Thinking of switching to AT&T Uverse

primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' BoopinDetroit, MI Icrontian
edited March 2010 in Science & Tech
I've been with WideOpenWest as an internet provider for years, and for the most part have been happy. Their prices have remained reasonable, and I had a great customer service experience a year ago when they switched me to higher speed and cut my bill at the same time.

There are downsides though—dealing with their tech support can be an exercise in insanity (SIR, CLICK START, CLICK COMPUTER, CLICK PROPERTIES), and sometimes things get laggy during what I can only assume are high-traffic times (Cable internet - shared bandwidth).

I looked into AT&T Uverse and found out that it is available at ICHQ for slightly LESS than I'm paying now, with 24 down/3 up service. That's a lot faster than the current 15/2 we have now, and it would be about $10 cheaper. In addition, I discovered that it is fiber, meaning direct bandwidth instead of shared.

Seems like a no brainer, except there is a $150 installation fee for internet only, and then the real clincher: AT&T as a brand.

I've heard nothing but terrible things about AT&T for years, notably their service. I checked with a rep and had a decent experience with him, and he was knowledgeable enough (he's a gamer and we talked L4D for a minute), and he specifically mentioned that there's no bandwidth cap, which is nice.

My question is: Do you guys have experience with AT&T UVerse? What has it been like for you?

Comments

  • waxwax the neroberg Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    you can wave the installation fee by signing up for a TV package at the same time, the package can be cancelled immediately after installation. the only bitch is A: dealing with AT&T. sending the tv box back is super easy you just drop it off at a UPS store with a form they send you.
  • BlackHawkBlackHawk Bible music connoisseur There's no place like 127.0.0.1 Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    I discovered that it is fiber, meaning direct bandwidth instead of shared.
    U-verse isn't FTTH (fiber to the home), it's to the node. You'll be sharing bandwidth among the node.
    you can wave the installation fee by signing up for a TV package at the same time
    Don't be a douche and get the TV package. Your kids will thank you :p
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    From my conversation with the AT&T rep, he claimed it was not shared bandwidth. Perhaps he's mistaken?
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    And Black Hawk, give it up man, I'll never have TV. :p
  • BlackHawkBlackHawk Bible music connoisseur There's no place like 127.0.0.1 Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    The 24/3 from the node isn't shared but you're not personally getting direct bandwidth from the fiber. It's still DSL, you're going to get what you pay for.

    -Edit-
    From what I've read, U-verse does take some time to install.
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    I was under the impression UVerse was cable, not DSL.
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    Okay, I clarified with an AT&T tech - it is fiber to the node, DSL from the node. The node is a box about 500 feet from my house.

    "get what you pay for" this would be about $70 a month for the top-tier service.
  • BlackHawkBlackHawk Bible music connoisseur There's no place like 127.0.0.1 Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    I meant get what you pay for in the sense that you're going to experience 24/3 at all times. Even during peak hours.
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    A chat log:
    Marcus S: I understand your concern; however, it is FTTN to your location.
    Brian: My concern is: will I be sharing the bandwidth from the node with my neighbors who happen to be on the same node?
    Brian: If everybody in my neighborhood is watching digital TV that evening, will my internet bandwidth be affected?
    Marcus S: It will not share bandwidth from the node to your location.
    Marcus S: It will not effect your Internet service.
    Brian: Thank you for the information :)
  • SliquidSliquid Neverwhere, Michigan Member
    edited March 2010
    we switched to uverse last year after multiple issues with comcast.

    the internet service has been consistent since that one time i accidentally unplugged the modem. the only problem we've had so far was with a faulty dvr box, but they sent someone out to replace it the next day.
  • ardichokeardichoke Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    Speaking as an AT&T Internet customer, I can say that their customer service is frustrating at times. It's mostly just getting to talk to the right department that is the pain in the ass though. Once you actually get linked up with the right team, they are usually knowledgeable and helpful. What's more, the bandwidth to your house is guaranteed. If they can't guarantee a line speed, they won't let you order it. I'm only on standard DSL currently (I wish I could get U-verse service at my house) but I must say I love it. I see NO slowdown during peak times, I always get a nice constant line speed. Their prices are quite reasonable as well which you've already noted. I would say go for it. Dealing with their customer support maze is well worth the reduced price and guaranteed line speed IMHO, especially since having to deal with their support is rare. Yes, I had issues when I first got hooked up due to some asshole cutting the line between my house and the pole, but once those got resolved I haven't experienced any issues since.
  • NiGHTSNiGHTS San Diego Icrontian
    edited March 2010
    I've had a great experience with AT&T out here. Customer service, installation, and DSL speed (to the point where I considered going back to them before rejoining RoadRunner after a move) were great. However, this is Cox territory, so I'm almost certain AT&T was bending over backwards for people once they began selling here. All the same, I was surprised at how easy they made everything, including canceling their service when my lease was up.
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