So, I currently live in Brazil, where pretty much 2 ISPs monopolize
the internet provider market and soon I'm planning to move to Boston.
I'd like to know what might be the best ISP in Boston? I'm looking for
an internet connection that's stable, always-on, preferrably static
IP, but in any case, dynamic IP is ok, no ports are blocked (so I
could make a server at home), and has a speed of at LEAST 4 Mbit down
and 768 Kbit up.
Thanks.

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 28 Feb 2006 16:22 PST

codemaster2...

Comcast seems to win hands down, according to the records
at DSLreports.com for zipcode 021**:
http://www.dslreports.com/archive?zip=021&dnsdom=&start=Search

I can't speak to blocked ports, so I won't yet post this as
an answer.

Let me know what you think...

sublime1-ga

---

Clarification of Question by codemaster2-ga on 28 Feb 2006 17:19 PST

Mm, I dunno... That 8MB sounds tempting, but what's the pricing? Also,
I've had really bad experiences with DSL... No cable alternatives? And
the port blocking... It's likely that Comcast will have that... At
least here, big DSL companies block ports.

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 28 Feb 2006 18:29 PST

codemaster2...

I'm sure that 8MB figure is for cable. Specific pricing seems
unavailable without providing a phone number to complete the
survey process on this page, but cable starts at $19.95. I
expect it's about the same as my Cox setup, and if you want
relatively unlimited broadband, it's gonna cost $40-50/month:
http://www.buytelco.net/buytelcodsl.asp?gtse=goog&kw=Comcast%20Boston

You can get some deals for first-time signup:
http://www.comcastoffers.com

And here's straight from Comcast MA:

"Promotional rate applies only to specified promotional packages
 of 6.0Mbps and excludes taxes and franchise fees. Service subject
 to availability. equipment fees (currently, $42.95(service) per
 month for customers that have our video and internet services;
 $57.95(service) per month for customers that have our Internet
 service only) plus applicable taxes apply. Equipment, including
 a Gateway which may be purchased from Comcast or leased at
 Comcast's standard rates (currently $5 per month) is required."
http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp422/LocalHomepage/Page4.asp

That's pretty typical for cable.

Keep me posted...

sublime1-ga

---

Clarification of Question by codemaster2-ga on 28 Feb 2006 19:24 PST

What about Verizon FiOS? 15/2MB for 40-50 $/M sounds VERY good, and
from what I've read, there are no ports blocked. Do you know anything
about that service?

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 28 Feb 2006 20:47 PST

codemaster2...

I have no personal experience with Verizon FiOS. Verizon is the
second best service listed on the DSLreports page, but I'm not
certain those numbers refer to the FiOS service. It looks good
to me. Here's their pricing page:
http://www22.verizon.com/FiOSForHome/channels/FiOS/root/package.aspx

Click around for related info.

sublime1-ga

---

Clarification of Question by codemaster2-ga on 28 Feb 2006 22:01 PST

Yea, I did some research, it seems that it has quite a fanbase...
Seems fairly reliable as well. New fiber optics technology is quite
appealing too; no ports blocked; 15M/2M; no signal problems...
However, the only problem is the price tag and the localization. Not
many cities have it yet... I saw a post specifically showing what
cities have FiOS and which WILL have, Boston didn't get mentioned =/.
In any case, I might just move to somewhere near Boston, 'tis all
uncertain until the time comes to cross that bridge. In any case,
thanks for the information and the links.

---

Clarification of Question by codemaster2-ga on 28 Feb 2006 22:03 PST

And also, if you want to post a summary and comparison between Verizon
and Comcast, post it as an answer and I'll go ahead and accept it...

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 01 Mar 2006 22:50 PST

codemaster2...

I'm a little reluctant to try to create a sensible comparison
between the two without having recourse to the details that
are revealed only when you have submitted a working phone #.

if you'd prefer, you can reduce the price of the question to
match the value of what I've already provided (keeping in mind
that researchers receive 75% of the question price), and I can
then repost it as a formal answer.

A user's guide on changing the price is on skermit-ga's site: 
http://www.christopherwu.net/google_answers/answer_guide.html#changing_price 
 
sublime1-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 10 Mar 2006 13:32 PST

codemaster2...

If I recall correctly, this question was originally priced at $20?
Did you lower the price as I suggested in my last clarification?
If so, I'll go ahead and post an answer, as I noted, but I just
want to be sure I'm remembering correctly and that you did, indeed,
lower the price.

Thanks...

sublime1-ga

codemaster2...

Well, I haven't heard back from you, but I'll take you up on
your suggestion to go ahead and post an answer. I'll repost
what I already provided here, for the sake of future readers.

------------------------------------------------------------

Comcast seems to win hands down, according to the records
at DSLreports.com for zipcode 021**:
http://www.dslreports.com/archive?zip=021&dnsdom=&start=Search

---

I'm sure that 8MB figure is for cable. Specific pricing seems
unavailable without providing a phone number to complete the
survey process on this page, but cable starts at $19.95. I
expect it's about the same as my Cox setup, and if you want
relatively unlimited broadband, it's gonna cost $40-50/month:
http://www.buytelco.net/buytelcodsl.asp?gtse=goog&kw=Comcast%20Boston

You can get some deals for first-time signup:
http://www.comcastoffers.com

And here's straight from Comcast MA:

"Promotional rate applies only to specified promotional packages
 of 6.0Mbps and excludes taxes and franchise fees. Service subject
 to availability. equipment fees (currently, $42.95(service) per
 month for customers that have our video and internet services;
 $57.95(service) per month for customers that have our Internet
 service only) plus applicable taxes apply. Equipment, including
 a Gateway which may be purchased from Comcast or leased at
 Comcast's standard rates (currently $5 per month) is required."
http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp422/LocalHomepage/Page4.asp

That's pretty typical for cable.

---

I have no personal experience with Verizon FiOS. Verizon is the
second best service listed on the DSLreports page, but I'm not
certain those numbers refer to the FiOS service. It looks good
to me. Here's their pricing page:
http://www22.verizon.com/FiOSForHome/channels/FiOS/root/package.aspx

Click around for related info.

------------------------------------------------------------

As for comparing Verizon and Comcast, this page from DSLreports
does a good job contrasting and rating the various services on
its Good, Bad and Ugly page, based on user reports, where the
letter grades at the end rate the following:

1:Pre Sales information 
2:Install Co-ordination 
3:Connection reliability 
4:Tech Support 
5:Services 
6:Value for money

                                  1  2  3  4  5  6
Verizon FIOS       4.44 2% $45 15 B+ A- A  B+ A

Verizon Online DSL 3.29 1% $42 20 B- B- B- C- C+ B-

Comcast Cable      3.41 1% $48 7  B- B  B  C  B- B-

http://www.dslreports.com/gbu

In summary, Comcast Cable is a bit better rated than Verizon DSL,
and costs a bit more, on averate. Verizon FIOS, if you can get it,
has much higher marks, and is priced in between the other two.

sublime1-ga