Internet Thread:11-4-07 Verizon defines "Unlimited" 5 GB cap, Max 200 kbps

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blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
Originally posted by: spidey07
Originally posted by: Lemon law
Not sure where this comes from-----I guess it depends on your definition of internet. Just about EVERY provider has DSL or cable access, 512k-756k down for < $25/mo. But of course you wouldnt know this, having not really looked into it.

There is a certain amount of pure deception Bait and switch here with units. Are we talking about BYTES or BITS. But at eight BITS to the BYTE, in theory a 56k Modem actually would deliver 424 KBits/sec down if one could get the maximum 53K Bytes/sec that the 56 KByte modem in theory could deliver. But in their advertising, the telco's always compare things with 28.8 KByte/sec modems that have been obsolete for eight years or so. And then denominate their service in the eight times larger KBit/sec size.

Then to add injury to insult, those user that have 56KByte/sec dial up modems who get more like an actual throughput of 25 to 40 Kytes/sec which would translate into 200- 320 KBits/sec, the telco's don't acknowledge the fact that the reduced speed is due to the excessive line noise in their lines. And if you don't get at least 25KBytes/sec actual throughput down, DSL is not going to do you a damn bit of good because the line noise will kill any benefits of DSL.

In short, given a good phone line and a 56K modem, 512-768 KBit DSL, is not even twice as fast as decent dial up. But if you want to save money using VOIP instead of landline phone paid long distance calling, that 2X is huge because it gets you over the usable hump. But beware of satellite internet access because upload latencies absolutely kill using VOIP.

dude, WTF!! kind of misinformation is that?!

56K modem is Kilobits/sec. Small b, bits. Add to that the asymetrical speed/nature of 56K technology and its even less actual throughput.

768 Kbs - notice small b, network/communications speeds are always specified in bits per second. That is AT LEAST 13 times faster than a 56Kbs modem. Add in modem overhead and the realistic throughput is more like 25 times faster than 56K dialup.

768 K is HALF OF A FREAKING T1. Do you have any idea what a T1 costs? Normally hundreds of dollars per month. So getting DSL at those speed for less than 100 a month is a freaking STEAL. To get it under 20 bucks per month is just the deal of the century.

rofl...yep.

And cable? 12 megs for 59.99? JHC thats nearly half of a DS3. Unbelievable.
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Originally posted by: Drakkon
FCC To Ban Exclusive Broadband Deals
Thats great news to hear. When i first moved into my current apt I was presented an 'exclusive' offer in which i could get my cable, phone, internet through the apt complex through Cox (as in the apt complex had contracted with cox to provide all services to every unit and was charged a flat rate). As I had been used to just using my cell and over the air broadcasts I asked what if i declined - well it turned out that i would have no other options except for satellite for TV but DSL, Comcast, Verizon, etc were all out of the question and it almost sounded like I would be denied a lease if I didn't take the Cox package. So I haggled back and forth and finally was able to just get BASIC cable and internet (no phone) for $40/month but still seems like a ripoff/scam to me. Interested to see what this ruling really pans out with because I'd love to be able to say FU to my complex and have them stop charging me for stuff I hardly use.

This must make resident Pro-Business at all costs Republicans extremely dissapointed and angry.

Who will they be mad at, Democrats?

It ends a gravy train for them:

10-29-2007 .C.C. Set to End Sole Cable Deals for Apartments

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 ?The Federal Communications Commission, hoping to reduce the rising costs of cable television, is preparing to strike down thousands of contracts this week that gave individual cable companies exclusive rights to provide service to an apartment building, the agency?s chairman says.

Commission officials and consumer groups said the new rule could significantly lower cable prices for millions of subscribers who live in apartment buildings and have had no choice in selecting a company for paid television.

The change, which is set to be approved Wednesday, is expected to have a particular effect on prices for low-income and minority families. They have seen cable prices rise about three times the rate of inflation over the last decade. A quarter of American households live in apartment buildings housing 50 or more residents, but 40 percent of households headed by Hispanics and African-Americans live in such buildings.

?Exclusive contracts have been one of the most significant barriers to competition,? Kevin J. Martin, chairman of the commission, said in an interview. Cable prices have risen ?about 93 percent in the last 10 years,? he said. ?This is a way to introduce additional competition, which will result in lower prices and greater innovation.?

The decision is the latest in a series of actions by the commission under Mr. Martin to put pressure on cable companies to lower their rates and make their markets more competitive.

Wait. So you bitch and moan about monopolies, I post an article refuting you, then YOU post the same story from a different source...and bash big business, when this will actually make business BIGGER...like youre being original? All the while bitching and moaning? LOL Man you seriously need a class in econ. No wonder you're always broke.

You know how wiki is customizable by people? Im really tempted to get your picture in the entry for troll.
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
Originally posted by: LegendKiller
Originally posted by: Pabster
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
This must make resident Pro-Business at all costs Republicans extremely dissapointed and angry.

Why, Dave? I'm a "Pro-Business" Republican, but I support removing these exclusivity deals. Competition is key in a free market.

Gawd, so do I. These deals suck. My apartment building had a 1-year exclusivity with company that was absolutely horrible. They charged a lot, used Dish, which would go out when somebody farted next to it. We are finally getting FIOS into the building.


/envy

Need a roomate? LOL
 

LegendKiller

Lifer
Mar 5, 2001
18,256
68
86
Originally posted by: blackangst1
Originally posted by: LegendKiller
Originally posted by: Pabster
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
This must make resident Pro-Business at all costs Republicans extremely dissapointed and angry.

Why, Dave? I'm a "Pro-Business" Republican, but I support removing these exclusivity deals. Competition is key in a free market.

Gawd, so do I. These deals suck. My apartment building had a 1-year exclusivity with company that was absolutely horrible. They charged a lot, used Dish, which would go out when somebody farted next to it. We are finally getting FIOS into the building.


/envy

Need a roomate? LOL

3 adults, 2 cats in a 1-bedroom 650sqft place? umm...no! Sorry!

I think one of the only reasons why we are getting FIOS is because our building was built in the last 2 years. It has the special CAT-5 pre-wired in the whole building that can carry the triple play to each apt. without additional wiring. That and any additional cables can be run easily throughout the building since they added in the correct conduits and dead spaces. It's really nice to be able to switch providers.

Verizon has repeatedly stated that unless your multi-dwelling unit is cabled like ours it's going to be a lot of work/money/time, which means a slower roll-out.

But this move is a great, since it'll unlock a lot of buildings.
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Back on topic

This is the same company that just bought the company I was working at and dumped me Friday:

10-29-2007 Covad Bought By Platinum Equity

Earlier this month, a Covad insider tipped us off to the fact that the CLEC was shopping itself around to potential sugar daddies, with names like AT&T, Sprint and even Best Buy being tossed around as acquisition partners. In the end, however, it appears that Covad got the best deal from Platinum Equity, who will pay $304 million (or $1.02 per share) for the CLEC. Covad CEO Charles Hoffman waxes optimistic in the company press release:
Platinum's approach will bolster the successful execution of Covad's business strategy while providing the resources and support necessary for sustained growth. We believe that the resulting increased market competitiveness, improved capital structure, and enhanced product and network capabilities best position our customers, partners, and employees for the future.
The deal, barring regulatory approval, should close in the second quarter of next year.

Covad Communications Group Inc. To Be Acquired By Platinum Equity For $1.02 Per Share
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2007--Covad Communications Group Inc., (AMEX:DVW), a leading national provider of integrated voice and data communications, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Platinum Equity in an all-cash transaction.


About Platinum Equity

Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O(R) firm specialized in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, software, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, metals services and distribution.

Since its founding in 1995 by entrepreneur Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed more than 75 acquisitions with more than $23 billion in aggregate annual revenue at time of acquisition.


 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Back on topic

This is the same company that just bought the company I was working at and dumped me Friday:

10-29-2007 Covad Bought By Platinum Equity

Earlier this month, a Covad insider tipped us off to the fact that the CLEC was shopping itself around to potential sugar daddies, with names like AT&T, Sprint and even Best Buy being tossed around as acquisition partners. In the end, however, it appears that Covad got the best deal from Platinum Equity, who will pay $304 million (or $1.02 per share) for the CLEC. Covad CEO Charles Hoffman waxes optimistic in the company press release:
Platinum's approach will bolster the successful execution of Covad's business strategy while providing the resources and support necessary for sustained growth. We believe that the resulting increased market competitiveness, improved capital structure, and enhanced product and network capabilities best position our customers, partners, and employees for the future.
The deal, barring regulatory approval, should close in the second quarter of next year.

Covad Communications Group Inc. To Be Acquired By Platinum Equity For $1.02 Per Share
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2007--Covad Communications Group Inc., (AMEX:DVW), a leading national provider of integrated voice and data communications, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Platinum Equity in an all-cash transaction.


About Platinum Equity

Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O(R) firm specialized in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, software, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, metals services and distribution.

Since its founding in 1995 by entrepreneur Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed more than 75 acquisitions with more than $23 billion in aggregate annual revenue at time of acquisition.

Ryerson (sp?) Im assuming? I saw that buyout a few weeks ago. Sucks to bought out by a chop-em-up equity firm. Been through it myself 4 years ago. Oh well. There's plenty more jobs to be had.

BTW did you get severence? Thats usually standard practice...guessing how sucky your life is Im guessing not, but still wondering? (Man I love severance)
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: blackangst1
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Back on topic

This is the same company that just bought the company I was working at and dumped me Friday:

10-29-2007 Covad Bought By Platinum Equity

Earlier this month, a Covad insider tipped us off to the fact that the CLEC was shopping itself around to potential sugar daddies, with names like AT&T, Sprint and even Best Buy being tossed around as acquisition partners. In the end, however, it appears that Covad got the best deal from Platinum Equity, who will pay $304 million (or $1.02 per share) for the CLEC. Covad CEO Charles Hoffman waxes optimistic in the company press release:
Platinum's approach will bolster the successful execution of Covad's business strategy while providing the resources and support necessary for sustained growth. We believe that the resulting increased market competitiveness, improved capital structure, and enhanced product and network capabilities best position our customers, partners, and employees for the future.
The deal, barring regulatory approval, should close in the second quarter of next year.

Covad Communications Group Inc. To Be Acquired By Platinum Equity For $1.02 Per Share
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2007--Covad Communications Group Inc., (AMEX:DVW), a leading national provider of integrated voice and data communications, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Platinum Equity in an all-cash transaction.


About Platinum Equity

Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O(R) firm specialized in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, software, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, metals services and distribution.

Since its founding in 1995 by entrepreneur Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed more than 75 acquisitions with more than $23 billion in aggregate annual revenue at time of acquisition.

Ryerson (sp?) Im assuming? I saw that buyout a few weeks ago. Sucks to bought out by a chop-em-up equity firm. Been through it myself 4 years ago. Oh well. There's plenty more jobs to be had.

BTW did you get severence? Thats usually standard practice...guessing how sucky your life is Im guessing not, but still wondering? (Man I love severance)

No it's the last one on the list. Says it was July. It took a few months apparently for the "seamless transistion".

No I didn't get sh!t.

Let em try and find anyone that works harder putting in as many hours as I did everyday.

At least 16 hours everyday including many saturdays and sundays well past midnight for software pushes that have to take place after midnight during maintenance window.

From the website:

Platinum Equity does not acquire businesses with a predefined exit strategy; rather it is focuses on the entry strategy.

Beginning with a deep appreciation for the employee skill sets and customer relationships, Platinum is intent on nurturing and supporting a company's growth and enhanced value.

Platinum Equity focuses on the acquisition of businesses that provide services and support to the infrastructure and systems of other businesses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Headquarters:
360 North Crescent Drive, South Building
Beverly Hills, California 90210 USA
Telephone: +1 310 712 1850
Facsimile: +1 310 712 1848
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
They may SAY they dont look at an exit strategy, but anyone who knows how asset management/asset aquisition firms work know...thats ALL they look at.

Im still suprised you didnt get severance. Man your life really does suck. Move the fuck away from OK.
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
I don't know where my Patent Insanity thread went but this latest Patent Lawsuit pertains mostly to Internet related Companies so I will post here.

Also close to my last posting on the subject or any subject shortly since I cannot pay the $50 per month Internet access bill.

11-1-2007 Wi-Lan Sues....Everybody - Claims the world violates their DSL patents

In the latest patent grab, a company by the name of Wi-Lan claims that a number of companies are violating their patents related to Wi-Fi and power consumption in DSL products. As a result, they've decided to sue, well -- everybody. Or to narrow it down, companies who either make or sell wireless routers, modems and personal notebook computers. Their primary legal assault is aimed at 22 companies, including the likes of Belkin, Best Buy, Broadcom, Intel and Sony.
 

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
25,195
0
56
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
I don't know where my Patent Insanity thread went but this latest Patent Lawsuit pertains mostly to Internet related Companies so I will post here.

Also close to my last posting on the subject or any subject shortly since I cannot pay the $50 per month Internet access bill.

11-1-2007 Wi-Lan Sues....Everybody - Claims the world violates their DSL patents

In the latest patent grab, a company by the name of Wi-Lan claims that a number of companies are violating their patents related to Wi-Fi and power consumption in DSL products. As a result, they've decided to sue, well -- everybody. Or to narrow it down, companies who either make or sell wireless routers, modems and personal notebook computers. Their primary legal assault is aimed at 22 companies, including the likes of Belkin, Best Buy, Broadcom, Intel and Sony.

:thumbsup:



 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
I don't know where my Patent Insanity thread went but this latest Patent Lawsuit pertains mostly to Internet related Companies so I will post here.

Also close to my last posting on the subject or any subject shortly since I cannot pay the $50 per month Internet access bill.

11-1-2007 Wi-Lan Sues....Everybody - Claims the world violates their DSL patents

In the latest patent grab, a company by the name of Wi-Lan claims that a number of companies are violating their patents related to Wi-Fi and power consumption in DSL products. As a result, they've decided to sue, well -- everybody. Or to narrow it down, companies who either make or sell wireless routers, modems and personal notebook computers. Their primary legal assault is aimed at 22 companies, including the likes of Belkin, Best Buy, Broadcom, Intel and Sony.

:thumbsup:

lol

I bet the local library has internet...of curse he probably cant afford gas to get there. Wonder what he's claiming gas is there now...$8?

 
Oct 30, 2004
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Isn't it kind of amazing that they're just now notifying defendants that they have this technology? It's almost as if they were keeping quiet about it, just waiting for the technology to become valuable and profitable. It almost feels like it's a "submarine patent"--stays hidden and surfaces later.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
5
0
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Also close to my last posting on the subject or any subject shortly since I cannot pay the $50 per month Internet access bill.
Public Library - one can always walk to use it.

Or $10/month for dial up unlimited

Or 10/hrs/month per system for free access

 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Also close to my last posting on the subject or any subject shortly since I cannot pay the $50 per month Internet access bill.
Public Library - one can always walk to use it.

Or $10/month for dial up unlimited

Or 10/hrs/month per system for free access
We will not have any car since we will lose both.

Library is more than 20 miles away.

Maybe if there is a shelter of some sort near the library in town since we will lose the house.

There is no dial up here.

 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: blackangst1
9/10 for drama

At least you gave a 9

11-4-2007 Verizon Changes TOS to Define ?Unlimited?

Verizon Wireless was finally caught recently for falsely advertising ?unlimited? broadband service when the company really meant ?limited to 5GB / month?. A statement was issued announcing that the company was committed to clear marketing and would be changing its advertisements to reflect the facts. It appears that they?ve changed not only their advertisements but also their Terms of Service agreement.

?If usage exceeds 5 GB per line during any billing period, we reserve the right to reduce throughput speeds of any application that would otherwise exceed such speed to a maximum of approximately 200 Kbps.

These speeds are subject to change, in our reasonable discretion, in order to address network issues.?
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
What a suprise. Youre title " 200 kbps at 5 GB is best U.S. can do for broadband for $65 per month" isnt what the article states, NOR is it true. Per Verizon, "we reserve the right to reduce throughput speeds of any application that would otherwise exceed such speed to a maximum of approximately 200 Kbps"

Do you see where it says "We reserve the right"? Do you know what a soft cap is? And how about misrepresenting the speeds to which they'll throttle...you said 200kbps, which in reality its 200Kbps. See the capital K? You say you've been in telecom, but man youre an idiot. You dont even understand the basics.

Do you know there is a fiber company, Mstar via Utopia, the nations LARGEST muni-fiber network, is now offering 50Mbbps SYNCHRONOUS for $39.99/mo. Here.

Jesus your a tool.
 

Jaskalas

Lifer
Jun 23, 2004
33,952
8,007
136
Originally posted by: blackangst1
Do you know there is a fiber company, Mstar via Utopia, the nations LARGEST muni-fiber network, is now offering 50Mbbps SYNCHRONOUS for $39.99/mo. Here.

So for decent internet we've gotta move to Salt Lake City, UT?
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
Originally posted by: Jaskalas
Originally posted by: blackangst1
Do you know there is a fiber company, Mstar via Utopia, the nations LARGEST muni-fiber network, is now offering 50Mbbps SYNCHRONOUS for $39.99/mo. Here.

So for decent internet we've gotta move to Salt Lake City, UT?

So I gotta move to the NE to get FIOS?
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
2,359
126
Oh and Im not sure where the 65/mo comes from. For VZ FIOS, I see this: Monthly rate of $29.99 (5/2 Mbps or 10/2 Mbps) and $39.99 (15/2 Mbps or 20/5 Mbps) applies to months 2-7. Monthly rate of $39.99/$49.99 applies to months 8-12 (for one year plan) and months 8-24 (for two year plan).

Trolling as usual.