKs. If the incoming packets are small, you quickly reach the "packets in flight" limit of the sender who will then go into "lockstep" mode and only send a new packet when it gets a "I've received it - send another" for the oldest packet it has sent but not yet had acknowledged. For Email (with its 80 char max lines) this can slow the incoming link to the 200-300k range (or even lower). Also, remember that you can only shove your outgoing Email into the uplink at 128k max no matter how fast you get the 1.5M ACKs back. | |
| | |
Mylar
join:2000-08-01
Imperial, MO
| We all have different uses for broadband.
I do not browse from here, the only recreational (and occasional) purpose for this line is lan to internet gaming, and for that i really need the lower pings that come with SDSL.
Nothing tears up team fortress like three friends and I, sitting in the same room, on the same team on an internet game, communicating, stratigizing, and slaying.....all with around a 40-60 ping. 
God I hope telocity has good routing.
--
Mylar the Incomprehensible
My Diary:
»/dsl_diary/other/178981 | |
| | Anon |  Will wait and see....
So far I have been very happy with Phoenix, here in Mpls, MN. My connection is pretty stable and have had only one interruption I have noticed. Billing has also been very convenient. I would like to hear from more people in my area about this. I do not think Telocity had any customers in this area, so I am curious as to how they will deal with that. I did receive my letter.
The "added value" for an additional $10 a month is pretty much a waste. I have my own network that I use IPForwarding and a Firewall with.
Anyway, my two cents on all this. I will offer my opinion after the change, as well. Will be interesting to say the least.
Thanks all,
Dennis Weddig
dweddig@phoenixdsl.com (soon to be something different I guess.) | |
| | | | floydbase
join:2000-12-27
Minneapolis, MN
| Tell me about this whole situation. I am in the bloomington, MN area. I have had great service through Phoenix with minimum or almost no down-time so far.I am not willing to pay the extra charge for their poor service that I have been hearing about. I have one issue like many others, Telocity says that I will be paying 49 bucks and if I decide to discontinue I will be charged disconnection fee as per contract with PhoenixDSL. Now isn't that just plain wrong? Let me know if we can all get together and do something about it.
Thanks,
rupam@pcafterhours.net | |
|
Deja-Vu
@phoenixdsl.net | The Telocity Takeover Has Begun... Speed this evening is back the the sh*tty bowels I experienced when I was with Telocity: Worse than an old 14.4 modem!!! Take this as a fair warnig: YOU WON'T SEE ANYTHING EVER!!! Sprint Wireless in the Spring!!! | |
| | bjrosen
join:2000-06-21
Westford, MA
| Re: The Telocity Takeover Has Begun... | |
| gilmore287
join:2000-07-21
Clifton, NJ
| just how bad is telocity? AWEFUL
Whats so funny is how i refused to get dsl when bell atlantic and telocity were the only choices. LMAO. Everything i heard about telocity was how BAD they were (I mean aweful.) Now I get to experience it....
Thanks Megapath.... I really didnt expect you to do this, seeing that Telocity is the worst possible isp. I guess you want more bad press.
May your stock plummet. ,,|,, | |
| Lonnie P
join:2000-05-23
Bronx, NY
| It's time to start researching another DSL service
Rather than wasting any more time complaining let's begin to research and post back here with our results.
There are plenty of other good DSL providers out there.
[text was edited by author 2000-12-28 09:58:43] | |
| |
See 6 replies to this post | |
What's Up
join:2000-06-17
Riverdale, MD
| What You get for $10.00 more As I see it for $10.00 more you get:
1)Access to news groups ( I remember when Phoenixdsl drop their news group and everyone got mad and wanted to cancel, but they were under contract.)
2.) dialup backup (Phoenixdsl charged and extra $10.00 a month for this --- If I could only find Telocity dialup access numbers)
3.) This is a long shot -- Tech support (at least you can call in lieu of leaving an email message.)
4.) ??????????
Is the above worth $10.00? | |
| |
See 6 replies to this post | |
Kendrid
@cdw.com
| Have IDSL - ut oh
I wonder if we will have service in a month. I asked the woman if she knew anything about the Phoenix contract. She said "if we can't offer you service, you won't be charged the cancellation fee. If you terminate you will." If I end up cancelling and they do charge me, I will be disputing the charge on my credit card. | |
| |
Anon
@phoenixdsl.net | Re: Have IDSL - ut oh They said that you would continue to get service from them. You just keep your modem and pay the same price as the ADSL customers do. | |
| | | 
SparkChaser
BURY BECK
Premium
join:2000-06-06
Downingtown, PA | Re: Have IDSL - ut oh
"all IDSL customers being migrated from other ISP's will be keeping their IDSL service."
Ron | |
| russotto
join:2000-10-05
Collegeville, PA
| Telocity? No way I'm switching elsewhere -- somewhere I can definitely keep my current SDSL service rather than whatever is going through that VelocityPort. Actually I started the switch before this deal was finalized, and Phoenix told me there'd be no cancellation fee. If they try to charge me one, I'll dispute it. They can't realistically expect me to be bound by a contract they aren't honoring anyway. | |
| | Anon | 39.95 vs 49.95
switch over , in addition of telling me what Telocity is going to
provide they say that they are going to change the per month
charge. I am paying 39.95 to phoenix and they are asking for
49.95. On top of this , they are saying If i dont want to continue
on the new price I cannot cancel and If i will cancel all the
penalties of early cancellation will apply. How is this possible. I
wrote a letter to Phoenix asking for clarification but havent
heard any thing back from them. My contract is for
39.93/month for a year, how can Telocity yank up the price and
force me to continue. Can somebody throw some light here
???
Regards
Confused, Frustrated and Looking for Legal Assistance. | |
| | floydbase
join:2000-12-27
Minneapolis, MN | Re: 39.95 vs 49.95 I totally agree and have the same issue. I think it's time for some action. I have been contacted by a lawyer and thinking about a class action suit if telocity doesn't respond. I want out of this!! | |
| | | Rubidium
join:2000-10-07
Novi, MI
| Re: 39.95 vs 49.95 I just got off the phone with Telocity, and they refuse to do anything about the price. I reminded them that I had a one year contract for service at $39.99 a month, but they said that was between Phoenix and me, not Telocity. Is this legal?? If there is a class action suit, I would like in. | |
|
glen
@msi.com
| Mad and getting madder by the second .. !
I has just e-mailed phoenix, megapath and telocity to see what the heck was going on. I've had no e-mail or regular mail from them concerning the changes
Went to check for replies and the damn site is down. Tried the Phoenix "customer care" line - no good, think they've already turned out the lights there. Megapath don't respond either - you get a 4 minute wait and then a "we'll get back to you" (oh yeah). I did talk to someone at Telocity but they couldn't do anything today. They told me that Telocity legally takes over Phoenix residential accounts at midnight tonight. So if the site is not back up on Saturday then I'll know who to call. | |
| Lonnie P
join:2000-05-23
Bronx, NY
| Dial up ISP notice to terminate service
--------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 15:02:30 -0500 (EST)
Subject: IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION
December 29, 2000
Dear Valued Internet User:
We regret to inform you that IDT Corporation will no longer provide dial up Internet service. However, we are sensitive to your need to have time to find an alternate service provider. Therefore, your dial up service will be discontinued effective January 31, 2001. You can arrange to have your e-mail forwarded to a new e-mail address until July 31, 2001; to do so, go to the following address: http://www.idt.net/forward/
Type in your current username and password, click OK, and type in the new address. YOU MUST ENTER THIS INFORMATION PRIOR TO JANUARY 31, 2001 TO HAVE E-MAIL FORWARDED. For dial up customers with web pages, you should begin to move those pages to an alternate host as soon as possible; we will keep our servers up until April 30, 2001.
Refunds for unused, prepaid service will be credited back on your credit card or sent to the last known address within 30 days following termination of service.
We appreciate your loyalty and regret the need to terminate service. Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
IDT Corporation | |
|
screamingfit
@bignet.net
| ACK!! I only found out this information when I started having problems today with my connection!
I never knew Phoenix business was sold to MegaPath and didn't know that Telocity has just picked up the residential lines. I was never emailed nor have I received any letters about either of these situations!
Consider yourselves *somewhat* lucky that you knew this information before hand!
To say the least, I am not happy regarding the move to Telocity - does anyone know anything about their modem thingy? Does it render my Linksys obsolete/non-functional?
Hell, maybe I won't even be switched over - seeing as I never received any information on the change-overs, maybe I am non-existent in their database and will just suddenly be switched off?
-s'fit | |
|
dbergst
join:2000-10-26
Rockville, MD
|  Where's the letter I was supposed to receive?
To their credit, I can say that Telocity customer service did respond to an email I sent after I read about the transition on DSL Reports and on the Megapath / Telocity websites. | |
| |
dbergst
join:2000-10-26
Rockville, MD
| Re: Where's the letter I was supposed to receive?
I own the Cisco hardware and intend to keep it for potential use with another ISP in case Telocity does not deliver decent service - from the number of outraged customers posting here at dslreports.com, that is only fair. If this is how Telocity really wants to deal with me, I will cancel.
[text was edited by author 2001-01-02 20:41:03] | |
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