I-Cable 130mbps vs. PCCW 8mbps broadband internet ?

[mike785]

Hi guys,

After going through all the previous threads related on this topic on the forum, I feel still quite unsure about what the best option is.

I am moving into my new flat in Sheung Wan end of this week. While the flat is modern, the building itself is an old building and only PCCW and I-Cable cover the building.

Now here is the dilemna:

- I-Cable advertises 130mbps broadband internet and has a package incl. TV (73 channels + Sports package with olympics and european football) for HKD 338

- PCCW offers 8mbps broaband internet and Now TV standard TV package (29 channels + English news package) for HKD 224

To be honest, I am not too fussed about the TV offering but I would need a good and reliable internet connection (downloads, movie streaming, skype etc). On paper the 130mbps vs. 8mbps seems quite impressive but PCCW argue that the 130mbps advertised by I-Cable is shared while the 8mbps they offer is allocated to me.

I'm not an expert and perfectly aware that I would never be any close to 130mbps in reality, but will I-Cable still be faster than PCCW ?

thanks a lot,

Michael

[pin]

130mbps is to the local server in HK.

I have not had Icable but I have only heard bad things about them.

Are you going to be just web surfing?

If so, stick with PCCW. Even if you are not, stick with PCCW.

[mike785]

I will be using Internet for Skype / movie streaming / downloading. And yes, I also only heard bad things about I-cable.

Just worried that the speed of my Internet connection will be quite slow as 8mbps is not much really.

[penguinsix]

I have both. I have iCable's 130mbps and PCCW 100mpbs. The prices here were peanuts compared to what I paid in the US so figured it would be cool to have two.

There isn't much of a difference.

I get about 60-80mpbs on the HK OFTA speed test from both lines. Going overseas is slightly faster with PCCW than iCable, but generally I'm able to stream stuff from the US and Europe on either line.

[mike785]

I have both. I have iCable's 130mbps and PCCW 100mpbs. The prices here were peanuts compared to what I paid in the US so figured it would be cool to have two.

There isn't much of a difference.

I get about 60-80mpbs on the HK OFTA speed test from both lines. Going overseas is slightly faster with PCCW than iCable, but generally I'm able to stream stuff from the US and Europe on either line.

Thanks a lot for the reply. And no major unsatisfaction with I-Cable ? Got slighlty scared by the history of bad feedbacks on this forum.

Cheers

[penguinsix]

Any ISP is only as good as the last missed appointment or person in a call center who was having a bad day. I don't think it is possible to find an ISP in the world that doesn't have the word "SUCKS" attached to it in some forum or blog or whatever.

I didn't have any real problem with iCable. Installation was same day as the order, and repairs (three over two years) were usually within 24-48 hours. Once was static in the line out at the buildings switch, another was a failing modem. Can't remember the third. Did have threes days down once but that was when a digger cut the line in front of the building on a holiday weekend while replacing some water pipes (it was quite a mess actually). Switched to my other line during that period so didn't bother me all that much.

[Raccon]

Thanks a lot for the reply. And no major unsatisfaction with I-Cable ? Got slighlty scared by the history of bad feedbacks on this forum.

Cheers

If everything works it will be fine, but once you have to deal with customer services then the dissatisfaction will come quickly. Applies to any ISP, some more, some less.

[mike785]

Thanks guys for the replies.

Went for PCCW in the end as the salesman at I-Cable didn't convince me. He promised they would come the day after to install the modem and the minute I said I would join he told me the earliest they can install it will be in 5 days as they ran out of modems.. After saying I would not join if they couldn't make it the day after, he was able to arrange it for the day after.. Anyways, said I was no longer interested and got 14 miscalls today from the salesman So PCCW it is instead !

[zoohead]

PCCW it is....and now the pain starts Watch out when you need to phone them for something!

The best way to get service when you call them, is select anything to do with opening a new account. Amazing how quick all of a sudden PCCW become.

[Thong Seck]

Hi guys,

To ride on above discussion, I was informed by Netvigator that my apartment can only handle 30M (238/mth). On the other hand, I am told by i-Cable that I can have the 130M service (129/mth).

Again, seems like a no-brainer in terms of speed offering, but I am skepitcal about the huge disparity between the offerings.

Will greatly appreciate any thoughts and advice here.

Many thanks.
Cheers!