...for internet service? They're offering $14.99/mo for 1.5 mbps- is that fast? Or slow? Or normal?
Comcast won't come down lower than $39.99/mo which I don't feel like I can spend right now.
I can maybe go without and just use my iphone at home but that seems like a bummer route.
I'm sure there are like 6 other threads dealing with this exact topic but I can't find them right now and the qwest lady is going to call me back in an hour to see if I want to Go For It. If I sign up today they'll waive the $22.95 activation fee.
Help?
Comments
qwest.com yo.
I mean how long do you have to promise to honor it
And will they rescind it gracefully if it "Sucks?"
Just some thoughts
Good thoughts.
I think I will do this?
Seems weird but the other option is no internet. For me.
The stomach-turning deets: http://www.qwest.com/residential/internet/broadbandlanding/pricing_details_popup.html
You are committing to a year of BUNDLED internet and phone service (unless the service sucks, then you can leave in the first month or two no problem) and they gloss over the modem rental charge. Your total cash outlay looks like this:
OPTION ONE: $67/mo
$22/mo for 1.5M internet ($15 + $7 to rent the modem)
+ $45 for Qwest Home Phone UNLIMITED
OPTION TWO: $62/mo
$20/mo for 1.5M internet ($15 + $7 to rent the modem)
+ $25/mo for Qwest Home Phone PLUS
The better route is to go with "Qwest Internet basic" service so you can pick your own ISP, your charges will be closer to this:
OPTION THREE: $43/mo (UPDATED with modem rental fee)
$25/mo to Qwest to cover "line charges" (1 year commitment, otherwise $28)
$7/mo to Qwest to rent a DSL modem
$10.80/mo to Spiretech.com for 1.5M service (1 year commitment, otherwise $13/mo)
OPTION FOUR: $34/mo (+ installation?)
$27/mo for Economy Internet + $7/mo to rent the modem
I talked to them today and was told no phone line required (this is also printed on the mailer I received.) When I call to order the service I'll triple check just to be sure. Hopefully it meet my needs and if not I'll investigate that cheaper comcast deal.
Internet should be free.
They might be bundling IP-based (Internet) phone service which uses your bandwidth rather than POTS (Plain Ole' Telephone Service)*. This way they can say that it doesn't require a "phone line" and not be lying.
Unless there is a new service offering that is not listed on their website which is highly unlikely, you are about to signup for services that you do not need.
Regarding 1.5M service, I had Clearwire/WiMax service at this tier and yes it is noticeably slower than your standard broadband which is 8-20M. However, to put it in perspective for a non-power user, an MP3 song will take 8 seconds to download. But at the least, your bandwidth-spoiled friends will complain when they visit :)
*Yes that is a real telco industry acronym.
http://www.qwestdeal.com/standalone.html
OPTION FIVE: $37/mo (+installation?)
$30/mo internet service + $7 for modem rental
NOTE: only good for six months, options 1-4 are all good for one year
ANOTHER NOTE: you can choose a higher bandwidth service (7M) for your six month intro period
I will ask about the bundling and the 7M when I call next. I did ask about the 7M last time I called but they said it wasn't available in my location. ? I'll ask again just to be sure.
BTW- this is what I wrote down when I talked to the lady earlier:
$14.99/mo for 6 months, after that it's $40/mo but she said to call and ask about new specials when I'm in the 5th month of my contract.
Modem rental is $6.95/mo unless I own a Q1000 modem (which I don't)
Activation fee is $22.95 but they'll waive it.
Thus my total would be about $22/mo with no real start up costs but slow internet. I asked to make sure I didn't need a phone line and she said that was true- I'll ask again about bundling when I call.
I'll prolly call on Thursday and let you all know what I discover! Wish me luck!
this thread helps though, seriously. FaceTweet you are a true american hero
I also don't like their policy of not leasing modems unless you commit to a 2-year contract. You are required to purchase a WiMax router in order to go month-to-month. (EDIT: But they are only $55 at least. And they are on sale right now for 1/2 off)
That said, I used it happily in close-in SE for a year or so. (This was when they would still lease you equipment as a month-to-month customer) That is how I know that bandwidth-spoiled friends complain when they have to sip their interwebs through a narrow 1.5M straw.
OPTION SIX: $40/mo
$35/mo Clear.com 4G Home Basic + $5/mo modem rental
NOTE: Requires two-year commitment, can buy modem for 50 bones to save on rental
OPTION SEVEN: $35/mo
$35/mo Clear.com 4G Home Basic
NOTE: $35 activation and $55 modem = $90 in setup costs
OPTION EIGHT: $20/mo (limited to 200MB/mo! ouch!)
$20/mo Clear.com 200MB plan
NOTE: $35 activation and $55 modem = $90 in setup costs
Other creative options:
http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/phonesformobileworkers/f/what-is-tethering.htm
http://map.personaltelco.net/
http://www.clickfornick.com/2008/04/how-to-steal-internet-wifi-access-be-a-leech.html
my roommate in college built one of these and picked up wi fi from a half mile away.
I am nervous
in my immediate vicinity: DISEASES OF THE SKIN
I mean, that's gross.
HOORAY