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 Review by jhebert121 
Posted: 1 days ago
member for 7.4 years, 371 visits, last login: a few hours ago
 Benton,Saline,AR
 $35 per month
 about 15 days
 "The speed is very stable and you cannot beat the price"
 "nothing to add here"
 "It is a good service for the price"
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The reason the order time was so long is because I purposely asked for it that far in the future. As of right now I am really enjoying the service and so is my wife.
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 Review by bradleyd
Posted: 2 days ago
member for 9.1 years, 4175 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Stratford,Fairfield,CT
$110 per month
about 5 days
"TV, Internet, and Voice all in one. Convenient package."
"HD is compressed."
"Not a bad bang for the buck."
| Pre Sales Information:
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(ratings match consensus)
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The tech was very courteous and professional. The install went smoothly, and the tech answered any questions I had. He did "remove" the cable that was there, removing any traces that it existed.
I currently have no problems. I'm a satisfied customer.
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Review by caseywor
UPDATED: 3 days ago
member for 5.5 years, 202 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Mobile,Mobile,AL
$170 per month
about 7 days
"Setup box is responsive, channels change quickly."
"Only 2 HD streams :( - Also,The remote controls could work just a smidge better"
"A great product, so far, if you don't mind the limitations."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install Co-ordination:
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Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
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I knew by way of newspaper articles, and Broadband Reports, that U-Verse was coming to Mobile. I went to their website to check for availability, and I qualified. Instead or ordering via the web site, I did an on line chat with a rep, and managed to rack up $325 worth of rebates based on the following service: 6 Mbps internet, U-300 programming package, and digital phone service. This amount of rebates will help me with the DirecTV contract buyout that I am facing. She gave me the next available appointment, which was a week out.
I was installed with U-Verse on September 1, 2009. This was the second day it was rolled out in Mobile, AL. I had my installation appointment from 12:00 -2:00 pm that day, so I took half the day off. When I arrived home shortly before noon, I found three linemen at work testing my connection speed from my house (a new NID they installed) to the VRAD. I was getting 25 Mbps and I am about 1100 ft from the VRAD. The guys were polite, and let me know that the U-Verse person would be by during the appointment time to begin the actual U-Verse install. At this point, my existing DSL had been disconnected from the DSLAM pending the U-Verse installation. My POTS line was left in place, however.
At about 12:40 pm, I got a call from the installer, he let me know he was in route and would be there in about 30 minutes. About 30 minutes later, her did arrive. He was a young guy, nicely dressed, but not that well spoken. Oh well, that really didn't matter; he seemed to want to do a good job. The actual install only took approx. 2 hrs.
Installation specifics: I previously had a basic AT&T POTS line, 3Mbps DSL, and a three-room DirecTV HD (non-DVR) system. The installer simply added a second phone jack to the wall by my TV, and main PC in my living room (they are next to each other). Basically, the new jack connected to the phone line coming in from the CO/VRAD and supplies the 2WIRE gateway, and the existing jack used to feed the POTS output from the gateway back to the outside and feed the other phone jacks in the house. Since my 2WIRE gateway is next to the TV in my living room, the installer used a Ethernet connection from the gateway to my STB on my living room TV. He then used the formerly incoming cable from DirecTV system as an outgoing cable. Outside, he used that outgoing feed from the U-Verse 2WIRE gateway to feed a splitter that coupled up with existing cables going to two bedrooms in my house. As far Internet goes, no modifications had to be made; I simply am no longer using my old Westell DSL modem or Linksys router.
The installer hooked up the new STBs to my TVs using new jump cables from the wall outlets that were previously installed by DirecTV. The installer then made sure that my old POTS line phone number was ported over, it was. He then had to come back in and setup the backup battery for the gateway; he actually forgot to do this at first.
After the installer left, it was playtime. I was very quickly blown away be the presentation of the TV service, by way of the onscreen guide, and the RAPID channel changes. Also, the picture quality was better than what I thought it would be, partially based on previous reviews. My impression, at that first moment was very good.
Later on that afternoon, I began to play with the DVR functions. Keep in mind that I am a newbie to DVRs at this point. However, I found the DVR setup to be mostly pleasing. I have a few complaints so far, but they are minor. After watching a recorded, I don’t like having to press stop, then use the remote’s down arrows to select “Watch Live TV.” Also, The menus are kind of difficult to cancel series recordings if you have pressed record twice. However, I love that the DVR can record 4 SD shows at once. This does help make up for the fact that you can only watch one HD program in addition to recording one at the same time. I had to try to see how the system behaves when you try to do too much watching or recording. I started recording an HD program while watching another one on the same TV. I went to the other room and tried to watch another HD channel, I got a message saying that no HD services are available at this time. It was nice to know how the system handles that. Once fun fact that I found, you can play back two different shows from the DVR in two separate rooms. That impressed me.
Now it was time to try surfing. Honestly, the speed is better only because I went from 3 – 6 Mbps package. Other than that, nothing really is special. I logged into the new gateway and set my SSID to what I like it to be, and turned off SSID broadcast.
I then used the digital phone service for the first time. The phone service really seems to work well so far. I previously used Packet 8 at a previous house, and the U-Verse voice really seems to work better, and it has a good sound quality. When you take the phone off hook, the dial tone quickly presents itself and you really wouldn’t know you are using a VOIP system. With Packet 8, I noticed a big lag for the dial tone and the time it took to connect. I made a few long-distance calls, and was happy when what I heard, so was the recipient.
Overall, I am very pleased. I am enjoying the TV service, it really seems to work better than satellite and digital cable, both of which I have used. The quick channel changes are a plus. The DVR is pleasing, though a little confusing in some of the menus. The Internet isn’t really an improvement. Speed tests are usually at 5000+ kbps most of the time for the 6Mbps service I am subscribing to. Honestly, it could be better, but that has been my experience with cable and plain old DSL too. I would recommend U-Verse to anyone that can get it and are within 2000 ft of their VRAD (so they can get 2 HD streams). I look forward to seeing if and how they are able overcome the 2 HD stream limitation.
UPDATE 9/10/2009
I just found out one new thing. Unfortunately, like with cable and unlike satellite, U-Verse is required to abide by the requirement for Emergency Alert System weekly tests. However, unlike with cable, the emergency alert is sent to the receiver and not inserted over the channels, like with cable. Therefore you can exit the alert. Also, if you are using the DVR, the EAS test alert won't be present in the recording. This also gives you the chance to view what you may have missed during the alert.
UPDATE 9/16/2009
It has been two weeks yesterday since my install. I am still loving the service, the TV service has really been enjoyable. The only kind of minor situation I have had lately was the box slowing down a little upon channel changes after a lot of DVR usage and during some simultaneous recording. I have officially reset the box one time. Actually, the STB reset is somewhat quicker than doing it with DirecTV. I will say this, they should try to improve the remote control sensitivity a little bit. You do have to be a really good aim to use it sometimes. I have been known to hit a button and have the receiver not register the action. DirecTV systems do have a little bit better a remote system as far as not having to point directly at the receiver. As far as internet goes, I have had no problems. The speed test have been near enough to the caps to keep me happy. The ping times are indeed slightly higher than I had with DSL. Maybe about 20ms (occasionally) or so higher, but not too bad. As for the phone, I am liking it. I have had no phone quality issues or service outages with the U-verse voice so far. When I used Packet 8 in the past, I would have to reset it's box at least once a week.
9/20/2009
I have had my first service call today. This morning, I awoke to my U-verse service not working. My RG had its "Broadband" light flashing in red. Also, the "HomePNA" and "Phone" indicator lights were also flashing. I called the 800 number, and got a tier 1 tech. He had me try to reset the RG, and it didn't work. After about 20 minutes of trying to reset and wait, he dispatched a tech to come to the house. I was pleasantly surprised that someone was able to come on Sunday. He got here about 3 hours later, and quickly found that I was in sync from the VRAD all the way into my house. Therefore, it must be a bad RG. He replaced it, and all is now well. There was a bad storm this morning, I think it may have been a lightning strike. I hope to not have this happen too often. One final note: It appears that you can't watch a DVR recorded program in an outage, at least I couldn't with the bad RG.
Update 11/17/2009
So far, I am still happy with the product. I have had no other service outages since the previous one that required the replacement of my RG. The internet service, TV, and VOIP phone service have been very reliable.
I have talked a lot, so far, about the TV service. However, the phone service is something that I would like to talk a little more about. It seems to me that AT&T has got it right with U-verse voice. I have used other VOIP providers, Packet 8 myself, and Vonage at my brother's house. By far, U-verse voice has the best quality. I have experience none of the jitter or echo that I would occasionally observe with the others. A lot of people want to scream about the extra $5/ month that you pay for it. I feel it is worth it. In a nutshell, when you are using it, you don't even realize you are using a digital phone service, something I consider a compliment. I think AT&T has done a great thing with U-verse voice by provisioning it on their private IP network.
Now on to one thing that is bugging me about AT&T. They really need to cough up the rebates that they promise when you agree to switch. When I first ordered, I was promised $325 worth of rebates, enough to justify and offset the termination fee I face with DirecTV. To date, I have only received $100 and have heard no mention of getting the rest from AT&T. I can see now that I need to begin calling them. I like the TV service, but I am going to have to show them I am willing to cancel it if need be. I have that option due to the fact that I haven't cancelled with DirecTV, they simply have my account suspended pending me cancelling. I was depending on the rebates to offset DirecTV's cancellation fees, but now it seems they are not going to give me the full amount.
Overall, I love the U-verse suite of products. However, the rebate situation needs to be dealt with.
Followup comments:  
Devslair
@bellsouth.net |  Uverse Review
Good job! | |
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Dbleupr
@fdn.com
| Thanks | |
| | caseywor
join:2004-04-19
Mobile, AL
 ·AT&T U-Verse
 ·AT&T Southeast
| Re: Thanks No problem. I am still happy so far. The service has been great for me. I haven't had to touch the gateway except for configuring the wireless network to my liking. I have had to do NO resets of the set top boxes, and the phone service has been flawless. The only things negative I have noticed has been a few minor picture glitches on the TV. However, these 2-3 times have been over 10 days, not too bad.
I will say this, even with a few glitches, its working very well for me. With DirecTV, I had picture freezes more often than with U-Verse. I think some neighborhood trees were causing this. Also, we get a lot of rain in Mobile, and I have liked being able to watch TV when the weather is bad in stead of sitting through rain fade like with DirecTV. As for phone service, in the past with Packet 8, I would have to reset every few days or so, I have had no such problems with U-Verse. | |
| | | caseywor
join:2004-04-19
Mobile, AL | Re: Thanks! If the VRADs are up, it won't take too long. In Mobile, the VRAD boxes started going up this past early spring/late winter. They got power meters in place mid summer, and then started rolling it out August 31st. | |
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Chris0313
@swbell.net | HD Picture I have read numerous posts that allege DTV HD is substantially better than Uverse. What is your opinion? I have a 40" LCD and that DTV picture is tack sharp, but Uverse is appealing. | |
| | caseywor
join:2004-04-19
Mobile, AL
·AT&T U-Verse
·AT&T Southeast
| Re: HD Picture IN all honesty, there is some truth to that. I have a 32" LCD and a 30" CRT HD wide screen, and I will say that I have noticed a minor difference in quality from DTV and U-Verse. In my case, it wasn't enough to be a deal breaker for me. On slow moving channels, like Fox News HD, Weather HD, etc, I notice no real difference. On some sporting and movies, I have noticed a slightly higher instance of pixelation. Not so much that it bothered me too bad, however, I won't rule out that some videophiles may object. Since I am a former DTV customer, I will say no one beats their HD quality, but for me, U-verse is a great fit. One other reason I am enjoying U-verse is we get a lot of rain in Mobile, AL because we are 20 miles from the Gulf. When it rains here, it can be heavy and last a while. I am enjoying not losing my TV signal in the rain. With DTV, even in heavy cloud cover, I found that the DTV HD PQ would begin to suffer fairly quickly. Some neighboring trees may have contributed, but with the rain we get here, that has a profound impact. However, on a sunny day, DTV HD PQ is rock solid. | |
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Review by jjgk
UPDATED: 4 days ago
member for 6.8 years, 323 visits, last login: 4 days ago
Grosse Pointe,Wayne,MI
$120 per month
about 21 days
"Clear picture on TV; Good channel choice; Good up time for TV, VoIP, Internet"
"Static on VoIP, Unpredictible internet speeds, nearby latency getting worse. Neighbors are complaining that I recommended Uverse"
"Don't enter into a contract on Internet service until you know the speed offered is what you are getting (within reason)."
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I was the first U-verse user on our VRAD. Had some issues getting started and getting each of the set-top units registered. A lot of freeze-ups at first 10/2007. Two techs came out for the install, all new Cat5e cabling, professional, neat work, took most of the day, fist install for them in this area. Could not get one set-top started and could not get internet up to speed before they left.
Next encounter was to install VoIP. First install for VoIP also. Never be the first install of anything. Some not-so-good things happened and we were phone-less for a couple of days. I am sure that they are learning as they go..
I have had Earthlink DSL, Comcast, AT&T and AT&T U-verse. Overall, I am happiest with U-verse over the other brands, but, in my opinion, VoIP, TV features, low band internet. However, don't waste, your money on high speed internet. My experience is that Elilte package was fairly stable speed-wise but Max usually runs from * 0.5Mbps * to 6.5Mbps using the AT&T HSI Speed Test. It always reports 1.4Mbps up which is accurate for my package. Also getting some digitalization on the TV picture after they just replace the RG and burned our port.
* Right now I am a little down on the overall performance, but will update this review if service changes. *
edited: 10/21/2008 ###
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Review by tperl
UPDATED: 9 days ago
member for 4 years, 87 visits, last login: 9 days ago
Blacklick,Franklin,OH
$97 per month
about 7 days
"quick and easy install, schedule dvr on att.net"
"rebate issues, cost of additional boxes"
"worth it"
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Found out Uverse was available so I signed up. Quick and easy install. Installer was very professional and knowledgeable. Signed up for U200 and 3mb. I did not get the rebate amount that was promised but they mailed me a visa gift card when I called to complain. Cable co here is Insight which has been filling my mailbox with offers almost daily. Standard 2wire modem and VIP1225 for Dvr. I have had the tv picture freeze up for a few seconds several times but not that big of a deal.
update 11/11/09
Everything still working fine but I am moving soon. I think uverse is available where I am moving but I am just going to cancel and turn in the equipment. Will set up install at new place at some point if available and update review.
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Review by caleb73
Posted: 10 days ago
Fair warning: reviewer joined this month
Chicago,Cook,IL
$190 per month (12 month contract)
about 25 days
"None"
"Bad Service, Not better than comcast quality, never on time, Customer service is not open late"
"Don't do it. Their service\quality is not that much better than Comcast"
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Had 3 tech visits, all of which were late by (2.5, .5, and 4 hours). 3rd visit finally fixed my issue and it only took him 30 mins. Customer service seems not to care about my issue too much. Had to fight to get credited for the time my service was not available.
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Review by deg333
UPDATED: 11 days ago
member for 7.9 years, 9 visits, last login: 4 days ago
Highland,San Bernardino,CA
Contract price not specified.
about 12 days
"Just got. Works smoothly."
"I got the slow one 6MB/s."
"Better than TW."
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I considered was using TW but just moved to Highland wanted a change.
I got the 6MB/s at $35 haven't got my first bill yet to see all the other fees.
I ordered online. Got a confirmation e-mail. Got a confirmation recorded call two days before. another the day before. and the tech called 30min before he arrived.
Installed in about 2 hours. Tech was courteous and professional.
I got the 2wire 3800HGV-B. This box is huge.
»www.speedtest.net/result/615528461.png
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Review by Mr_A1
UPDATED: 12 days ago
member for 5.6 years, 2113 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Dickson,Dickson,TN
$199 per month
about 7 days
"Fast-reliable with 1.5 MBps upload."
"Ordering rep messed up work-order for getting the AT&T line tech, but the Uverse tech got one to my place within an hour."
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I ordered all 3 U-Verse services and the only thing I have found that is an issue is there is a known national Dolby Digital sound cut-out issue with the TV service for HD channels which has supposedly being worked on, but it is not a deal breaker since the picture quality and amount of movie channels outweighs this issue. I hope that they get the DD sound problem fixed soon so I can enjoy the original surround sound instead of Prologic II sound I currently have set.
The internet and voice are working flawlessly with the voice very comparable with the old CallVantage system especially migrating back early from Vonage with very poor service and call quality.
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 Review by julesism
UPDATED: 13 days ago
member for 7.9 years, 389 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Austin,Travis,TX
$185 per month
about 12 days
"Guide/UI of STB is amazing! channels changes are instant! Good riddence to the TWC SARA dinosour!"
"PQ might be a bit less. internet router needs work."
"more HD than TWC. stable/reliable speeds. channel line up blows TWC away"
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TV = U450 with addons: Setanta Sports ($15), HD Premium Pack ($5), 1 additional receiver ($7)
Internet = Max 18
After having TWC for almost 2.5 years, I've finally made the switch to Uverse. The install was fairly easy as I have Ethernet ran in my apartment. The TV receiver guide/UI is uber-fast and modern. It puts the TWC SARA software to shame. It's nice to have internet speeds that are consistent. Road Runner Tubro was nice when I got the advertised speeds, but they were drastically lower on evenings and weekends. I do not have that problem with Uverse. It's nice having Setanta Sports which is not on TWC and the HD lineup is very nice. I've got MTV channels that actually show music videos again! U450 may be a bit of an overkill for me because I'm not a movie buff, but for now I'm enjoying it! Whole home DVR is nice and the ability to record multiple shows at the same time is nice too. Also the media share feature is a nice bonus. OTA subchannels are missing from the lineup (KEYE2 - RetroTV, KVUE2 - Weather, KLRU2 and 3 - Create and Q). Not a big deal... TWC has not put a filter on my cable line (knock on wood) and if/when they do, I'll use an indoor antenna.
UPDATE 11/7/09 - So I just called AT&T and canceled U-Verse. I'm going back to TWC next Saturday because it's going to save me money. My promotions ran out after 3 months of service and my bill shot up to over $200. Even after removing Setanta Sports, HD Premium pack, and cutting back to Max12 internet, the bill was still over $180. Cutting back to U300 would only save me $20 because I'd have to pay for HD. The experience was very nice but saving money is more important to me right now. TWC with one HD DVR and RR Turbo (22 down \ 2 up) internet will cost me $95 plus tax and charges.
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 Review by Hook_Texas
Posted: 14 days ago
member for 7.6 years, 2958 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Austin,Williamson,TX
 Business customer
$130 per month
about 14 days
"Nice internet speeds. Strong Wireless Signal. Good Pricing"
"Equipment may be flaky (time will tell)."
"Great overall product at a good price"
| Pre Sales Information:
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(ratings match consensus)
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Replaced SBC DSL and Dish Network to save some bucks. Turns out to be the right decision. I never had any problems with either of the prior services, so time will tell with U-Verse. So far, so good (after some initial bugs).
Install went relatively smoothly. Initial RG was bad and had to be replaced. A couple days later, the DVR needed to be replaced, but since then (about a month) all is well. I like the connection speeds (got the 6MB package), must smother than the DSL service I had.
Although the DVR is lacking compared to a Dish DVR, it is fine one you get used to it's limitations.
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