Now you have it, now you don’t. That’s the magic of DSL in Greece.
That’s also the reason I haven’t posted most of this week and am trying to catch up. Since moving north and going wireless with the fastest connection available, it’s been one thing or another, issues we never had while living closer to the center with a slower connection and a 1 GB limit.
Upon transferring my service, I was originally told I’d be up and running within 48 hours of cutting service at the other house. This ETA was a relief since I was leaving the country for more than a month and had essential communication overseas that needed to take place before departing. This relief soon turned to angst when a full week passed and there was no connection. Sure, there was a signal, but no actual connection.
My inside guy at OTE assured me it’d be fine, he would handle it personally. As I understand, it came up a week after I left. By the way, I’m not complaining. I feel fortunate that my connection was up in less than two weeks since most people I know have waited at least a month or three months. It was just bad timing since I work remotely with the USA and UK.
Another issue has been the wireless. My friend Alex warned that I’d have to find a way to prevent leechers from tapping our wireless connection once it floods the house, and it turns out I have issues tapping my own wireless just by changing rooms. One issue solved, one gained.
Now it seems the connection just drops out whenever it wants, comes back (or not) whenever it likes…and yes, the bill is paid on time ;). Calling OTE does little to solve anything, with technicians checking the line and calling back after 7 hours on average. Totally worth the 24.90 euro/monthly!
But it’s still much better than dial-up, which is actually still an option here.
I never realized how spoiled I was paying $19.99 for an unlimited T1 connection that loaded like a lightning bolt. And any inconvenience, whether perceived or real, got me a day’s credit even if it was only 5 minutes.
Telephone and DSL options
If you’re looking for a DSL connection in Greece, you have options and should exercise your right to find the best price and service.
AltecTelecoms (bankrupt) – website with English and Greek versions; personnel to assist you by phone at 13813
Forthnet – website with English and Greek versions; personnel to assist you via phone at 801-100-8000
Hol.gr – website in Greek only and English (gone); personnel to assist you via phone at 13844
Lannet.gr – website with English and Greek versions; personnel to assist you by phone at 800-111-1780
Netone – website only in Greek; personnel to assist you by phone at 13860 or 800 860-00000
OnTelecoms – website with English and Greek versions; personnel to assist you via phone at 13801
OTEnet – Biggest provider, website with English and Greek versions; personnel to assist you via phone at 801 11 35555
Q-Telecom – Basic website in Greek versions (no longer offering online services since the buyout); personnel to assist you by phone at 11899
Tellas – website with English and Greek versions; personnel to assist you via phone at 13800
Vivodi – Website with English and Greek versions; personnel to assist you via phone at 13880
Related posts
“Prepaid/pay-as-you go cell phones in Greece”
“3G no likey my PB”
“Conversations with my Greek cell phone provider“
Kat Reply:
September 25th, 2009 at 20:32
We technically had an ADSL/phone line within 48 hours, but it never worked…and still doesn’t after two years and trying every provider possible. And we live in Athens. We’re moving. That’s the only way to solve it.