Arrowsic DSL Notes

In case anyone was wondering, DSL users in most of the greater Bath area have the option of choosing internet service providers other than Fairpoint. For instance, if you already have Great Works Internet (GWI) dial-up service in, say, Bath, you can stick with GWI and still get DSL service. Moreover, after talking with GWI reps this morning (3/15/10), that service is a better value than what Fairpoint is offering. But alas, Arrowsic citizens are STILL unable to get full access to the internet via DSL. According to the GWI rep, Fairpoint’s mechanical setup for offering DSL to residents of Arrowsic is configured so that only Fairpoint can be your internet service provider. Personally, I tend to shy away from doing business with anyone who is currently in bankruptcy, as is Fairpoint. Moreover, if you check it out with the state’s Public Utilities Commission, you will find that Fairpoint’s record on customer service for its landline telephone users is pretty bad. Just thought you’d all want to know....
Ken Textor

UPDATE: two Fairpoint bucket trucks came into our driveway at 1:30. I had not called them. The men came in and got us hooked up. The problem was that the central office had not "provisioned" our connection. I am very impressed by the customer service. They are pleasant and efficient.

Today, Tuesday, some of our Arrowsic DSL accounts were activated. My own experience was that the Fairpoint Installation CD showed "failure" when trying to connect to Fairpoint. I called tech service at 1-800-240-5089 and they led me through an involved process, at the end of which I was still not connected to the Internet. The tech said that sometimes there is a lag between the DSL light going steady green and the Internet connection being ready. She said if it did not come on before 5 PM to call tomorrow and they would issue a trouble ticket to work it out. Two other people in town went through the process and got onto the Internet. So (I guess) be patient one more time.
--Paul

I just got my DSL modem today, thought that I would let you know that you should make sure that they send you the filters that you need to adequately install the thing. It seems that FairPoint and Verizon modems all require filters on every phone device that you have. Mine came through FedEX in a box with no instructions, no installation cd and now filters. Tech Support will not let you setup until you have the filters in place. I tried to get them to let me use my older modem (doesn’t require filters), they were aghast and said no.
-- John L. White, Sr.

If a line has a booster on it, dsl will not work until additional work is done by Fairpoint.

I can't confirm the accuracy of these tips but they might be helpful.
-- Mike Kreindler

Ed. note: a Fairpoint tech told me that everyone in town can get DSL... "The office just doesn't know it yet." So keep calling customer service at the number on our home page.