SBC DSL

[jlockley]

Only because SBC is offering home DSL for about fifteen bucks, I am considering it. I have DSL at the office, which is usually enough. When I need to I generally use that Dial Up connection from home. However, $14 is cheap enough, assuming it is an imrpovement.

The package:
Express 384Kbps-
1.5Mbps 128Kbps-
384Kbps 1 Dynamic $14.95
Router comes to abut $50 after rebate, assuming that works.

Worth it? Called Comcast ans asked their cost, and they told me $45. Explanation of difference: "We are broadband, which DSL is not." Huh??

 

[Primis]

There is no right or wrong answer really.

Here in southern Michigan where I'm at, the answer is obvious -- avoid Comcast at all costs and go with SBC. However, there are areas where Comcast probably is better than SBC DSL. It varies from area to area. I use SBC DSL and almost never have outages, and never have download speeds drop from just below the 1.5Mbps I'm supposed to get. I'm quite happy with it here though and I'm paying $25/mo. for it. I recommend SBC to everyone locally that will listen. Your results may vary though, depending on the area.

As to Comcast's "We're broadband, DSL is not" claim... they're simply trying to twist a definition to make themselves look better. Technically they're correct I suppose -- "broadband" generally refers a high-bandwitdh service that carries, data, voice, and video all over the same line. But DSL doesn't do video like cable does (yet), so technically by that definition DSL isn't "broadband".

HOWEVER... you're not asking about video and voice end, you're asking soley about data service... which renders their claim and point completely moot if you ask me.

The actual general public definition of "broadband" is generally "anything exceeding 128kbps ISDN" though. And by that definition SBC DSL fits because generally on a good 1.5Mbps connection you should be getting somewhere around 1250kbps steady on the downstream.

* Cable = whatever speed promised that you'll rarely, if ever, reach. Could still be faster than DSL though, but it's a bit of a gamble dependant on your node.

* DSL = lower promised speed, but steadier and you're more-apt to actually reach it. Assuming you're not too far from the CO, that is...

 

[jlockley]

Thanks. I am leaning heavily toward it. I believe the same line can be used for DSL and phone? My business DSL comes with a phone line. This apparently does not.

 

[Primis]

Yes, the same line used for voice phone is and can be used for the DSL. If you already have an existing landline, there's no reason they shouldn't be able to provide DSL over the same line and number.

If you own your own place, I'd highly recommend investing in a NID splitter and installing/getting it installed though if you do get DSL. It eliminates the need for the individual DSL filters.

 

[jlockley]

Thanks. I will look into that. I imagine that is what was installed at the office.

 

[cdogg]

That's a load of hogwash. DSL is and has always been considered broadband. Anything faster than dial-up's 56kbps is referred to as such (ISDN, Cable, Satellite, T1, etc.). It's a loose term, and whoever told you that from Comcast should get smacked...hard!
[LOL]

In terms of speed...

1.5Mbps download speed is easily more than you need for web browsing, and is fast enough for just about any kind of streaming video you find at websites. Don't worry about the upload speed, unless you are worried about sending large files frequently or hosting a file server.

Comcast, Time Warner's Roadrunner, and just about all other cable internet broadband services all started out at 1.5Mbps when they first appeared about 6 years ago. Since then, they're speeds have rapidly increased to well over 3Mbps in most situations. So, a lot of people will still pay the hefty premium to have it if they do a lot of downloading (large files).

$15 is a no-brainer. There's no longer any reason to pay for dial-up with broadband speeds at that price. You will be extremely satisfied that you made the jump...

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[cdogg]

DSL does work differently from Cable broadband, I should mention. The distance away from the CO or nearest DSLAM switch determines the kind of thoroughput and bandwidth you'll receive. That's why they advertise "up to" 1.5Mbps, although your speed might be closer to 1Mbps.

Cable doesn't have this limitation. Cable's disadvantage, however, is that all users hook to a node in a given area (usually a large section of a neighborhood). The more users that sign onto the service and connect around you, the slower your connection will be at peak hours. Because of constant upgrades, you'll see this drop in performance vary or become non-existent at times.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[jlockley]

I pretty much agree. As for: "That's a load of hogwash. DSL is and has always been considered broadband. Anything faster than dial-up's 56kbps is referred to as such (ISDN, Cable, Satellite, T1, etc.). It's a loose term, and whoever told you that from Comcast should get smacked...hard! ", well, I'm shocked, I say shocked that someone in cable sales should veer from the truth.

I already pay for DSL at the office and have only been using the accompanying dial up at home. I am usually glad not to have to get in front of a screen when I am away from here, but I figure $15 is not that big a chunk.

 

[cdogg]

well, I'm shocked, I say shocked that someone in cable sales should veer from the truth

I sense your sarcasm!

I'm not a bit surprised either, but it's the point that falsely advertising your product is a no-no in customer service, sales, tech support, etc. I can assure you that this is not what comcast's management condones, as it opens the door to potential lawsuits and other things that outweigh the benefit of luring a few unsuspecting customers. It doesn't take a technical background to learn about your competition, which is what marketing and sales is responsible for.

Nothing starts a rant in me quite like this subject!


~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[jlockley]

Tell that to the folks over at T-Mobile.