Eric Dondelinger wrote:
Hi Mike,
On Wed, Dec 14, 2005 at 04:49:37PM +0100, Mike G. wrote:
I hope no-one is bothered by a post that
isn't particularly about Linux.
We're open to a lot of things other than Linux - it's not even limited
to Free Software but other creations with similar mindset (creative
commons).
Furthermore, we do have some experience with networking, so you're in
the right place ;-)
It's about my experience choosing high-speed
internet access in
Luxembourg and ends with a request for info about Alternet/Tiscali.
A while back, Brent Frere told us about his experience with Alternet,
which was definitely positive - both comparatively cheap and good
service, IIRC.
Things changed, and as I'm still not shareholder of Alternet, and still
adviser in telecom matters in Luxembourg
<http://plan-net.lu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=45>,
I have to post an update about this here.
Alternet _was_ really fast and reliable, especially for connections to
the Luxembourg, because it was connected to the DataCenter Luxembourg
<http://www.datacenter.lu/> backbone. Now, Alternet is delivering
connectivity through the Tiscali (Belgium) network, so most of the
traffic to Luxembourg goes through Brussels before coming back to
Luxembourg. A site effect was that Alternet customers were seen by
Google (fixed) or some on-line shops as in Belgium instead of
Luxembourg. However, I use daily VoIP technology with a provider located
in Luxembourg (VoIPGate <http://www.VoIPgate.lu>) through an Alternet
Internet access with constant perfect quality. The availability is still
OK. What I appreciate in Alternet is their flat rate and the fact they
are just Internet access providers: they don't try to block my SMTP or
other access, they don't try to sell me options such as "Turbo Download"
and they don't try to block my VoIP trafic.
For the price, they are no more the cheapiest, since Tele2 launched its
ADSL Illimité <http://tele2.lu/fr/internet/index.html> from 23 EUR 99.
But you must be aware that this offer comes with the obligation to
migrate your phone line from your current phone provider to Tele2 at the
same rate as EPT. So what ? would you say. The point here is that once
your line is delivered by Tele2, they have the right (as it is done by
Tiscali, MCI and Cegecom already) to block the operator selection
prefixes (15xyz). This way, you will be blocked from some phone numbers
Tele2 does not route and you will be forced to use their service instead
of the phone service provider of your choice.
My current selection is (partially for historical reasons and local
availability reasons)
* EPT phone line (maybe no more for a long time, I hope)
* Preselection to CrossComm <http://www.crosscomm.lu> with a forfait
"FreeCall" of 3 EUR for all fixe communications to Luxembourg.
* ADSL through Alternet 1 Mb/s flat rate for 30 EUR TTC a month.
* A ATA phone adapter, that routes my POTS phone network, including an
analog DECT system, to either
- EPT if it is an emergency of free phone number (112, 113, 800, ...)
- CrossComm if it is a fixe national call
- Tele2 by 15777 prefix if it is a call to Tango mobile network
- VoIPGate through Alternet in other cases (international and mobile
calls)
But things changes and you may consider the CrossComm offer:
- Phone line from EPT (so you keep access to +3270... and other numbers
- Pack ICE <http://adsl.crosscomm.lu/ice.htm> from CrossComm (22.99 EUR
for flat rate ADSL Internet access + low rates on phone calls)
- FreeCall forfait from the same CrossComm, so free calls to fixe
national network for 3 EUR a month.
- A VoIPGate account for international, mobile calls through KPhone or
an ATA phone adapter, or a VoIP phone.
I have no experience with quality or availability of CrossComm Internet
services, but their phone service has always been quite acceptable.
This is Luxembourg - we're quite happy not to be
limited to a single
provider charging 3x usual european rates any more.
There is still a monopoly (do you know monopolies are _illegal_ in E.U.
since years ?) and all ADSL ISPs are still reselling EPT accesses (but
locally for some of them, such as Alternet).
--
Brent Frère
Private e-mail: Brent(a)BFrere.net
Postal address: 5, rue de Mamer
L-8280 Kehlen
Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
European Union
Mobile: +352-021/29.05.98
Fax: +352-26.30.05.96
Home: +352-307.341
URL:
http://BFrere.net
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