Re: Cheap bandwidth

[Glenn Everette <gje@mindspring.net>]

On Thu, 13 May 1999, Brian Wilson wrote:

> Well, that's common, really.  The technician picks up the service order,
> goes to the location, tests the line from the crossbox, and if there's
> a problem with it, either attempts to fix it (normally involves changing
> pairs) or, if he can't, turning the order back to the cable people for
> repair.  You're right, it _would_ be nice if there was some automated
> testing that could go on, but if the line isn't tied down at the 
> crossbox (there are jumper wires run in the crossbox, connecting Bell's
> CO with your premeses, I don't have time or I'd draw the diag... aw heck)


Well BS could couldn't install on 5/11 because a previous job on the
tech's schedule went longer than expected. I had called them at 1700 thats
when they told me. Another whole day wasted! The CSR rescheduled for the
5/12 AM. 1115 5/12 I called for a status and got the same excuse I got on
4/14! Another day wasted! This time they came to the house and discovered
a new problem. I spoke to a supervisor who researched the problem and
explained pretty much what you've posted here. My next install date is
5/17. The sup I talked to says he will monitor the situation and let me
know if there are any more snafus.

What really pisses me off is that when the tech came out on 5/12 he could
have said oh we have a problem. They knew in the office on both occassions
but it seems to not crossed their minds to let me know. You say that this
is common. Well why in the heck can't they do something during those long
lag times and make sure that they can keep their own commitments?


> 
> 
> Central office ---> SLC/Litespan/etc ---> Crossbox ---> Customer's Termainal
> ---> Outside Network Interface @ Customer's house
> 
> If the line isn't tied down at the Crossbox (and there's no reason really
> it should be), then a problem in the line between the Crossbox and ONI
> wouldn't be detected by a Central Office test.  So the tech tests it.
> 
> I've made up my mind to do a webpage on how the telco works, at least from
> a BS Service Tech's point of view.  I'll let everyone know how it goes.
> 

Why should you be doing this?  BS should do it themselves. There is no
reason why a multi-billion dollar corporation like BS can't do this. I
suspect why they don't is because they would have to admit how slack assed
they really are! I appreciate very much that you're sharing the info. I
move into an area that listed as having ADSL. But it doesn't due to SLC
lines. Getting ISDN turns out to be a major hassle. In my opinion this is
just plain sloppyness. ARRRRRRGH! 


I got the BS ISDN BLUES!

Glenn 


P.S. Last week I called to make sure that everything was OK and was told
everything was a go for 5/11 (what a bullsh*t lie). The CSR said I should
drop my 2nd analog line (used for data) so the ISDN could use it. Now I'm
stuck with only one line for voice and data. This really sucks!