[semi-OT] alternatives to FairPoint in Nashua?

[Ben Scott]

On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 9:39 PM, Peter Dobratz <peter at dobratz.us> wrote:
> Are there any alternatives to FairPoint for internet + phone line in
> Nashua?

  Your choices are fundamentally "the phone company" and "the cable
company".  In Nashua, that means FairPoint and Comcast.  Both suck
when it comes to customer service.  Which one sucks more is open to
debate, and may vary by service area, subscribed features, personal
preference, and the phase of the moon.

  Generally, for Internet, DSL is cheaper, but cable is a better value
(much faster for only somewhat more money).  For phone, cable
typically gives you more features, but the old-school POTS is more
reliable.  YMMV.

  There are CLECs operating in most areas.  They often don't do
anything more than resell wholesale service from the ILEC, but
occasionally it means you're at least dealing with a more helpful call
center.  OTOH, I find it's more often they simply add additional
layers of bureaucracy.  YMMV.

  If your voice telephone usage is undemanding, you might be able to
find a decent local Internet provider and then go voice-over-Internet.
 QoS can be an issue there, though -- pinning your hopes on the public
'net is a gamble.  Hence "undemanding".  If you can tolerate times it
doesn't work, it will work okay the rest of the time.  YMMV.

  Your best bet may be to flip-flop between cable and telco every
year, taking advantage of "new customer" promotions each time.
Service will still suck, but at least you'll pay less.

> At this point, I feel like I'm
> getting mis-information and I'm not sure the best way to proceed.

  This is situation normal for just about any big communications
provider.  The only thing you can do is call them constantly for
status updates.  Document everything -- when you call, who you speak
to, what they say, case numbers, etc.  I usually try to get full first
and last name, badge/jack/operator ID, and extension or direct tel #
for everybody I talk to.  Ask for specifics, including current status
and estimated time to repair.  Don't be afraid to ask for the call to
be escalated.  Use that exact word -- "escalate" -- it's like "open
sesame" for call centers.

-- Ben