Updated Find the cheapest broadband discussion thread

Davje

Wayneybabe wrote: »

I would not recomend Post Office to anyone! We signed up early December, got connected 16th January after a bunch of lies! since then we have filed 2 complaints due to the rude staff, and the lies we keep being told. Now our connection is constantly stalling, very slow and keeps disconecting completly. They demand 3 months worth of BB and rental upfront, but dont tell you this till you recieve the bill which is a few days after being connected, then only gives a few days to pay it!

Were now trying to get out of the contract, and find somewhere else to go to. I have never experienced such shoddy service as i have done from the Post Office!!

Just a shame we didnt check out other peoples reviews before signing up really.

I did not have this problem with them.I pay by monthly DD and do not have to pay any upfront. The router they sent me kept cutting out but when I asked for a new one it came quickly and was fine straight away. They even refunded me for the time I had the faulty router without being asked.The line is fast enough to run BBC i player, so thats OK with me. Could be your problems are due to your phone line rather than the ISP.

ding_is_back

Sagar_Fuzz wrote: »

They wouldn't give me a MAC code, however, saying as it was an 'unbundled package' one didn't exist. Is this correct?

This is illegal. Then HAVE to give you a MAC code unless you were tied into a contract, even then I think they are supposed to but can charge you for the rest of the contract.

'unbundled" is cr*p. They are just trying to cause you problems with changing providers, and are using the fact that you want seperate phone and BB providers as an excuse.

Ring them back and tell them they MUST provide a MAC code, all it is, is a code which tells your new provider the exact number that your BB/phoneline plugs into in the exchange. (its "sort of" your BB phone number/postcode for want of a better analogy...)

PS Im with talk talk and they're rubbish.
Advertised and paid for speed 8Mb
Line speed (actual line capability) 7.6Mb

Speedtest results
speedtest.net/result/1127108293.png 2.14Mb
speedtest.net/result/1127110771.png 1.67Mb


and I know the lines fine, it was 6Mb before christmas...

poppy10_2

Sagar_Fuzz wrote: »

I noticed on Plusnet's wesbite it said you have to have a BT landline or a plusnet one, to get the service Martins was talking about. Is this true? Can't believe Martin's researchers would have missed this!

I think you're the one that missed it, it's right there in Martin's article:





Almost all standard broadband providers require a BT landline (or for you to take out their own phone option), it's not unusual.

Patr100

ding_is_back wrote: »

This is illegal.

Not necessarily if the following applies:

Reasons for refusal

If the service is provided over an MPF or "fully unbundled" network (where the ISP provides Broadband, Line Rental and Calls together)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migration_Authorisation_Code

If you get lines , calls & BB with Talk Talk then seems the above may apply.

Fully Unbundled Lines (MPF)

Fully unbundled ISPs, such as Bulldog and parts of Tiscali UK, Orange and TalkTalk’s network, take total ownership of the voice line and broadband service. MPF lines are not yet fully covered by Ofcom’s migration rules, thus while they have no problem taking inbound (you joining them) migrations, you may experience issues when trying to leave.

http://www.ispreview.co.uk/new/complain/common_isp_complaints_migration.php

Patr100

motorphotos wrote: »

what really makes me laugh is this business of 'Cheap Broadband etc' which when you compare what you have now suddenly isnt that cheap !!!

I have a totally unlimited download connection (and thats unlimited as not subject to some fair use policy !!!!) and in the evening when my kids come round I can have two base units 3 laptops and 3 iphones connected over the wireless internet and any one time plus the vodaphone sure signal and a broadband phone system

I have no use for anything faster tham 8mb as I am so far away from the exchange thats its the fastest I will ever get despite what I am told by salesmen and I cannot get virgin as they have not laid the cables in my area

So what I would like is to be able to compare like for like and not just be told that I could save x amount when in reality I would need to downgrade what I have and get a reduced srevice to save money

Oh one last thing I would also like a free phone dial in number in case my router goes down - Ahh I have that already

So all in all when I compare this to Be's pro service which is closest to what I have then I save ...... nothing

So dont be fooled by just the price sometimes you have to pay to get the service you need and I know I am propably in a minority with my usage as I run a business form home etc but there must be other people in a similar position

So who is your present BB supplier and how much are you paying then?

argeetee

joeypesci wrote: »

No. If you're far from a decent exchange then your broadband maybe/will be limited. Although they are cable providers. Try a normal phoneline one. I use Xilo.net

More expensive than the average provider but then it's because they are good. Virtually no caps, constantly fast speeds, excellent customer service and monthly contract so can drop out whenever I want. Require a BT line I believe.

Xilo look pretty good on service and monthly cost BUT there might be a sting when it comes to migration fees.... Their FAQ includes...

Q. Do you support migrations and is there a minimum contract period?
A. Yes, you can migrate to and from us. Inbound migrations from another provider can take up to 7 days and attract a one-off fee of £11 (IPStream) or £40 (LLU) + VAT.

Q. Is there a charge to cancel my service?
A. If you want to cancel your service there is a charge of £25 + VAT. This does not apply to certain outbound migrations.

Otherwise I might have been tempted

Sagar_Fuzz

poppy10 wrote: »

I think you're the one that missed it, it's right there in Martin's article:





Almost all standard broadband providers require a BT landline (or for you to take out their own phone option), it's not unusual.

OK, thanks! Does that mean that now I am with Talk Talk, I am tied in? I get my calls and broadband from them and line rental. How do I get out of it? If I cancel Talk talk services, who will I end up paying line rental to?! Really worried, as I have cancelled it for Monday. Should I cancel the cancel? Or will I convert automatically back to BT, and can start the process from scratch?
Argh, who thought it would be so hard!

alex69

I am currently on VM but looking to move to O2 to lower the bill. I tried to subscribe to the BB service only (ie no phone) but it's asking me for my phone line. I have a line in the flat but it's been disconnected for a few years. Does it mean O2 will not offer BB only unless with an existing phone line?

spud17

alex69 wrote: »

I am currently on VM but looking to move to O2 to lower the bill. I tried to subscribe to the BB service only (ie no phone) but it's asking me for my phone line. I have a line in the flat but it's been disconnected for a few years. Does it mean O2 will not offer BB only unless with an existing phone line?

How do you think the BB will reach your property if you don't have a phone line?

You need a line, and whether you use it or not you will have to pay a rental for that service.

poppy10_2

Sagar_Fuzz wrote: »

OK, thanks! Does that mean that now I am with Talk Talk, I am tied in? I get my calls and broadband from them and line rental. How do I get out of it? If I cancel Talk talk services, who will I end up paying line rental to?! Really worried, as I have cancelled it for Monday. Should I cancel the cancel? Or will I convert automatically back to BT, and can start the process from scratch?
Argh, who thought it would be so hard!

You've already got a BT based landline, you don't need to do anything else, just wait for the transfer to go through.