The Speedstream, which bundles a wireless router, was underwhelming in performance for me in the latter capacity. My Linksys sitting next to it kicked butt in signal strength and holding the connection. I also found the configuration information to be underwhelming, particularly with no support for WPA security, only the now easily-broken WEP. In a Cap ‘n Tier environment, that could spell trouble if the neighbors want to hop on your connection.

I also think the company is over-reliant on tricks and traps, and I suspect nobody plays devil’s advocate over there, contemplating how the cable operator will hit back. And Time Warner Cable does hit back hard, and quite effectively.

If I were them, I’d dispense with at least half the fine print. I don’t object to the concept of price protection/contract agreements, but once in one, the nickle and diming should stop. A $45 shipping/handling fee for the netbook is unnecessary. The add-on “feature packs” for calling features and ancillary add-ons should be done away with and simply bundled in. Their wi-fi add-on, which is now included for free for what might be the length of the term (although I have seen contrary language suggesting it’s good for only the first year) was a good step.

I wallow in fine print and am prone to reading this stuff – like those credit card agreements they send. If I am confused by it, most people are way in over their heads.

I am very wary about the Verizon selloff to Frontier personally. It creates a company that dwarfs the existing Frontier, and I fear they have bitten off more than they can chew. We could end up with something akin to FairPoint Communications, which is exactly why I am covering that issue in exhaustive detail here. I want everything on the record so consumer advocates can make sure they press Frontier up front on these exact issues BEFORE the deal is approved.

As people are going to learn as the week progresses, FairPoint has become a major nightmare.

I also personally believe Frontier can mean well, but they are not spending nearly enough on their network to keep up with the times and provide a level of service that is going to become commonplace in the next five years. Offering 3-7Mbps broadband isn’t going to cut it by 2015.

Stay tuned and thanks for reading!

I have seen Speedstream modems on Craigslist, etc for cheap. But I would say call Frontier and see what they say. I am pretty sure that my dad has no monthly modem charge on his Frontier bill and he has been with Frontier for a long time. In fact, I know for sure that he doesn’t because he had told them recently that he was leaving for Time Warner unless something was done about his bill. And as far as I know, they complied.

A short review….

Installed 5/14. Initially saw speedtest results ranging from the high 5′s to 6.4 mb/sec.range. And upload was about 370-380 kb/sec. Tracerts and pings yielded good results with no latency issues at all.

My upload speed was raised by Frontier last Friday to 1 mb/sec cap. Also on Friday my monthly $4.50 modem fee was waived because I have my own dsl modem here.

I e-mailed one of their senior techs Sunday night who I had contact with last year. I received an immediate reply Monday morning. He welcomed me back as a Frontier customer. My issue had to do with download speed and if I was set at the right levels here. As a result of this my download speed was raised so that now download speedtests yield results as high as 6.9 mb/sec. I was told to keep an eye on things and to let him know immediately if I see any adverse things going on. I haven’t. Apparently there is a limit as to how high they dare raise my speed and if any instability occurs. Tracerts and pings remain very good.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/479472870.png

Another feature of this standalone DSL max is that I can receive inbound calls on the phone number that is assigned to my account. So in addition to using MagicJack with a Batavia, NY exchange ( I live in Webster, NY and MagicJack has no other greater Rochester numbers available) , I also have the added benefit of local friends and family who have regular phone plans being able to call me at home with no fear of any long distance charges. ( of course, we also use cells )

To sum up… for SOME Roadrunner customers in this area, there is indeed an alternative. And the customers that I am talking about are the ones like myself who live within a good range of the CO’s and DSLAMS like I do. I will be the first to let the kind people at this great website know if my Frontier experience changes.

Costs more.
A lousy 5GIG up AND down cap.

Costs more than COMCAST!

I see comcast in my future.