Henry Raymond

Fairfax News => Current News & Events => Topic started by: Henry on July 15, 2009, 07:58:18 AM

Title: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Henry on July 15, 2009, 07:58:18 AM

As I watch people speaking out against Fairpoint and putting them on notice so they might lose their license, it just appears to me that some group is lobbying to make them fail by stirring up hate and discontent.  I think, what would happen if we didn't have Fairpoint??  What about my DSL???  What about my telephone???

Now, I know this is a bit controversial, but do honestly think that we should be working with them instead of against them to resolve their problems in this enormous undertaking of taking over the Verizon land lines.

Just my thoughts - Sure would hate to lose my DSL and I am not quite up to the "Can you hear me now?" set up for telephones.

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10724480 (http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10724480)

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Loctavious on July 15, 2009, 09:41:55 AM

You know Henry, the more I've heard in recent weeks the more I've thought, " Who are all these people with ALL these problems.  I Haven't had 1 probelm with my phone service.  I began to suspect something amiss here and my critical thinking skills kicked in. 

I hope someone investigates the facts at hand before opening a huge investigation into what the problem is and thus waste money and effort.  If there's a group with an agenda out there - trying to manipulate media coverage and thus public opinion -They DEFINITELY SHOULD BE EXPOSED - all of them - their names, motives and affiliations. 

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Henry on July 15, 2009, 09:53:48 AM

Thanks for your input loctavious - I was beginning to think I was to only suspicious one regarding the allegations - Some one is out to get them, but I can't figure who.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: fletchtb on July 15, 2009, 10:01:55 AM

I too am on the Fairpoint bandwagon. I have not had any problems with my phone since they took over from Verizon. I'll admit I was surprised when I couldn't pay my bill online when they first came in, but that has really been my only complaint.

I think we will be better off in the end with a company like Fairpoint who wants our businesss (VT, NH, and ME) as opposed to Verizon who had no interest in the northern New England landline business.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: cechinbass on July 15, 2009, 10:38:23 AM

I haven't had any problems with them either. I was getting my next months bill before the current months bill was due but am happy to be able to pay online again.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: dearon on July 15, 2009, 12:16:09 PM

I had problems at my office when they took over,  so I switched to comcast phone service.  I now have comcast for everything at the office and my house.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Fairpoint can't begin to compete with their service not to mention the fact you couldn't even go on line to pay your bill, talk about behind the times.

(and no I'm not one of the ones out to get Fairpoint, just know that there must be others out there as well that had problems)

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: YouAnnMos on July 15, 2009, 01:30:56 PM

I'm not out to get anyone either.  I'm not even sure if there is another company ready to step in if Fairpoint would to fail.    I have had no problems with billing which seems to be a major complaint.  I do have problems with my DSL connection when it rains.   Has anyone else seen this?  I'm not sure why this would be since I would assume that all connections are "hard wired". I could be way off base on that assumption.

I did have a problem with my phone a couple of weeks ago and after a 20 minute wait alternating between music and advertisements was able to get through to the help desk.   A ticket was placed on a Tuesday night and a technician was scheduled to come to the house some time on Thursday.  Glad I wasn't working from home.  I started doing my own trouble shooting on Wednesday night and found the problem.  I then called the help desk again this time using the house phone ( didn't want to eat up another 20 minutes on my cell ) and guess what???  I was talking to the same person I did the night before!!   "Wow", I said "What are the odds"?   The support person told be the odds were pretty good because there are not that many technicians to take the calls.   :-)

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Loctavious on July 15, 2009, 02:40:07 PM

I'd love to try Comcast - they've sent us some sweet looking deals in the mail saying they served our area.  We got all excited as we made plans for the technician to come out and set-up are high-speed and new cable package.  When the technician came ( should of  known as it was a dark and dreary day) he informed us there was no hook-up on our pole and he couldn't do it.  It looked to him like the hookup ended about.75 miles up the road on Goose Pond.  They said they COULD run the line up to our house and that they'd do it for a low price of $3800.  If we didn't want to pay all that, we'd need to find at least 6 other people willing to sign up with them between the last hook-up point and our house.

They still send mail saying their in our area.  Sorry - that really put a bad taste in my mouth.  Was really disappointing finding out we're stuck with dial-up again.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: trussell on July 15, 2009, 04:26:51 PM

Well Loctavious,  I also contacted Comcast because I received their flyers touting the $99 package (although I don't have a home phone and don't miss it either).  Although they don't come quite all the way to my house, they offered to run a line for the low price of $18,000.  I declined.  They said that if x number of people would subscribe along the way they would also do it for free, but I didn't feel like pursuing it.  I find that it's much easier to just borrow a signal from my neighbor (yes, they know). :)

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Henry on July 16, 2009, 08:44:42 AM

I received a personal e-mail that disagreed with what I wrote in my initial post here.  I many times do not post my opinion as some people hesitate putting up an opposing view.  I had a very successful 28 year career in management and what made it successful was learning to listen to people who had differing views from mine, so I could get the whole picture.

Below is the note that I would like to make sure you all get a chance to read also.  I have not put the individuals name, but that does not change the information provided in the note:

"Hi Henry,

I've been reading your forum regarding Fairpoint Communications.  While I certainly don't want to see them fail in Vermont, below is an example of what I've personally had to deal with when I moved my mother from her home of 48 years to a new senior housing complex in Essex on March 1st.  I actually had to complain to the Vermont Public Service Board and our senators.  Only after I did that, did we see some assistance from Fairpoint.  After all this was completed and settled, her phone has continue to fail a few times, with repairmen coming out to continually fix problems.

 As late as yesterday a.m., my mother's phone went out again (the actual problem was a underground line got cut by a construction project next to her building, so it was nothing to do with her phone).  When she reported the problem to Fairpoint, she got the following responses:

1.  "Your phone has been disconnected for failure to pay" - She pays all her bills way ahead of schedule.   When they figured out that wasn't true, they said

2.  "You must be moving soon" - She moved 4 months ago

3.  "What's your phone number?  We'll call you back." - They can't call her as her phone is broken!

Anyways, they finally diagnosed the problem, but I wanted you to be aware, that this scenario described below is one of thousands that have been happening around the state.  My mom is 82 years old and it's very hard on her to deal with this type of corporation.

Take care and again, I appreciate everything you do for our town."

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Formerflatlander on July 16, 2009, 09:22:31 AM

We too have had no issues with Fairpoint and our service, DSL and landline, have been great.  We still get a cut rate on our Direct TV that we had with Verizon.  If we were to get better cell reception we would probably drop the landline at some point, but have been pleased with them so far. 
Due to some issues a relative had with Comcast in another state, I personally would stay away from them.  Of course that won't be an issue as they don't run service out here in the sticks all of three miles from the village. 
Also, who would fill the void left if Fairpoint were to go down?  Oh, that would probably be Verizon who would pick it back up for a fraction of what they sold it for.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: mary on July 24, 2009, 03:32:19 PM

There apparently is a "cable out" between Milton and Grand Isle causing multiple towns to be out of service this Friday afternoon. I am pleased that so many of my fellow Fairfaxians appear to be having acceptable service from Fairpoint, but...this is the fifth extended outage we have had in less than two months with periodic problems ever since Fairpoint took over. I have elderly mothers in two different parts of St. Albans who are experiencing the same problems. This did not seem to be such a problem until Fairpoint took over. It would be easier to work with Fairpoint if they would offer some sort of reasonable explanation or at least had an adequate number of people manning the repair line so that you did not need to wait on hold so long to report outages. (Think we'll be over our cell phone plan's minute limit this month.) This is not good for area businesses. I finally had a client call me this afternoon to tell me that my land line was out. Same thing happened last Friday, with service repaired some time on Sunday. My patience is thinning...If Fairpoint is going to go down, do they have to take us all with them?     

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Chris Santee on July 24, 2009, 03:38:12 PM

Ar 4:37pm, it appears Fairpoint users can call Fairpoint users,
but we can't call our at & t cell phones from our land line.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: mary on July 24, 2009, 04:02:42 PM

Both of my moms (actually mine and my husband's) are Fairpoint customers. As of 5:00 can't call either of them. (Husband has checked in with one and will stay with the other until service is repaired. From Chris' post, sounds as if I'll likely see him home this evening, better get off the internet and into the kitchen...

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: dearon on July 24, 2009, 04:48:48 PM

Thanks goodness I have Comcast, I didn't lose a bit of service.  Everyone I tried to call however had no phone service, so had to call their cell phones (for those that had them)

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: PotterFXFD on July 24, 2009, 07:59:09 PM

  Keep min mind Verizon wanted out of this area. And had not but anything into the lines or equipment in sometime. All of the repair ,line and call center people are the same ones we all had under Verizon. Take it easy on Fairpoint they are at least trying to upgrade in some areas to make it better. I think what they are finding out is Verizon left them with a lot of old gear that is failing now. I for one never had any issues with either company problems and outagous will happen with all companies.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: mirjo on July 24, 2009, 08:44:56 PM

I haven't had a lot of phone problems since Fairpoint took over, but I am not impressed with my internet service. I never know when something is not going to arrive at its intended destination. This is maddening! E-mails with any kind of attachment--forget it, it will never arrive anywhere. I never had this many problems with Verizon-ever. It started with the set-up process and the problems have never ceased!

Unfortunately, I feel stuck with Fairpoint, at this point. I can't justify the $ for Comcast because I don't need the cable TV. I don't want to see Fairpoint fail, but I am really sick of the BS. I don't know what the problem is exactly, I just know I didn't have these issues before they took over. It needs to be fixed and soon.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Loctavious on July 27, 2009, 09:51:33 AM

WOA!  There's been 5 extended outages in Fairfax in the past 2 months?  I guess i don't use the phone much as the one on friday was the only problem i've noticed.  Hey Henry - maybe you can start a thread tracking the outages in our and surrounding areas?  That way those who ARE experiencing problems will be vindicated by the proof of such and their neighbors not experiencing ANY problems will start to see the truth about what's been going on. I for one don't want my opinion of them proven wrong - but i also don't want to pulled a fast one on.

I have to say though, the public offical i saw last night talking about Fairpoint, who's pushing for an investigation uses WAY TOO general terms to describe what's been going, where it is, and with whom.   I don't need names, but if it's one thing i leanred in college about critical thinking, it's that one shoudl always check sources of Information and pay attention to HOW somethign is worded.  Kinda like with the true or false questions on your SATs - sometimes you can tell what the answer is just by the over-definitive or over-gerneralized nature of a nature/wording of the question.  That guy just makes me suspicious.   

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: mary on July 28, 2009, 07:58:58 AM

Fairpoint contacted us and, as usual, the repair people who are out in the field are polite and helpful.  The fellow that came out Sunday morning thought Friday's outage was due to a contractor cutting a cable and that's why it was so widespread. He also gave us some guidance on the more localized problems we experience. Apparently we are more likely to lose service on Fridays after 2:00 p.m. when upgrades or changes made during the week come on line. These are different sorts of outages than the one this past Friday and, if I heard him correctly, are caused when there is some sort of open circuit or line. Unlike Friday's problem, you have a dial tone but can't make calls (just get fast busy signals) and people can't reach you (they just hear it ring & get no answering message and you hear nothing).  In the past, we were shown where to unplug and plug back in the main line coming into the property and that sometimes "resets" the service or at least allows them to reset it without coming out to the property itself and the repair can be made more quickly. Don't know if others who read this forum are experiencing these types of service problems, but maybe a talk with the repair people could shorten the time their service is down.     

 

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: dearon on July 28, 2009, 10:29:17 AM

Fairpoint reminds me of the old show "laugh in"  featuring Lilly Tomlin  - one ringy dingy, two ringy dingys.......

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Travis on July 28, 2009, 11:25:17 AM

Quote from: mary on July 28, 2009, 07:58:58 AM

He also gave us some guidance on the more localized problems we experience. Apparently we are more likely to lose service on Fridays after 2:00 p.m. when upgrades or changes made during the week come on line. These are different sorts of outages than the one this past Friday and, if I heard him correctly, are caused when there is some sort of open circuit or line.

That seems like a bad procedure to me. Implementing changes just in time for the weekend is a bad idea. When I was at IBM we had a rule that there were no changes implemented on Fridays or the last day before a holiday. Unless it was an extreme emergency and there was a procedure to follow and people to contact if there were any problems.

Title: Re: It Seems Like Some Group Wants Fairpoint To Fail
Post by: Loctavious on July 28, 2009, 01:40:50 PM

I heard someone last night talking about a software Problem Fairpoint was having.  Somethign about them specifically buying this software for when they took over Verizon and it's had a myriad of problems with it so far.  The aforementioned public offical who seems to be spearheading the investigation said he ....."didn't want to hear about the WHy he just wanted to hear how they were going to fix it....."  Uhhh the first step to fixing something is WHAT?  figuring out what's wrong with it.  And with this sort of situation - this should be a systematic and comprehensive investigation then - gathering ALL the facts and factors affecting the situation.

I don't know maybe that public official just rubs me the wrong way - and thus i'm overly supicious of whatever he says or does.