Local alternatives for ISP/wireless

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

Dear Square,

I just bit the bullet and got a MacBook, and want to set up wireless in my apt. I was going to get it via the same Evil Empire through whom I have my cell service, but my initial attempt to do so got snarled in bad phone menus and bureaucratic kabuki.

I'm wondering if there are any good local alternatives out there anyone would recommend?

Comments

[zander05.livejournal.com]

You're going to have to get a cable modem through whomever you (duh) get your cable. I had a friend send me a wireless router that she fixed up, but you can try newegg.com because I strongly doubt craigslist or Goodwill will be helpful. Although, I'd have to find out exactly what my friend did since she set up the network name and password for me. Feel free to message me if you need more help.

Oh, and I'm a recent Macbook convert. Best laptop I've ever owned :-)

[mattdm.livejournal.com]

I'm very happy with SpeakEasy DSL. They're not local by any stretch (originally based out of a Seattle coffee shop, but now they're owned by Best Buy), but they have very reliable good service and customer-friendly policies -- run whatever you want, connect to work without technically violating your contract, no secret data transfer caps, and so on.

[enhf94.livejournal.com]

If you don't mind spending more money, Apple's Time Machine (combination wireless router and automagic backup drive) doesn't suck anymore.

Cable options in the area?

[cedarst.livejournal.com]

I know Comcast and RCN both offer cable internet service in the area, with RCN being cheaper overall, but I've also heard from their current customers that their service stinks. So are there any other services people want to rave about? (Besides Speakeasy DSL). I also hear Verizon FIOS isn't much cheaper and has major customer service problems as well.

Simplest short-term solution:

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Turn AirPort On.
Check for open networks.
Connect.

Some people leave their WiFi etwork open as a matter of principle (you know, to share), especially in densely populated parts of town with lots of techie students.

Another fan of RCN , all things considered

[notnatalie.livejournal.com]

I must chime in here that the "jump on an open network" worked for me for quite a while, as well. But I got my own, also RCN, internets-only (I have no need for cable, and my cell is thru Verizon). I have found it fast, reliable, and now possibly cheaper than I thought since I didn't realize I could try to get my discounted rate back!

One warning about RCN with multiple housemates

[notnatalie.livejournal.com]

Just to note, and maybe this woulda happened with any company, but when I moved from a housemate situation with RCN serving our landline and internet in my name, to my own place where I just wanted a new internet account, it was a surreal, 8-month long nightmare to get them to sort out my new account with the account I had left. All we wanted was for the old account to switch to a new name, one of the remaining housemates. Nothing else changes. Then I could take my name and open my own new account. Truly, it seemed that all they had to do was change one field in a database somewhere, to new housemate's name. NO!
You would not believe the ordeal that ensued. A bizarre amount of faxed and hardcopy paperwork, proofs of identification such as faxing licenses going to who knows where (some fax machine in the hallway of some RCN corridor) switched accounts, never getting the same person to follow through, etc was ridiculous. If I hadn't left my housemates on friendly terms it could have been a nightmare for them, since I kept receiving their forwarded bills for months - and when that finally ended it was only to consolidate their charges onto my bill!
I guess RCN could have/should have said: "you must close your account and have your housemate open a new one in her name. Then you take your name and your account number to your new address." But they didn't, and we didn't do that since it seemed like an unnecessary and more costly route (they shouldn't be penalized with 'new' account fees).
But, uh, other than that - love 'em as the best of the offerings!

[cn-i-crash-here.livejournal.com]

Although they are only as local as the Yankees, Bway.net (http://bway.net) is an independent DSL ISP with good reputations for customer service and privacy protection. Bit-for-bit, they're more expensive than cable.