switching to qwest standalone DSL

Posts: 6 · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 1:10 pm Post subject: switching to qwest standalone DSL

Hi All,

Called Qwest several times about this, and as normal, I either get someone who doesn't know what they're talking about, or someone who sounds half asleep and does not want to work for Qwest and is totally not interested in helping me.

I'm currently a Qwest customer, with DSL and a phone line (residential). You can now order stand alone DSL. At what stage would i file a request to Qwest for a number transfer to Vonage? SHould i call them up and ask them to change me over to standalone DSL and THEN file the request - if i do this will my number still be around for me to take? Or should i first file the request and then change over to standalone DSL.... in this case how can they be giving me normal DSL with no phone number.....?! OR....should i request them to transfer my number, give me a new number in the meantime until i change over to standalone DSL?

I hope all the above makes sense, and someone can help me out! Qwest certainly cannot, and Vonage have not been that helpful either....

Thanks

Eytan

Posts: 492 · Last edited by mbhn5204 on Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:24 pm; edited 1 time in total

First of all, Qwest requires a telephone number for their DSL services. So, if you have a Qwest number costing at the bare minimum of $30/month plus DSL cost, you have defeated the purpose of a Vonage phone.

There are numerous alternatives to Qwest that do not require telephone service. Verizon and SBC are just a few and are much less expensive. Top of the line is Comcast, but runs $45/month. However, it will still be cheaper (and more reliable) than a Qwest phone with DSL. Stand alone DSL does not impress me, but it may you. It's your decision on this.

As to number transfers. You can not transfer a working number. Do the request and drop Qwest at the same time. Personally, I dislike Qwest so my opinion is biased. I would find a real Broadband service.

Just My Opinion,
Mike

Posts: 6

mbhn5204 wrote:

First of all, Qwest requires a telephone number for their DSL services. So, if you have a Qwest number costing at the bare minimum of $30/month plus DSL cost, you have defeated the purpose of a Vonage phone.

Mike,

Not sure if you understood my question. This is no longer true. They not allow you to have "naked DSL" - i.e. DSL without a phone number.... it just came in recently.

Posts: 492 · Last edited by mbhn5204 on Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

I understand, Eytan. It may very well be a good deal, but I have to leave that up to you. I suppose it's their way of competing with the other DSL services being put to use for Vonage.

Mike

Posts: 6 · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:31 pm Post subject: Re: Switching To Qwest Standalone

mbhn5204 wrote:

I understand, Eytan. It may very well be a good deal, but I have to leave that up to you.

Mike

well the naked dsl is $45 + tax a month. this is for 1.5 down 800 (or so) up. i guess your right in your observation - comcast is virtually the same - $40 odd a month. guess i may cancel all qwest and go with comcast. truth is, i hate the qwest "spirit of service" - just doesn't exist. spend at least 20 min a month on the phone with them trying to sort out mistakes on my bills....

Posts: 492 · Last edited by mbhn5204 on Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:40 pm; edited 1 time in total

Comcast is also twice as fast and has fantastic tech service. I had a party when I trashed Qwest. It was like grabbing a bit of freedom from the wires that had been wrapped around my legs for the last 50 years.

Mike

Posts: 6

mbhn5204 wrote:

Comcast is also twice as fast and has fantastic tech service.

Mike

just noticed that your also in Denver Very Happy

Anyway, just found out it'll be $52 because i don't want any of their other services. hummm.. bit high. btw, how much taxes is on top of that?

Posts: 492 · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:54 pm Post subject:

Let's Check my last bill. Hmm! Hard to tell because I also have their Standard Cable TV service.

Standard Cable 40.49
3Mb Internet 45.95
-------------------------------------
Subtotal 86.44

Taxes & Fees
State Tax .12
City Tax 1.66
County Tax .01
Franchise Fee 2.28
Fcc Fee .06
PEG Fee (?) .50
-------------------------------------
Subtotal 4.63
Balance Due 91.07

Well, it looks worse than it really is. I still think it's worth it. Got hooked on the High Speed Internet instantly. I could never return to a lesser service. But again, I'm not trying to persuade you to change. I have to say though, I hate Qwest. I'm looking forward to their going out of business.

Just My Opinion,

Mike

Posts: 6 · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 3:03 pm Post subject:

mbhn5204 wrote:

Let's Check my last bill. Hmm! Hard to tell because I also have their Standard Cable TV service.......

OK those figures look great. Thanks for the tips.

Quote:

I hate Qwest. I'm looking forward to their going out of business.

Yeh, me too. Don't know where they are finding the cash to buy MCI.....

Posts: 492 · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 3:17 pm Post subject:

Remember they also own Qwest wireless. As the old telco's fade away to be replaced by Voip and cell phone services, they hope to stay alive by being a top cell phone company. I have a T-Mobile cell service. It is acceptable, but Qwest wireless is a dog. Maybe that's why they need MCI.

Mike