UTV Special announced!

Valentia

From the UTV Support newsgroup:

"The offer that's being launched for the south is:

Joining fee: 0
Monthly sub: 47.50
Freebies: Modem, connection and 1st month

... also the DL limit has been raised to 8Gb."

Hi Ho, Hi Ho......

Eurorunner

Nice to see the cap moving in the right direction. Sounds like thats as much as they can do under the contraints of the product that they're reselling..

BigEejit

Originally posted by Valentia
Hi Ho, Hi Ho......

Indeed

_Kaiser_

Quick question if I may (and apologies if it's been covered before)

I tried checking my line for broadband on IOL, eircom's and (today) UTV's "availability checker" - all 3 say that my line is not ready for broadband, BUT before I switched to UTVip XL it DID pass both eircom and IOLs tests?? Is it now failing because this info is sourced from eircom, and I've "left" them for UTV?

If so, is this not unfair/discriminatory, not to mention poor business sense if I CAN indeed have the service but their system thinks I can't?

Thanks in advance all...

skrobe

very good.......................... but i still won't go for any product over 40euro a month, like the morjority of peps. Ireland might see another 3,000 or so customers but no where near the 100,000 eircoms bankers are looking for. Surley they can see this , their go'in have to drop the monthly price sometime, why not now??. Or maybe it'll take ibb's ripwave to come on stream to push them, when they finish testing it in the year 2012

j

tomk

Originally posted by Valentia
"... also the DL limit has been raised to 8Gb."

Does the 8Gb apply to existing users as well as new users?

dahamsta

Might as well add to the melee: Is UTV USB only? I have a small network in here, I don't want to be p1ssing around with USB modems.

adam

spongebob

Originally posted by skrobe
very good.......................... but i still won't go for any product over 40euro a month, like the morjority of peps.

Well put Skrobe. I think most people will see through this.

What is neded now is an announcement of a cut in the wholesale price to around €20 a month ex vat. That would translate into €39.99 products form a variety of carriers which would nudge connections upwards.

I personally feel that Eircom have missed the boat on the target of 100k DSL users by end 2004. They could surprise us all in the middle of next month if they realise that their €54.50 a month DSL is not selling as fast as they hoped.

M

Subc

is this 4 gb upgrade cap to the 4gb cap we had before a trick?
Does it also include the uploads?

Boston

Originally posted by dahamsta
Might as well add to the melee: Is UTV USB only? I have a small network in here, I don't want to be p1ssing around with USB modems.

adam

i'm using ethernet here adam, they supply a free usb modem but you can buy your own

dahamsta

Originally posted by Boston
i'm using ethernet here adam, they supply a free usb modem but you can buy your own

Ta. Anyone wanna buy a USB modem?

adam

Boston

Just on to them now, apparently eircom dropped the price and its just filtered through, so this offer has been confirms, its only from account activated after the first of october, so if your waiting you might want to get htem to hold off a week or so.

Adam i recommend the netgear dm602 if your jsut looking for a single port router/modem, to conenct to your existing network. Dsl-warehouse are doing them for about 115 euro including shipping and 17.5% vat,

Valentia

Originally posted by Subc
is this 4 gb upgrade cap to the 4gb cap we had before a trick?
Does it also include the uploads?

Again the reply from UTV support newsgroup "Uh huh ... we are still DL only".

Dawg

Originally posted by Boston
its only from account activated after the first of october, so if your waiting you might want to get htem to hold off a week or so.

Ahh nuts, my account was activated today or should have been, haven't heard anything and I've no modem to test the line.
No matter, the 4 gig cap increase is good enough news for me.

Boston

same story with me, but hey you can ask them to delay activating your account if you like?

mickger

Damn just my luck,i signed up last Monday and have been charged the 99 quid connection fee. Probably wont get that back but will i get the first month for free i wonder? The 8 gig limit is good news, now all i have to do is wait and this could be a while from all accounts.

Mike

bk

Originally posted by dahamsta
Might as well add to the melee: Is UTV USB only? I have a small network in here, I don't want to be p1ssing around with USB modems.

adam

Hi Adam,

I highly recommend the Draytek Vigor 2600 DSL router, you will love it, I believe it's firewall is IPtables based, 4 port switch, DHCP, DynamicDNS, NAT, DMZ, etc.

But the really outstanding feature that you don't get with other DSL routers is that it has a VPN termination server. This means you would be able to connect to your home network from anywhere in the world securely.
It is very cool.

I got mine from dsl-warehouse.

Jorinn

Originally posted by dahamsta
Ta. Anyone wanna buy a USB modem?

adam

A mate of mine had the same problem but with a wireless network, usb modem but ethrnet port on router. He got peats to order him in a usb-ethernet adaptor. I'd suggest the same, peats of course charges him 50 odd euro but you can probably find it cheaper online.

bk

Originally posted by Jorinn
A mate of mine had the same problem but with a wireless network, usb modem but ethrnet port on router. He got peats to order him in a usb-ethernet adaptor. I'd suggest the same, peats of course charges him 50 odd euro but you can probably find it cheaper online.

People, just dump those USB modems (well don't really, if you need to return them to the ISP later) and get a ethernet router.

These USB modems are really, really awful, they are like the winmodems of the broadband world. They are only for the AOL users of this world, not power user boards members.

Actually in fairness to Eircom, the modem they are now giving has both USB and an ethernet port. It is the first company I have heard of doing this, even in the UK market. However I'd still prefer a router.

Valentia

People, just dump those USB modems

If a person is using one computer, with no intention of networking, is the USB modem OK or are their speed/reliability issues?

Thanks,

Eurorunner

Originally posted by Valentia
If a person is using one computer, with no intention of networking, is the USB modem OK or are their speed/reliability issues?

Thanks,

- Speed issues
- Drains processor resources
- May cause machine to crash

Ronan

This is fantastic news, and I hope Eircom take note of the increased cap. Much as I dislike Eircom I would consider their service if they matched this UTV offer.

Eurorunner

Much as I dislike Eircom I would consider their service if they matched this UTV offer.

Why?

Ok, they are all businesses at the end of the day and they all want to make money. But if you have two deals that are equal - one from a company that has a poor history with regard to customer service and NOT providing the product that comsumers are looking for ....and one from a company that has built up a reputation for good customer service and operates on the basis of making cash by providing the services that people are demanding.

So you decide to opt for the first one ..
What sort of message does this send to irish businesses. ...Yeah, go ahead, keep on ridin' us:mad:

(not picking on you but i think you see where i'm coming from..)

bk

Originally posted by Valentia
If a person is using one computer, with no intention of networking, is the USB modem OK or are their speed/reliability issues?

Thanks,

They are ok, but not great. They generally use more processor resources, may not work with Linux / Mac OS X, seem to cause slightly higher pings (about 5 - 10ms) and sometimes the drivers can be troublesome.

However if you get a USB modem free, then just try it. If it works ok for you and you are happy with it and you are not doing networking, then keep it.

blorg

A mate of mine had the same problem but with a wireless network, usb modem but ethrnet port on router. He got peats to order him in a usb-ethernet adaptor. I'd suggest the same, peats of course charges him 50 odd euro but you can probably find it cheaper online.

This is highly unlikely to work - USB-ethernet adaptors are ethernet cards that connect via USB to a computer to give that computer an ethernet port. You can't just plug a USB modem into an ethernet adaptor and then on into a router, it doesn't work that way around! Let me know if this mate of yours actually had any success.

Valentina - you should be fine with a USB modem, especially if you are getting it free. Setup is likely to be easier as the ISP will likely supply you with a CD with all the settings on it already. I certainly wouldn't bother changing it for a router unless you are running into major problems, the expense isn't worth it (unless you have more than 1 PC or want a wireless connection).

Ronan

Eurorunner, there are 2 main reasons I would pick Eircom despite all they have done.
1. I don't want to run my phone calls through UTV (This is the bit I really don't like). Despite being added hassle, All calls are subject to a 3.87 cent setup fee including VAT.
2. From everything I read, despite their poor rep Eircom's service does seem to be that little bit more reliable.

These are the things I would base my decision on. Sorry, if it seems a bit cold towards startups and I know how much good work UTV have done. If UTV dropped the getting the calls through them bit, then maybe they would become an option, but, I guess they have to make their money somewhere.

This is just my opinion, and my knowledge of the whole market isn't as good as most people's here, but I'm sure other people think this way.

As for a message to irish businesses, sorry but there is very little room for sentiment in my decision when it comes to Bband.

Eurorunner

Originally posted by Ronan
Eurorunner, there are 2 main reasons I would pick Eircom despite all they have done.
1. I don't want to run my phone calls through UTV (This is the bit I really don't like). Despite being added hassle, All calls are subject to a 3.87 cent setup fee including VAT.
2. From everything I read, despite their poor rep Eircom's service does seem to be that little bit more reliable.

These are the things I would base my decision on. Sorry, if it seems a bit cold towards startups and I know how much good work UTV have done. If UTV dropped the getting the calls through them bit, then maybe they would become an option, but, I guess they have to make their money somewhere.

This is just my opinion, and my knowledge of the whole market isn't as good as most people's here, but I'm sure other people think this way.

As for a message to irish businesses, sorry but there is very little room for sentiment in my decision when it comes to Bband.

I hear what your saying. Your right about the setup charge but what you should know is that €ircon have a minimum call charge that is almost twice UTV's call setup charge. You should have a look through this
post.
Switching the phones over to another telecoms co. can be a problem in some circumstances ie. where your not the actual billpayer for the current line - but otherwise, its not a problem.

Sar!

Yes but i heard that if you use eircom the actual quality of your line is far better than other service providers....and this i think will be the essential for most users....i mean its all very well paying less for other service providers but if it means losing quality then no way! I think the only way this will be solved is if other companies can own the lines aside from eircom seeing as eircom no matter who they lease lines to their interests will lie with themselves.....

Boston

Originally posted by Ronan
Eurorunner, there are 2 main reasons I would pick Eircom despite all they have done.
1. I don't want to run my phone calls through UTV (This is the bit I really don't like). Despite being added hassle, All calls are subject to a 3.87 cent setup fee including VAT.
2. From everything I read, despite their poor rep Eircom's service does seem to be that little bit more reliable.

These are the things I would base my decision on. Sorry, if it seems a bit cold towards startups and I know how much good work UTV have done. If UTV dropped the getting the calls through them bit, then maybe they would become an option, but, I guess they have to make their money somewhere.
.

You don't have to get CPS to use UTV ADSL , don't know why on earth you think you would have to, and your not the first to say it to me. You have to get CPS for their dial up service, not their ADSL. I've got clicksilver and i'm still with eircom.

Ronan

Eurorunner, thanks for the info. I was unaware of all that. Still, it is hard to tell the prices differences, but good info.

Boston, from reading the U.tv site it would lead you to believe that you also are argreeing to change operators for you phone calls, not only on the main page but in the terms and conditions. But I clearly stand corrected and thank you for Pointing this out.

Valentia

I just want ClickSilver, not the telephony can I have this?


No. Unfortunately this product combines the telephony service with the broadband service.

From the UTV Clicksilver FAQ

Ronan

Also from the FAQ for Broadband on U.TV


Q. I just want ClickSilver, not the telephony can I have this?


A. No. Unfortunately this product combines the telephony service with the broadband service.

I'm confused now.

Valentia

Originally posted by Sar!
Yes but i heard that if you use eircom the actual quality of your line is far better than other service providers....and this i think will be the essential for most users....i mean its all very well paying less for other service providers but if it means losing quality then no way! I think the only way this will be solved is if other companies can own the lines aside from eircom seeing as eircom no matter who they lease lines to their interests will lie with themselves.....

Another urban myth is born. What a load of balloney! All the lines belong to Eircom so how could the quality differ. Jeez :mad:

dahamsta

What Valentia said Sar! All Yore Line Are Belong To Eircom.

adam

Sar!

Another urban myth is born. What a load of balloney! All the lines belong to Eircom so how could the quality differ. Jeez

Im not in the habit of writing the myths I just wanna find the facts????!
The actually line quality may not differ, but from reports the quality of product does seem to - that was all!!!!!

Valentia

The actually line quality may not differ, but from reports the quality of product does

Apart from sending the occassional blonde babe to the door to try and drag me back to Eircom, I can't think of any service that they provide that isn't done better, cheaper and more honestly by somebody else.

Eurorunner

You don't have to get CPS to use UTV ADSL

Thanks for posting this Boston. I have never fully investigated Clicksilver (it may never be made available to me) - so, i sort of assumed that they would bundle it up with telephony.

Sar!/Ronan: I hope we can save your souls:D Once you dance with the devil...


As regards problems with UTVs product Sar!, this is confined to dialup problems - getting onto the utv service - which for the vast majority is rectified by use of an alternative dialup number when the main number is busy.
Most problems reported ref. their broadband product relate to untimely installations/line testing issues - all points back to the beloved €ircon Inc.

The bottom line is that at the moment, Eircom are not offering the better deal with anything from telephony, dialup, broadband, leased lines, etc. simply because they dont feel that they have to (although, this may come back and bite them in the ass some day soon...:mad: ).

Ronan

So, what is the real story with the telephony service . According to UTV's website they are linked, but, according to people here they are not...

Boston

Sotry is they are not linked, as mine isnt, and as far as i understand it would be ilegal to do so. Just ring them up and ask them to sign you up for it.

Ronan

thanks Boston. They should sort out their webpage so, loosing potential customers!

Eurorunner

This is a bit naughty of them..

Boston

maybe they are linked in northern ireland, it wouldn't be the first tiem northern ireland info was put up on the republic site, like the 256k upload speed when the service was first launched.

Valentia

Originally posted by Boston
Sotry is they are not linked, as mine isnt, and as far as i understand it would be ilegal to do so. Just ring them up and ask them to sign you up for it.

Boston,

I think what may have happened in your case is that Eircom never changed the CPS. This happened to me at work. My understanding is that what UTV are doing is not illegal (a person does not have to go with Clicksilver). UTV explained their pricing structure here before and the CPS enables them to charge less for their internet services.

UTV have made it clear both here and on their support newsgroup that splitting internet and CPS is not an option. Perhaps someone from UTV will confirm this here again.

I'm just repeating this so that people will not sign up with the wrong impression.

Valentia

maybe they are linked in northern ireland

As far as I know they are not linked in the North.

PiE

Originally posted by Eurorunner
This is a bit naughty of them..

How is it naughty? They state it clearly and have never denied that CPS is part of the package.

If you don't want to change your call provider, fine go with Eircom. But from my experience, UTV's call service is just as good.

bk

If you don't want to go with UTV's call service, then why not go with IOLBB, it is e5 per month cheaper and has double the cap.

I really don't know what peoples problem with UTV phone service is, you WILL save money over Eircom, you may or may not save money over Esat. It is all FUD.

Valentia

Originally posted by bk
If you don't want to go with UTV's call service, then why not go with IOLBB, it is e5 per month cheaper and has double the cap.

The plot thickens :ninja:

UTV charge €47.50 p/m. IOL €49.49

UTV's cap is 8Gb download. IOL's cap is 8Gb upload and download.

Am I just after being reincarnated in Alice in Wonderland where everything is the reverse of what it seems? UTV are cheaper with a bigger cap, end of story. I you dont want their telephony @ 25% less (than Eircom) well go elsewhere and pay more.

It really is that simple.

Valentia

I don't want to appear like a UTV junkie but..... I honestly have no connection with them. I just received this mail fron them.. SERVICE OR WHA..!!

Dear Customer

Thank you for your recent order for the UTV Clicksilver Broadband service. Due to the forthcoming reduction in Eircom's wholesale pricing, we have introduced a special offer for new customers, effective from 1st October until 31 December. This offer entails free connection, free modem and the first month's rental free a saving of ˆ146.50 on your original order.

In order for you to avail of this promotion we will be delaying your order until 26 September. If, however, you wish to proceed with the original costs, please reply to this email and we will process your order immediately.

Full details of the new promotion are available at www.u.tv/clicksilver.

We hope that this delay does not cause any inconvenience but we strive to give our customers the best service and value in the market.

Yours sincerely
UTV Internet

elsoldemayo

Got the same mail, I think I can wait 3 days to save myself best part of 150 yo-yos

bk

Originally posted by Valentia
The plot thickens :ninja:

UTV charge €47.50 p/m. IOL €49.49

UTV's cap is 8Gb download. IOL's cap is 8Gb upload and download.

Am I just after being reincarnated in Alice in Wonderland where everything is the reverse of what it seems? UTV are cheaper with a bigger cap, end of story. I you dont want their telephony @ 25% less (than Eircom) well go elsewhere and pay more.

It really is that simple.

I think you got the wrong end of the stick, I was saying that IOL BB is e5 per month cheaper and has a bigger CAP then Eircom.

I agree with you 100% UTV have a better deal, I was just making the point that if you didn't want to take their phone service then IOLBB was a better alternative then Eircom.

mickger

Valentia! When did you order ? Just wondering as i ordered last Monday week and did'nt get that email.

Mike