Cheapest Broadband Provider Discussion Area

pmoran

Simply-Fone seem to be charging 15p. not 3p as stated

Simpson

gary38uk wrote:

ISP's using Datastream connections (Tiscali, Bulldog etc) are the ones that are being complained about most on many ADSL forums. This is because BT, under OFCOM rulings, had to open their exchanges up for the sake of competition. Since they had to do this, it now allows ISP's to install there own equipment in the exchange. This is the key to Datastream services.

A Datastream provider can install a 2Mbit circuit into a telephone exchange, but this immediatly causes contention issues, as the capacity to run thousands of connections is not specifically there from the offset.

The main issue currently facing Datastream broadband providers is the speed that users can access the Internet and email services. Because the ISP routes traffic through its own network, the more users on board directly affects the speed in which users can use the Internet. The busier a telephone exchange, the worse the connection speed becomes.

IPStream Broadband Providers (BT, Proweb etc) channel all customers down a 155Mbit network circuit. This is fed directly onto a BT controlled network, which gives us a balanced speed. The number of users connected to the exchange does not affect the connection speeds, as it is a completely balanced network, regulated by OFCOM



as they are different systems you can not migrate.

Thats the best explanation I've seen.

Thanks

Now we know why Virgin don't require a contract eh.

theloft

gary38uk How can you tell if an ISP is Datastream or IPStream before one signs up. I am still on steam powered dial-up with Fast4, which is fine and cheap BUT is slow at downloading (especially e-mails with vids. or photos.) so would like to change but have been waiting for the right deal. Also if you have to sign up for 12 months and the company goes belly up which has happened to a lot of ISPs, then you are up **** creek without a paddle so to speak. Any observations ?

BigAde

theloft wrote:

gary38uk How can you tell if an ISP is Datastream or IPStream before one signs up. I am still on steam powered dial-up with Fast4, which is fine and cheap BUT is slow at downloading (especially e-mails with vids. or photos.) so would like to change but have been waiting for the right deal. Also if you have to sign up for 12 months and the company goes belly up which has happened to a lot of ISPs, then you are up **** creek without a paddle so to speak. Any observations ?

Quite.
I'm presently with Virgin ADSL and am looking to move to a cheap monthly contract 512K uncapped IPStream provider. Am considering ADSL4Less, but don't know all the details. Where can you find out if a service is IPStream or DataStream?

gary38uk

derrick wrote:

Hi, I am on a 24/7 with Virgin but have just been hit by a £19.50 premium rate dialled number I knew nothing about,will Broadband stop these numbers being dialled?
If not what can I do to stop premium rate numbers as I am with Onetel and they say they cannot block 09 numbers! Is it true that Norton Antivirus will stop 09 numbers and where is cheapest place to purchase?
Sorry if this is on the wrong page but I am new to this and am not sure. Any advice will be gratefully appreciated. Thanks.
Derrick

yes ADSL will stop it as you are no longer connected to the normal telephone line (remember to unplug you old telephone line in you dial-up modem)

gary38uk

theloft wrote:

gary38uk How can you tell if an ISP is Datastream or IPStream before one signs up. I am still on steam powered dial-up with Fast4, which is fine and cheap BUT is slow at downloading (especially e-mails with vids. or photos.) so would like to change but have been waiting for the right deal. Also if you have to sign up for 12 months and the company goes belly up which has happened to a lot of ISPs, then you are up **** creek without a paddle so to speak. Any observations ?

can only but ask them i guess?

many isp's have a 1 or 3 month contract. i would not sign for 12.

RaihanT

theloft wrote:

gary38uk How can you tell if an ISP is Datastream or IPStream before one signs up. I am still on steam powered dial-up with Fast4, which is fine and cheap BUT is slow at downloading (especially e-mails with vids. or photos.) so would like to change but have been waiting for the right deal. Also if you have to sign up for 12 months and the company goes belly up which has happened to a lot of ISPs, then you are up **** creek without a paddle so to speak. Any observations ?

If you want to know quickly if your isp is data/ipstream go to adslguide.org.uk and go to their message boards. Generally if you ask there or look around threads already posted, youll find your answer

Den

RaihanT wrote:

your right jo never saw that it was only 1 port (its was 4 port when i signed up). this means that you wouldnt be able to use this to connect more than 1 computer, however, you can ebay it and get a 4 port one. checking the prices, a 4 port one is coming in at about 30 max and you can sell the other one.

You don't need to buy another router, just buy a Switch with many ports as you need.

Basic network setup:

1 Scenario: Tel/Internet line -> ADSL Router (1 port) -> Computer

2 Scenario: Tel/Internet line -> ADSL Router (4 port) -> 4 Computers

3 Scenario: Tel/Internet line -> ADSL Router (1 or more ports) -> Switch (4 and more ports) -> from 1 Computer to the number of your ports on the Switch (i.e. if 4 port switch - connect max 4 computers).

I hope that did not repeated anyone.

JimArnold

They just seem too slow to react and drop their prices or increase the speed I want an unlimited deal

Questions
ADSL4less are cheap but do they provide USEnet access - can't see anything on their site. Do any other of the cheap providers?

If I go AOL and get the faster speed do I have to use their software - as you did with the old dial up?

Now I suspect that PIPEX will eventually catch up but as a matter of principle we Moneysavers must give them a nudge the only way we can

RaihanT

JimArnold wrote:

They just seem too slow to react and drop their prices or increase the speed I want an unlimited deal

Questions
ADSL4less are cheap but do they provide USEnet access - can't see anything on their site. Do any other of the cheap providers?

If I go AOL and get the faster speed do I have to use their software - as you did with the old dial up?

Now I suspect that PIPEX will eventually catch up but as a matter of principle we Moneysavers must give them a nudge the only way we can

i can't answer all your questions but I can tell you that with AOL, there is a small program called 'AOL dialler' that allows u to log onto their network without using their software.