Which provider is best?

Drodough

The BT guy was quoting speeds to me that sound like what I am getting now- come to think of it though, he did say 'up to' a lot! Thanks for explaining about the Wireless thing- I didn't know that came down the phone line

So I guess I can't really figure this all out until I move in? And check the internet speed on the phone line- is that right? I was hoping to order something after we exchange contracts as BT said would be a 5 days min to get it all up and running!

Based on the fact I have no LLU, which providers do I need to be looking at? Or again, will I know know that until I check the line speed?

Thanks for all this- had not realised there would be issues- thought I just needed to pick a company and call them and that was that!

Drodough

tentonine wrote: »

One other thing to consider - do you download a lot on the internet or use it very heavily? Some ISPs (but not Virgin) impose caps on how much you can use the internet every month. If you go over, there are significant fees. It is something to think about when choosing your ISP.

You can get a much more approximate indication of your line speed using just the post code and this checker:
http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/adslchecker.php

tentonine thanks so much- you are so helpful! Will check that link now.

No I don't think I download much? The BT guy and the Sky guy asked me that. i upload, but not download?! But I do keep my computer connected to the net from 7am-midnight most days?

Drodough

BT Line Speed Estimation
Fixed ADSL: 2048 kbps(2 Mb)
DSL Max: 5500 kbps(5.5 Mb)
21CN WBC :Not Available

This doesnt sound good? Should it not be more like 15-20 Mb??

Drodough

LLU AOLNot availableBe*Not availableC&W/BulldogNot availableEdge TelecomNot availableHomechoiceNot availableLumisonNot availableNewNetNot availableNode4Not availableO2Not availableOrangeNot availablePipexNot availableSmallworldNot availableSkyNot availableTalkTalkNot availableTiscaliNot availableUK OnlineNot availableWB InternetNot availableZenNot available Cable Virgin MediaNot availableSmallworld MediaNot available Wireless EMnetAvailableKijomaNot availableLTT BroadbandNot availableNow WirelessNot availableOnLincolnshireNot availableOrbital/VFastNot availableUrbanWimaxNot available

eeeeek the web link you gave me seems to say ALL OTHER PROVIDERS than BT are 'not available'??? Is this right? So, my only option is BT? :eek:

Drodough

Sorry, EMnet is listed as 'available'. But that's the only one!

[Deleted User]

The key thing is to organise this as soon as possible. According to the BT website, they can activate your line and broadband on the day that you move in. However, you have to tell them far in advance. If the existing owner has broadband, that can tie the line up for a long time before BT are able to remove it (and you can't place an order while the line already has broadband). I moved house over the summer and the previous owner did not tell them about the move until about a week beforehand. That was not enough time and I had to wait over three weeks before the line was cleared and my broadband was available!

Well, leaving the computer on doesn't matter. I suppose the question is whether you watch much online video or browse sites with lots of photos? Some providers offer packages with only 2GB/month download allowance - this really isn't very much, but 10GB or more for should be fine if you are just a fairly light user. 40GB or more is a really safe option though if you and your family use it quite a lot.

[Deleted User]

I'm afraid the highest speed you could possibly get is 8Mb/sec. If your exchange is ever upgraded 21CN (which is 21st century network), then you might get closer to 20Mb/sec (but realistically about 14).

You can still get internet from the other providers, but it won't be their best deal. They nearly all have arrangements with BT to provide access at any exchange, but they have to pay BT to use their equipment if it is a non-LLU exchange and so it is more expensive.

[Deleted User]

One other thing - if the house has extension telephone sockets, this can cause interference. Providing that the master telephone socket is of a fairly new design, you can something called an iPlate (available for about £10 from online stores or perhaps only £2, depending on which ISP you go with). This would remove the interference and allow for slightly higher speeds (so you might get closer to 8Mb/sec rather than 5.5Mb/sec if you get one of these).

Finally, depending on the provider, you can potentially save quite a lot of money if you order your new internet and phone service by clicking on the link to your chosen provider's website at www.topcashback.co.uk rather than ordering over the phone.

Mark_In_Hampshire

Personally I'd go for Post Office to get the line set up and activated, Zen Internet for the broadband and a Freeview box.

I think the BT Vision thing needs a 2Mb connection to work - which it looks like you might just be able to get - and you have to have the broadband from BT as well.

When you move out of a cabled area, you generally say goodbye to decent broadband. Phone lines just aren't made for broadband signals. The average ADSL connection is only about 3Mb so your situation isn't unusual.

Where we are, 3G is actually 50% faster than ADSL.

Drodough

tentonine wrote: »

I'm afraid the highest speed you could possibly get is 8Mb/sec. If your exchange is ever upgraded 21CN (which is 21st century network), then you might get closer to 20Mb/sec (but realistically about 14).

You can still get internet from the other providers, but it won't be their best deal. They nearly all have arrangements with BT to provide access at any exchange, but they have to pay BT to use their equipment if it is a non-LLU exchange and so it is more expensive.

Ok, that makes a lot of sense. So, I'm assuming my best option is likely BT? They have quoted me for a package with their BT Vision TV, Wireless broadband and phone line for £28.99 a month, plus £11.54 a month line rental (Talk Surf and Watch package he called it). With that I get a free wirreless router. The equipment package is £45 but the installation is free. does that sound like my best option?