I didn't say this previously, in discussing this weekends Barron's article, but from what I understand, more recent improvements in the DSL system, like the use of multiplexers, have enabled providers to organized the cooper wire mess, over what the situation was in past for DSL.
I just signed up for DSL this afternoon, the offer from Verizon has improved over the last few weeks.
Now the Westell DSL modem is free, as well as a PC Cam. There is a 30 day money back guaranty, and there is no activation fee and no termination fee.
It Sounds like Verizon is serious about gaining DSL customers, and Westell is serious about pushing out the door the remaining old modem inventory.
Since this promotional offer is limited to one modem,
that means the additional modem I need, I imagine I will be buying at full price. This is good, because Westell will make some money on that sale. So it works out in my case that Westell is seeding later sales, because now I am going to be a DSL user looking to acquire an additional modem.
Anyway I think it is a good idea that Verizon has aggressively lowered all previous barriers to secure DSL customers.
The remaining independents with money, like the satellite co.s that offer DSL, were getting customers, by offering no activation or termination fees. So Verizon has gotten just as marketing aggressive, and is meeting them on their terms.
Also interestingly, two weeks ago I had to only pay $50 per modem for a $200 modem. Now two modems will end up costing me $100per modem, one free and one $200. So this way even though Westell is giving away product, they are in my case making twice as much money, as two weeks ago.
One thing I do like about DSL is the fact that I can move my access to more places around the house, as opposed to cable, where I would have less places to hook up, in my case. |
