My ISP is a big time sucker!

Philippines
July 2, 2008 3:05am CST
As I've mentioned in my other posts, I've been having internet connection problem since typhoon Frank and it has been more than a week now. Several times I've contacted my ISP's technical support to report the issues I encounter. I may not have any formal education or training on computer hardwares and softwares but I read a lot and I have long years of actual experience since I personally maintain the computer units at my internet cafe. Modesty aside, I believe that what I know and understand about computers at this point in time is much more than enough to point out that the real problem entirely lies on their service. Here is the scenario. I am using a wireless broadband connection. For the past ten days, I've been almost a regular daily caller to my ISP's hotline. Actually, the simple task of reaching the tech support wastes so much time. Either line is always busy or call was always put on hold forever every time I get connected to tech support. It seems like nobody wants to hear a subscriber's complaints. So I tried doing a trick -- instead of pressing 4 for tech support as per recorded instructions, I pressed 2 for new applications and follow-up. Alas! My call was immediately attended to. So since then, I always press 2 to get connected to them. My local area connection status says that I am connected to the internet. However, I can't keep a steady connection. Just to be able to browse I need to repair connection right after every click, otherwise, I only get 'Server not found' page. I've tried doing everything tech support normally asks subscribers to do to correct connectivity errors. 1. I've tried disabling the local area connection, unplug the isp network adapter from the power outlet, restarted my computer, plugged the adapter again, and enabled the local area connection but it didn't solve the problem. 2. Once I click the repair connection button in the support tab of the local area connection, going to the command prompt, I can ping google.com, yahoo.com, tipidpc.com, etc. However, whenever I ping the default gateway, or their four different DNS Servers, or any of their given IP numbers, chances are I'll get 'Request timed out result' or, if not, 75% loss on packets sent and received. 3. I've cleared all private data to delete cookies both on Mozilla and Internet Explorer. 4. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling of my computer's network adapter. 5. I checked on my antenna positioning. There is no visible structure whatsoever that blocks its path to the tower. Last night, after having tried all that again upon the instructions of the technical support representative, the problem remains unsolved. I was really trying to keep my cool despite all the troubles. But what seriously pissed me off was when the technical support rep announced that based on the checks done, there is nothing wrong with the connection at their end. He even advised that I must have my computer checked by an authorized technician as it seems that my operating system needs repair. Whoaaaa!!! My unit is a brand new laptop, barely two weeks old. It is running smoothly and I haven't even encountered any other problems whatsoever aside from their sucking service. Why does it seem so hard for them to admit to their clients that they really have problems with their system? Why put the blame instead to the poor subscribers' machines when all along it is their system's fault? I can imagine the trouble and unnecessary expenses other people may go through considering my ISPs sucking service style.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
I know the feeling of having bad internet connection. It is actually better to have zero connectivity than dropping packets such as your case. Just curious, who is your internet provider? and how are setup in your wireless connection? Wireless connections have a lot of causes for connection drops. It really hurts when your business rely mostly on your internet connection. Hope you can get it fixed. Contacting tech support is really a pain in the... behind. So far, most of the techs I spoke with may not even be eligible to be called that. There are some who are good though and you're lucky if you get them when you call. Hey, I remember we had a discussion before right? You mean it's still having problems after the typhoon? Hope I could help.
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
Anyway, maybe it's best that I reply in installments instead. What do you think? I have to agree with you that it is actually better to have zero connectivity than have dropping packets. My provider? It's the famous broken one. hehehe
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
That's ok. I had quite a lot of problems with Smart Bro (Smart Wi-Fi then) and it was disappointing. My inconsistent connection went on for 2 months. I had a rebate but it doesn't compare to the inconvenience it gave me and my sister. Try going to their office personally and ask for a tech visit. This time, have them change your base station to one which is more consistent and less traffic. It worked during my last 2-3 months subscription with them. The connection is 24/7 however, the speed doesn't usually reach 384kbps. As soon as the lock in is over, so did my subscription. I started to feel that I'm going to have problems with wi-fi since they have to have the device face their station and there are numerous interference that could break the connection. Weather is definitely at the top. Don't worry though. setting up a wireless network is not that hard. The problem is, the internet connection itself. Hope it could be fixed soon bro.
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
I am still working on a cabled network here. I have yet to get a wireless router so as to be able to setup a wireless network. I must admit it's gonna be a new learning process again. I am only experienced on cabled networking.
@darksorrow (4666)
• Bangladesh
2 Jul 08
Same prob with my ISP. Let us all say it together ISP sucks
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
Yeah! Come on, guys! All together now... ISP sucks! hahaha Thanks for the reply, darksorrow!
• Australia
2 Jul 08
what a sad story. just take a rest and have some sleep.. . :-)
1 person likes this
@siddiqali (632)
• India
2 Jul 08
Saaaaaaaame old problem with my isp too.When ever i call him to increase my internet speed he say for home users 512kbps is maximum.Then i use to the him f**.And also my internet goes and the server is down and internet for me comes once in a blue moon.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
Welcome to the club! hahaha These companies tend to be too fast when getting our money which is supposed to be payment for the quality service which they initially offer. Too bad that once we get to encounter problems with such service they only lead us in circles, not really giving solutions to the problems. Thanks for the reply, siddiqali!
• Saudi Arabia
2 Jul 08
Give your ISPs a break when it comes to the tech support done via telephone 'coz if there really is a proble with their system, then millions of users are affected. You expect them to have millions of dedicated telephone lines to answer your call? My advise to the heavy internet users is to have at least 2 ISPs especially to those who make $$$$$ on the web. For the restless soul, let me help you. e-mail me ursoulmate@restlessoul.com
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
Know what? You're funny! :-P I don't know if any local ISP has reached its millionth mark yet. Anyway, thanks for the offer. Wanna pay for my new ISP subscription? Well, that would certainly be most welcome. hahaha J/K Thanks for the reply, Doobiza.
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
This guy is very funny indeed! Don't worry, it isn't too late yet. True, as I've said, I have already applied for a new ISP but there is still the monthly subscription if you really wanna help. hahaha J/K Sorry to disappoint you...got no good pix to show. :P
• Saudi Arabia
2 Jul 08
pay for your new ISP subscription? I could have if I didn't see that you've applied already. Maybe on your 3rd I$P. ay dok no kulazzazky but i have this feeling that U R A B U T. How about a friendly pix eh? wooohhhh :O