A good broadband provider?

star2007

Hi,

This is my first query I've posted on here, so please be gentle.

After 6+ weeks since activation waiting for Orange to fix my line, I've given up hope of ever getting online with them and cancelled (see my other post at http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=454383)

I'm sure trying to get anywhere with Orange broadband was one of the tribulations in Dante's Inferno? Abandon hope all ye who try to go online with us :mad:

So, anyway, I'm in the market for a new broadband provider.

Here are my criteria:

1) reliability, reliability, reliability
2) good customer service
3) value for money
4) no download limits (or at least 15 GB p/m)
5) no port blocking or traffic shaping (ie not blocking file sharing software - I am responsible & only moderately use at off peak times)

Also, having been with Orange, will I have been on LLU (which I don't really understand)? Will this mean I have migration issues and have to pay an upfront activation fee with the new ISP? I have requested a MAC code from Orange, but they said that some ISP's wouldn't recognise it, & I'd have to go back to Orange to get it cleared to start afresh over again.

Can anyone comment on their experiences with the following ISP's:
The Phone Co-op
Green ISP
ADSL 24
BT
or any other positive recommendations?

Many thanks in advance for your help,

Star xx

opportunity_cost

For LLU info see:
What is Local Loop Unbundling?

Given what Orange is telling you, you've quite possibly been LLU'ed. That may result in your migration taking a bit longer, but you should not incur any activation costs if you choose one of the following ISPs:
Current known ISP's accepting LLU MAC's

I've never heard of The Phone Co-op or Green ISP. The only info I could find about either ISP was this post on the thinkbroadband forums. As for BT, well, it's the same as with the other former monopolies. They make their money from people who just don't like switching suppliers and will stick with them forever, so they have little incentive to improve their service and invariably provide poor value for money.

The Enta resellers (UKFSN, ADSL24, etc.), Zen and IDNet all fit your criteria and they all are highly rated. Check the ISP info/reviews at:
ISP ratings
thinkbroadband forums

moonrakerz

star2007 wrote: »

Here are my criteria:

1) reliability, reliability, reliability
2) good customer service
3) value for money
4) no download limits (or at least 15 GB p/m)
5) no port blocking or traffic shaping (ie not blocking file sharing software - I am responsible & only moderately use at off peak times)

Welcome to MSE !

I have been with Virgin, Tiscali and lastly PlusNet, I abandoned them all because of declining service.
I was paying PlusNet for a 2mB (best I can get @3.7k from the exchange) service, at times I was getting 56k - on broadband ! For £14.99/month.

I have moved to Zen for £24.99 a month.

1. I get reliability, reliability, reliability.
2. Their customer service is excellent and in the UK ! they answer the phone and respond to e-mail !
3. I believe I am getting what I am paying for
4. 20gB/month - pay more get more if you need it.
5. I don't know about traffic shaping etc, I am a similar user to what you seem to be, I am constantly getting over 1.9 mB.

I have said this before - with ISPs "you gets what you pays for".

markw5

I have been with Eclipse since October '06. I have always received good service from them.
When I joined they kept their promises about connection. Since then I have no complaints about the service they offer.
There has been one loss of service - due to a fault at the local exchange. They kept me informed by phone!
They have a UK call centre (in Exeter). They also have a direct dial number so if you do have a problem you don't have to use a premium rate number. So calling them using one of the cheaper call providers such as 18185 the call is free except for a 5p connection charge. Being on hold does not cost money.
I have found the technical back up exceptional. I have had problems with my PC connection, not their fault, and they have helped me to resolve it.
All in all I think they are good providers - and I have been a victim of Pipex in the past!
Cost per month £14.99 incl modem and unlimited download.
I work from home and use all the time.
Good luck with your search but do think of https://www.eclipse.co.uk for your provider.

opportunity_cost

It's nice to see someone saying something positive about Eclipse for a change, but Eclipse use traffic shaping so that's pretty much a no no for OP's requirement of 5) no port blocking or traffic shaping (ie not blocking file sharing software - I am responsible & only moderately use at off peak times)

BritBrat

Zen internet.
http://www.zen.co.uk/Broadband/athome.aspx

1) reliability, reliability, reliability <<<< Excelent, it works and works and keeps working.
2) good customer service <<< Excelent UK based professional IT, but you hardly ever need them.
3) value for money <<< You get what you pay for
4) no download limits (or at least 15 GB p/m) <<< Depends on pack 20 - 50 I think, you can always add more for a cost.
5) no port blocking or traffic shaping (ie not blocking file sharing software - I am responsible & only moderately use at off peak times)<<< NONE AT ALL


One more thing, it's monthly contracts so you can leave anytime after giving 30 days notice. But trust me you won't leave.

Nothing more to say.

lindens

We have been with Zen for 2 months (after being with biscit ..grrrrrrrrr say no more) and they are fab. The sign up was painless, communication excellent, phone answered by staff who know what they are doing. And, you are only on a monthly contract so if you don't like them give a months notice and go with someone else. No brainer really.
Maybe we should start a Zen Appreciation Society!!

star2007

Hi guys,

thanks for your friendly & helpful responses.

I think I'm gonna go for one of the highly rated ones like Zen or Adsl 24, even tho' they are a bit more pricey. I've had so much stress the last couple of months just trying to get my line working, it'll be worth it just for the peace of mind. I'd rather pay £25 a month for excellent service, than a fiver a month for zero internet and worse than useless customer support.

Just need to get my mac code thru, then I can get on the great information fast lane :-)

Rikki

I'm with zen and I just pay for extra download when I need it. It stays banked until I use it all.

EDIT: Just to say when there was a problem with my line (bt's fault) zen delt with it quickly and efficiently. I was kept up to date with progress at every stage.

Lyncroft

Oh boy, I've been on hold to Pipex for coming up to an hour now trying to get a MAC. They are simply terrible. Spoken to 2 people who simply pass me on to someone else. Unbelievable.

Lyncroft

.................and now they've cut me off. The ***????!!!s