[Ham-Computers] RE: AT&T "YooHoo" DSL

Tue Jan 23 22:00:01 EST 2007

Paul,

The "real" AT&T/SBC DSL techs are here:
  http://www.dslreports.com or http://www.broadbandreports.com

(Actually, they're "ASI" employees - the DSL tech support arm of the old SBC companies)

First thing you need to do is "join" the website.  This will allow you to post a message in the forums.  Make sure you use a valid e-mail address as reply messages will be sent to this address.

After you join and sign-in, do the following:

1.  On the left hand side, click on the "Forums" link.

2.  Scroll down to the "US Telco Support" section and click on the "AT&T West" link.  This is where you can post (and read) public messages to everyone.

3.  On the left hand side, click on the "AT&T Direct" link.  This is where you can post a private message that only AT&T techs can read.

4.  On the top right, click on the "New Topic" button.  This will allow you to post a new message.  Read the instructions carefully on the page, then click "Yes, I still wish to post" if you've already done what's suggested.

5.  Type in a short, but *DESCRIPTIVE* subject - look at the subject lines of other forum postings for examples.  In your case, I would use something like "Slow DSL speeds".  Then tick the "Trouble" circle.

6.  Type in the body text a brief description of the problem.  Basically, you don't think you're getting the speeds you should be getting.  Be brief, but not too terse.

7.  When done, spellcheck/preview the message, then send when ready.

It may take a couple days for a tech to answer your post - keep an eye on your e-mail inbox for a notification that a reply was posted on the forum.  Once you get a reply, read it and respond accordingly.

The ASI guys have the tools to run a line test and determine the max capability of your line.  They will put a short term monitor on your line that measures the SNR, signal level, noise level, detects short and long-term disrupters, etc.  Most likely, they'll post this info in their first reply to you.  Be patient and nice as these guys work hard and are based in the states.  Much of what they do in the forum(s) is in addition to the "regular" work they do for AT&T.

I've worked with "Toaster" and "Beach Boy" on a couple of occasions and both are great at what they do.  I hope one of them are able to answer your query.

BTW, most *TELCO* ISP carriers have lowered the distance limits for various speed tiers.  This is due to the fact that since they're a Telco, they are more tightly regulated by utility commissions and must maintain a particular service level.  So if they advertise a speed, they're bound to maintain that service level.  I found this out as for a short time, SBC offered DSL out to 21,000 ft (I'm at 20,800ft).  I had a *LOT* of problems maintaining a link as the SNR was pretty low.  After several "truck rolls" (sending a tech to my house for line tsting), they eventually capped me at 128K/384K due to distance even though I was supposed to get 768K.  Soon after this, they dropped the max distance to 18,000ft - so, technically, if I decide to drop ATT/SBC DSL, I won't be able to get it back.  Also, if I complained to much, they could say that I'm out of their service limits and could cancel my DSL line.  In certain circumstances, they couldn't obtain the advertised "Pro" and "Elite" speeds at the longer limits.  As such, they reduced the distance limits for Pro and Elite (I believe 6,000 and 3,000 ft now).  Non Telco ISP's can offer higher speed DSL lines as they're not under the same rules as utilities - so they typically don't guarantee that you'll be able to get the rates offered, but they will try in order to get your business.

Just something to keep in mind.  There are many other factors involved in determining max DSL speeds.  Distance to CO/RT is just one factor.  If "bridge taps" are on the line or corrosion is affecting junction box connections (common in moist areas or areas with lots of fog), then noise is introduced into the line and data error occur lowering datarates.  Often, these can be rectified, but you need to speak to the right people.  The techs on DSLReports can often initiate this action.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 1:27 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] AT&T "YooHoo" DSL

Greetings to the list

I've been running into nothing but rocket scientists while trying to convince AT&T YooHoo (spelling intentional) DSL that I'm NOT getting the bandwidth I was assured I could have.

I seem to recall that somewhere out there is a number for the corporate office (not the 722 number) that deals with such matters, but I lost the number during my last system crash.

Does anyone know where I can find it? I've tried Google, but have found mostly links to sites that have anything to do with the problem at hand.

To answer the inevitable question before it's asked, yes, I'm within the 14,000' foot limit (+/- 10,000') AT&T claims that I can't have Elite or Pro because I'm past 6,000', which is horse puckey, as at my previous residence in Glenn Heights (Corpus now) I was at 14,040' 
according to a neighbor who's an AT&T repairmen, AND I had Elite.

In addition to corporate, does anyone know how I can reach provisioning directly instead of playing 20 questions+ with sales or "tech support" 
because they seem to know very little.

73, Paul W5PDA

http://www.linkcenterfoundation.com/id6.html
http://www.NanaPod.com
http://www.ContinentalTrailways.us
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