Vermont Internet Service Providers
From Vermont Area Group of Unix Enthusiasts
The following are notes on different Internet service providers (ISP) in the state of Vermont. The discussion is predominantly about the features of broadband services for the home, in particular their abilities to support hypothetical activities of Unix enthusiasts.
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Burlington Telecom
For those who live in Burlington proper and BT is willing to wire your home or building. Internet, cable television and telephone is available from a fibre optic service (FiOS). For residential customers, broadband Internet is available alone or as a 2-way or 3-way bundle. A router throttles your subscribed connection speed. Telephone goes across the fibre optic channel but otherwise behaves as plain-old telephone service (POTS), and is not VOIP. There's no authentication required to get the service. They provide an RJ-45 interface to homes--plug-in to your own Internet router and you're ready.
See network specs at http://burlingtontelecom.net/aboutus/tech/
BT is a municipal utility, but service and wiring is contracted out.
On 2009-04-21, base line monthly Internet service charges increased anywhere from 6 to 10 dollars depending on your package.
Comcast
Comcast is an incumbent utility provider offering internet over coaxial cable connections ("cable internet") utilizing Docsys cable modems. If you live in an area covered by Comcast then you are either looking at service from Comcast, or FairPoint (or perhaps other local DSL options). As a company, Comcast is near the worst to deal with. If you have a week of time to allocate to their "9-4" schedule, don't mind long waits and lies on the phone, then its almost bearable. Once the service is installed -- its fairly reliable, fast, and pleasant to use.
Its similar to the DMV... once you have your plates driving is fun.... but heading to their office is a fate worse than few others.
Green Mountain Access Vermont
SoverNet
FairPoint (formerly Verizon)
Verizon Wireless EVDO
Verizon Wireless has a fair amount of Vermont covered with EVDO service which means a teathered cell phone or PCMCIA/USB deticated device can be used in some areas.
