Rogers Extreme - Hot or Not?

Rogers.com - Hi-Speed Extreme Overview

5Mbps downstream/800kbps upstream - hot or not? Must purchase a modem from Rogers so no more free "rental" modems under this plan. For some crazy reason it is the same price as the slower Hi-Speed service (44.95)...

Comments

[derek]

That shit LOOKS hot, but is it steaming?
If it IS the same price, and they haven't hidden costs somehow then I'm upgrading tomorrow.
Has anyone tried this yet?

[Digiital]

If you get a good connection then you will get 5MB. The reports are all over the place. The catch is that you have to buy the modem for $80. If you continue to rent then you get 3Mb for the same price.

[Sean]

It's a nice thought, but my experience with rogers has been crap, and their service levels have been crap also. They refuse to acknowledge slow speeds as the result of lots of usage.

So I guess the 5mbps service would be fine if you've got decent/reliable service now, but for me I'm going to DSL.

[quanta]

You still don't own the modem, the $80 is for upgrading to a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, which you then still rent. Rent is included in the pricing.

Also note that $44.95 is the price if you currently have Rogers cable TV service. If not, they tack on an additional $10. So really, it's price is $54.95, but you get a $10 loyalty discount if you buy TV from them too.

Otherwise, it sure seems like a fairly good deal. The question is whether other carriers will follow suit? Somehow I doubt it, as speed increases is a mug's game.

[derek]

quanta - you're wrong on that detail. You do *buy* the modem, not rent it. You can even buy it from someone other than Rogers, such as eBay.

Also, the pricing is the same as the current 3mbps service with modem rental: $44.95 if you have basic cable, or $54.95 if you don't (because if you split the signal from your cable modem you get free cable, so they hit you for $10 if they think you're doing that). This means they're charging you more for the service but nothing for the modem (which you now own), so they actually bring in the same cash while giving Joe User fewer resources/capital.

Here's the thing: by requiring you to *buy* the modem they no longer have to maintain a huge fleet of modems (which are routinely lost or damaged). This is a huge savings to them. Also, if anything goes wrong they'll be able to say "Must be your modem - buy a new one". It'll be the ultimate "Pass The Buck" in terms of "Customer Care".

[jeff]

Any good DSL providers in Ontario? I hate Sympatico.
Please reply to jearl@lenbrook.com

[wirelessbandit1]

I hear iStop is decent, there's Sonic Networks. I am sure there are many more. BUT you always need to have a Bell line of course.

[mike]

"So you can now get service a lot faster, a lot faster for Rogers to cut off your service for abusing their network. Don't forget they will cut your service if you download (use to much bandwidth) more than they like (they decide)." - Bry

Exactly! - you pay for a service without a limit, and when the call you up and say that you are using to much bandwidth you ask "ok, so whats my monthly limit" to which they respond "there is no limit" then the circle starts.. how can I be using too much, when there is no limit.

What a crock. So frustruated right now.

[Feria]

ok i upgraded to this iand its awsome! my downloading speed on average is 4894 Kb and i also get teh same test results from www.toast.net
also once you buy the modem you own it so there is no differance in my monthly charges! it still costs the same as the 3mb service. I'm one ver satisfied customer. Also i should note that i have not had a single disconnection once i got the new modem (my old one (lancity) disconnected ever single night while playing unreal tournament 2004.

[chris]

How does this rogers extreme speed compare to other internet providers like DSL or other competitors?
Are they behind the game or are they just trying to stay ahead proactively?