🚀 go-pugleaf

I just checked with GTE and TCI for availability of high speed Internet in
the Plano, TX area. I discovered ADSL is available now and TCI@Home is set
to launch on Dec. 30. Here are my options (all speeds are stated in
bits-per-second).

I have ISDN now 128k/128k u/d for $140/mo ($80 for the ISDN line, $40 for
ISP + $20 for /29 subnet).

GTE tells me they will check the line quality if I ask to sign-up. Until
then, they can't be sure ADSL is available to my address. Their packages
are show below. In all cases, GTE is the ISP.

64k/256k u/d for $60/mo
384k/384k u/d for $99/mo
768k/768k u/d for $200/mo

TCI cable modem with @Home as the ISP

128k/1544k u/d for $39.95

Because TCI and @Home have gotten so much bad press in these groups, I want
to relate my first experience with them. I talked with David, who happily
answered all my questions. He told me that he won't know exact addresses
where the service is available until the installation begins on Dec. 30.

When I asked about bandwidth, he said they are currently limiting
individuals to 128k/1544k u/d. This policy was instituted because many
people were purchasing the @Home service then installing commercial sized
web and FTP servers. They have another product offering, @Work, which is
designed to handle the higher bandwidth demands of commercial Internet
sites. (Yes, it costs more, but then it should cost more). He also said
they continuously monitor the overall network performance and are making
adjustments as needed to support the load. He said that as things stabilize
in an area, they may open up the speed if the network can handle it.

I asked about security of the connection. He said that part of their
installation process is to disable file and print sharing. Since the
service is designed and intended for single system connections, that seems
reasonable also. He said that if someone chooses to enable file sharing
after the install, they do so at their own risk. Again, reasonable.

David told me that the TCI people only do the cable work. All computer
work, including NIC, software, and modem installation, are done by local
contractors. Many of these come from CompUSA and other large computer
chains.

All in all, I was very impressed by his open and direct answers to my
questions. Finally, David gave me his direct extension should I think of
any other questions. He eliminated any preconceptions I had about their
competence.

Based upon what I know today, I will most likely go for TCI@Home if it is
available to my address by the end of January. Otherwise, I will try ADSL.
In either case, I won't shutdown the ISDN service until the new service is
up and proven stable. Finally, as I do even with ISDN, I'll maintain a
dial-up account with my favorite local ISP.

-- 
Homebuilt LAN - The Newsletter for the Networked Home User Written for the
Non-Technnical Reader.
http://www.homebuilt-lan.com