[kwlug-disc] Moving away from Rogers Internet

[CrankyOldBugger]

Congratulations on making the switch, Khalid!


On 25 July 2014 15:49, Khalid Baheyeldin <kb at 2bits.com> wrote:

> This is the continuation of the saga of getting rid of big name Rogers
> for a more reasonably priced and better featured internet ...
>
> So, before my Rogers contract was up, I called them, savouring the
> moment, and finally cancelled! Make sure that you give them a 1 month
> notice if you do that.
>
> Rogers offered me internet only (Hybrid Fibre 60, which "up to" 60Mbps
> download, 10Mbps upload, 120GB allowance) for $61.4 (taxes included).
> This has a fairly low cap, and I would be using much more every month,
> so it is not a viable option.
>
> Also, I need cable internet since it offers higher speeds than DSL,
> and it is what I have been using for over 10 years. DSL was out of the
> question.
>
> Initially, I was planning to go with Start
> http://www.start.ca/services/highspeed (enable Javascript to enter
> your postal code in order to see the cable plans). I did recommend
> them to friends, based on feedback from this group, as well as
> price/features, and they are working fine there, with VoIP and all.
>
> However, they have recently shuffled their plans, and in order to get
> 300 GB per month (above what I use with a safety margin), I have to go
> for a $65 plan. The plan below it is reasonably priced ($45), but has
> a limit of 200 GB only. Not practical!
>
> So, I ended up with VMedia (http://vmedia.ca) with their 30/5
> unlimited cable plan $50 a month (that is the month to month price, I
> thought I saw an option for $45 with an annual commitment, but can't
> find that on the site anymore).
>
> One advantage is that this list would be trying a new provider, so we
> get some first hand feedback and variety.
>
> You sign up online, and if you enter your Rogers cancellation date and
> reference number, you qualify for the transfer ($20) instead of $65
> for a regular install). No technician will visit. You connect the
> modem and that is it.
>
> I ordered the modem (Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 SB6141 $80 purchase and $15
> shipping). Yes, it can be gotten cheaper elsewhere, but there is no
> need upgrade the firmware or have other conflicts for saving $10 or
> $20. I'd rather have something that is guaranteed to work from them as
> long as it is a one time expense.
>
> So, total upfront costs: $20 (transfer)+ $80 (modem) + $15 (shipping) +
> tax.
>
> Total monthly cost: $50 plus tax month to month, no contract.
>
> Once you sign up, you get an initial order confirmation email.  Do not
> be surprised if you do not get any contact from them for 2 weeks or so
> afterwards. They are not ignoring you, so don't panic. They will email
> you with the tracking information for the modem that is being shipped
> to you. When you ask them something by email they respond in less than
> an hour.
>
> As with all cable resellers, they use part of Rogers' infrastructure.
>
> My switch date was July 24th. It was sometime around 6:15 am on the
> 25th (following day) that the switch happened. Basically, if you see
> the internet stop working, then you connect the cable modem supplied
> by VMedia and reboot the router so it picks a new external IP address,
> and that is it.
>
> As for speed it is close to advertized (30/5):
>
> To a Toronto Server (Teksavvy)
>
> Date: 2014-07-25 12:40 PM EDT
> Download: 29.11 Mb/s
> Upload: 4.87 Mb/s
> Ping: 18 ms
> Server: Toronto, ON ~ 100 km
>
> To a Kitchener Server (Netflash)
> Date: 2014-07-25 1:03 PM EDT
> Download: 28.25 Mb/s
> Upload: 5.03 Mb/s
> Ping: 30 ms
> Server: Kitchener, ON < 50 km
>
> Anecdotal: Some site feel "snappier" (less delay between request and
> response). Also for VoIP, the one person we called says there is less
> delay than with Rogers. But it is too early to say definitively.
>
> As for billing it is prorated for the balance of the first month, then
> by credit card at the beginning of each month.
>
> Hope this helps a few people looking for options ...
> --
> Khalid M. Baheyeldin
> 2bits.com, Inc.
> Fast Reliable Drupal
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>
>
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