In article
,
Doc wrote:

I've been thinking of getting DSL.

Even the crappiest DSL beats the hell out of dial-up.

EMBARQ offers what at first glance seems like a decent deal 19.95/mo
but looking at the "fine print" I'm a bit put off.

You're not supposed to read the fine print.

-$99 "early termination fee". - So, if you decide the service stinks
and find a better provider, you're obliged to pay them for
approximately the equivalent of 5 months of service to get out of it.

Yep. It's what you (will have) signed-up for.

They don't specify what "early" means as far as earlier than what.

It will probably be specified in more fine print on whatever it is they have
you sign, if anything.

-EMBARQ may cancel services or susbstitute similar services at its
sole discretion without notice - How the hell about that.

They've been in the provider business longer than you. They know that, in
order to cover their @$$, they have to state that stuff.

Are they gonna pay me a $99 early termination fee?

Why should they? You're the one that (will have) signed such a contract. I
doubt they would sign one should you pay YOUR lawyer to draw-up a contract for
THEM to sign.

-No minimum level of speed is guaranteed. - How cutting-edge of them
to buck the trend of "quality assurance".

This is a common caveat that dates back to the early days of EPA fuel economy
ratings: Your mileage may vary.

Actual "high-speed" internet speeds are affected by the distance you are from
your server, the load on the particular server to which you are connected, the
quality of the physical line(s) over which the signal is passed, your
operating system, the condition of your equipment (virus-protected or
absolutely LOUSY with viruses) and whether Jupiter aligns with Mars.

And if you decide the product is no good, not only do you not get
a refund, as per above you're obligated to pay them for months of
crappy service you never received.

That's right. If you don't wish to take the chance, don't sign a contract.
Instead, sign-up for their "regular" service with no early termination penalty
and pay the higher monthly rate from the start.

-Taxes, fees and surcharges are additional, subject to change without
notice and BASED ON NON-PROMOTIONAL, STANDARD MONTHLY RATE. - So,
they're going to play "let's pretend" and tax you on more than you're
paying.

You're learning.

-Additonal restrictions apply - Well, I'm sure that can only be good
news.

That covers virtually anything they might have overlooked previously.

Oh, and they charge 14.95 to ship a modem and a $15 activation fee.

Did you REALLY think you would get away with a REAL $19.95/month deal? You
obviously haven't been paying attention to wireless phone, Cable TV and other,
such promotions. They're all similar.

Is this all "normal" as far as such services?

Yes.

Anyone here using EMBARQ?

Not I, said the duck. What is the name of your local, "incumbent" telephone
service provider (telephone company)? What is the size of the city in which
you live. If you live in a rural area, your options for high-speed internet
service are probably very limited if available at all.

Any providers out there that don't have all these kinds of caveats?

Not if they are selling a PROMOTIONAL item. They all have virtually the same
restrictions and caveats. Good luck.

There's no such thing as a free lunch.
--

JR