Originally posted by: Devistater
Originally posted by: Muse
I've been with Pacbell (SBC) DSL for around 5 years. I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to reduce my costs. I pay around $70/month, which includes DSL, basic phone service and email, all using the same number. I get nothing extra, although I may be entitled to web hosting, extra email accounts, I don't know (I get tons of spam). This amounts to about 10% of my budget, maybe more!!! Is there some way I can reduce that?
I haven't tested in a long time but I used to get around 1.0 - 1.5 mbps. I'm not too far from the CO (I think around 1/2 - 3/4 mile).
You should have called a week ago or a couple months ago. You could have gotten exact same DSL service for $26 a month. Dont despair though, DSL is still $30 even now for basic service. I dont know how much the phone line costs, but you know that you dont need an extra phone line for DSL right? Just 1 phone line that shares both voice and DSL at same time. I think the phone service costs around $20 a month if I'm not mistaken. Email is included with DSL. So you should be able to drop down to $50ish a month at least. Also, how much long distance are you paying? If you are paying more than around $6 to $10 a month in long distance, you should try the 3 cents a minute plan they have (had?). It costs $3 a month, then a flat 3 cents a minute, in state, out of state AND even local toll calls. Otherwise, I think they have a 5 cents a minute plan thats no charge per month.
To change DSL, follow my link and choose your state and look at the packages availible. Then call the guy and tell him you want to change to whatever package. Keep in mind you generally need to commit to a year of SBC DSL when doing this, but if you've had it for 5 years thats probably not a big deal for you. The $30 plan includes 1.5 mbit download, details are on the web page.
For long distance, goto SBC, choose residential and examine the plans there. Here's a link for long distance plans:
http://www.sbc.com/gen/general?pid=1080&cdvn=localize&prod-snip=res_long_distance
Only the top 6 plans apply if you are doing USA calls. The other plans are for blocks or international. Post a reply if you still need help or advice. And feel free to look at your bill and mention how much you pay for DSL right now, then we can tell you how much you can save just by switching DSL plans. And if you break it down by phone line, DSL, long distance I can tell you what you might be able to save. Or if you dont feel comfortable posting that info, try following my general advice.