At home, for my Internet connection, I use Verizon DSL and I’m pretty unsatisfied with the service. I initially signed up for Verizon DSL last June because my mom wanted to go online. She’s a pretty light Internet user and only visits a handful of websites. So it wasn’t a big deal. But during school breaks when I came home and especially now, I’ve found that Verizon DSL is slow and unreliable.
Slow Speed
For your average user, Verizon DSL is probably enough. But I’m a heavy user. I view a lot of online videos, I download a lot of data, I listen to online streaming radio, and I work over the web a lot. I’ve only been able to max out the connection to maybe 125 KB/s down. Upload speed is a bit less important for me but I don’t recall ever going more than 20-30 KB/s. So this is pretty slow if I’m doing multiple tasks online.
Unreliable Connection
I don’t know what the hell it is but EVERY time the weather outside gets rainy, my DSL connection completely craps out. Even if it’s just cloudy and there are storm clouds. I remember doing a search online about it and found some technical mumbo jumbo. I have friends that say they’ve never experienced this. But I don’t care. If it’s happening for me, it’s all that matters. You know how frustrating it is when you’re online trying to get something done and your connection keeps dying? On a more technical note, the IP address Verizon assigns to you often gets changed when it reconnects, which is a little annoying for other reasons I’m not going into.
Switching to Cable
Fortunately, the one year contract period is almost up and I will be switching to a Road Runner cable connection. This is what I’ve used in my off-campus years up at Cornell and I’ve found RR to be very reliable and fast, even when I’m sharing the connection with roommates. Unfortunately, I do have to put up with this DSL crap for another month. RR costs $30 for the first 6 months and then $45 per month thereafter, as compared to Verizon DSL which is $30 a month. I think the increased cost is worth it considering I do web development work and my Internet connection is essential. I’ve always been supportive of paying more for something if it it makes life easier or more convenient.
Seriously, it’s been rainy lately and I’ve been at the verge of yanking the DSL modem right out and smashing it to pieces. But I’ve resisted. For now.
I’m not sure if I even have to send back the equipment. Maybe I WILL get to smash it. That would be sweet. Sweet indeed.
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