My internet connection felt sluggish a couple of days ago so I turned
off the modem for about 30 seconds like I have done countless times before
(powercycling in tech speak), then turned it back on. The internet light never
turned on and after half an hour of waiting, I finally called tech support.
Edgar tested the line on their end and it looked fine. He had me power cycle
the modem again, change the cable, and try another phone jack, to no avail. He
started writing a ticket for it so the phone company can check the phone line
the next day, but he encountered a problem on his end. He said they were going
to troubleshoot the problem further and get back to me as soon as it is fixed.
The phone call lasted an hour. In the meantime, I started to get anxious while
felt like withdrawal symptoms from not being able to get my internet fix. I
even considered asking some neighbors if I could connect to their wi-fi temporarily
for the night until the DSL provider fixed the problem.
After a couple hours without resolution and to wait for the effects of
the wine to wear off, I finally decided to head to Walmart to check out how
much a new DSL modem costs. I figured something must be wrong with my 2004
vintage modem or worst it was at its last legs and ready to give up the ghost.
Walmart didn't have a plain DSL modem but only had a combination modem and
wireless router. So I walked over to Radioshack a couple of hundred feet away,
but they were already closed. Back to Walmart I went and checked the price of
the modem/router on a scanner. I was shocked to find out it was $90.00 plus
tax! I didn't have too many options considering I had to have my internet fix
for the night. I was still hoping my old modem would start pulling the internet
from the phone company's line. Sure enough, when I returned home, the internet
light on the modem was lit. I opened a browser and some websites just to make
sure, and reconnected my VoIP Magicjack phone. I was back in business and felt
immediate relief. I imagine that's how a heroin addict would feel after
shooting up. So first thing the next morning, I'll was back at Walmart returning
the product. Whew, saved myself $98.00! The addiction must have been
really bad because I hardly leave the house past 6 p.m. and there I was at
Walmart at 9 p.m. Well, I jumped the gun because what I wanted was instant
gratification. I got back home from Walmart with my credit card a little
lighter and after apologizing to the cashier for returning the product. It
remained unopened.
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