Recommend an Internet Service in Reston, VA

I need a new ISP.

This is the third consecutive time my current ISP has abjectly failed to properly bill me…in each case, unusual as it may seem, I had phoned them and talked with the representative about my expectations.

The first time, they said all was good for automatic deduction from a credit card, then they did not process said deduction and cut off service for nonpayment.

The second time, they said “this time all is good”, did not process the deduction AGAIN, and threatened (via email) to cut off service for nonpayment.

The third time I paid them over the phone directly – no more automatic payments – and they double-charged the credit card.

Time to leave. But it’s maddeningly hard to find out about alternatives.

I currently have dialup. I would be willing to continue having dialup, or switch to broadband if it’s not too much more expensive.

I could imagine dropping my telephone landline and solely using our cell plan if that would allow me to use the cost of landline service to help pay for broadband. Landline is usually locked up by dialup anyway and we’re used to talking mainly on the cell phones now.

The resulting cost savings would mean I could pay about $59 per month and break even with what I am now paying.

Verizon DSL does NOT serve my residence.

Verizon FIOS (fiber optic) does NOT, either.

Comcast cable DOES, I think, but the wife hates them from previous misadventures.

Googling “internet service Reston” gets nearly three million hits; the front pages are loaded with pitches to businesses and the Washongton Post’s 2003 rating of local providers. I’ve tried plowing through it but the signal to noise ratio is abysmal.

Have any recommendations for me? Feel free to supply anewcdote and/or reasoning.

Thanks much.

Sailboat

I’m using Comcast and I really haven’t had any problems with them. The bill actually comes out to $62/month, so if that extra three dollars is a problem, you may want to consider someone else.

I use Comcast without any trouble, too. I have their cable service as well, just expanded basic (no digital, no pay channels, etc.), and combined with the internet service my bill is $100/month – but I think I get some kind of a break on the internet because I’m a cable customer; I’m pretty sure that part comes to less than half the bill.

I’ve really never had a problem with Comcast, and I’ve had them as both a cable provider and ISP for the past 3 years. Very reliable. Maybe your wife will reconsider them?