Whew, up and running again in the permanently-online way I’ve become addicted accustomed to!
Yesterday, the NTL guys arrived at 1pm to install cable broadband and, by 2pm, all was done and ready to rock. Except it didn’t. Service active but mis-matched with my new NTL account which meant no net access.
So I became introduced to NTL’s (in)famous customer service and support system which involved a total of 35 minutes waiting (at 10p a minute call cost) and then speaking to three different support technicians.
The long and the short of it was that they told me it would take up to 24 hours to enable my account to be active even thought the connection was there and live. But a bit of prodding resulted in an escalation of my ‘unique issue’ (as one of the technicians put it) so that a human being at NTL could manually match up the account with the service.
That happened at around 10pm last night.
A bit of a glitch in beginning my relationship with NTL but the service is up and running so I’m happy at the moment. And the service is good and blisteringly fast.
Being largely disconnected over the past two weeks has been quite challenging. My sister Pam has been a real star by enabling me to use her network (also NTL) even if it meant shlepping over to her place almost every morning to do email, etc.
Speaking of email, some major catching up to do with 200+ emails in the inbox that I’ve not had time nor best means to deal with yet. Once I get my Outlook PST file moved from my traveling laptop to my desktop PC, I’ll be ready to sort all that out.
Next up – a trip to PC World to get a new wireless router as the two Belkins I have are ADSL only. That’s ok as I can get one of the latest routers on the market, perhaps the new Super G standard or even MIMO. Then flog the two ADSL ones on eBay.
So, much to do…
8 responses to “Hurrah! Broadband up!”
Woo-hoo! It’s always nice to be back online after an enforced absence… and of course it’s not just the emails these days but all those feeds to catch up on as well!
Good luck!
Wow, won’t even bother to send you an email. I definitely don’t want to add to that queue.
I’ve been a big fan of FIR for a while now. I’m a tech guy, so I don’t always get everything, but I’m learning. Anyway, since you’re back online, I was hoping to get your feedback on my new service, PRX Builder. The service is designed to make it easier to create social media press releases.
We just launched this week, with an exclusive new package from PR Newswire. I’d love to get your thoughts on the product and any suggestions for improvements.
Thanks,
Shannon Whitley
Whitley Media
swhitley@whitleymedia.com
Shannon, the PRX Builder has been on my to-blog-about list all week. Just haven’t had a moment to take a look at it it in order to write about it. Coming soon!
Dave, thanks. Missing RSS feeds doesn’t worry me too much. There’s always more feeds to read, a never-ending supply of info :)
Hi Neville,
Glad you are finally “connected”! So ntl were not too bad in terms of doing what they said! OK, so they came and installed their equipment and then you had to wait to have your “unique issue” resolved! But it all got fixed in a few hours – and earlier than they had informed you! Yippee! I’ve been a (reasonably) happy ntl customer for the past 5 years with no major issues – they have “broadband medic” which is quite good for getting interactive access to their technical support which I’ve always find very good. Hope you have as good a service as I’ve had.
ps: Any probs, you are still most welcome to come round and use my wireless network via Belkin (excellent!). Just give me notice to order in some extra Nescafe!!!
It’s all about expectations, Pam. So you’re right – things were fixed sooner than I was expecting, which is good. But I do hope I don’t need to call them again if the expensive 35-minute call waiting rigmarole is typical.
I have my fast wi-fi working, too, as I did buy a router (another Belkin). All in all, I’m pretty happy!
I’ll bring the Nescafe next time – I must owe at least a large jar :)
Nescafe? Shouldn’t you be drinking tea now that you’re back in England? In particular because Black tea ‘soothes away stress’. I’m off for a cuppa…
Which fairy godmother did you get to be so well looked after… Well done
It has to be PG Tips for me, Armin :)
Whoever that fairy godmother is, David, she waved a magic wand on Thursday night!