Broadband opinions

[PrDeltoid]

Ok so Im not sure if this fits in tech tips but...

Im *finally* going to crawl out of my cave and get broad band. Here are my choices:

Road Runner

or

My little ISP down the block has DSL via Verizon

These are my only options for broadband and Im not sure which to go with.

Any pros/cons to RoadRunner CBL vs. Verizon DSL?

Thanks
Pr

[Matridom]

Cable or DSL.. that's a tough choice for us to help you on. Usualy you want to go with the more reliable of the two. That varies from area to area. I know around here DSL is better, but go across the country and Cable rocks. What you really need to do is talk with people who use both services and ask there opinion. Call tech support and find out things like mean time to repair (If i have a problem, how long to fix), what rates are guaranteed, do they allow servers? what's expected of you. Sign up fees. Do you need to buy your equipment or can you rent.
Some companies will provide great service in one area of town, but accross the street (litteraly) the service is very crappy.

Now for the two companies you've mentioned.. I've heard both good and bad from both of ehm.

If both compaies allow equipment rental, go with one, try it out, if you hate it, switch. I would avoid purchasing your modem until your satisfied on the quality of service.

[drewmaztech]

Well, I guess this is a matter of personal experiance.

I've worked with Verizon in the past setting up DSL and had problems - but they've done some updating and now they seem to be doing well.

I have a friend who is on DSL and has great speed - sometimes even faster than me and I'm on cable. Other friends who are farther away from the switching station have a terrible slow connection.

I'd look into you proxemity to the station for DSL. I've never had a problem with a cable install, though - and generally always good speeds.;)

[Stalemate]

Speeds can also vary from one area to the next in the same city, so take the time to ask around to see what your neighbours are using.

[PrDeltoid]

Well the station is on the back side of my block, so thats a plus, but the whole Verizon thing kinda turns me off with all the problems Ive had with just their phone service

Then again, Ive heard some horror stories from RR too

I can rent from both and the price is about the same (DSL being a bit higher by 5-6 dollars)

I think Ill take the advice to just try one first, prob. RR just because I just got cable too and Ive got some coupons for a bit off for 2 months.

Thanks all!

[DiR[ëctory]]

What area are you in?

I have RR and have had very few problems (relating to downtime).

Blazin fast connection, you will love it!

[Chris_MacMahon]

i have rr, and have 4 hours with out connection, in 2 years...
but acrross the street they have all sorts of issues (mostly their fault not rr, they use rr, and aol, because they had the extra money to spend)

[silencio]

Originally posted by a d e p t
Speeds can also vary from one area to the next in the same city, so take the time to ask around to see what your neighbours are using.

Ditto. You can check www.dslreports.com for other users experiences in your area. Also ask your potential providor if they have any plans to start charging for throughput/usage. Some companies have started charging by the amount of data you download each month. Which is bs.. If your going sell a 1.5Mbps line then you should be able to run it wide open 24x7.