I know this topic is brought up a lot, but I'm I'm looking into high-speed internet options for my mother (in Houston) and wanted to get some recommendations. We had Road Runner before, but she had a lot of problems with them, particularly with their customer service, and doesn't want to go back. She's thinking DSL now. What do you guys recommend? Important factors for us are price, reliability and then speed and customer support.
I've had zero problems with RoadRunner. Everybody who I know that had SBC DSL has hated it. Some people here have had positive experiences with DSL though. Prior to RR, I have a dual ISDN account with EV1, who were rock solid. Their basic dialup package is $10.83/month (includes TT&L). Something else to consider is that Earthlink is also available via cable. Switching between RR and Earthlink should be trivial. This might solve the problems you were having.
I've also had zero problems with cable. I got it through earthlink since it's a little cheaper (it still goes through Time Warner though.) On the other hand, I used to have DSL with Swbell and had tons of problems.
Check out this site http://www.broadbandreports.com for all questions regarding broadband in your area. I would register at that site and use their forums, they are invaluable!! It's all hit and miss. I have had virtually zero problems with my SBC DSL, but then again I don't use any of their software, I just have the DSL line and am running it through a router, so I don't use any of their front end software (read, YAHOO crap)... SBC DSL can be tricky and I am hesitant to recommend it for the non-tech savvy.... for all I know, the front end yahoo stuff could be easy, I just don't use it, so I don't know. But do check out the website cause it has awesome info.
Alot of problems people have with DSL has more to do with the actual phone connection and line going from your wall to the junction box than any DSL service SBC provides. I had SBC rebuild my phone junction, the box outside your house, (it cost $60) but I have had 1.2Mbps DSL service since then (I used to be capped at 768Kbps) and am a very happy customer! The lines inside that box was so old it prohibited a good signal from being transmitted.
I maybe a little old school when it comes to internet connections... But does anyone use Everyone's Internet? I heard that their service was really good and yet only $10 a month. Suggestions anyone?