Broadband Connection ONLY

tcritchley07

I am happy with Gmail functions but want a faster connection. I don't want another ISP as transferring all my Gmail stuff over (contacts, folders, emails etc etc) is/will be a pain. How do I just get a faster 'wire' and nothing else (willing to pay for it)?

Celyn

tcritchley07 wrote: »

I am happy with Gmail functions but want a faster connection. I don't want another ISP as transferring all my Gmail stuff over (contacts, folders, emails etc etc) is/will be a pain. How do I just get a faster 'wire' and nothing else (willing to pay for it)?

I suppose you compare the speeds offered by different ISPs.

However, I don't see why you would have to transfer your Gmail stuff. You can use Gmail (just like Hotmail etc) on any ISP, so you would keep your email just as you like it, and a change in the company you pay for broadband won't affect that.

Neil_Jones

tcritchley07 wrote: »

I am happy with Gmail functions but want a faster connection. I don't want another ISP as transferring all my Gmail stuff over (contacts, folders, emails etc etc) is/will be a pain. How do I just get a faster 'wire' and nothing else (willing to pay for it)?

Gmail isn't dependent on any particular provider, it's what called Webmail. Any internet enabled computer will let you get to it. This can be at home, the library, Timbuktu or at the top of Snowdonia.

If you change provider, you still go to the Gmail website and log in there same as you do now. Who you connect with in this regard makes no difference.

TadleyBaggie

Neil_Jones wrote: »

If you change provider, you still go to the Gmail website and log in there same as you do now.

Gmail can be accessed via any POP/IMAP client, no need to use the website at all. I access my Gmail account from both a laptop, phone and tablet but never use the website. The same principle apples however when switching ISPs, email access should would be exactly the same.

Neil_Jones

TadleyBaggie wrote: »

Gmail can be accessed via any POP/IMAP client, no need to use the website at all. I access my Gmail account from both a laptop, phone and tablet but never use the website. The same principle apples however when switching ISPs, email access should would be exactly the same.

May have to change SMTP server depending on the provider if you do it this way when you switch but that's about it. I had the impression the OP is using the website as they mention Gmail "functions" which presumably means the website features.

JJ_Egan

What does faster wire mean ?? What are you on now ??
UK faster is either Virgin Media or BT Infinity 2 fibre .

I have never had to transfer any GMail stuff when changing ISP .

tcritchley07

Thanks for all the solid replies. Most forums I ask s of put guesswork solns, in and not root cause solutions. These are straight to he point.
It's just that I was worried that the functions that Gmail provide might clash with those I am using in Gmail. I don't want my 'new' ISPs' diary, contact list, reminder function etc.; just the fast access from my PC to wherever I want to go on the internet to do whatever I wish to do. If I do take another ISP, I need to know what support there is a) from that ISP b) around on the internet in terms of speed hints and tips.' that is, I want to be able to ensure that the EFFECTIVE data rate I get is close to the SPECIFIED one. That said, which ISP meets this need or are they much of a muchness? Current speeds as about 2 Mbps Down, 0.85 Up.

Norman_Castle

I want to be able to ensure that the EFFECTIVE data rate I get is close to the SPECIFIED one.

If you're only getting 2mbps now its likely your connection speed is limited by your phone line. Changing provider is unlikely to improve that.

itstheone

Norman_Castle wrote: »

If you're only getting 2mbps now its likely your connection speed is limited by your phone line. Changing provider is unlikely to improve that.

This, unless you go for fibre (if it's available) or you live in a VM area.

Although saying this my father was getting the same speeds as you so he phoned up and there was a fault on the line. Finally got repaired and tripled his speed, ok not great speeds but good enough for what he wants.

If you put your postcode in here it'll tell you whats available and the speeds you can expect

https://www.samknows.com/broadband/broadband_checker

Neil_Jones

tcritchley07 wrote: »

I want to be able to ensure that the EFFECTIVE data rate I get is close to the SPECIFIED one. That said, which ISP meets this need or are they much of a muchness? Current speeds as about 2 Mbps Down, 0.85 Up.

Most providers will quote you on an UP TO package, typically up to 8Mbps or 17Mbps is the norm. There are still large chunks of this land that are lucky to get a 1Mbps connection.

Presumable you're on broadband over the telephone line, since you only have a 2Mbps connection. Moving provider is not really going to do a lot for you for speed. If you're in a cable area Virgin might be an option if its speed you're after but it won't be any cheaper (probably) than what you're paying now.

If you pop your number into this, it'll give you a rough idea of when you can get Fibre, the faster internet down the phone line:
https://www.homeandwork.openreach.co.uk/when-can-i-get-fibre.aspx

rusty_f

Line checks are your best bet for understanding the capabilities of your line. My grandparents were on a line that had a line estimate of 8-10Mbps but were only achieving around 2Mbps with their existing provider. Turned out congestion on the provider's network was the main issue and changing their provider gave them a speed increase to 8Mbps. Wouldn't have attempted it if I didn't run those checks first.

A speed check should also give you an indication as to whether Fibre/FTTC is available.

Also check Virgin Media's website to see if you are in their network area.