Internet Looking for a better ISP

[eveningsky339]

Hi everyone. I've had comcast as my internet service provider for years, and I have always thought that download speeds of about 40 kb/s were normal for broadband. But after doing some research, I found that I could literally increase my download speed by switching to dial-up. Further research revealed that comcast uses some... eh... semi-legal practices to manipulate traffic. Basically, from what I've heard, comcast has too many dirty secrets to be a decent ISP for most people.

So, I've begun considering selecting a new ISP. I am a poor student, which means cheapness is an important factor. Oh, and I primarily use my laptop, so a wireless ISP would be acceptable.

 

[StarLost]

Only research will help you.

In Canada we have the same type of practices as you describe amongst the various broadband suppliers. At least for us, there are several consumer watchdogs who have looked at the situation and reported on which of the various services offer the better service (as in most closely meeting their promises).

Aside from folks on this board who are close to your area and can offer advice, I would suggest taking a look at Consumer Reports or other similar publication.

And, of course, Google is your friend.

 

[Artlav]

I would recommend moving to St. Petersburg and enjoy a free, city-wide mobile WiMAX internet at 10Mbps.

Or, do you have country-wide providers on your side of the ocean? Not much location data provided for a good advice, as i understand it.

 

[eveningsky339]

Maybe I'll just move to St. Petersburg.

 

[Andy44]

Can you get Verizon FIOS or Cox fiber optic service there? My Dad and many of my friends have Comcast and they HATE it. I have heard nothing but bad things. Where I currently live I have Cox's regular cable internet and TV service and I usually have no problems. I have been tempted to switch to fiber, but while installing it in my house would be a wise investment, I don't want to subscribe to it yet so I can't justify installing it right now.

---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 PM ----------

PS. When I read the title of this thread I thought you were talking about specific impulse. Am I enough of a geek?

 

[Ark]

Comcast pisses me off, I guess some money or sexual favors changed hands because they managed to become the one and only high-speed internet provider at my apartment complex. AT&T and others will literally supply high-speed access to the house on the other side of the fence, but not me.

 

[StarLost]

Comcast pisses me off, I guess some money or sexual favors changed hands because they managed to become the one and only high-speed internet provider at my apartment complex. AT&T and others will literally supply high-speed access to the house on the other side of the fence, but not me.

Hmm ... yeah, that can happen, especially if someone is stupid enough not to passphrase protect their own service. Accessing free WiFi is one thing, stealing someone else's WiFi service is, in most countries now, a criminal act (and please, let's not get into the discussion of radiowaves over my property being free ... the courts have dealt with that).

Most urban areas now have sufficient free WiFi hotspots that it should satisfy most of your access needs ... except perhaps for at home.

 

[Eagle]

Speaking of stealing WiFi... You could ask a neighbor who has a decent connection if you can use their wireless in exchange for a few bucks or a nice dinner every couple weeks.

...or let them borrow your boat, take them skiiing or hunting trips or whatever neighborly generosity you can provide.

 

[NukeET]

PS. When I read the title of this thread I thought you were talking about specific impulse. Am I enough of a geek?

No...just an Orbinaut.

 

[Ark]

Hmm ... yeah, that can happen, especially if someone is stupid enough not to passphrase protect their own service. Accessing free WiFi is one thing, stealing someone else's WiFi service is, in most countries now, a criminal act (and please, let's not get into the discussion of radiowaves over my property being free ... the courts have dealt with that).

Most urban areas now have sufficient free WiFi hotspots that it should satisfy most of your access needs ... except perhaps for at home.

I pay Comcast for my own internet access, but I talked to the AT&T guys multiple times to see about service and just as an experiment had them check availability for a house next to the complex. It's stupid, makes me want to run a cable myself.