Customer Stories

Covad Helps Problem-resolution Firm Solve Connectivity Issues

“I bill by the hour. Using Covad DSL, I’m able to complete my work faster, and I pass along that cost savings to my clients.”
—William A. Wheatley, Chairman and CEO
Wheatley US Limited

Wheatley US Limited is a firm that conducts financial and schedule analysis to help resolve disputes between building owners and construction companies. The Pennsylvania-based company specializes in the construction industry, where missed schedules and budget overruns sometimes lead to lawsuits. When its clients go to court, Wheatley US Limited supplies expert witnesses-primarily engineers and scheduling professionals-to address allegations of design malpractice.

DSL enables the rapid transfer of large files

“ I use a wide variety of consultants to assist with my assignments,” says William A. Wheatley, chairman and CEO. “We transfer a lot of data over the Internet, because everybody works out of their home offices.”

Wheatley initially relied on dial-up access, but his connections frequently timed out when sending and receiving large files, which impeded his ability to share information with consultants and clients. His slow connection also frustrated his efforts to research legal cases online and gather data for defendants or plaintiffs.

“My company acts as a detective for law firms,” says Wheatley. “I use online legal research services, like Westlaw, which charge by the minute for the time you spend connected to their databases. Since dial-up is slow, you pay for more minutes of connection time.”

Approximately two years ago, Wheatley switched to a DSL connection to resolve these inefficiencies.

Covad customer service solves connectivity mystery

Wheatley first obtained DSL service through a local ISP. His DSL line frequently went down, however, leaving him unable to get online-sometimes for just a few minutes, but often for a day or more.

Working in conjunction with the local phone company, the ISP could not determine the source of Wheatley’s trouble. “It got to the point where the local phone company told my ISP that they would not answer any more trouble calls for my account,” says Wheatley. Then the ISP gave up and recommended that Wheatley try Covad-which he did.

As the largest national provider of DSL to small businesses, Covad specializes in DSL connectivity and is experienced in resolving issues with local phone companies. After conducting a little research and detective work of its own, Covad quickly uncovered a neighborhood wiring issue that had interfered with Wheatley’s ability to receive DSL service. A Covad field services technician repaired the wiring, and Wheatley has enjoyed improved service ever since.

Stable Covad DSL leads to work efficiencies, cost savings

“ I used to cut off work a day or two before a report was due so that I could go to a copy shop to get it printed and bound,” says Wheatley. “Now I save time by sending the files to them by email instead.”

The stability of his Covad® service and its fast download times have meant that Wheatley pays for less for online database research. Wheatley’s ability to work more productively using his stable Covad DSL line also has improved the bottom line for his clients.

Wheatley explains how: “I bill by the hour. I’m able to complete my work faster, so I pass along that cost savings to my clients. Using Covad DSL, my clients and I both save money.”