Bell South has effectively blocked my access to all DSL providers by installing fiber optic cable. Fiber Optic cable does not allow the use of traditional DSL modems and blocks access to all providers except Bellsouth. We can only use BellSouth's DSL/IFITL service, which is overpriced and has speed restrictions that are not present for regular DSL service. In addition, the touchy electronics used in the system constantly malfunction, leaving us with no service or service that is slower than dial-up.

The FCC and Federal Trade Commission are not interested in complaints about this restraint of trade and I have not found a lawyer interested in suing Bellsouth, either on my behalf alone, or as a class action suit. If anyone knows of a class action siut or is intersted in helping start a suit please contact me.

Wayne

Hollywood, Florida
U.S.A.

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11 Updates & Rebuttals

Wayne

Hollywood,
Florida,
U.S.A.

re: VPN is NOT A BUSINESS ACCOUNT

#2Author of original report

Mon, January 29, 2007

In that case the litle twinkie I talked to didn't know what she was talking about. As to the reliable service, that just isn't true. I get constant disconnects while online. The equipment is touchy and difficult to repair. During the time it took me to write this much of my message, I have had three disconnects and reconnects. All this is interesting, but it is still off topic. My complaint is that Bellsouth has effectively blocked access to any DSL provider other than them.

Dave

Jacksonville,
Florida,
U.S.A.

VPN is NOT A BUSINESS ACCOUNT

#3Consumer Comment

Mon, January 29, 2007

VPN is software that allows you to log into your PC at work and control it as you would if you were sitting at your office desk. This does not have anything to do with COMCAST. It is a piece of software that is loaded on your home PC, and activated on your work PC. Comcast has no knowledge whatsoever if you are using VPN or playing online poker. It makes no difference to them. What it sounds like here, is that you are so ticked off that Bellsouth is 'screwing' you. Bellsouth did this so people can have better telephone service and more reliable DSL services. There are other providers out there that can connect with the internet. Use them. I have been in the computer business since 1978. I know what I am talking about. I used VPN with Comcast and Bellsouth. Either way, there's no extra charge for it!

Wayne

Hollywood,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Access to DSL certainly is restricted

#4Consumer Comment

Sun, January 28, 2007

As I have repeatedly stated, Bellsouth installed fiber optic lines, and disconnected the copper lines. No copper lines available, no DSL service except for Bellsouth IFITL. So they certainly have restricted my access to DSL service providers. It was Comcast that told me that they considred VPN to be a business service and they would charge me for a business connection.

John

Califon,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.

There is no "restraint of trade"

#5Consumer Comment

Thu, January 25, 2007

There is no "restraint of trade" since there ARE other options. Did they remove the original telephone lines that would be needed for regualr DSL or not? If not, you surely can find someone who offers regular DSL. There is also the option of dial up although undesirable. There is still no restraint of trade. "Restraint of trade is a restriction on a person's freedom to conduct business in a specified or unspecified location for a specified or unspecified length of time" There certainly is no restriction on a freedom as there are other options. They are not blocking you from exploring other options. You, yourself admit there is cable available for one.

Mark

Vallejo,
California,
U.S.A.

wrong about vpn

#6Consumer Comment

Thu, January 25, 2007

i have comcast and i vpn into my company network all the time and i only have there basic package. who told you that you have to pay that much for vpn......

Wayne

Hollywood,
Florida,
U.S.A.

So...

#7Author of original report

Thu, January 25, 2007

Try reading the last response A LITTLE MORE CAREFULLY. The only viable alternative to DSL in this area is cable. The problem with cable is that both my wife and I need to occasionally access our computers at work which requires VPN (virtual private networking) which Comcast will only offer for $109.95 a month. Again you are missing the point of the post, BellSouth is preventing access to other DSL providers, that is why the original post is called "RESTRAINT OF TRADE", not "What are my options?", try to stay on topic.

John

Califon,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.

So......

#8Consumer Comment

Thu, January 25, 2007

When they installed the fiber optic, they removed conventional phone lines-ones that can be used for regular, old fashioned DSL? This is where the question is. I somehow doubt that this is your ONLY option for internet connection.

Wayne

Hollywood,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Let me try to end the confusion

#9Author of original report

Thu, January 25, 2007

1. Bell South installed fiber optic lines in our neighborhood without asking anyone's permission. It was forced on us. 2. Fiber optic lines DO NOT support ADSL. There may be equipment that Bell South can install that will support ADSL, but they are unwilling to install it, so lets answer that question before it is even asked. This means that we are effectively blocked from using ANY other DSL service. 3. Wireless internet, such as those offered by the cellular companies is outrageously priced. 4. Forget about Hughes Net, it is the worst ripoff in the world. 5. Cable broadband service in our area is even worse than Bell South. 6. The original point of the post, is that Bell South has effectively blocked access to all DSL providers, which in my book is called "Restraint of Trade."

Dave

Jacksonville,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Boy, Am I Confused!!!

#10Consumer Comment

Mon, January 22, 2007

First of all, you DO have other options. Your cable company provides DSL via a Cable Modem. Clear Wire gives you wireless internet DSL service. There's 2 options right there. I am sure there are more....

Wayne

Hollywood,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Yes it is a ripoff.

#11Author of original report

Sun, January 21, 2007

It is a ripoff because Bell South came through our neighborhood and installed the fiber optic cable without our consent. In other words, bucco, we had no say in the matter.

Mark

Vallejo,
California,
U.S.A.

fiber

#12Consumer Comment

Sun, January 14, 2007

it was rulles on earler in a court of law that fiber cable didnt have to be shared. you signed up for this service knowing that your copper cable would be removed. you should have known what this would mean. how is this a rip off.

Reports & Rebuttal