Astrill Blog - Latest Comments

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Guest — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:54:06 -0000

After the Astrill applet on my DD-WRT router was already behaving strange for several months now (disconnecting, not reconnecting automatically after reboot, ...), it became totally unusable for the last month. So I finally took the time to look into it and stumbled upon this blog entry. Reinstalling via the reinstall button didn't fix the issue, but uninstalling, rebooting, installing via Commands, rebooting seems to have helped somewhat (future will tell). And now it also shows that my high end Buffalo router supports Router Pro VPN (not that I am really that eager to cough up another $10 per month...).

But as a paying customer I am really wondering, why I have to read the blog to be informed about important changes. They have my email address and they know where I am living. So how long would it take to send an email to all customers? They could even distinguish by country, so that customers in China can be informed separately about the issues with the recent changes in the GFW. Yes, that could also be used to advertise the Stealth features...

Not only bad customer service but also a bad marketing department, too...

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

XLR — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:55:56 -0000

100% with you :)

Actually, I did send an e-mail to Astrill concerning game-rules-change and I did propose a solution how we can solve it so I stay with them for next year (and probably longer). Unfortunately, my solution was turn down and I was told that I need to pay extra because StealthVPN is more secure and needs more 'computing power that is not free'...

No comment on above statement and handling business matters.
It's just the reason why Home Plan user is to be gone from their network when time comes.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

XLR — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:48:12 -0000

Have you guys noticed that all comments on Astrill WWW are 80-90% and up positive and there is no way to put a comment on the WWW either? Not only from China (even this dated before StealthVPN was implemented) but all over the world.

If I'm not mistaken Astrill is manipulating this data to present only comments that are positive (the other matter would be a question if this comments are legitimate or not if only Astrill stuff is able to post them).

As for Astrill (IMO):
- the service they offered (OpenVPN when it worked) was very good,
- the service when OpenVPN was blocked was misleading (when I had to extend for another year they told me that there will be a fix ; just forgot to mention that I need to pay more to get it...),
- StealthVPN was mostly working when I had a chance to check it (= when it was free),
- Astrill's approach was always polite but a SWAT tactics that is used towards old customers (Bend Over) is something unacceptable.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

XLR — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:34:13 -0000

Man, I'm signing out....
... terrified of 'Bend Over Buddy' mode :)

There is a saying, it goes more or less like:
F*** me once - shame on you,
F*** me twice - shame on me....

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

XLR — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:29:58 -0000

Well. When the problem started my contract was about to end. I talked with this guys and they told me that they are working on the fix and it will all work. So, I was patient and they kept their word. Stealth VPN was implemented (it's slower than previous way but 99% worked when I tested it (Shanghai & GuangZhou)).

What they forgot to tell me was that I'll have to pay additionally for a fix....
Well, as I don't like to have rules changed 'during the game (to express it politely) I won't extend for a third year (Home Plan).

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

XLR — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:19:27 -0000

Not me any more.
Due to Astrill's approach won't extend it for a third year (Home plan).

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

QQno-no — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:40:28 -0000

I will not trust anyone with a QQ account as their business contact

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Djformula1 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:06:51 -0000

I was using HMA VPN last year which was fine on Windows but had major issues on Mac and was not user friendly. I switched to Astrill again and at first it seemed good. Speed was decent from China.

When I signed up Stealth mode was free but after the update it became a pay to use service. Stealth mode seemed more reliable then both Open Web and Open VPN. However now I need to switch between Open Web and Open VPN for different tasks. If I need to upload a file I either switch to Open VPN (Its hit and miss really. Some servers work although speed is pretty poor but most dont even work at all) or turn Astrill off altogether.

You would think the speed would improve if choose a server is that is closer geographically to China like Korea or Japan but I can rarely connect to them and once I can connect, pages wont load in my browser or are extremely slow. I dont think Astrill can take the blame for all of the problems as the infrastructure in certain areas here in Shanghai is fairly inconsistent. Some of my friends who live a block away can connect fine and other friends who live in a different apartment block ( 100m away from me) have much better speeds.

All in all living in China (Shanghai) with the internet here there are always going to be issues. Unfortunately for those who depend on connecting to outside servers for work/business it can be a real pain in the ass. FB and Youtube junkies wont have too many issues though. You gotta put up with it or get out of China.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

WoRPt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 02:49:03 -0000

Yes and no. It's fixed but you gotta pay extra for the fix, and again, they make no guarantee that it will stay fixed. In other words, it's likely to happen again with more charges. So, if you got lots of cash and don't mind bending over every few months, I'd highly recommend this.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

WoRPt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 02:46:53 -0000

You still happy? You gotta pay for that now.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

WoRPt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 02:45:52 -0000

Although not the best expression of one's self, you do basically cover the feelings of just about every user in China. I guess, like KFC, Astrill is going to find out what it's worth with no Chinese customers.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

WoRPt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 02:42:14 -0000

They did fix it, it's called Stealth mode. And if you pay more, you'll get the service you used to have. Don't worry though. If there is another government fix, they're already working on Super Stealth Mode, which will cost you more per month. And if that doesn't work, you can try the Bend Over Buddy mode which will work in China, costing more money. Best thing to do, just write them a blank check and with a note saying "Please please please can I have reasonable service please?" and there's a good chance it'll work in China.

They make a point to skillfully not directly answer the question "Does this work in China?" when you're signing up for it. "We make no guarantees that it works in China, but we do have many customers in China that are very satisfied."

In other words, "Don't worry about it, it'll work, but if it doesn't, that's your problem."

ExpressVPN is working fine, from what I hear.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

WoRPt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 02:34:29 -0000

I love the fact that they "fixed" the problems connecting to China then upped the charges. My friend is with ExpressVPN which went through the exact same thing, but they didn't up their rates. Also, this guy that is posting on the thread with a QQ address may be good. QQ is the Chinese MSN, and if it's registered in China, it won't likely be attacked by the GO.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

WoRPt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 02:27:08 -0000

Do you have a money back guarantee? If the Chinese government changes something, will you fix it at no charge or offer refunds for the remainder of the contract? Astrill has already made several web publications and news for not being able to provide service in China. I wonder how much business they get from China? I have a feeling this is going to be their downfall.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Da_gud_guy — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 06:07:55 -0000

I am very disappointed in Astrill. Very unprofessional. Your OpenVPN feature stopped working for the Chinese users, and now you are asking us to pay more for the StealthVPN. You should give it to us for free. We have already paid for the membership. You are not even refunding our money, but asking us to pay you more?? Have you lost your mind ? Do you know anything about how to run a business at all ?

Let's see how many customers you are going to lose over this stupid action.
I am definitely not renewing!

Re: Astrill 2.7 Released

carldickson — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:26:52 -0000

Is anyone else having issues with the 2.7 firmware on DD-WRT routers? I had no issues with the earlier version.
I can only connect to about 4 servers and cant use steam at all when the VPN is connected, even on a PC that is not in the list of connected devices

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Amal Pasram — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 01:23:12 -0000

Really unprofessional company behavior Astrill. I'm looking for an alternative. BTW, I guess I'm not the only person you're boning in China.

http://www.reddit.com/r/China/...

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

XL99 — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:57:24 -0000

Well, have been with Astrill for over a year and extended for another one just when problems with OpenVPN started. Now I know I made mistake extending an account for another year while trusting that there will be a solution.

Changing game rules without thinking will cost Astrill customer with 2 computers.
Why not to extend in the future, well, I do not mind paying more but at the same time I do not like to be 'gang raped'....

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

GO FUCK YOURSELF ASTRILL — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:28:41 -0000

WTF?! I've run out of service for the last 2 months of Dec. 2012, and I waited for your so-called "solution". And I trusted you. Now solution is here, you tell me that my account is not "that type"? Give me two 2 weeks' trial for your new solution to make up for the 2 months' service outage? Then tell me that I need to pay more money to buy this makeup? I'm your old customer! Fuck you Astrill! FUCK YOU EVERYBODY! YOU FUCKING FUCK!

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Basswhip — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:36:02 -0000

Astrill wtf, this is not how you do shit when people pay their hard earned money for your service. You even ask us to "recommend" your product to others?, well FUCK NO!. If you really were to have good customer support you would have fixed this issue like a company really should do or at least give an option to chinese users of only using "stealth vpn" not for an extra price. I am very disappointed and I want a complete refund!

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Support — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:54:56 -0000

SSH works fine in china. Firefox browser is only capable browser to bypass DNS in china. We offer VPN, feel free to message us at www.openvpnsolutions.com or qq: 2557411060, YM: fear.fact0r (0 is zero)

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Support — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:53:50 -0000

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Jean-Philippe SUCHET — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:01:50 -0000

If you are in China, check again, that works for me.

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

Jean-Philippe SUCHET — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:33:24 -0000

Happy again!!!
Just install the new v2.8 and quick test it from China (Beijing - China Unicom):
OpenWeb : OK on USA Seattle (one of the best speed and ping available)
OpenVPN: no (but only 1 quick try)
StealthVPN: OK on USA - Dallas G1 with TCP and port Auto (Dallas have the best speed and ping)
StealthVPN: no with UDPNot tried: PPTP (but work with another VPN provider) and L2TP

StealthVPN on Seattle will be great from China...

Re: OpenVPN undergoing updates – Please switch to Stealth (TCP) mode

CDS — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 19:35:22 -0000

Hi, I've been out of China since 13-Dec-2012 and wonder if the connection issues have been fixed. The last alert I received from Astril was that they were implementing a new protocol (microsoft's?) and would release a beta on the 15-dec-2012. How did this beta go? I need a reliable vpn solution for my work and openweb is not an option. Please let me know, as I had extended my contract on the premise that I would have a reliable solution -- Thanks