08/20/2002, 5:15pm, EDT

Tuesday, August 20th

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SBC forces Prodigy users back to OS 9

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SBC Communications -- a Yahoo! dial-up Internet service provider -- has informed users of the defunct 'Prodigy' service that they must transition to SBC's new Internet connection software by the end of October. The new software, which replaces Prodigy's offering, is not compatible with Mac OS X as a native application or in the 'Classic' environment. SBC representatives contend that the company has no plans to support Mac OS X in the future.

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19 comments

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90690 08/20, 5:32pm, EDT tell them to jump in the

if you use these guys, dump them and find a new ISP!

Those lame asses!

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90691 08/20, 5:33pm, EDT No biggie

I work in SBCIS.... I also use MacOS X... the service is just PPoE. All you have to do it setup with the MacOS 9 software (even works under classic) and then configure the
PPoE network setting and you are ready to go!

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90692 08/20, 6:00pm, EDT Agreement

I agree with the last poster... if you use OS9 simply use their OS9 compaitble program... in OSX use the PPOE tab in network settings... simple as that!

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90695 08/20, 6:19pm, EDT Enhanced DSL

I have their Enhanced DSL service with static IP addresses. No PPoE needed or any other software needed for this more expensive service.

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90699 08/20, 6:27pm, EDT Their loss

If they don't want to support OS X, that's fine. Who needs em?

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90701 08/20, 6:38pm, EDT thick headed

I don't understand why they don't just look into work arounds and alternatives before the go saying they don't support OSX. Thier laziness and lack of foresight will cost them customers they probably don't need to lose. Already 3 post say there are ways around the problem. No wonder some many internet providers are in the red.

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90702 08/20, 6:50pm, EDT SBC Global

This is talking about dial-up, not DSL. To my knowledge, and their website they don't have any problems with DSL and OS X, through the note says that they haven't tested it, and their software [Enternet 300] doesn't work with OS X.

posted by kcmagnus

90708 08/20, 7:22pm, EDT Don't Have to Use It

No, no, no, no--this is not going to be a problem. This "connection software" is going to be nothing more than an AOL-like installer and interface to make your connection, just as Prodigy has always had. However, you don't have to use it and have never had to. Just enter the info manually--dns servers in network, dial up number in Internet Connect, and mail server in the email program.

That being said, tech support will resolutely not help you if you call them about a problem and tell them you're using OS X. Their supposed "Mac technicians" obviously don't have a lot of extra Mac experience (if any), as they would like you to believe. I always dial into the windows tech support line and lie to them that I'm using Win98. Under that guise, I always manage to get my tech support questions answered (which are usually only of the type, "Are your mail servers down right now?" since I was a Mac tech in the past). Clearly that's a problem, though. This is not a mac-friendly company, and has never been. I used to be the *sole* mac tech at one of the smaller companies SBC gobbled up, and I can tell you that SBC/Prodigy have never had that many Mac users *or* those Mac users don't call in as often. So, naturally, it's not a priority to them. The only reason I'm still with them is because I've got a far lower legacy rate (17.95 a month) than the cost of joining something new like Earthlink. New Mac customers should avoid SBC/Prodigy/Yahoo, though. Clearly.

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90716 08/20, 9:03pm, EDT for the record

sbc's support for os x dsl is pretty decent. their tech people are actually quite knowledgeable about our favorite modern os, in my experience.

dunno about their dial-up, however. haven't used narrowband since the mid-nineties.

posted by MacNN.com Reader

90717 08/20, 9:31pm, EDT Support Local ISPs

Like that east cost one that has unlimited dialup for only $10/month AND they block out the RIAA from hacking you!

posted by MacNN.com Reader

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