hungryhorace

I took out an internet connection within 2 days of moving here without any deposit required.

hungryhorace

My main issue with FIOS is that the actual backend peering network that supports it is piss poor. Comcast has a far greater peer network than FIOS. I experience multiple times a year issues connecting to certain IPs.

I connect to my UK VPN, and everything is fine. Why? Because my UK host has a greater number of peers from which to reach said IP.

Olly_

I can't say I've noticed any problems so far but perhaps it depends on where you are in the country?

When we first arrived we were staying in a corporate apartment with Comcast internet and for a month or so Amazon would grind to a halt in the evening - presumably because of a peering issue, so it's not just restricted to Verizon!

hungryhorace

Won't make any difference. Our connections will all be peered within FIOS's US network.

Peering is not about speed or throughput. It's about redundancy.

sir_eccles

You need to make sure you have a docsis3 modem. The multi channel bonding helps it overcome slow downs at peak hours.

Bob

Even when Comcast throttles your connection? Though they aren't allowed to do that any more, I wonder if it still happens?

sir_eccles

Don't know about comcast.

I just got a new docsis3 to replace my old docsis2. Not only does it give me the actual speeds I paid for (50 down instead of 30) it seems less sensitive to slow downs in the afternoon. I know it's a little anecdotal but that's how it seems. But it does apparently have 8 bonded down channels instead of just one so who knows.

Guindalf

Er, yes. Yes they are. I think Comcast gives a 250Gb/Mo limit after which they will throttle the account to a crawl. Look in the T&Cs you (effectively, if not actually) signed when you got service.

What they're NOT allowed to do is throttle Netflix or any other streaming service in favour of another or their own. That's very basically what Net Neutrality is about.

hungryhorace

Only in certain states are those bandwidth usage caps in place.

evanstim

Pretty much the same experience: Comcast basically signed me up for TV and fast broadband and only asked for about a month and half's worth to be billed in advance to my credit card ($160).

This was not kept as a deposit. This credit balance was then offset for the first two months' bills, so that the first month's bill, with $110 in charges, showed an ending credit balance of $50. The second month's bill had a payable ending balance of $60. The third month's bill and subsequent bills have obviously been for the full monthly $110 charge.

I arranged this before I had my social security number. I am not on auto-payment/direct debit or anything - Comcast email me my bill each month and I simply pay it immediately.

Our experience with other utilities was similar. PG&E did not request a deposit but set up an account for us, nor did the refuse collection company. No problems at all. Both were arranged in person at their respective offices. The plummy British accent *may* have played a part in their decisions not to request any deposits.