Charter Bundle internet service?

[OC101]

We are getting calls from charter left and right to want sell us their bundle deal (charter digital TV, charter phone, charter internet)

My major concern is their internet speed. So the latest charter guy was trying to tell me their internet is no longer the traditional cable internet. From what I understand, traditional cable's bandwidth isn't stable, it would be effected in how many people in your neighborhood are using it, or even how many people in the town are using it.

This guy was telling me they guarantee not only 8mbits download speed, but also 8mbits UPload speed. That's something new...

He claims it's using the electrical wire instead of traditional cable for the internet service...which I have heard of it quite some years ago and it was a German technology(internet over power line) and back then the top speed was 2mbits.

I just would like to confirm, if anyone here uses Charter Bundle, and do you really get 8mbits up AND down? Is the bandwidth stable as they say? Does it really use electrical wire internet technology instead of traditional cable internet?


I currently uses only basic charter cable, with AT&T phone and DSL @ 6mbits down 768kbits up.

[ssjwizard]

i dont have experience with the particular provider that you mention but thought id just toss a few tidbits of info your way.
when geting phone through cable services it will be a VoIP connection which is generally good BUT may not include 911 service or have a private emergency service something to ask about.
as to the claim about the internet over power service to my knowledge no one in the US is providing that service ATM for multiple reasons but would also require liability sharing with the power service provider.(correction after a google search this service is avalible in a few areas on the country but mostly rural areas, again i cant speek to your particular market)
cable in general is better nowdays due to the expanded infastructure more than any other enhancement. If your happy with what you have i wouldnt bother. if the savings is what your after id call there service number and get a random person and ask questions to confirm what youve been told before making your decision.

[Pandam00nium]

What a big load of horse muffins. I'm on a 2 year contract with charter and here are my speeds. I'm paying for 8Mbps.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/867399531.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

The down speed isn't always that high, but it fluctuates up and down. I guess I'm lucky tonight.:cool:

Also. They're using the same damn lines they installed a decade ago. At least from the feed cable going from the pole to my house. I had plenty of issues with Charter for the first 5 months, but after countless calls a tech finally fixed the issue for me. The feed cable was bad and he ended up using a different one and now I'm actually able to stay connected for the whole day.

No way in gosh darn heck are you getting 8Mbps up though.

Edit - I just want to add. If you're connection now is stable, I'd advise to keep it. Unless you're going to save with Charter. 2Mbps is not a huge difference, and if you run into issues you're going to have a hell of a time with tech support.

[ssjwizard]

data doesnt transumte through transformers and theres still FCC studdies going on as to the RF radiation emitions and there interactions with open air frequencies. the signal is attached to power lines using a very complex and expensive capacitor system with an even more complex RF transmiter / receiver. in short the reason its not more common are issues with liability, cost, and hazard.

[w2richwood]

http://www.speedtest.net/result/868053334.png my charter has been pretty good for the last 6 mouths or so i have the ultra 60 down but it is cable for sure

[dylskee]

I would highly advise against switching to Charter at all costs! I understand the concept of lowering your monthly expenses but I would look elsewhere to find your savings. Charter (in my area anyway) is HORRIBLE, internet speeds drop off on the weekends and almost always have intermittent service. We pay a lot of money for the service and it sucks ass to be blunt. Customer service is non existent at best and you get nothing but the run around and they are all trained to say the same thing. Our tv service is horrible as well, HD channels freeze and glitch all the time. Everyone in the neighborhood is just waiting for FIOS to become available and there will be mass exodus!!!! :burn:

So in short, if you're happy with your DSL and it's stable please for the love of god; don't switch to charter!! You'll surely regret it!