Georgia Says DSL Shouldn't Require Phone Service
from the finally! dept
I know plenty of people who have decided not to sign up for DSL when they were told that it would mean they also need to sign up for landline phone service. In one case, a friend was told that the company used phone numbers as DSL account numbers, so it was impossible to have DSL without also getting a landline. Of course, with more people ditching landlines for mobile phones or to sign up with VoIP services like Vonage, this makes less and less sense (and gives people more incentive to avoid DSL). Now, however, the Georgia Public Service Commission has told BellSouth that they can't require a phone line to get DSL. It's a bit silly that they need to be told to do something that's likely to get them more business, but that's the way things work these days. BellSouth says they're exploring their legal options, meaning they might fight the ruling. More likely, they'll institute some ridiculous bundling package that makes it economically pointless to get DSL without a phone line. This is what Comcast does for folks who want a cable modem, but not a cable TV. If you just want the connection, it runs you over $60/month. That number drops quite a bit if you go with a "bundled" solution.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
802.16
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
WIMax
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Seperating facts from lies
Bundling might be valid because the costs of running dsl might be high for this company so they throw in dsl cheap to recoup costs.
You can tell if you examine the books.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Seperating facts from lies
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Seperating facts from lies
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Go Georgia, now if only California would do the sa
* High Speed here is used liberally by Cox, as High Speed means "twice the speed" of normal dial-up, which in reality means anywhere between 32kbps and 384kbps, usually on the low end, depending on what they feel like setting the cap of their 10mbps pipe to at any time.
** Internet is used liberally here by Cox, since you cannot use the internet the way normal people do, unless you browse porn and occasionally send SPAM. Computers must run Microsoft operating systems or no support (including when their crap breaks and you are just reporting it to them.) And no servers are allowed, but secure authentication to their servers is also not allowed, and Windows computers infected with NIMDA, Code Red, and other viruses are allowed and encouraged, and SPAMMERS are allowed to operate with impunity as long as they use Cox's email server, but you can not use a secure 3rd party server to send email.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Go Georgia, now if only California would do th
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Go Georgia, now if only California would do th
What exactly does your comment have to do with this topic? Besides slamming LittleW0lf?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Go Georgia, now if only California would do th
It certainly has something to do with this topic, I am happy with Georgia's decision, and wish California would do the same... I think it is rediculous that SBC has to be involved when I ask another company, such as Earthlink or Easynet, or any other DSL company to set up DSL. Why do I need to buy a phone line from SBC in order to get DSL?
If you'd take the time to read the whole comment, instead of just reading the last two paragraphs, you'd see that I am unhappy with Cox High Speed Internet, and would prefer to have the choice to use DSL instead, but cannot because it would require giving up Cox Phone Service (which I love) and going with SBC (which I hate more than Cox High Speed Internet.)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Subject Given
Everyone had to option to say 'no'.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Everyone should have the option to say "No!"
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
There IS no choice
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
There IS no choice
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: There IS no choice
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Comcast cable modem bundle price
> the connection, it runs you over $60/month.
Maybe where you are, but in the 'burbs of Portland OR, it only costs $55/mo.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Comcast cable modem bundle price
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Subject Given
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Thank goodness for the little guys
One of the advantages of living in the country!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Thank goodness for the little guys
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Thank goodness for the little guys
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Questions
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Dsl Service In my area
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Dsl Service In my area; voip reliablity, NO 91
I, tried to drop my, Verizon land lind and get their DSL here. The sale price of $14.95 is only if a land line is kept; real cost, $40 a month. It sucks. Corruption of our Public Utility Commission is the reason. They take the officials who regulate them to golf outings, etc. Where are the, Bolshivics when you need them. The, Czar is still alive!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Dsl Service In my area
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Dsl Service In my area
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Phone Service and DSL
Today I called Bell South at 1-888-321-2375 /ext2 and the Bell South Agent said that if I cancelled my phone service they would cancel my DSL. Does this fly in the face of the Georgia Public Service Commission's Order of WHAT!
The BellSouth agent said I "would have to qualify", Duh!!! More racketeering and scamming, I smell a BellSouth Rat's ass.
It's time to fight back against these abusive monopolies and racketeers. I encourage you too to speak out against their abuse and double talk schemes - that is of course "if you qualify", Ha!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
SBC in LA gives no choice
Nice blog and topic, by the way.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Come to Canada
peace love empathy
kurt cobain was killed
0_o o_0 0_o o_0 0_o o_0 0_o o_0 0_o
yhtapme evol ecaep
dellik saw naiboc truk
moc.liamtoh@96selatkcoc
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
introducinh new technology
Dear Sirs:
We are an internet technology company in China. We are introducing a
revolutionary technology able to solve the bandwidth problems on IP video
service, especially involved with using IPTV. This new technology is
called Virtual Stream Distribution Network( VSDN ). VSDN is our patented
product. I believe that VSDN will take your company into a whole new
level in terms of IPTV technology and finance.
The appearance of IPTV will greatly affect people's current life style
and the industry evolution. It is a great business opportunity
for broadband operators. According to the report of IN-STATE/MDR, the
market value of global IPTV will reach 37 billions dollars in 2008.
Within this market, North America's market alone will reach
12.8 billions dollars.
Cooperating with our company by using VSDN will benefit your company
in the following:
1. You do not have to invest money to install additional fiber optics
like the way done by some other big companies.
2. You do not have to invest money to use this technology( equipment
provided ).
*3. While providing regular broadband service to your
customers, you can also provide IPTV service at the same time. This way,
your customers have the choice to use internet service, watch TV and
movies, or create their own favorable programs, for example: CHANNEL ME,
etc. VSDN distributes the data stream in your current internet
infrastructure. Let us assume that a single coming data stream is used once under
your current infrastructure. Our technology, VSDN makes one single coming data stream runs twice, three times or more and more under your
infrastructure. Basically, VSDN creates additional value and function to
your current broadbank service. VSDN is compatible with your current
network. No major change or adjustment is necessary.
4. It makes video service ( included IPTV ) become truly profitable.
5. By utilizing the platform of VSDN with your current network, your
company will develop and benefit from the new value chain, for example,
cooperating with the TV stations, payable service for the users to
define their own proprams, etc.
6. Your company will project a better and more popular image.
I strongly recomend you to take my offer into serious consideration. We have been waiting for your further inquiry. Please reply to michael211@yahoo.com
Best regards,
Michael Mei
Marketing Manager
Soooner Digital Corp.
***Please forward the above message to The Management Team***
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
All About Profit
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: All About Profit
*Please refer to Pricing Terms and Conditions for information about pricing, promotions and rebates.
**In Louisiana and Georgia, the prices without BellSouth retail local voice service are:
FastAccess DSL Lite - $34.95
FastAccess DSL Ultra - $42.95
FastAccess DSL Xtreme - $47.95
FastAccess DSL Xtreme 6.0 - $56.95
Of course when I called to find out to get this, they said I qualified, but then changed there minds and said I had to have a phone. Ridiculous, so I cancelled my order.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
DSL w/no phone line
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Impact of the AT&T BS Merger on 'Phone Free' DSL S
Promoting Accessibility of Broadband Service
1. By December 31, 2007, AT&T/BellSouth will offer broadband Internet access service (i.e., Internet access service at speeds in excess of 200 kbps in at least one direction) to 100 percent of the residential living units in the AT&TBellSouth in-region territory. To meet this commitment, AT&T/BellSouth will offer broadband Internet access services to t least 85 percent of such living units using wire line technologies (the "Wire line Build out Area"). AT&T/BellSouth will make available broadband Internet access service to the remaining living units using alternative technologies and operating arrangements, including but not limited to satellite and Wi-Max fixed wireless technologies. AT&T Bellsouth further commits that at least 30 percent of the incremental deployment after the Merger Closing Date necessary to achieve the Wire line build out Area commitment wi11 be to rural areas or low income living units.
2. AT&T/BellSouth will, provide an ADSL modem without charge (except for shipping and handling) to residential subscribers within the Wireline Buildout Area who, between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, replace their AT&T/BellSouth dial-up Internet access service with AT&T/BellSouth's ADSL service and elect a term plan for their ADSL service of twelve months or greater.
3. Within six months of the Merger Closing Date, and continuing for at least 30 months from the inception of the offer, AT&T/BellSouth will offer to retail consumers in the Wire line Build out Area, who have not previously subscribed to AT&T's or BellSouth's ADSL service, a broadband Internet access service at a speed of up to 768 Kbps at a monthly rate (exclusive of any applicable taxes and regulatory fees) of $ 10 per month.
ADSL Service 12
1. Within twelve months of the Merger Closing Date, AT&T/BellSouth will deploy and offer within the BellSouth in-region territory ADSL service to ADSL-capable customers without requiring such customers to also purchase circuit switched voice grade telephone service. AT&T/BellSouth will continue to offer this service in each state for thirty months after the "Implementation Date" in that state. For purposes of this commitment, the "Implementation Date" for a state shall be the date on which AT&T/BellSouth can offer this service to eighty percent of the ADSL-capable premises in BellSouth's in-region territory in that state." Within twenty days after meeting the Implementation Date in a state, AT&T/BellSouth will file a letter with the Commission certifying to that effect. In all events, this commitment will terminate no later than forty-two months after the Merger Closing Date.
Thank you for contacting the PSC
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Impact of the AT&T BS Merger on 'Phone Free' D
Comcaster,lol!No seriously!LOL!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
DSL without a lanline AMEN
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
DSL without a landline AMEN
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Bellsouth, Charter, Comcast Sucks!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Bellsouth, Charter, Comcast Sucks!
Vonage we need DSL! (hint hint)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
phone service
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: phone service
WE GLADLY DUMPED BELL SOUTH-AT&T ALTOGETHER FOR A PACKAGE DEAL FROM CHARTER INCLUDING CABLE, 3MB BROAD BAND (ALWAYS RUNS AROUND 5MB THOUGH, ACTUALLY) AND VOIP LOADED WITH FEATURES, INCLUDING FREE LONG DISTANCE & VOICE MAIL, AND SO FAR THE VOIP ROCKS! SOUND QUALITY IS ACTUALLY BETTER THAN MY OLD LAND LINE. IT WAS PRICED AT $99 A MONTH FOR ONE YEAR, THEN THE PRICE FOR THE VOIP GOES UP. AT THAT TIME I WILL SWITCH TO JOI VOIP PHONE SERVICE, ALL THE FULL FEATURES OF CHARTER AND VONAGE, FOR ONLY $14.95 A MONTH!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
power line internet interference
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
broadband internet via power lines
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
broadband internet via power lines
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
DSL without Bellsouth land line in GA
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
I want only dsl not a land line
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
a true dsl only with NOTHING hidden in fees
[ link to this | view in chronology ]