I'm that close!

Having previously had broadband, but have been relegated to dial-up for six months now, so I am longing for when I can have it again.
My current options are
Satellite from DirectWay for $99
Cable from Comcast for $57 - "coz we say you need our TV service as well"
I'd prefer to get DSL, especially as Verizon recently dropped the price to $35, or $30 if you also get cell phone / long distance from them. But I'm just a little to far from the CO to get DSL, a whole 1025 feet too far. (while I'm within the 17,500 feet technically limit for it, Verizon work within 15,000 feet).

What I'm wondering is if this is ever going to change, are Verizon at anytime in the near future going to increase their operating range? I'd be happy even if this came with a speed penalty.
Or am I stuck with becoming a Comcast customer while praying for some new DSL technology roll out?

chances are you're going to have to wait until vz populates your co with adsl2+. the earliest that could happen is late this year (unlikely though), but its more likely to be deployed in late '04 or '05. thing is, operators are interested in reaching the marginal customer (they want your business) but the tech is not there yet.

(while I'm within the 17,500 feet technically limit for it, Verizon work within 15,000 feet).

Is that number from their quick-check while you hold on the telephone? Or from an actual line walk?

When I moved into my house, I was originally told I was at 18k, but they ordered an actual line walk and discovered I was really at 13k.

Too bad my CO hasn't been upgraded to support DSL yet...

Having been screwed by Verizon over the Genuity fiasco, I'd say go with Comcast, even though I doubt that their business ethics are that much better!

For the record, legally you should be able to order broadband without their TV service, although they won't be happy for you to do so since they have no way of preventing you from receiving basic cable once the line is there and active.

I have broadband access thorough the cable company without TV, but that's with Time Warner.

I've had a cable modem with Comcast for about three years, now, without cable tv. Although when I started, the monthly rate was $29.95 and now it's gone up to $59.95!! It's a lot per month but I can't imagine living without my broadband. DSL is cheaper here - but very spotty. Plus, the only DSL provider in New Mexico is Qwest and I can't stand them. Comcast has been very reliable and has provided sufficient customer service, IMO. But like Qwest, they are the only provider for cable services in the state; so if they go any higher in pricing, I'm screwed. Wasn't the 1996 Telecom Act supposed to promote competition? Heh heh heh - yeah right.

- trs

Same here with Cox in Virginia. It doesn't take a creative mind to guess how we cuss at the company, but on the average they are reliable. Most of the problems I have are either my fault or something I can fix by resetting my modem. Plus I have cable TV as well, so it works out. Just basic, though. Anything else and the price skyrockets!

Jason:
Given that the CO already has DSL and that I'm not in a densily populated town I fear that it might be '05.
But what can you tell me about adsl2+? range & bandwidth specificly.

Tony:
Actually thoes numbers are from DSL reports, I accepted them as when I moved & ordered the phone line I requested DSL. The rep. on the phone looked it up in the system and told me that one system was telling her it could be ordered and the other was telling her it could not..
I had her go ahead and place an order for it, but a week or two later the results came back as a no go - so I assume that Verizon did some sort of line test.

Genixia I agree with you I should be able to get the products seperatly from Comcast, Jeff was able to do so with Time Warner.
I'll stew for a bit more and then start with the phone calls to Comcast, the bingiebing is getting to me!

You could get a neighbor that is 1025ft. closer to get it and then set up a wireless link between the houses. All you need is line of sight, a couple WAPs, and some wireless antennae

I should be able to get the products seperatly from Comcast

If Comcast offers internet access in your area - then you can get it separately. It's just about $15 a month more for the internet access than if you had cable as well.

Just go here and type in your address and you'll find your answer.

- trs