Homechoice - any reason I shouldn't get it?

jane22

I'm going to sign up for homechoice - I think- but before I sign my life away am just looking to find out if there's anything I should be aware of.

We just have one laptop right now and we will be connecting it using the standard (wired) connection, and thinking about going wireless a bit further down the line. So basically we just want to use this service to watch TV and to use the internet. I'd say our requirements are quite basic but we cannot be bothered with companies with crappy customer service. I realise that HC do have some bad reviews but on balance they seem to have a definite edge over people like Bulldog and even some of the more well-known companies, like Tiscali.

Here is what we are looking for, and if someone can tell me if HC is a poor choice for these factors, please let me know (I realise they're probably not perfect, and don't expect them to be, but if they're significantly worse than the competition in any of these respects, that's what I'd like to know about...)

- good customer service. HC promise 8am - 11pm, 7 days a week, and that they'll answer your call within 15 seconds / email within 24 hours. This sounds good to me. Is it true?

- Ability to use existing email accounts. We both use Gmail so I'm hopeful this won't be a problem?

- Ability to download and share files using Limewire or something similar. Is this possible?

- Minimal 'AOL style' invasion of my computer. I don't mind the odd icon but I have had to reformat my hard disk several times when trying to get AOL to work (and eventually I gave up on it entirely) so would rather steer clear of them if they're going to homechoice-ify my life.

- Reliable connection. I don't want to be disconnected 5x a week and have to spend hours on hold to find out that this is a 'technical fault and will be fixed as soon as possible.'

Are there any other major factors I should be aware of with regard to HC?

purple12

I had Homechoice for a while until I moved house and they no longer cover the area that I am in. I found it generally a good service with a few occasional hiccups and although I didn't call customer service often, I did a few times. I think the picking up within 15 seconds is a bit ambitious. Sure, they'll read you the message about how you are in a queue within 15 seconds but you won't be speaking to someone necessarily!
I have got through though eventually, sometimes immediately and sometimes after a few minutes. I don't think it is necessarily better or worse than anything else.
I use gmail and it is no problem. I didn't even put the Homechoice software on my computer and it worked fine.
I downloaded lots of files but haven't shared files however I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be possible as the software is not at all invasive.
Certainly doesn't take over your computer (see above remarks!)
I found the service was very reliable. I had a couple of occasions i had problems but that was entirely due to the wireless connection rather than the delivery of the service. You can find lots of discussion about Homechoice on https://www.digitalspy.co.uk at http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/forumdisplay.php?f=93
also on https://www.adslguide.org.

I loved the TV service too!