Best Internet Provider (value)

[j.e.s.-U.S.]

I am looking to get a new internet provider (Austin) and just wanted to know some of your thoughts on this. I have a laptop and PS3 and would like to connect wirelessly. Right now, it looks like the best deal I have seen is AT&T DSL.

Pro DSL For $24.99 (I think 23.99 without a phone line is what they told me)
Basic is only $14.99 but I am not sure if that would be too slow. Elite is $34.99
PRO DSL package...
Ideal for watching streaming video and TV

$50 Cash Back¹
FREE Modem² or Wireless Gateway³ after rebate—online only
FREE AT&T Wi-Fi at over 10,000 hot spots4
Downstream speed up to 3.0 Mbps—50x faster than dial-up
No term requirement

Anybody have thoughts or better plans....

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

I use road-runner lite.. I think I pay $25 and have never had a bandwidth issue. There may be better deals out there, but I have no complaints...

 

[kevwun]

If prices and speed are comparable, always go DSL. It's much more reliable than cable.

 

[j.e.s.-U.S.]

Thanks for the info so far...
I have had road runner before and had to frequently reset the modem. Is DSL similar in terms of having to reset?
Also, does anyone have experience between the different packages of DSL like basic, pro, and elite?

 

[kevwun]

You will rarely have to reset your dsl modem. Maybe once every few months. Cable can't even come close in terms of reliability. What are the speeds for the packages?

 

[j.e.s.-U.S.]

ALL AT&T PACKAGES

Basic DSL-14.99 Downstream speed up to 768 Kbps
Great for email and downloading small files
FREE Modem after rebate—online only²
No term requirement
DSL at even a Lower Price! Get high-speed Internet for as low as $10 per month, plus a free modem for qualifying customers.
See if you qualify

Pro DSL-$24.99 Downstream speed up to 3.0 Mbps—50x faster than dial-up
Ideal for watching streaming video and TV
$50 Cash Back¹
FREE Modem² or Wireless Gateway³ after rebate—online only
FREE AT&T Wi-Fi at over 10,000 hot spots4
No term requirement

Elite DSL-$34.99 Downstream speed up to 6.0 Mbps—100x faster than dial-up
Our fastest top-of-the-line speed
$50 Cash Back¹
FREE Modem² or Wireless Gateway³ after rebate—online only
FREE AT&TWi-Fi at over 10,000 hot spots4
No term requirement

I am leaning towards DSL Pro right now but I am just wondering if this would be sufficient for trying play ps3 online?

 

[kevwun]

You could play PS3 online with the basic package without any problems. 768 is easily fast enough for online play of any kind. I would go with the Pro package, especially if you download a lot of stuff. That's where you will notice the difference between 768 and 3mb the most.

 

[idigTexas]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[kevwun]

I base that on experiences at my job, at home and fixing problems for friends. Phone companies have much more reliable networks than cable companies. It's just the way it is.

 

[ballrific]

same here with twc; had a shittly old modem and had to reset daily. exhanged and now it's never down.

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

AT&T is bumping rates for the 3 lowest DSL packages up by $5 next month. If you get a promotional rate, yours shouldn't increase. Just make sure you verify that when you order.

I've had DSL for several years. No problems at all.

 

[YChang]

I know with Comcast in Houston, they'll wave the $3 a month cable modem rental fee if you get your own. Out of curiosity is this the same with DSL or do you have to use AT&T's equipment?

 

[kevwun]

The phone companies usually give you the option of buying a modem from them or providing your own when you sign up for dsl.

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

All of the packages listed a few posts up come with a free modem.

 

[VYFan]

FWIW, while I maintain a negative attitude toward TWC, just on principle, I haven't reset my modem in years.

 

[Wild Bill]

I've had the DSL Pro plan for 4 yrs without problems or resetting the modem.

 

[uisge beatha]

ATT also has an Express DSL - 1.5Mbps for $19.99/mo. We've been happy w/ the Pro since we upgraded from the Express. The only problems we had was when we first moved in, we had static on the phone line so DSL performance was bad. Once they got the phone line fixed, everything's worked great

 

[Swiffert]

roadrunner is great for me.

 

[j.e.s.-U.S.]

Right now I am leaning towards going with Pro or maybe express but I have another question. Is it necessary to have a computer hooked up to the modem/dsl at all times in order to use it. For example, if I just want to use my laptop only, does it need to be hooked up to the modem regardless or is it best to have a separate "home" computer running all the time and then use wi-fi from my laptop?

 

[GHoward]

I always get pissed at DSL because you have to buy their landline phone service too, which I have no need for. I'm getting 1.5mb dsl for 14.99 a month from a previous promotion, but I have to pay for a $10 metered phone line which is the cheapest they have. after taxes and fees it's like $34.
So if they tell you you don't need phone service, they are lying.