Last night when I started surfing the Net, I didn’t really notice anything different. After downloading some e-mail and updating some podcasts, it quickly became apparent that something was up. My DSL connection was noticeably faster. Just to check, I decided to try some downloads in Firefox. Before adding my wireless router, I had been used to a steady 154K; the router dropped it to about 150K (no, I wasn’t happy about the decrease). Since I live at almost the maximum allowable distance from the CO to even get DSL, it was fine with me.
BellSouth, in their infinite kindness (yeah, right), apparently sensed my frustration. Not only did they toss me all my old bandwidth back, but Firefox (and wget and Pan and… ) now shows a steady 197K on downloads. I didn’t have to upgrade to faster DSL or anything; it all just happened. I’m guessing somebody somewhere upgraded lines/equipment/whatever, but it’s still nice to get the free boost.
For the record, my new speed now makes me faster than my DSL-using friend in Charlotte who lives much closer to her CO. I’ll rub it in when she returns from her beach house.
