Broadband/phone package confusion

ampersand

I am useless in truly understanding much about computers while being delighted to use them. New computer was bought at Christmas, believing(as told)that Internet access would be much faster. It painfully isn't (often very much slower)and I feel expensively disappointed.
I need Broadband ASAP and see pro's and con's for various providers and packages(on this site and review sites via Google);also rang a 'which?' comparison no. from Saturday's Times. Lass gave Tiscali as 1st option, though they have a high level of poor reviews generally, so veer toward sticking with BT. Disappointingly, the Free Broadband Forever offer doesn't cover my postcode. Nor does Tesco(scathing reviews found, but as Martin sensibly writes, one can probably find Good and Bad reviews for all of them. )
I don't watch movies, download music etc., would like to have radio. Currently use my computer for e-mail, e-bay/Amazon and will certainly want to use phone Internationally.
Until now, I have used the Mser call checker to update these best rates.
Do I lose this possibility if I choose Tiscali?
I have not understood how to calculate possible monthly usage via BT either, despite their guide.
My budget is minimal - so a single inclusive monthly payment would be needed.
Advice as for idiot/ignoramus would be welcome. Merci millefois.

frosty

I am with tiscali and I think they are really good,we pay 19.99 a month for smart talk.This includes broadband and all telephones calls to 01 &02 numbers are free day and night.We just pay BT for the line rental,our bills have been between £22.00 and 26.00 a month (we have teenagers who phone mobiles)

theloft

ampersand - The consensus on these threads is very clear - Do not go to Tiscali under any circumstances. Their Customer Relations are the pits. I have just signed up with Primus for a telephone BB deal that is as good as the Talk/Talk offer I think (and this has run into delays due to massive oversubscribing, so I hear). I could not get the Talk/Talk offer anyway as my local exchange does not have their equipment installed. But this Primus deal is excellent and you can still use CPS numbers like 1899,18185 etc. Check out my costs here :

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2157977&postcount=35