Broadband options for a new rental property?

russelljsmith

Hi,

I'm looking into broadband options for a new rental flat I've just moved into, wouldn't mind some pointers.

Requirements:

• Reliable "Unlimited" internet
• Max 12 Months contract
• One bill (no separate land-line)
• Bonus - cheap or free calls to New Zealand & Australia
• Bonus - 9 Months contract

The setup:

• Ground floor flat in SW11 6**, London
• Previous tenant had Sky+
• Earlier tenant had Cable
• "BT" socket has dial-tone (I don't know the number & couldn't dial my own mobile)

I'm not really interesting in Virgin media, I've been looking at PlusNet, Tiscali and the Post Office as suppliers. PlusNet don't appear to offer a 12 month contract, Tiscali are in some financial trouble and the post office is just a BT reseller from what I can figure out.

Is there anyone else I should consider and which of these is the best option?

Many thanks / Russell

456789

If you have LLU enabled ( check http://www.samknows.com/broadband/search.php - I tried SW11 6AA and it said yes)for O2/Be if you get the unlimited/pro package https://www.bethere.co.uk/broadbandcomparision.do you could have it for 9 months (however BT will probably want 12 months for the line rental) and you will have 2 bills though

IIRC Virgin Media offer 9 month combined deals for students

Most companies will expect you to sign up for 12 months

russelljsmith

We do have several LLU options at the exchange: http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange/WRBATT

12 months is okay, 18 months is not an option, 9 months would be the best.

If I go for two bills I'd consider using the Post Office for the phone, they have no minimum contract for phone only and line-rental is £10pm, and I wouldn't have to deal with BT.

456789

Just looked at Post Office website - looks good - if you get Post office line and BeThere internet you will be able to cancel it all after 9 months which is what you want and Be provide a very good service plus NZ and AU calls included

edit: if you get a freesat box you can utilise the existing sky dish for no monthly cost aswell

russelljsmith

I might have to cope with two bills then.

I shared with a friend who had Be and I didn't find it to be all that quick, plus I had occasional DNS issues getting out to sites but the short contract is appealing. I've just been looking at O2 as well, they have a "Pro" package that is similar to Be but cheaper if you are an O2 customer (which I am) and it's also LLU though this is on a 12 month contract.

And yes, a Freesat box is on my list of things to buy :-)

456789

Well generally the speed with them is better than most other companies but it also depends on the quality of the line, wiring etc.

The DNS issue has been going on for some time - but I would rather have DNS issues than other more serious issues that happen with some other isp's - just use opendns or something if the Be one does down

O2 actually own Be and use the exact same network - they are slightly cheaper and then on top of that you can get discounts too

Work out which is better - 9 months with Be
or
12 months with O2 taking account of discount

Also BeThere and O2 are also listed on quidco so you could get some cashback from that

BeThere support is in Bulgaria and O2 support is in the UK (and is a free call from O2 mobiles)

The router they supply is similar and has to be returned if you cancel I think

russelljsmith

Thanks 456789,

I just worked out the relationship between the two after my last post. I'll have a look at the DNS issues but I think this is going to be my best option; Post Office for phone and Be/O2 for broadband.

I'll give the Post Office a call tonight and see if they can get me setup on the phone ASAP.

Anyone have any idea if I'll need to wait for the phone to be in place before I apply for broadband?

456789

I am not sure but as you have free calls to the O2 helpline you might aswell give them a ring and ask - they are quite helpful

russelljsmith

Found the number for my land line by calling 17070 which gave me a "BT line circuit number".

Signed up for Post Office Home Phone and Be Internet tonight using there repsective websites, no problems with the applications. Hopefully I'll get a call in the morning if have any problems connecting me.

456789

Good - hope it all goes to plan

eldar_2

Try TitanADSL 1 month rolling contract and fantastic support.:beer: