[ale] Cablemodem problems, considering DSL

[brian at polibyte.com (Brian Pitts)]

Ken Cochran wrote:
> Until recently, my only broadband option has been cable; DSL has
> recently become available here and I'm considering switching but
> the only providers I'm aware of who service this area are AT&T
> (formerly Bellsouth) and HiWaay.  Speedfactory & Speakeasy don't
> serve here.  Any ALErs with HiWaay experience(s)?  Looks like my
> only option for any kind of reliable Internet service is going to
> have to be DSL (or dialup - even that works more reliably than
> cable but my max dialup speed is 28800).  Not much choice here.
> Bellsouth is cheaper but I think HiWaay has Alabama-local
> customer service/support (I plan to investigate further).  I'm
> aware of the problem(s) list members here have with ATT (e.g.
> port blocking, warrantless wiretapping, etc); what of HiWaay?

I haven't heard of HiWaay before.

The only good thing I can say about Bellsouth/ATT is that they don't 
hide their naked DSL options anymore.

http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs/index.html
http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs//inetsrvcs_dry_pop.html

"FastAccess? DSL Direct
FastAccess DSL without a voice line is available at several speeds and
price plans for qualifying customers. Call 800-626-9149 to order.
FastAccess DSL Direct 768K: $19.95 per month
FastAccess DSL Direct 1.5M: $37.95 per month
FastAccess DSL Direct 3.0M: $42.95 per month
FastAccess DSL Direct 6.0M: $47.95 per month"

Annoying, prices are much better for ATT customers outside the former 
Bellsouth area. For instance, at this page the $37.95 service is only 
$23.99.

http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=10850

-Brian