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IP: try to Use AT&T !!!
From: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 10:37:29 -0500
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 06:31:49 -0800 (PST) To: farber () cis upenn edu From: Alan Reiter (via RadioMail) <reiter () radiomail net> Subject: AT&T WorldNet's problems in Washington, D.C. After trying several ISPs, I settled on AT&T WorldNet because of its pricing, customer support, nationwide presence and, I thought, reliability. Well, the pricing, customer service and nationwide presence are okay. As for reliability.... Two or three months ago it was impossible to access WorldNet's Washington, D.C. node for about a week. After a couple of days I demanded to be able to use the 1-800 number (which is not free) to access the Internet until the problem was solved. AT&T agreed. A few weeks ago, it was impossible to access the node for several days. This time AT&T didn't want to provide a credit for accessing the 1-800 number. I guess they've been swamped with disgruntled customers credits. Also, when I spoke to a customer support supervisor he (1) said I should call back in a few days (!) if the node was still unavailable and (2) didn't have the phone number of WorldNet's headquarters and didn't even know the city where it was located. Maybe I should revise my opinion about WorldNet customer support! This morning I can access the Web, but the POP3 mail server for Washington, D.C. is down for "scheduled maintenance," according to an AT&T customer support person. Scheduled maintenance at 9:00 a.m. -- when everyone wants to check e-mail? Either WorldNet doesn't know the first thing about scheduling or this is "unscheduled" scheduled maintenance. AT&T says I should try to log on in about an hour. This also doesn't bode well for the wireless industry (to segue into my favorite topic!). AT&T Wireless is pushing hard to promote "smart" phones and CDPD, especially access to the Internet and intranet using Unwired Planet's "microbrowser" software. It's certainly logical that AT&T Wireless would want to team with WorldNet to offer some sort of bundled wireless/Internet package. But considering WorldNet's reliability, at least in my area of the country, I wouldn't recommend using WorldNet -- especially for any mission critical messages. Alan A. Reiter Editor, Wireless Internet & Mobile Computing reiter () wirelessinternet com Phone: 301-951-0385
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- IP: try to Use AT&T !!! Dave Farber (Nov 15)