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Computer Talk

 Here is where we get serious about computers, modems, cdroms, programs, web pages, and that always nasty topic of ISP service. Without a doubt, that one question of which is the best ISP has to be the most asked question in Columbus computer-land, just ahead of whether a person's system can be upgraded.
 We aren't here to mince words, or recommend something for compensation. It's going to be hardnose tell-it-like-it-is.
 Pretty soon you'll find weekly tips and tricks here for helping you deal with your computer, its internal parts and programs, and the dreaded ISP nightmare. TheLoneGunman is tracking the network performances and services of all major ISPs in the Columbus area, and it's time to hand in the homework. While the businesses mentioned here will probably not be pleased with what we have to say, the end goal is to give the new computer user a leg up on knowing what's in store for them.
(In other words, if you are a business rep from one of the companies we report on, and your boss disagrees with what we have to say, either forward us a response- which we will include on your review page, or send us a link to your own rebuttal page and we will post it along with the review.)

As of Saturday, November 29, 2003, the following services are ranked by TheLoneGunman--

Best Dialup ISP

Best High Speed ISP

AOL
(unfortunately)
Pros: Fewest dropped connections
Cons: high price, proprietary software

AOL
(again-unfortunately)
Pros: Consistently good connection
Cons: High Speed AOL is only available on DSL service-which BellSouth doesn't provide for 80% of Columbus

Worst Dialup ISP

Worst High Speed ISP

GMI.net
Pros: Like most ISPs, it works for some, not for many
Cons: Connections are iffy
really poor customer service

Cableone.net
Pros: When it works, it works
Cons: In one week, the cable modem net was down
60% of the time in one section of Columbus
Dismal customer service after office hours

 
TheLoneGunman will be contacting all local online service providers for a statement concerning their business philosophy, their services, their prices, their future plans and how the customer fits into the scheme of things. You'll see it like its received, along with comments from local computer users and professionals to help separate the fantasy from the reality.
For now, here are some basic goods and bads on the internet access provider scene.
(All comments below are the personal opinion of TheLoneGunman, and based on personal experience with the businesses mentioned.)

 These are not all of the internet services available to Columbus residents, but are the ones most well known in the area. Some, such as Bignet and GMI, bought or merged with local companies. Unfortunately, as is more frequent than the industry would like to admit, the customers who fed the local businesses experience a serious drop in service and/or support when their provider goes to the big leagues.
 It's a sad commentary on the culture of the ISP sector that the personal attention and intense customer oriented philosophy of new local businesses is sold off when a merger or sale pops up. Loyalty should be a two way street in any business, especially a small, locally owned startup, and should be one thing money can't change.

Service Provider
(click name for web site)		 Phone
Number		 Pros Cons
American Family Online 662-512-5128 - Content filtering available
- Service is Tupelo based		 - Proprietary software
- Whenever software is upgraded on network, it can cause user problems
AOL - America Online Least dropped connections - Expensive compared to local ISPs
- Chat rooms and Instant Messaging can be a problem for parents
BellSouth.net
(DSL)		 1-888-321-2375 Offers High Speed DSL (in certain areas)
 - DSL not available in 80% of Columbus
- Company management is clueless on internet issues
BellSouth.net
(Modem Dialup)		 1-888-321-2375 - Second Best Dialup in Columbus (at the moment) - Not available in all areas
Bignet
(Formerly TILC)		 662-215-2222 Average network performance Customer support has been farmed out
(used to be all local hardware and support)
Cableone.net 662-328-1781 Very high speed on cable modem (when it works) - Dismal customer service after office hours
- Company is new to Internet business
EBIcom 662-243-7075 Local network, local support - Management is moody and unpredictable
- Company has history of overselling its phone lines
Exceed Technologies
(Formerly Crawdat)		 662-328-8333 No information yet No information yet
GMI.net
(Formerly Futuresouth)		 877-872-2312 -Average network performance -Customer support has become terrible since "merger" with Futuresouth
Telapex
(Owned by same company
 that owns Cellular South)		 877-835-3725 - Average network performance - Owners have history of being late on upgrading network to new technology
- Local reps are eager, but know little about internet technology