Optimum Online

[ISPDiscussion]

Optimum is an internet service provider serving the tri-state area (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania).

They offer two different plans:

Plans

Optimum Online

* 15 Mbps download
* 2 Mbps upload
* Free antivirus software
* Free firewall software
* 5 email accounts (500 MB storage)

$49.95 monthly (non cable customers)
$44.95 monthly (family cable and above customers)

Optimum Boost

* 30 Mbps download
* 5 Mbps upload
* Free antivirus software
* Free firewall software
* Free web hosting (1 GB Space)
* Up to $50 free Google AdWords
* Sitebuilder
* 15 email accounts (1 GB storage)

$64.90 monthly (customers with Optimum Voice)
$69.90 monthly (customers without Optimum Voice)

See here for more information.

Reviews

CNET Rating: 5.8/10
User Rating: 5.3/10

CNET says:

The good: Reliable broadband connection; free hardware; simple setup; no contract or service-termination penalties.

The bad: Lowball monthly fee rises after a year; so-so tech support; doesn't include dial-up account or personal Web page.

The bottom line: Cablevision's Optimum Online service reliably connects you with data, TV, and telephone service, but it's pricey and weak on support.

Some end user reviews...

TNJones777 says:

I definitely don't agree with the CNET rating mainly because I have had Optimum Online since 1999 and it has only gone down (honestly) twice. Also, when I called customer service, they responded quickly and told me the timeframe in which the problem would be resolved and it was. I haven't had to call Customer Service outside of those 2 problems because the service is wonderful.

On the other hand, I have DSL at work and we have to constantly call Verizon to see what is going on with the service. I don't mind paying the price ($39.95) every month when I have the assurance that I will not have to be on phone with Customer Service every other day trying to figure out why I am not connecting to the internet.

Also, the bandwidths are totally different and that makes a great difference when you want to stream movies and videos which I can only do at home due to the choppy picture that I get with DSL at work. My sister also has DSL in her home and when I am on her computer it becomes a waiting game. Yes, it is faster and more expensive than dialup but you still are not getting the best deal for the more money you are shelling out.

I especially love Optimum since I am always downloading from Itunes and you need a good bandwith for downloading shows and albums on your computer or you could be waiting all day.

Optimum Online is the best hands down. I would only switch to DSL out of desperation.

He rated Optimum Online 9 out of 10.

Original review available at http://reviews.cnet.com/cable-modem/...7750&tag=uolst.

FoozballX says:

I can't understand Cnet. You cannot possibly compare cable to DSL. There is just no comparison when it comes to speed for the average user. Downloads are near instantaneous, and support is very good, at least thats been my experience. Optimum could offer a better price to its existing customers, especially if you bundle all services through them (cable, voice, and internet). Overall, great service.

He rated Optimum Online 8 out of 10.

Original review available at http://reviews.cnet.com/cable-modem/...7067&tag=uolst.

Debkin says:

I have no beef with their cable tv service but only nightmare stories regarding their high speed internet. To date they haven't been able to solve my intermittent connection problems. On top of that, they offer a webmail program that is so poorly written and they delete your email after 90 days without even notifying you regardless of whether you're near their quota or not. I think a 20gb email quota is flimsy anyway. They change terms of service without notifying you. Horrible. Wish there was competition.

They rated Optimum Online 2 out of 10.

Original review available at http://reviews.cnet.com/cable-modem/...3229&tag=uolst.