BB Estimated Speed Differences

Scho

Hiya,

I was just wondering how ISPs estimate speeds for lines. I'm just about ready to sign upto a BB package after moving into a new flat and had my phone line activated this morning. On doing a check on the ISPs available to me I get the following results;
BT - 9mb
O2/BE (same network really) - 17mb
TalkTalk - 11.9mb
Plusnet - 9mb
Sky - 10-20mb
My exchange is EMLGHBO for those interested, and I found the ISPs available via Sam Knows.

Does anyone know why there's such a difference? I thought it was based on the distance to the exchange (about 600m in my case although thats how the crow flies) or are they looking at the equipment capabilities in the exchange as well?

As a side note; I'm currently looking at Sky, BT and O2 as realistic choices for various reasons and from looking at the threads on here. Better than my last 2mb connection though so can't exactly complain! :j

Thanks in advance!
Scho

macman

Be/02 and Sky are enabled for ADSL2+ on the Loughborough exchange, so you can get speeds up to 20Mbps on those services.
The distance principle still applies, but as you are quite close to the exchange you are getting the benefit of ADSL2+.
Have a look on https://www.samknows.com to see all your LLU options.
02 is by far the best option of those listed.

Scho

Thanks Macman. I figured as much but would have thought they'd all be the same if they all offer what appear to be the same BB services but obviously not.

O2 definately seems the way to go from reports on here, from a colleague and its cheaper than BT & Sky overall. Do you know what version the firmware is on the wireless router though?
I read the linked article saying version 8.2.L.0 had a very nasty security failing that lets anyone get control of your network quite easily; although it would have to be someone fairly determined it does worry me.
http://www.jibble.org/o2-broadband-fail/

Thanks,
Scho

macman

That's the 'N' wireless router. I wouldn't know, as I'm on the standard service for which a 'G' router is supplied.
You can of course use whatever router you choose on 02.
In my experience, 02 under-estimate your line speed.

Scho

macman wrote: »

In my experience, 02 under-estimate your line speed.

I'm now salivating and rubbing my hands together with glee. Such a geek!
:rotfl:

I may just change the admin password. Sounds like the easiest way to fix it after reading the article tbh.:) It did say it affected both the Standard and pro modems they supply though so worth a double check. Sod buying one!

Thanks for the help macman.

macman

Changing the username and password is always advisable on any router.