I had DSL Internet connection provided by AT&T; for 4 or 5 years. My cable was provided by Time Warner. I was happy with the service provided by both companies and I rarely had any trouble. I’d also like to be upfront about the fact I am an AT&T; retiree and I receive a small concession on all AT&T; products or services that I use. Several months ago I was notified that the new ATT U-verse (which combines cable and Internet as a bundle package) was available in my area.
I got on line and did some research as to what I’d be getting compared to what Time Warner provided, the channel line up and the cost. I never at any time considered the Internet factor, because I assumed my Internet connection would stay the same. There were several packages offered. I decided I liked the A300 package which provided over 240 channels including 31 premium channels (Starz, Showtime, The Movie Channel, Encore & FLIX), all local channels and 34 digital music channels. It also included up to 3 receivers, one with DVR at no additional cost. The cost for the A300 (without my concession) was $79.00/month (+ $25.00/month for Internet). I was paying $69.00/month to Time Warner for 1/2 as many cable stations and 1 only premium channel – HBO. I didn’t have DVR -just 1 receiver. There was really no difficulty in deciding that AT&T; was the best choice, so I made the call and placed my order..
The AT&T; installer came to home on the day scheduled. I was given a time frame of 2-4 and he got to my house at 5:30. I ordered 2 receivers, he came with just the DVR. He told me to call the business office and set up another installation date for the second receiver, because his order said I ordered 1 and that was all they sent him out with. The installer worked fast and after the hook up was complete he took the time to explain how the DVR and remote worked. He then disconnected the DSL and set up a wireless connection, made sure I had access to the Internet and left.
When I ordered the ATT U-verse I was told that my Internet speed would be improved. This was NOT the case. What AT&T; didn’t tell me and what they will not tell you is that a wireless connection is slower than a hard wired connection. As if that’s not bad enough, I am now losing my connection on average 3 times a day. No one ever explained that wireless Internet has interference from other wireless things–such as wireless phones (I was told the 2.4GHz are on the same wavelength), cell phones, and even neighbors who also have wireless Internet connections. My brother-in-law told me that I can purchase a home PNA adapter (at a cost of somewhere between $50 -$100) and that will help. I wish someone at AT&T; would have explained this to me.
It’s been a month now since the ATT U-verse was installed. I’m very pleased with the A300 package and the assortment of channels. The remote is easy to use and I love the DVR. You never have to miss a program you love because you just record it and watch it when you have time. The Internet connection is another story. For those of you who aren’t computer/Internet savvy it can be a very frustrating experience, especially the first time you lose a connection, it doesn’t reconnect itself, and you can’t figure out how to restore it. The best thing you can do when you order ATT U-verse is make sure you ask the installation technician about the new wireless connection, how it works and what to do if and when it disconnects.
