I hate AT&T/sbcglobal
 

Really, I do. Been without ISP at home for a week now. At first connection was spotty, now, nothing. After several calls, and several promises of a ticket humber, each time, no ticket and no tech coming to our house, we have someone coming over tomorrow.

Once we're fixed (assuming we are) I am switching over to comcast.

Unfortunately, I suspect Comcast will not be much better.

We have Speakeasy DSL -- they resell Covad, who buys wholesale transport from the local ILEC -- and although it's definitely more expensive than AT&T or Comcast, the level of service is exceptional. Real support people who know their stuff (and speak English) and don't read from a script.

I recommend DSL Extreme (which was recommended to me by Coaster Matt). Great pricing and great service. I had the modem two days after I ordered (and only because it was in the evening when I ordered) and it took me about 10 minutes to hook up. When I have needed to call for CS, it has been excellent every time/

It probably won't help but I have AT&T dry loop DSL. It's a whole other service dept then regular DSL and it's only $23.99 a month.

For every service provider out there you will find 100 stories about how horrible and evil they are and 100 stories about how wonderful and spectacular they are.

Go with whatever works for you.

Well - I hate AT&T AND Comcast so there. We have a cable modem through Time Warner and haven't had any issue that I've had to call and get help with yet (knock on wood - quick!)

Hey - I need to pick an internet provider for Torrance and I don't know whether to go cable or DSL. The place is wired with TimeWarner cable stuff, but I've heard not so good things about their internet service. I wasn't necessarily planning to get a land line phone - would I need that for DSL? I am clueless.

You don't need a landline phone for DSL anymore. AT&T is required to sell "bare" dry-loop DSL as part of the conditions they agreed to when they bought BellSouth. BTD has it. Other companies also sell dry-loop DSL (I have it through Speakeasy, see above).

Speakeasy doesn't seem to think it's available at my new digs, alas. DSL Extreme is. I'll check AT&T as well.

This is the website I used when I set up my Dry Loop DSL.

Modem I think was $50 + shipping. Easy set up, I did the "self install" too. Follow their included directions including installing the software. Trust me ;)