»next review in page
gotGipped Review by gotGipped
Posted: 247 days ago
member for 247 days, 6 visits, last login: 234 days ago
 San Diego,San Diego,CA
 $21 per month (12 month contract)
 "Cheap"
 "Get about 1/5 to 1/10th of the speed that I paid for"
 "Not worth it."
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings well below consensus)
|
Have not had consistent decent connection since day one.
Followup comments: Forums »
 |
»next review in page (previous review)
CCarson Review by CCarson
UPDATED: 249 days ago
member for 8.3 years, 423 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Redlands,San Bernardino,CA
$29 per month (12 month contract)
 about 42 days
 Verizon
"Great support by reps in DSLReports forum"
"Service & support highly variable; sales reps in my case were quite poorly informed"
"Good service, once you can get it working"
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
Here is my experience setting up a dry-loop ("naked"/"standalone") DSL connection in Verizon territory through DSLExtreme. I have been a DSL subscriber since 1998 with Earthlink/Covad, SBC, and Verizon.
The DSLX rep informed me in no uncertain terms that my activation date would be 0-4 days after my Verizon disconnect date. It turned out this date would instead be 3-6 WEEKS after Verizon disconnect, leaving me without internet during that time.
I called them three times for status updates; on the final call, the rep contacted Verizon and managed to get an activation date.
The activation date came and went with no service. Most of the time I was able to get through to reps quickly, but twice I had to spend 30-45 minutes on hold waiting to talk to someone--usually in the afternoon (Pacific time). I was told a week later that my service *should* be active, but I had no service. Moreover, I was twice promised a call back from DSLX tier 2 tech support, which never happened.
Ultimately, this was mainly the fault of Verizon, which owns the phone lines. I believe the real problem is that Verizon originally installed and wired my NID/MPOE (phone box outside the house) incorrectly.
I ultimately fixed this myself by rewiring the box using information I looked up online (while at work). Although this was mostly Verizon's fault, DSLX could have done a far better job keeping detailed trouble-ticket notes. (For example, I called customer service to get credit for the time I was supposed to have service but did not. Despite a tech support ticket mentioning that Verizon needed to tag the wires for DSL, the rep would not credit my account; she didn't understand that this makes the service unusable.)
In the end, the process was more painful than any DSL installation I've ever encountered, even though I would do it again to avoid having to pay Verizon for its incompetence.
If you go dry-loop, be warned that you may have to spend a large amount of time on the phone talking to customer service and tech support at DSLX and that you may have to learn to work on your home's internal telephone wiring on your own. It's not any one company's fault, but it's the burden you as a consumer have to bear due to imperfect communication between DSLX and the ILEC.
* Addendum for upgrade 768k -> 3M service 1/2009 *
Upgrading should have been easy but was difficult. Tech support reps in house could do nothing and their actions resulted in my being offline for 2 days. Ultimately it was the actions of TS and the general manager in the forum on this site that got the connection going. Upgrades are said to generally take 5 business days. This took 24 days total from request to upgrade as well as hundreds of cell minutes on hold. In the end, the GM's attitude via this forum is what will keep me with DSLX.
Followup comments:  
dslx_gm
Premium,VIP
join:2002-12-26
Winnetka, CA
| Verizon Dry Loop DSL Hi CCarson -
I apologize that you relieved some mis-information regarding the activation of dry loop DSL through Verizon. Unfortunately the Verizon process to activate a drop loop line is not refined and can take an extended period of time. In looking back at our completed order the average time from order to activation is 15 days. With that said we have seen orders take longer. We are working with Verizon to persuade them to strengthen the process on their end to lessen the time frames.
Most clients on a line share DSL line are active within 3 business days. I assume the representative you spoke with inadvertently gave you the wrong information. I have sent an email out to our staff reminding them of the longer time frames it takes Verizon to activate a dry loop line. Additionally I will look at getting more information on site regarding the activation time frames for dry loop DSL lines.
If you wouldn't mind sending me a PM with your account information, I would like to see which representative placed the order for you and ensure that their supervisor speaks with them directly. Additionally I can follow up on your order and make sure it is on track.
Thanks
--
George
General Manager
DSL Extreme
Will work for reviews.  | |
| 
CCarson
join:2001-07-22
Redlands, CA | will respond soon Not sure how to PM with this system...and it's difficult to explore when I don't have an internet connection at home  Will contact you once my connection is up & running.
Thx. | |
| fusionbrkley
join:2009-01-18
Berkeley, CA
 ·SONIC.NET
2 edits | move to the Bay Area and get Sonic.net ADSL2+! sorry to hear about your troubles. Why don't you move to the Bay Area, where you can get Sonic.net ADSL2+ naked, dry loop service, and have it installed quickly and efficiently like they did for me! 
check out my review at »User reviews - SONIC.NET to see how things SHOULD be done | |
|  |
CCarson
join:2001-07-22
Redlands, CA
·DSL EXTREME
| Re: move to the Bay Area and get Sonic.net ADSL2+! DSLExtreme is great once you get it working. Customer service is no worse than I've seen with Verizon, AT&T, or Earthlink.
I checked out Sonic's plans. For what I need, DSLX compares favorably:
Sonic:
down: 1.5 - 3 MBPS
up: 384 - 512 kBPS
cost: $29.99
DSLX:
down: 3 MBPS
up: 768 kBPS
cost: $29.99 | |
| | | |
Forums »
|
»next review in page (previous review)
CherylA Review by CherylA
UPDATED: 264 days ago
member for 4.4 years, 115 visits, last login: 32 days ago
Encino,Los Angeles,CA
$12 per month (12 month contract)
about 5 days
"Someone always there to help if needed, they are local, helpful and work with you when you need help."
"Speed limited by my distance from CO but thats not in control of DSLExtreme."
"I would recommend DSLExtreme to anyone, and have already recommended to more then a few coworkers"
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
From advertising and on the forum I was very aware of their record. I had tried several years ago to no avail, as I was too far from SBC offices to get service. I could not understand why SBC would advertise, but deny service, this is my first time having a general manager of a company taking the time and interest to call and apologize and explain why they could not offer me service. Again due to SBC location and not in their control. George has always gone beyond expectations from what I can see.
I unpacked my ADSL modem DSL- 23208, plugged in filter on phone line and I was connected. I did have some bumps due to poor connections from SBC/ATT and from my own errors trying to do self fixes. People at DSL Extreme have always been very helpful, opened a ticket and got the phone company to check and update wiring for phone line. Talked me through replugging in my phone filter (had old phone line so changed that nor realizing I had unplugged the filter as well. OOPS)
Zak and Sashwa on the forum board are also always very helpful. Have only had DSLX for a few months, since early Nov but I am one satisfied Customer. Cant beleive how everyone from Techs to the board bend over backwards to help as fast as possible.
Followup comments: Forums »
|
»next review in page (previous review)
Done Deal Review by Done Deal
Posted: 273 days ago
member for 5.5 years, 1150 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Santa Monica,Los Angeles,CA
$17 per month (12 month contract)
"Reasonable price - good newsgroup coverage"
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I recommend it.
Followup comments: Forums »
|
»next review in page (previous review)
Vandethuong Review by Vandethuong
Posted: 274 days ago
member for 274 days, 0 visits, last login: 274 days ago
San Jose,Santa Clara,CA
$17 per month (12 month contract)
"Service and promotion for loyal customers"
"I would not recommend this for any one else."
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings well below consensus)
|
I have been using DSL Extreme for more than 3 years. And now, I have to pay 17.88/ month for the service which is slower than 384kbps. I saw 3000kbps for 19.95. I asked them to upgrade but they said because I am not a new customer, the maximum speed they could provide me is 1500kbps for 20.95/month. If I want the 3000kbps for 19.95, I have to cancel the service and return the modem. And then, after that I have to order the service as a new customer, I could receive that. Is it ironic??? They should treat loyal customers as least as the same as new customers. If a customer cancels the service, they may never come back to that one ever again.
Followup comments: 
TheTECHGUY
@sbcglobal.net
| Are you on verizon frame relay? if you are on the older verizon service, you cannot get anything higher then 1500. the system just cannot support it. they should be able to switch you to the new system without cancelation and give you the new price if they are willing. if not cancel service with them and go with someone else. IE verizon see if you can get FIOS. | |
| |
Van Nguyen
@dslextreme.com | Re: Are you on verizon frame relay? Hi TheTECHGUY,
Thank you so much for your responding.
I am having AT&T service, but they still said 1500 is the maximum for me.
Yes, I agree with you. That is what I plan to do.
Thank you again and wish you a beautiful day. | |
|
dslx_gm
Premium,VIP
join:2002-12-26
Winnetka, CA
| Renewal rates are less than AT&T new customer rates... The new client and renewal rates that we offer our clients are closely tied to the rates that the Telco charges us on a monthly basis for leasing the phone line. As it is their goal to help us attract new clients, they provide us with promotional rates for new clients that allows us to in turn offer promotional rates to new clients.
After the first year we offer our clients very competitive renewal rates within the overall market. The current new client rate on the 1500 speed package that you are on is $19.95. Our existing client renewal rate is just $1 more at $20.95. The main thing to note though is that the new client rate from AT&T on that package is $24.95. At the moment we are fortunate to be able to offer our new and existing clients rates that are less than what AT&T is offering their new clients while still offering 24/7 local support.
Thanks
--
George
General Manager
DSL Extreme
Will work for reviews. | |
| | 
mbaha
join:2009-03-01 | Re: Renewal rates are less than AT&T new customer rates... I'm in same boat with slow DSL and paying $20/month and the only way to do anything about it is to change providers!! | |
| sanjose95138
Premium
join:2009-05-02
San Jose, CA | I feel ya I'm working with them trying to get my line quality issues worked out... I'm not happy with this company and I'm not renewing the contract either. | |
| | | |
Forums »
|
»next review in page (previous review)
M30Guy Review by M30Guy
UPDATED: 274 days ago
member for 1 year, 11 visits, last login: 35 days ago
Pittsburg,Contra Costa,CA
$22 per month (12 month contract)
AT&T
"Speed is consistant even if on the low end of bandwith scale"
"Slower than expected speed ........ 12 month contract"
"nice low price for 12 month contract if was higher above minimum speed"
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I gave pre-sales a 3 - since I don't know if the pre-sales info I had was more or less than I would have gotten from other sources. Info looked on par with DSL info I found at AT&T. Ordering DSL on line was quick and easy... Email came back in a wek saying it was all setup and ready for mr to connect. Good thing DSL-Extreme has the LAN connection info that needs to be changed in Windows.
Connection got a 3 because it is at the low end at 1692 kbps and I'm supposed to be on the 3000 speed plan (where the minimum speed is 1500...).
The other choices get a 4 because as far as i know i'm satisfied with the service but there is a lingering thought that I'm not getting all that I'm paying for. I just checked the stats at Speedtest.net and DSL Extreme is at the bottom speed comparison. Comcast cable is about 10 times faster and doesn't cost 10 times more. Now I'm feeing a little bummed out..... and changed Value to a 2.
I'm using my own DSL modem - a Speedstream 5260, which should be capable of 6,000 kbps thruput. I'm using the inline filters on the standard phone lines on each of the three phones in the house.
Followup comments: Forums »
|
»next review in page (previous review)
shuxclams7 Review by shuxclams7
UPDATED: 283 days ago
member for 6.3 years, 0 visits, last login: 6.3 years ago
Winnetka,Los Angeles,CA
$49 per month (12 month contract)
AT&T
"I have DSL"
"Support - All facets"
"DSLExtreme is not as sharp as they used to be."
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings below consensus)
|
What a sham(e)!
I once told lot's of people about DSLExtreme and the service. In
particular their customer support. It's unfortunate now for me to be
writing a review of this company WARNING people to just stay away. Their
customer service has all but disappeared and the service is lackluster
at best. All this compounded with their 'Contract'. Beware your service
contract expiring, you will be charged 20% or more a month for the
service until you resign with them!
I had their DSL Elite (6mb w/5 static) package for years and recently
purchased a new home. I wanted to keep them even after having dealt with
the 'Contract issue'. The speed and customer service was still good.
Well during this move I got the first person who told me I could only
get the 15mb +1 static or 10mb +1 static service and since I lived in
xyz city she wasn't sure if I could get service otherwise. The second
person I spoke to was very helpful and said I could move my service
intact, started the process and told me to call back with the phone
number as soon as I got it and I'd have service up and running mid-week.
When I called with the number I was told that I couldn't get the same
service, best I could do was 3mb + 5 static... after reminding the
person I needed the static. I was quoted the wrong price and again I was
I would have service for almost an additional week! I was stunned and
wasn't sure if this was right. I called back the following day and was
told that I would have to wait until the following week for service even
though my modems DSL connection was showing it was syncing the day it
was originally supposed to come on from the second person I spoke with.
The last person I spoke with opened a ticket and had this to say
"Someone should make it clear to customers that the provisioning date is
not the activation date"
I know that I am probably not close enough to a CO to get the service I
wanted but I went ahead and did the line test to see how bad it was....
Since it felt terribly sluggish etc compared to what level I had for so
long - wouldn't you know I barely pull 1.5mb - basically 25% of the
speed I once had, was told I could get at almost the full price of the
6mb. I am sure the next phone call will be something like what I had
with the original 'Contract issue' from years ago.... This company has
gone down the shitter..... STAY AWAY! I won't be renewing my 'Contract'
with these people!
Sean Frazier
"As long as the world shall last there will be wrongs, and if no man
objected and no man rebelled, those wrongs would last forever" -
Clarence Darrow
Followup comments: Forums »
|
»next review in page (previous review)
nbfree Review by nbfree
UPDATED: 289 days ago
member for 10 years, 144 visits, last login: 173 days ago
Los Angeles,Los Angeles,CA
$29 per month (12 month contract)
about 4 days
"Reliable, Easy, and Fast"
"None yet, but no one is perfect"
"I have had three different DSL providers, this is the best yet."
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings below consensus)
|
I dumped AT&T-SBC back in July 06. A five year nightmare that has finally come to an end. I have waited this long to write a review, since I wanted to make sure this service was up to par. So far, they have not failed me. I am pretty technically savvy so I did not experience a lot of problems setting up the service, though I know some people have had difficulty.
I signed up on line, they sent me an email when service was up. I reconfigured the modem/router and voila! The system has worked flawlessly for eight months.
Unlike SBC/AT&T, when they offer 3 megabits per second down, you get close to what you pay for. With overhead, I am getting about 2.5 Mbps consistently. Previously I was on an "exhausted router" (one that has too many connections which slows down the speed) with SBC/AT&T and paying the premium price for 3 Mbps. During peak day hours I got 1.75 Mbps or less.
I have not interacted with their customer service by phone or email, so I cannot comment on that end of their service. I do know that representatives are timely in responding to questions and complaints here on the DSL reports forums, so that's what sold me.
I only hope the price doesn't increase too much when my contract runs out. Though I would hate to leave DSL Extreme, but I am like all customers, I want a reasonable price for excellent service. So far I get that service. I will review them again after my contract expires and I may be singing a different tune.
Right now, for the price and the service, I am satisfied with DSL Extreme. I do suggest though that you research and do "due diligence" whenever switching DSL service. You will be stuck with a one year contract wherever you go. So do your homework.
I left DSLextreme for Sonic.net.
Followup comments: timpinson
join:2001-08-17
Dallas, TX | reply I love my DSLExtreme! | |
| felixml
join:2003-02-19
Sherman Oaks, CA
·DSL EXTREME
| Great Tech support So far, about six months since I dumped SBC/AT&T after 8 years of mostly nightmarish service, I am very happy with their service, tech support and overall willingness to help me with any requests that I throw at them.
Quite a remarkable achievement in the world of Foreign-based ignorance. | |
| | | |
Forums »
|
»next review in page (previous review)
incendie22 Review by incendie22
Posted: 290 days ago
member for 290 days, 12 visits, last login: 277 days ago
Long Beach,Los Angeles,CA
$27 per month (12 month contract)
"Not getting dsl service after 1 week. will have to wait 2 more weeks"
"Customer support giving different answers to my problem."
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings well below consensus)
|
A week ago I signed up for DSL Extreme and I still don't have internet access. Their online support and phone support gave me different answers on when I will get dsl access. They told me to wait 1 day, another said it might take 3 days, now I'm waiting 2 more weeks before they can give me access. I wish I never signed the 1 year contract with them. It was a waste of time to wait hours on hold and not get the problem fix. I just hate this company will not sign with them again when my subscription ends.
Followup comments: Forums »
|
»next page (previous review)
lionmich5 Review by lionmich5
UPDATED: 291 days ago
member for 7.8 years, 76 visits, last login: 9 days ago
San Jose,Santa Clara,CA
$21 per month (12 month contract)
about 1 days
AT&T
"Very cooperative and knowledgeable tech support, buffer between me and the dreaded AT&T, cheapest"
"They were hesitant to discuss router connections at initial setup. With gentle prodding and they answered my questions"
"Very good"
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Tech Support:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I got the 3000 kbit/sec package for $19.95/mo. I used my existing router and modem.
Smooth transition from AT&T to DSL Extreme. The only hitch was determining to use DHCP protocol rather than PPPoE.
The connection reliability still depends upon AT&T. However, DSL Extreme now interfaces with AT&T for me and I don't have to defend my house wiring and modem as being the problem after AT&T screws up my connection when working on neighbors installations and/or problems.
DSL Extremes first level Tech support are more savvy than AT&T's. After getting through the first "line of defense", (where the customer is always wrong at AT&T) the competence level at AT&T rises sharply and they always get to the source of the problem to fix it. DSL Extreme bypasses that excruciating first level support for you.
Followup comments:
dslx_gm
Premium,VIP
join:2002-12-26
Winnetka, CA
1 edit | Thanks for the Postitive Feedback Hi lionmich5 -
Thanks for the positive feedback. Glad to hear that you are satisfied with our service! Please feel free to visit us in our forum here on BBR should you have any questions or need assistance.
»DSL Extreme
Thanks | |
| | lionmich5
join:2002-01-17
San Jose, CA
1 edit | Re: Thanks for the Postitive Feedback edited out | |
| | | |
Forums »
|
Review of DSL EXTREME
(31)
(43)
·