RCN "upgrading" phones in Somerville to "Digital"..??.

[push-stars.livejournal.com]

   Anyone know anything about this? We received a letter stating we had to setup a time to have their technician come in and convert us.  I had been trying to talk my wife into dumping cable (and Phone) to do everything with an Internet connection and an antenna using a free phone like Ooma, (kind of like MagicJack).  She objected stating a solid land line phone is reliable and works even when the power goes out -- An important Safety issue. 

 Well they put our New Modem in about 2 weeks ago and it has already gone out twice taking the phone down along with the Internet. I can't call my house right now and there is no easy way to check for missed calls when the service comes back.  They want me to wait at home ALL DAY Saturday (no 3 hours slots available), their technicians have "hectic schedules" so they can't guarantee a call prior to showing up...  They can; however, guarantee a $49.95 Charge if I miss them...

 Has anyone tried that new Clear Internet 4g wireless service?  Is DSL still available? I need a fast connections and I see that Comcast charges 100 Plus for their fastest service.

If we don't win the Google Fiber, shouldn't Somerville start our own municipal fiber broadband service?

Comments

[ron_newman]

I still mosey along on DSL. Mine is from Galaxy, but Verizon frequently advertises its DSL service in Somerville too.

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

My phone lines got upgraded a month or two ago and I have had no issues. I also got the $50 credit for allowing them to do so.

[misterthorn.livejournal.com]

what's a "land line"

[smammy]

My understanding is that RCN has copper loops for landlines in Somerville, making them real land-lines with an independent power source and all. It sounds like they're getting tired of maintaining that junk, so they're switching people to VoIP. These sorts of systems generally have their own dedicated channels on the cable line, so they're not competing for bandwidth with your Internet connection. The interface with your existing phone equipment may also have a built-in battery, so they may continue to work if your power goes out. (You may want to check on that.) Essentially, they're less "real land-line" than a traditional copper loop to the switching office, but way more real than something like Vonage or Ooma.

clear

[geekchik.livejournal.com]

Hey there,

I had Clear's sister service, clearwire, when I lived in Ohio (2007-2008). They make you rent the modem/box thing for about $5/month, but the monthly price was still really competitive and my internet was very fast. It went out once or twice over a whole year, but when I called about it they knocked $20 off of my bill each time.

I'd like to switch back; I hate giving my money to RCN every month, and I don't like Comcast either.

[comcastmike.livejournal.com]

Hi there,

My name is Mike and I work for Comcast. I see that you are interested in Internet services. If you would like, send us an email and we will look into promotions that you may qualify for. Have a great day!

Best regards,
Mike Padgeon
National Customer Operations
We_Can_Help@cable.comcast.com

[kalimba21.livejournal.com]

I have a landline with unlimited national calling, along with DSL internet 3-7meg, seems fast enough for whatever I do, and we run a few wireless devices all at the same time. We have this thru verizon and pay about $70/month. It originally came with a free modem/router as part of a promotion. The internet occasionally goes out but it seems that if I restart the modem it works fine again.