Review by jweek 
UPDATED: 160 days ago
member for 9.1 years, 1928 visits, last login: a few hours ago
 Reno,Washoe,NV
 $75 per month
 about 15 days
 Nevada Bell
 "static ip's"
 "pppoe / ATM speed loss"
 "spendy install, low upload speeds"
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Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
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Things have smoothed since I wrote the last review (below, 2005). I don't remember the fix, but the connection has been stable for the last several months. I would really like the option for a faster package, but SBC only offers 6000/768 for another $25 per month. I need better upload speed with static IP's. Even today as I see the infamous vrad cabinets being setup around town SBC will only be offering 1mb upload speed. I'd happily change carriers for better performance, but none offer reasonably priced packages with static IPs. The 3346N is still chugging along, but I am getting nervous about its long-term reliability.
Had 6000/608 - but I needed some static IP's so I was forced to the pro 3000/512 plan. SBC upgraded the existing line from dynamic to static. Still uses pppoe and has about 18% loss for ATM overhead. Was also forced to pay $200 tech install fee. The tech came out, plugged in the netopia 3346-N002 router and asked me to enter my existing userid and password. He left me the box and owners manual. Took about 20 mins of the tech's time. This router could have been shipped and I could have easily set it up myself. I have had several outages related to redback problems. One lasted 36 hours, and several others last 2-3 hours each. Calling the support number connects me to outsourced tech support in India. The support folks in india have no clue about my circuit - they are puzzled when I tell them about the machines I have connected (multiple linux and windows servers). SBC Direct forum has competent help, but they are usually slow to respond - typically 2-3 days - and when they look for the problem things are working fine. I've asked to be moved to a different redback and was told to "ride it out". I'll probably cancel at the end of my contract and go elsewhere.
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Pacific Bell - SBC
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