Ordering Internet Feels Like Buying A Car
Have you ever haggled to get a lower price for a car? It’s a known practice. But most people don’t realize that it’s the same when ordering or renewing your internet service.
I had been paying for relatively slow but fast enough for me 15/15 Mbps Verizon FIOS service for $40/month. This was a two year deal which recently shot up to $75/month. So I called and asked what they could do. I even said that I wanted to cancel my service. Sometimes this gets you transferred to retention people who can offer you more. In this case, the representative said that he had to go off and talk to folks about what they could offer. Remember in Fargo when William H. Macey was selling a car to people and pretended to go talk to his boss? That’s what this felt like.
When the Verizon representative came back, he said that the best he could do was $50/month for 50/50 Mbps service. I said that I didn’t need that speed, but he said that it was the lowest speed currently offered by Verizon. I said that wasn’t good enough so he went to go to talk to people again. This time he came back and said that he could do it for $45/month.
Meanwhile, I was discussing the same topic with a Verizon online web chat person. This person said the best they could do was $40/month for 25/25 Mbps speed. So I hung up the phone and ordered through the web.
I don’t know if I got the best deal possible. I know someone who was recently given 30/30 Mbps for $45/month so it seems a little random. Both the phone and web person said that 30/30 wasn’t a current speed option. My guess is that the offers depend a little on who you happen to reach and what deals the sales people are told they can offer at the time.
Sadly, just like with buying a car, it’s the uninformed folks who can’t figure out the system and have to pay too much. These are often older folks who get tricked into buying an “internet security package” or are told that they need 50/50 Mbps speeds to watch Netflix. It’s no better than selling someone a pretend car undercoating.
Beeping FIOS battery
Has your FIOS or other internet box started beeping? The internet box that is usually just inside the house is called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). (Note that the ONT plugs into another box with an antenna. This is the router.) The ONT has a Battery Backup Unit (BBU) since you need to have the ability to make 911 phone calls in the event of a power outage. But the rechargeable batteries usually just last 2-3 years.
Instead of having Verizon or your internet provider replace the battery, you can usually do so yourself if you’re comfortable opening the ONT and unplugging the battery. Replacement batteries are available at places like Amazon, BatteryMart, and Mighty Max Battery. They typically cost $30-50.
For my Verizon FIOS ONT, I had to purchase a battery that was comparable with the Goldtop HG GT12080-HG. The key things to look at are the terminal connection type, volts, and amps. My model has F2 terminals, 12 volts, and 8Ah. You also want to make sure the dimensions fit or that the battery claims to be a direct replacement for your model.
Control Web Pop-Ups
Recently I helped someone with a computer that had out-of-control pop-ups appearing in the web browser. This typically happens when malicious software is installed or automatically added to a computer with other software.
To fix this problem, you need to set up your web browser and computer so that it’s settings don’t allow for these ads to show up. Here are some steps to follow:
- If you are on a PC, go to Add or Remove Programs (go to Start and type Add or) and remove anything that was installed when this activity started. Typically this is software that sounds like Adware. It might have the word “Click” in it or it might be labeled as a download accelerator.
- If you are on a PC, turn on your Firewall (go to Start and type Firewall).
- In your browser, go into settings or options and change the homepage to something safe. Typically a hijacked browser will be sent to an ad page or search page where they make money on your searches. Instead, set your homepage to your favorite search engine (google, yahoo, etc) or a new page that you frequent.
- In your browser, go into Extensions and disable and remove any extensions that you do not use. This is where malicious programs will often operate to load up lots of ads.
- Run anti-virus software if you are on a PC. I like the free but very good Microsoft Security Essentials in you have Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7. Windows 8 should have built-in protection, as do Macs.
There are paid anti-virus programs such as Kapersky which will look for malware or adware that can cause this issue. Consider this only if you can’t control the issue on your own. Typically, this isn’t necessary if you take the above steps.
If your browser does not have these problems and the sites you visit just have a lot of pop-ups, consider adding an anti-pop-up extension to your browser. There are several good options.
If you are still having problems within your browser, you can also install another browser. On a PC today, I think Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox are pretty good. In the past, IE was terrible, but they’ve improved a lot with some competition.
Amazon PrimePantry Review
Amazon recently launched a new service, currently just for Prime members, called Amazon PrimePantry. The idea is you can order certain pantry-esque items (no cold food) and have them shipped in 1 big box for just $6. I ordered an assortment of items that I thought might be challenging to deliver intact. Amazon’s goal is to have it delivered within 4 business days. The selection of items is rather limited but clearly Amazon is launching with items they believe they can handle successfully.
The first snafu came with the delivery timeframe. It arrived late but Amazon did refund me the $6 shipping as they always do when an item is late. Since I had ordered some detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, and water, that made the box rather heavy though it arrived with minimal damage.
At first glance, things appeared fine. The toilet paper and chips were not crushed. Items were grouped into two compartments. Unfortunately, once I started to remove items from the left side of the box, I noticed everything was sticky. I assumed something must’ve leaked. Sadly, two items had. The detergent had a small crack in the bottom and the soup box had been malformed to the point of leakage.
Oh, the carnage! Someone has shot my soup! Who would do such a thing? I suspect Chef Boyardee.
Sadly, I think local groceries don’t have much to fear from PrimePantry quite yet. The prices were nothing special and waiting 4 days is a little too long for most people. The potential shipping problems are obvious. I suspect this is currently just an experiment for Amazon which is why they’ve limited it to Prime members. There are rumors that Amazon is looking into becoming their own delivery service which would replace the likes of UPS who delivered this order. When and if that happens, Amazon might be able to provide the delicate care such a delivery needs. In the meantime, its hard to recommend.