Internet Provider Rant
I live on the countryside and my IP choice is limited to one service out here. It's a wireless internet service (Internet America) and is quite spotty. It's hit and miss, and I never know if the next site I visit will load or not.
On really pitiful days, I call tech support and they reliably tell me that either they are experiencing "tower issues" or the Access Point and "my radio" aren't communicating well. Sometimes they fix it from their side, and the "fix" lasts a few days. Other times they have to send a tech out and he'll tinker around with a few things or readjust the antenna on my roof.
However, each time that they send a tech out, there's a threat that I will be charged $99 if the problem is said to be "my fault".
I asked them to define "fault" and they explained that this includes finding a modem or something unplugged or seeing that I tried to adjust the antenna myself. That's understandable, but they also lump "wind or storm damage" into the "my fault category".
My service was crappy yesterday, so I called and they saw the same problem - poor connectivity - and wanted to send a tech out, warning that if the antenna needed to be adjusted due to wind, I would be billed $99.
Luckily, the past few times we've had a very "friendly tech", who found "incorrect AP settings", whatever that is, or that the antenna was loose and actually said, whoever adjusted it prior didn't secure it well and said that he was tired of charging people for "their service tech's mistakes". I got "lucky" (I guess) and he wrote up the service calls in a way that I didn't have to pay or blame his cowrokers.
But what happens if this new tech finds the same "loose" antenna? Why am I charged if their measly antenna shifts when it's windy?
As for yesterday's issue, I told them to let it go, that their service is not worth $99 even when it's working. As for now, 24 hours later, it's working fine. Their wireless is about the same speed as the dial-up service we had 10 years ago, but at least it works.
I notice in the one year contract I signed that there is a clause that the meager monthly payment is due even if service is not provided due to circumstances beyond their control. I've seen that in the past with Roadrunner and Time Warner and didn't think much of it... but with these guys...
So yes, we signed a one year contract, and this whole year has been a total mess. The absolute worst service we have ever experienced, period.
Wow. What's their (or any other provider's) motivation to provide good (if any) service? They install the system for $150, charge $40 month. Bill you the full amount whether you get service or not, and potentially collect $99 every time they come out due to issues, and charge a $350 cancellation fee. They actually call in advance to remind you of the potential $99 fee.
What a game. Yeah, they're the only game in town, but still...
We've got 2 more months left of this crap and are looking for another provider out here. Sprint seems to have something that may work, and it's month to month... other than that, we'll probably move back into the city.
Who would have ever thought that internet service could influence where you decide to reside?
On really pitiful days, I call tech support and they reliably tell me that either they are experiencing "tower issues" or the Access Point and "my radio" aren't communicating well. Sometimes they fix it from their side, and the "fix" lasts a few days. Other times they have to send a tech out and he'll tinker around with a few things or readjust the antenna on my roof.
However, each time that they send a tech out, there's a threat that I will be charged $99 if the problem is said to be "my fault".
I asked them to define "fault" and they explained that this includes finding a modem or something unplugged or seeing that I tried to adjust the antenna myself. That's understandable, but they also lump "wind or storm damage" into the "my fault category".
My service was crappy yesterday, so I called and they saw the same problem - poor connectivity - and wanted to send a tech out, warning that if the antenna needed to be adjusted due to wind, I would be billed $99.
Luckily, the past few times we've had a very "friendly tech", who found "incorrect AP settings", whatever that is, or that the antenna was loose and actually said, whoever adjusted it prior didn't secure it well and said that he was tired of charging people for "their service tech's mistakes". I got "lucky" (I guess) and he wrote up the service calls in a way that I didn't have to pay or blame his cowrokers.
But what happens if this new tech finds the same "loose" antenna? Why am I charged if their measly antenna shifts when it's windy?
As for yesterday's issue, I told them to let it go, that their service is not worth $99 even when it's working. As for now, 24 hours later, it's working fine. Their wireless is about the same speed as the dial-up service we had 10 years ago, but at least it works.
I notice in the one year contract I signed that there is a clause that the meager monthly payment is due even if service is not provided due to circumstances beyond their control. I've seen that in the past with Roadrunner and Time Warner and didn't think much of it... but with these guys...
So yes, we signed a one year contract, and this whole year has been a total mess. The absolute worst service we have ever experienced, period.
Wow. What's their (or any other provider's) motivation to provide good (if any) service? They install the system for $150, charge $40 month. Bill you the full amount whether you get service or not, and potentially collect $99 every time they come out due to issues, and charge a $350 cancellation fee. They actually call in advance to remind you of the potential $99 fee.
What a game. Yeah, they're the only game in town, but still...
We've got 2 more months left of this crap and are looking for another provider out here. Sprint seems to have something that may work, and it's month to month... other than that, we'll probably move back into the city.
Who would have ever thought that internet service could influence where you decide to reside?