Internet service in the northern burbs? (Elgin, Hoffman Estates: new house, live, price)

[Chrysa]

I have read about the different TV offerings here, but I can't find much on Internet providers. I have researched ATT (Uverse) and Comcast (via Xfinity). Are there any other options for Internet? Which company do others prefer? Comcast has a pretty bad reputation for service. Is it deserved?

I should mentioned that I work from home and I do sometimes download or upload big files. I need a small amount of web space and a handful of e-mail addresses for the hubby and kids.

Please share your thoughts!

[gramirez2012]

AT&T, Comcast, and dial-up are your options.

I get really good download speeds with Comcast. Only issues I've had is when an idiot neighbor starting digging and cut the cable.

[knitgirl]

We get WOW in Elgin. They are pretty good, I also work from home and upload files.

[Chrysa]

Knitgirl, what's WOW? Fiber optic? Cable? Satellite?

[tireddad]

Comcast is very fast but also expensive. It is also really reliable. I think the internet's been down twice in my five years in Hoffman Estates. Cable modem requires a reboot less than once a month. I actually want to hate them because they are so overpriced, but begrudgingly have to admit their service is really good. I quit their cable service last year for OTA + streaming, which of course made me all the more dependent on their fast speeds. I can easily stream different HD quality videos on separate TVs and monitors simultaneously.

[knitgirl]

WOW is cable. I have a bundle.

[19782009]

Originally Posted by Chrysa

Knitgirl, what's WOW? Fiber optic? Cable? Satellite?

Cable.

Chrysa, Knitgirl....you both mentioned that you work from home.
My wife is also interested in finding some work from home position but everything posted online looks like a spam.
Any input of how to find one is appreciated.

[Chrysa]

I'm a freelance editor. I have been doing this for 12 years on my own after many years of working for others on site. I know many publication pros who freelance: indexers, desktoppers, book sellers, editors, researchers, writers, and the like. She should review her background, education, and interest and see if there is a fit, then seek out a professional group to join and network with.

[Chrysa]

Just thought I would followup, in case anyone else is looking for similar assistance. I contacted both Comcast and ATT before the move. Comcast seemed to be the better deal, but they made multiple mistakes in setting up my account, which took many tries to fix. When I arrived in my new house yesterday, the setup kit was there. I spent >4 hours on the phone with customer service and tech support and never got service. They finally agreed to send a technician for free, but it would be weeks before they could fit me in!!!! Called ATT this morning, spent 10 minutes setting up the service, and a tech will come out (for free because they felt bad for me with my experience with CC) tomorrow. I am keeping my fingers crossed that ATT will be fine. So far, Comcast has lived up to its very poor reputation.

[BennettJ]

That's a shame about your experience w/Comcast. We had just the opposite experience. We recently moved from IL to a place that doesn't have Comcast, and I miss it terribly. Time Warner is horrible and doesn't get nearly as many channels as we were used to getting from Comcast.