Getting the best internet/phone/cable package

99knives

I recently moved into a house with my wife and we need high speed internet, phone for local calls, and basic cable.

Do any of you have suggestions for some sort of digital combo package or a good way not to pay too much?

I need input from experience with this stuff.
Thanks for any input.

naporeon

What city/county do you live in?

99knives

naporeon wrote:

What city/county do you live in?

I live in Florida/Brevard County/Palm Bay.

naporeon

You will probably get a lot of conflicting advice on this, but I recommend getting cable. I use Comcast for TV/Internet, and they have a bevy of packages; in addition, they have had remarkably consistent service in my area. I prefer to ditch the terrestrial line, though, and simply use a cell; Comcast does offer phone packages in many areas, however.

Thanatos

Shop around. Different areas have different pricing, talk to the different companies that offer different service in your area, and figure out which is best for the price.

Älphämönkëy

I'm always a fan on Speakeasy DSL. Make sure to get a OneLink plan with VOIP and you wont regret it. I suppose that leaves out cable, but as far as reliability and general customer satisfaction, Speakeasy can't be beat.

Lucky Cynic

I recommend Comcast. Even though their commercials are very annoying, they actually provide good service. I used to get like a day or two out of the whole year where my internet stopped working and the tehcnician came in the next day, set up everything, and even replaced several modems. This was about 2 years ago and I havent had any problems with comcast internet ever since. We only have their basic cable and yeah, its pretty okay. Nothing HD or nothing but then again we do not really watch too much TV.

Just to note though, I would stay away from anybody offering phone/internet/cable tv/etc. all in one package. Sure its nice to get one bill, but often the companies skimp on one or two of the services or at least provide mediocre service. I would rather go with a company that excells in each field.

exoplasm

First of all, Speakeasy doesn't apply here since the OP wants low-cost. I agree their service is excellent, but $140/mo for what you can get from the cable company for $60/mo is not worth it (excludes tv programming cost). Unless the cable company is horrendously bad. This brings me to my next point...

Cable company vs. telco is HIGHYL dependant on the area. Some people have amazingly good comcast service in some areas, while other people have such bad comcast server in another area that comcast was replaced by time warner (they are also not good in every area, but most it seems). AT&T, SBC, Verizon, Bell, Quest, Comcast, Time Warner, etc. they are all subject to this. Adelphia doesn't count, though, because they suck everywhere.

What you should do is try both, if a) you can afford to and b) they both offer 30 day refund or whatever. 30 days should be enough to decide which one is worth your money.

Also keep in mind that DSL service is dependant on your distance to the CO (central office). On top of that you need to have good internal wiring and good wiring in the neighborhood. If Fiber is available, it's good ($50 package from Verizon is excellent).

If you are friendly and outgoing you can kill two birds with one stone: greet your neighbors and find out how their service is and what they use.

Thanatos

#1, Comcast just bought Adelphia.

#2, I've been incredibly happy with my Adelphia service out here.

MarvellousM

For VOIP I've had Vonage for the last 18 months and I've not had a single problem with it.