RCN vs. Comcast

[Don Levey]

discuss-bounces at blu.org wrote:
> Hey everybody:
>
> I've been using Comcast for my cable and internet for at least nine
> months and I've been very pleased with the solid service. I'm moving
> to Somerville at the end of the month and I have a choice between
> Comcast and RCN. Has anybody on the list used RCN, and what was your
> experience like?
>
> I think Comcast's official ToS say no servers, but I'm running httpd
> and sshd and they've never stopped me.
>
> Thanks!

I'm on RCN, and for the most part things have been just fine.
The TOS also says "No Servers", and they haven't hassled me either.
However, they block incoming port 80 access for dynamic IPs.  Supposedly,
one can buy a fixed IP for $20 extra/month, and run all the servers you
want.  My web server is on an alternate port, which hasn't caused any
problems.

I can run my mail server without a problem, but they also block port 25
outbound access beyond their own network (which, IMO, all ISPs should do).
This means that my mail server smart hosts through theirs, which works well
for me.  Incoming goes directly to my server; if SPF takes off I may need to
make some adjustments.

As far as I can tell, they don't consider sshd a server.  I think they're
mostly concerned with web servers, and file servers (read: illegal MP3s and
videos).

Their tech support has been useful, they're OK with home networks (when I
started with them they weren't; now, they seem to expect it), and seem to
recommend things like the Linksys firewall/router.  Other ISPs I've seen
officially don't support their use, which strikes me as against their own
best interests.  RCN also has a very aggressive anti-spam desk, which is why
little spam seems to come from RCN (Comcast, Verizon, and OptOnline, on the
other hand...).

I've not had Comcast, but from those who I know who do, especially those who
have used both, I'm glad I've got RCN.

 -Don