Yeah, Okay, Fine, But Just Why Did It Go Out?

Posted on January 4, 2008
Filed Under Technology |

On Thursday afternoon my internet connection to the world went down. Okay, a big so what with that. People lose their internet connections for short periods all the time. But, mine is DSL and there was no dial-tone on the line either. What’s more there was no DC voltage on the line. Curious, but no problem, call AT&T, wade through their interminable menu system and open a trouble ticket. I am told it will be fixed by Saturday the 5th. What the?!?!?

Okay, two things jumped out at me. First, I am more dependent on the internet connection than I cared to admit. And second, AT&T still sucks inhales quickly and deeply.

Today, just before 1 PM I get a call from the technician saying everything is all better now. “Great, what was the problem?” I asked. I was expecting something like a cut line from construction or a failed multiplexer or some “reason” the copper was no longer connected to Ma Bell in the blink of an eye. His reply? Router problems.

Uh, no. A router problem will not cut the copper wire connection to the central office.

I gave up because, well, it was obviously pointless and I had better things to do.

Yes, I could switch but from a pure technical and security standpoint, DSL is far better than cable if you do any telecommuting - which I do now. I don’t use the voice line for anything but backup. I use Vonage for both personal and business calls. If you want a referral for a couple of free months for new Vonage service, let me know!
So, the mysterious problem is fixed and all is again right with the world.

It did make me consider a backup plan because up until now, my backup plan was dial-up but if there is no dial-tone, there is no dial-up.

Comments

One Response to “Yeah, Okay, Fine, But Just Why Did It Go Out?”

  1. Debbie on January 4th, 2008 5:40 pm

    While there’s no DSL available in my city of Springfield, Illinois (for residential only), I did question the cons of having DSL until your blog.

    We do have cable broadband internet and use Vonage for all calls. Well, we use cell phones majority of the time.

    Speaking of Vonage, I used your referral (thanx Tim!) this past October when we moved to a new house. So far, no problem. So far, no payment required. Somehow, we must have more than two months’ worth of free service before we finally get a bill.

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