Hello folks. I've read these forums before, but never posted. I just joined so here I am.
I've been a AT&T DSL user in San Jose, CA (bordering Santa Clara, CA) for almost 11 years. Apart from some bad startup issues (actually had the tech who climbs the poles come to my house), it's run pretty solid with an old Speedstream 4100 modem, a D-Link G router for most of that time and a Netgear N router recently.
During much of 2015, I've had many more unexplained drops, complaints from the kids while doing homework and other oddities. I spent some time researching getting a new DSL modem (although the research I did seemed split as to whether that would benefit me) and a new AC router (I was leaning toward TP-Link for both FWIW). I also started seriously considering Comcast after a conversation with my neighbor on his speeds (I was going to send one of the kids next door to do an A/B test, but haven't gotten around to that). I even started measuring some coax so I could make sure I had a home run from the outside to the closet with my router, NAS and rudimentary wiring panel.
Around the same time (later June) I got the 'the letter' from AT&T saying I needed to make a decision (as you can see, it takes me a while). Feeling like U-verse was everywhere else in San Jose but here, I had really given up.
I called one CSR and got some good info, and while the best tier they can offer is 3 Mbps (same as my current DSL), it would be less expensive for the 12 month promo period. I also decided to take them at face value that they would no longer 'invest' in the DSL infrastructure if i didn't migrate. I also saw the note on the letter that if I didn't act, my internet might be 'interrupted' I didn't actually think they were serious.
In the back of my mind, I had always thought from web research to stay away from integrated gateways. While I don't consider myself as networking savvy as many users here, I figured I could eventually master bridging mode to add my own AC router.
Realizing I was was getting awfully close to Sep 1, I called AT&T on Sat (8/29) and order U-verse with a tech install. They were able to get my 9/2 from 1pm - 3pm. I had asked before what gateway I would get and while they couldn't promise anything, they gave me the Pace 5168NV and 5031NV as most likely. I did a little web research and nothing jumped out at me. I actually started thinking I might get the same or better performance that I have now with my DSL modem and the Netgear WNR2500 -- and I can always add a higher-end router later.
I get up this morning, go into the kitchen to do something, open the laptop and boom no internet. I thought my connection had dropped again and I get a page from AT&T that says -- your internet has been suspended, you need to call to make your choice. Now, I had already made my choice, but I guess they were serious about getting our attention. I called the number on the web page, had some fun with the CSR and sure enough, my modem was flashing red. She 'unsuspended' me and I'm up and running again.
So, tomorrow is my appointment (I actually got a call from a local AT&T supervision (?) confirming my appointment which was surprising. While I didn't expect much, I've actually had pretty good experience with the techs who came out to my house before.
I did a speed test (probably should not have used AT&T's tool) and got 2.57 down.
I'm cautiously optimistic about tomorrow, hopefully my internet won't be down too long.
I also hope people find this of some value, I'll post updates tomorrow afternoon.
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