Journal

An open letter to CenturyLink

Lets start with a description of me.  I live in an old house (built in the 1930s) in an old neighborhood.  I have wires that are above ground all over my neighborhood.  The neighborhood is relatively low density (single family homes, with a smattering of duplexes and the occasionally larger building (usually retirement).

Now if I believe what was told to me second hand, the wires in my neighborhood haven't had a significant wiring upgrade in decades (if not getting close to a century now).  In the near 17 years of service that I've had from you, we've gone through many changes: college, my first job, the move to Des Moines, me being crazy furious with the cable provider here in Des Moines when I moved to the house and returning to your service.

I've had deep respect with the legal stance that Qwest took against the government in the matter of surveillance.

Generally you have been a good company for me to deal with.

So for the past 4 years, I call ever 3-9 months and ask the simple question, are there any plans to upgrade the network and opportunities in my area, where the standard response was given, that was non-committal.  I appreciate the answer that the reps are going to give.

I have 5 megabits maximum available from you and at some point that is no longer an allowable speed for someone who tries to do things online.  Remote to do a little work and download an app update?  Nope.  Netflix and browsing the internet?  Only if you are careful.

Would I be a customer again?  Perhaps, but it's a lot harder to get someone to move then it is to keep them happy in the first place.  Hopefully someday we can perhaps talk again, or maybe you are going to fix things up before April 13, 2014, where I can bail before being locked in...  We can only hope so.

Anyways, So long, and improve your network in Beaverdale.

thanks,

sam