It's been a few months since I turned on my Playstation 3, so it's no surprise that I have to update my system in order to sign into PSN. Last night, while downloading system update 4.21, I received a network error that I could not connect to the network. The error popped up at the 24% download mark. I tried again today and the same error popped up at 24%. I checked my network and tested my network connection using my Xbox 360 and I had no issues with downloading. I rarely have these issues with my other consoles. My internet connection isn't terrible, and it seems like I always have network issues with my PS3.

Many people have issues with the PS3's internet connection. I'm at the point where I ask myself, why do I still have this thing? Port Forwarding hasn't alleviated the problem ever since I've had the console. When trying to take advantage of the free games after last year's PSN debacle, I was unable to choose my games. God forbid I try to download a game on PSN; the download speed is painfully slow, especially when the connection keeps disconnecting. I really like the idea of playing over for free Playstation Network, but I'm tired of losing my connection in the middle of multi-player matches. I really don't want to renew my Xbox Live account just to play multi-player. When you buy something from a big company like Sony, you expect all of the components to work satisfactorily. It's a frustrating predicament that could be rectified by finding something more productive to do, but I love me some games. The people over at Sony have been well aware of these issues for quite some time, but it seems as though nothing has been done to fix this. I understand that here in the U.S., Sony uses cheap servers for PSN. What can the consumers do to get them to listen? Do we even have a right to complain if PSN is a free service?

You do have a right to complain because online connectivity is a feature of the ps3 you bought. I am in the same boat as you haven't played my ps3 in 6 months and would rather not have to deal with downloading updates so it will remain off.

I could relate if I experienced the same issues you're having, but I never have had any issues with PSN. Really, the only trouble I've experienced with the service is the PSN trophy syncing taking a long time to complete sometimes. But now that's no longer a problem and neither are firmware updates with the automatic updates via PSN+ (they were more of an inconvenience than anything major when I wasn't a Plus member).

@laserbolts: Yes, I don't play my PS3 for the same reason. If I didn't have this issue, I would actually buy more games for it. It's a frustrating experience, but I don't want to just get rid of my console.

@FluxWaveZ: I would like to try out PS+, and I'm sure there are a lot of people who want to, but can't because of PSN issues. If this issue is as common as I think it is, Sony is missing out on a lot of potential PS+ members.

@laserbolts said:

You do have a right to complain because online connectivity is a feature of the ps3 you bought. I am in the same boat as you haven't played my ps3 in 6 months and would rather not have to deal with downloading updates so it will remain off.

Yup, same deal for me. I went to play my ps3 a couple months ago and, of course, I got the "a system update is required" bullshit. As soon as that popped up, I shut the system down and I haven't bothered with it since.