PhoenixDSL → Re: Humble Suggestion?

Unfortunately, I am with Rythms and found out they don't do ISP switches...

Which I cannot, for the life of me, understand. Seems kind of narrow-minded, from a business standpoint.

Then I found out the modem I currently have (copper mountain IDSL modem thru Phoenix) is not acceptable...

Northpoint uses Copper Mountain DSLAMs. Is it not usable, or simply not officially "supported?" Somewhere (in the Phoenix forum or MegaPath reports, I think) somebody related as how they used an "unsupported" modem and MegaPath did help them get it going. Nonetheless: you'd be taking a chance. You wouldn't want to be on the hook for the cancellation fee if it didn't work out! And subsequent tech support could be a problem.

STRIKE THREE: stuck for a year anyway...

Yeah. It's unfortunate they had to go to that :-(. But it seems that unscrupulous customers have taken to ordering DSL from multiple ISPs simultaneously and cancelling all but the one who managed to get it installed first. And other such stunts. Btw: it's $218 to cancel within the first year. $147 if you cancel prior to successful installation.

If Rhythms was only easier to get along with, you could transition painlessly. It's really too bad that's not the case.

--
Jim Seymour & Karel the Computer Cat

Thanks for the "Good Luck" on the new ISP. I think anyone dealing with this industry needs a lot of it (luck, that is).

For you JOHNATWORK, As much as IO hate to say it, if you are looking for a quick fix, check out telocity. I am not sure if they will help you with IDSL, but the set up fee is nominal ($24.95 S/H for modem), free install, Static IP... The list goes on. Another one to check out might be AIRCOR. I have been doing a lot of research on them and they seem to be A-1 (the way Phoenix used to be)... AIRCOR requires a contract of 12 months and the purchase of a modem, but If you already have the modem it might not be so bad. I am with you though when it comes to contracts in the industry... NO WAY!

I wish you all the luck in the world.

UPDATE
Since I have started posting all of these messages regarding PhoenixDSL, my connection has been mysteriously dropping for between 15 min and 1 hour. I find it a little convenient that I have had a constant connection for months and all the sudden I start speaking out and BINGO... Can't even sync with the DSLAM. And like anyone there is going to help me. The more this goes on the more I want to sue these S.O.B.'s. I don't understand how they can legally do all of this...
--
Even if they are bigger, I am not intimidated.

I am another who has not taken an anti-Megapath stance. I investigated my options and decided to go with them. I'm currently on Northpoint, so the ISP switch wasn't an issue. But...the day before I called my sales person back to start the process the bottom fell out at Northpoint. I ended up calling her back and stating that I'd decided against DSL altogether owing to the instability of the industry at this time. I just couldn't justify to myself the upfront expense of $825 (before rebates, which might never come) against the backdrop of an industry imploding.

For the time being I'll watch and wait, and perhaps jump in again once I know how it all turns out.
--
POTS may be slow, but at least it'll get you to where you're going!

I apologize in advance for this, since it doesn't really partain to the issue, but I think we all deserve a pat on the back for having one of the longest threads ever on here... The longest I've seen by far, but I am sure there are/were bigger. Anyways, I would like to thank you all.. Sadowski and jimseymour (and his cat = ) for being so helpful and offering some different and agreeing view points. It has been more than helpful to me I in deciding on options.

Now back to the point

I agree with kar1282 that the industry is a mess right now. It looks like my most feasible options are through Northpoint or Covad, but they are on the hurt list and I never want to go through another install after this one.

THINGS TO BEWARE
1)Cheaper ISPs (thanks Jim) since it seems you get what you pay for

2) Northpoint (may be going chapter 11 soon)

3) Covad (Same situation)

4) Contracts in any event

5) the "NO CONTRACT" contract (No contract, but if you cancel in a year, we bill ya!)

6) High startup costs since the equipment has not been standardized

7) A lot of empty promises.

Things to do before ordering

1) CHECK DSLR USER REVIEWS!!!!!

2) call their sales dept. and check hold times.

3) Email them and see how long it takes them to return a phonecall

4) call their Tech support pretending to need assistance. See how soon they answer and how helpful they are. Explain what you are doing and ask them technical questions about their service

5) Email Tech support and see if they call back soon (They might not if you don't have an account)

6) Ask them if they credit you for Down time (If they do I am sure they will keep it to a minimum)

7) Find out what there terms of cancelling contracts are (Maybe if they really screw up, no cancellation fee?)

8) Ask them (or a user) to email you ping times to major servers and routers throughout the US

If we all did this in the first place, I think Phoenix DSL would have never gotten off of the ground later than January/February right? I have been calling many places and I will post what I find from them, So PhoenixDSL users looking to switch, please check back and maybe even call some yourself to help out. Use my list of Questions above.
--
Even if they are bigger, I am not intimidated.

An addition to your useful list of questions is what CLEC(s) the ISP uses. Given the state of the CLECs there may be no good answer to that question. What CLECs does your current favorite Telocity use?

An addition to your useful list of questions is what CLEC(s) the ISP uses. Given the state of the CLECs there may be no good answer to that question.

Indeed.

• Rhythms is healthy (or so they say) but simply will not do "ISP switches."
  
• Covad's health is questionable, but they don't appear to be in immediate danger. However, they won't do an ISP switch without a "release" from your existing ISP. Apparently, even if that ISP is known to be in trouble.
  
• Northpoint will do an ISP switch with little hassle, tho they may charge for it, but they are decidedly in serious trouble. Common business wisdom is questioning whether they'll survive past 1Q2001.
  

So there you have it. What a tasty range of choices, eh?

Another question: "Are you one of the ``Covad 14'' or ``Northpoint delinquents''?" (Answer will of course be either "Huh?" or "No!")

Btw: If the ISP under consideration is publicly held, you might check their stock, industry news and DeathWatch.

--
Jim Seymour & Karel the Computer Cat

Thats a very good question... as far as I know they use whatever Bell or Telco is available locally. Downside... Phone Companies are evil. Upside... You install will go through with less problems.
--
Even if they are bigger, I am not intimidated.

said by dvankuren:

---

I think we all deserve a pat on the back for having one of the longest threads ever on here... The longest I've seen by far,

---

I expect the Flashcom area will have the honour of the longest thread soon... looks like they are pulling a Phoenix on their customers now.