BT Total Broadband installation - technical query

JamesU

Not too familiar with technical side of broadband, and checking out option of using BT total broadband. Enquired about a BT package with advertised speeds up to 20 Mb, and was told I could have up to 8Mb speeds initially, then around 12Mb from April 2011 onwards. But based on the links I have searched below, it looks possible to have the higher broadband speed straight away e.g average 7.5 Mbps (ADSL) or the higher average 12Mbps (ADSL+) speed depending on connection at the exchange.

Does anybody know if I should enquire on how I would be connected at the exchange and which would be the best to aim for (e.g ADSL2+ or ADSL2+annexM or 21CNWBC)? Or would the highest spec be offered by BT automatically anyway?

Also, is it correct that this BT broadband package is likely to be better than a non-unbundled 8mB O2 package (on a previous thread it was mentioned the "access" O2 package of 8mB/20 Gb cap would be sub-optimal due to contention issues. Hopefully this BT package would be better?

JamesU


From Sam Knows:

ADSL status: enabled 2001
ADSL Max status: enabled 2006
SDLS status: not available
21CN WBC status: enabled March 2010
FTTC status: not available


From BT wholesale:

http://www.btwholesale.com/pages/static/Community/Broadband_Community/Coverage/ADSL_Availibility_Checker.html#

Our test also indicates that your line currently supports an estimated ADSL Max broadband line speed of 7.5Mbps; typically the line speed would range between 6.5Mbps and 8Mbps.
Our test also indicates that your line currently supports an estimated ADSL2+ broadband line speed of 12Mbps; typically the line speed would range between 7Mbps and 17Mbps.
Our test also indicates that your line could support an estimated ADSL 2+ Annex-M broadband upstream line speed of 1Mbps and downstream line speed of 7Mbps; typically the downstream speed would range between 6Mbps and 8Mbps.

JamesU

Bump!

If BT wholesale say ADSL2+ broadband and ADSL 2+ Annex-M broadband are available at my exchange, does that mean I should receive one of these or does it depend on what BT are actually utilising commercially in the current broadband packages that are being offered?

If I may be limited to around 8Mb (see my post above) might go for a higher spec Virgin broadband cable installation instead, as this is also a possibility.

Anybody understand how the current BT total broadband packages on offer are connected at the exchange (ADSL2+ broadband or ADSL 2+ Annex-M broadband)? Thanks.

JamesU

Scho

James,

Have a look here regarding Annex-M;
http://www.annexm.com/

It seems that by their own chart at the bottom that the ADSL2+ setup is potentially faster and might be a better choice but I'm not sure.

Cable is faster than ADSL if you get the right package but its upto you, your budget etc. Can't say I'd recommend BT but that's your choice! ;o)

As an extra note: I'm not a Virgin fan-boi as am on O2 at least until I move at the end of the month!

JamesU

Scho, many thanks for this link, really appreciated as it is exactly what I needed to read and understand. All is clearer now and more consistent with what BT has already told me, and also what appears technically feasible based on BT wholesale/Sam Knows specs and info above.

Simple fact is that I am a bit of a dinosaur and once I have something set up that works to my satisfaction and needs, I tend to stick with it. But upgrading is very long overdue!

I also liked the idea of switching from BT to O2 but on my side that would mean an access package at 8Mb/20Gb cap which is fine based on my usage, but was concerned as to whether or not I would actually receive a suitable upgrade on this basis given an OP elsewhere mentioned there could be contention issues with O2 on the access package. So an open hand right now between a BT upgrade (current provider for, dare I say it, 10yrs), O2 access package non-LLU or Virgin cable at 20-50Mb (box at the house already but never used since moving here).

Just working through best technical option for an upgrade as cost is a secondary issue really. Regarding BT, to be fair I have been happy with the service for the best part of 10 yrs but I am only on 2Mb and paying a lot more for a sub-optimal spec than other OPs on BT on 8Mb+. Been having a torrid time trying to upgrade at BT and given I am not contractually obliged, if they are unable to get their act together following my request this week to simply upgrade me from 2Mb to 8Mb (as promised by e-mail last October!) I will simply ditch and switch. New Year's resolution: time to act on phone/internet and that may well involve leaving BT too unfortunately.

JamesU

Scho

Sounds like you're pretty clued up already.

I've heard nothing but bad things about O2 access as well so probably best to avoid. I was one of their main packages so can't really comment myself admittedly.

The main choices would be BT or Virgin then I guess but depends on how much hassle you're willing to go to. Always worth ringing up BT if you're with them and laying it out for a sales rep - tell them you want better or Virgin may get your custom. Also depends if you're attracted by the cable speeds, if not then it might be cheaper staying with BT. Virgin do a broadband only deal for £30 a month (£25 for the first 3) on a 12 month contract - comes with a £40 setup fee though. I'm tempted myself.