Subject: Re: Big Skyz Internet - Investigation & Results
From: Alissa Swango (aswango@gmail.com)
Date: Mon Jun 09 2008 - 11:56:50 CDT
Wow, thank you for this detailed explanation, Chris.
After reading your email, I called Roddy's 269 phone number right away, and
surprisingly, he picked up. I told him I wanted to discuss some billing
questions and that I also wanted to cancel my service. He gave me a name and
phone number (that I had never received before) to call for billing issues.
He said to call Tom at 630-539-1154. When I called the number, the answering
machine picked up and the person identified himself with BigSkyze and USA
Dish. I left a message, so we'll see if anyone calls back.
But for anyone else who wants to cancel their Internet service, I thought
this information may help.
Alissa
On 6/9/08, christian.a.lattimer@jpmchase.com <
christian.a.lattimer@jpmchase.com> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> Due to all the recent problems with Big Skyz internet at Vanguard Lofts, I
> decided to do some investigation to see exactly what Roddy and his
> technician have been up too. Roddy has told everyone that Big Skyz is
> currently performing upgrades in the building. This is not entirely true.
>
> From what I have uncovered, it appears that Big Skyz has dropped their
> Internet Service Provider, and changed over to a new wireless provider.
> (This was most likely done as a cost savings measure.) The old provider
> delivered internet service via a T1 high speed data line to the building.
> The T1 was delivered to the building via copper wire and runs tandem with
> the telecommunication wiring in the building.
>
> Basically, Roddy purchases the T1 line and then re-sells the bandwidth to
> users in the building at a price that he determines. After a few users
> sign up for Big Skyz internet Roddy breaks even by recovering his costs
> for the high speed T1 line. Any users that sign up for Big Skyz after
> that is pure profit.
>
> The new service provider for Big Skyz internet is a wireless company. What
> does this means... there is no T1 line. Roddy has installed an antenna on
> the roof that communicates with a wireless internet service provider
> somewhere in the downtown area. If you are a Big Skyz internet customer,
> your internet traffic is being sent across a wireless link from the roof
> of the building to a location somewhere unknown. Roddy has provided no
> information on the security of this wireless link. If you are concerned
> about your personal information, I would suggest you contact Roddy and
> inquire about the security of the wireless link. If this is a reputable
> wireless internet service provider, Roddy should be able to give you all
> the information so you can verify the security. Without knowing who is
> behind the wireless link you have no way of knowing if this wireless link
> is safe and secure. Until you have verified this information, I would be
> cautious of using Big Skyz internet for any personal banking, financial
> transactions, etc.
>
> The wireless system that has been installed uses a Motorola Canopy 5700SM
> radio that has a typical aggregate useful throughput of 7 Mbps. The
> Motorola Canopy 5700SM is connected to a Cisco 1720 router. I did some
> checking and the Cisco equipment is now obsolete. On February 1, 2003 it
> was announced that the Cisco 1720 Modular Access Router is end-of-life.
> This means Big Skyz internet is using infrastructure components that no
> longer under warranty or supported. Cisco only offers technical support
> on this device until August 1, 2008.
>
> To sum it up, Big Skyz (Roddy) has not performed any sort of "upgrade" to
> the infrastructure in the building. It appears the recent internet
> "outage" occurred due to removal of the T1 line that delivers internet
> service to the building. The internet service provider for Big Skyz has
> been switch to a wireless provider. Please keep in mind, Big Skyz (Roddy)
> did not notify any customers of the outage due to a change in service
> providers and back end equipment. Unless you complain to Roddy about your
> internet outage, he will most likely continue to bill you the full amount
> for your internet service.
>
> What you can expect with the new wireless back end providing internet
> service to Big Skyz:
> - reduced bandwidth due to various weather conditions effecting the
> wireless signal
> - reduced bandwidth as the Big Skyz user load increases
> - unknown security of the wireless link
> - poor customer service
>
> If you are a Big Skyz customer, I highly suggest you consider dropping the
> service and switching to DSL service from AT&T. You will get far better
> customer service, equipment that is fully supported, and improved
> bandwidth. Bottom line... faster and more reliable internet for less
> money.
>
> For the record, Vanguard Lofts is NOT under contract with Big Skyz
> internet. Residents are free and clear to choose their own internet
> service provider. If you choose to drop Big Skyz, call your credit card
> company and cancel the charges.
>
> Best regards,
> - Chris
>
>
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-- Alissa Swango 202.321.1143 www.alissaswango.com
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