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| | Author | Messages | |
alanf
Posts:1473
 | | 03/27/2008 3:15 PM |
 Alert | Hi all. I'm considering trying out QWEST Internet and TV for the 30 day trial period. I had a long talk with QWEST customer service and we have put together a package that looks almost equal to my current Orbitel package (except I'll need TIVO).
Does anybody currently use these services? And if so, pros and cons in comparison to Orbitel (Cable) or Satellite (Direct). Appreciate any and all input. Even retarded remarks  . I've currently got:
The full cable package - All non-premium cannels including HD.
Cable Broadband.
2 HD DVRs (the newest Motorola ones are AWESOME)
1 Digital STB(Set Top Box)
This gives me about 180 channels and adequate internet speed (minimal lag) Cost $114 a month + $24 a month for Qwest Local phone line. $138. Total
QWEST offer:
Full Choice TV (about the same channels)
3Mbs VDSL Broadband Internet
2 HD Gateways
1 SD Gateway (with 3 TV nodes)
Unlimited Local Phone service(already paying this) Cost $119 a month (Approx)
30 day try it period. 2 year contract locks Internet price forever (in this house,,,)
When you add in TIVO service, I think the prices will be almost exactly the same. Input please. I really do not hate Orbitel, I'm looking to do a side by side comparison. Thanks. | | | |
| | uprvr
Posts:61
| | 03/27/2008 4:44 PM |
Alert | alanf----- If your happy with Orbitel and their service has been good I would stick with them. They are located in the city and hire local Maricopa residents. They also sponsor tons of community events that benefit our community and children. Now I'm not recommending to patronize them if the service is not adequte for your needs, but I wouldn't change just for the sake of changing. BTW I have used Orbitel for 3 years and have had very few issues and would highly recommend them. | | | |
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| | Mr_Knowitall
Posts:14
| | 03/28/2008 8:34 AM |
Alert | | I just switched from Orbitel recently as well, I had no issue with Orbitel other than I wanted more HD channels that I am now getting with DirectTv. I have the 7Mbps qwest internet service and really can't tell any difference. But the difference in TV is amazing. I'm paying about the same but now the phone service is essentially free. I also have the HD DVR service. | | | |
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| | Rabbit
Posts:250
| | 03/28/2008 8:40 AM |
Alert | i used the same package basically as youre describing alanf. i recently just switched to orbitel.
the tv stuff was fine, no major issues with that at all, other than occasionaly not getting a channel for a few minutes with some weird error messages on the screen.
phone was full of static, havent had the problem since i switched to orbitel, qwest refused to even take a look at it without wanting money up front. they insisted it was inside wiring, even though i reported static at the box outside.
i had slightly faster internet than you, but was pretty unhappy with it. they throttle encrypted traffic, so VPN to work was awfully slow, and they also throttle bit torrent downloads, and on those occasions when i needed something off of bit torrent, it was pretty crappy. the speed youre quoted (as with any isp, heh) is not actually what youre going to get.
the real kicker tho, was that the rate i was paying increased by a fair amount after a year...the rate they signed me up at was an introductory rate. they might do a price for life thing on the dsl...but i bet money that the rate on the phone and tv is introductory and will go up after a while. i even asked them when i first signed up if it was an introductory rate...they said no...but still bumped my rates when it wore off. | |
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door." | |
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| | alanf
Posts:1473
| | 03/28/2008 12:22 PM |
Alert | Posted By uprvr on 03/27/2008 4:44 PM alanf----- If your happy with Orbitel and their service has been good I would stick with them. They are located in the city and hire local Maricopa residents. They also sponsor tons of community events that benefit our community and children. Now I'm not recommending to patronize them if the service is not adequte for your needs, but I wouldn't change just for the sake of changing. BTW I have used Orbitel for 3 years and have had very few issues and would highly recommend them.
Since they are contracted with my HOA I will of course continue paying them. That is guaranteed  However, if I don't compare with other sources I won't know if I am getting the most bang for my buck. If I could get better service for the same price....well, what do you think?
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| | alanf
Posts:1473
| | 03/28/2008 12:28 PM |
Alert | Posted By Rabbit on 03/28/2008 8:40 AM
i used the same package basically as youre describing alanf. i recently just switched to orbitel.
the tv stuff was fine, no major issues with that at all, other than occasionaly not getting a channel for a few minutes with some weird error messages on the screen.
phone was full of static, havent had the problem since i switched to orbitel, qwest refused to even take a look at it without wanting money up front. they insisted it was inside wiring, even though i reported static at the box outside.
i had slightly faster internet than you, but was pretty unhappy with it. they throttle encrypted traffic, so VPN to work was awfully slow, and they also throttle bit torrent downloads, and on those occasions when i needed something off of bit torrent, it was pretty crappy. the speed youre quoted (as with any isp, heh) is not actually what youre going to get.
the real kicker tho, was that the rate i was paying increased by a fair amount after a year...the rate they signed me up at was an introductory rate. they might do a price for life thing on the dsl...but i bet money that the rate on the phone and tv is introductory and will go up after a while. i even asked them when i first signed up if it was an introductory rate...they said no...but still bumped my rates when it wore off.
Thanks Rabbit. That's some great info. Let me digest and then I'll ask some more pointed questions of you.
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|  | Rabbit
Posts:250
| | 03/28/2008 3:16 PM |
Alert | Thanks Rabbit. That's some great info. Let me digest and then I'll ask some more pointed questions of you.
ask away...im here to help. | |
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door." | |
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| | Eric the Red
Posts:435
| | 03/28/2008 3:43 PM |
Alert | I've had Qwest in the past too, still have them for the phone (no static for me). The Choice TV is, umm, clunky. Takes a little getting used to the pause when changing channels. I really didn't like the interface it used either. I can't speak for how it runs on their HD boxes. Have you considered using DirecTV instead of Choice? Much better service, IMO. I also had the 3Mb DSL service, and as someone already pointed out, you won't actually get those speeds, or at least I never did.
Throttling the bandwidth has become the norm now for ISPs. MBB does the same thing... | |
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| | umtech
Posts:142
| | 04/05/2008 5:22 AM |
Alert | I used to have Orbitel, the internet service was the not the greatest and the lack of any speed was crazy. Of course it was never there problem. I had the cable, not impressed with the HD channels. I went to DirecTV, Qwest 7mb DSL and the phone, that was running about 144 a month, the HD in DTV is ok, however when the stripped 4 channels from me and told me I had to pay for those after having the HD service for 4 years I dumped them. I have dishnetwork now, the service is ok, I have more HD than DTV does and channels, I have the Qwest lifetime on the 7mb DSL and the phone service. The price is still about 144 a month. I have no issues and do get the full 7mb for the DSL, I have no issues on VPN and have a rock solid connection. According to my wife, the DNW vs DTV, the DNW HD picture she says is more vibrant and colorful. I would really beat up Qwest on the lifetime stuff, my understanding is that is phone and internet only. Get in writing. Another issue is that apparently some others that have confirmation numbers on stuff like this are getting screwed over by Qwest and they call back after 30 days with confirmation numbers and qwest says they have no records as they are purged after the 30 days. | | | |
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| | alanf
Posts:1473
| | 04/07/2008 8:25 AM |
Alert | | Thanks umtech. I'm leaning towards just staying with Orbitel now. | | | |
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| | Crystallovesbostons
Posts:70
| | 04/10/2008 10:56 PM |
Alert | | Dont expect to use HD TIVO with qwest.. | | | |
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