Birch as an ISP

[Charles Steinkuehler]

Jason Clinton wrote:
> Charles Steinkuehler wrote:
>> Is anyone using Birch as an ISP, or have any reports, statistics, or 
>> gossip regarding their service levels?
>> 
>> I'm considering getting a 1 or 1.5 MBit SDSL circuit with them, and 
>> would like to know if they're a reasonable data service provider, or if 
>> I should steer clear of them.
> 
> I just implemented a 1.5 MBit SDSL line with a non-profit I do contract 
> work with. The install tech was only semi-knowledgable, but he got the 
> job done. They're paying $300/mo w/ a two year contract. I don't know if 
> this was just default or someone though I specified that I wanted it 
> (which is fine) but, they implemented a firewall without asking. It 
> actually turned out fine. The one caveat is that you are now allowed to 
> access the configuration telnet interface for the DSL 
> router/firewall/modem. So, if you want some ports forwarded, you have to 
> call them and ask them to do it remotely.

Hmm...I'd be in a world of hurt if they put in a firewall box instead of 
a plain modem (or wouldn't set it up to just pass traffic).  I've got a 
linux box that proxy-arp's my current /26 into 4 DMZ networks and 
supports a nat'd internal net for my non-server systems.

I'll have to call and check on this.

> Their customer service has been excellent so far and I've never had to 
> wait to get to a representative. All the reps have been knowledgable, too.

Good to know.

How's the actual connection?  Do you get good latency and bandwidth to 
most of the 'net?

> That said, I've heard good things about Everest, too. I have SBC right 
> now (locked in to a one-year contract) and I _hate_ their service.

Yeah, my old SBC aDSL worked great for about a year (I was one of the 
first customers in Topeka) until they started picking up enough 
customers to be drastically oversubscribed.  I doubt they've added any 
capacity since, and this was years ago (99/00 timeframe).

-- 
Charles Steinkuehler
charles at steinkuehler.net