ADSL vs. LLU (Local Loop Unbundling)

south_paw

Here's the thing, firstly I hear if you change from ADSL to a LLU provider (it's free) but then want to change back from LLU to ADSL (Max or otherwise) you incurr a charge as BT have to move you from the other provider back to them. Has Anyone else heard of this?

Secondly...if I'm with AOL Silver "up to 2meg" service getting 0.5megs max on a 3meg line (or so BT says) at ALL times, if I change to a LLU service provider like Sky...should I expect some sort of boost in speeds?

DslZoneUK say I can expect shy of 1meg on through an ADSL service.
They also say if I was using ADSL Max service I would see 6megs of a "up to 8meg" service.

ADSL, ADSL Max, LLU and SDSL are all available at my exchange.

I've not got much choice for providers as only AOL/CPW/TT are one of the only few LLU providers available. And they are all the same company. Figures!!! LOL

Anyone else been doing investigation trying to find out what they'd get through LLU/Max compared to the old fashioned ADSL?

I'd really like to hear. But beware I do hear moving away from a LLU serivce can be costly.:rolleyes:

MONEYSAVER_3

goto https://www.thinkbroadband.com

they will be able to help you with your query

feival

south_paw wrote: »

But beware I do hear moving away from a LLU serivce can be costly.:rolleyes:

True if you move back to BT but if you have cable you can move to Virgin Media (obviously a new line but you can keep your phone number) for only £25. From experience I can confirm their service is far superior to any ADSL service. I get 18.5Mbps no problem!

south_paw

According to samknows.com my exchange has no cable providers at my exchange.

We only have ADSL, SDSL, ADSL Max and a small varity of LLU.
So cable is no option. Doesnt Virgin have an ADSL package too?

DatabaseError

LLU can be a good thing (Sky, be, o2), or, as your case, a bad one. you have nothing to gain by lluing with AOL/CPW/TT, you could possibly end up even worse off.
if bt suggest you should get 3 meg, then there is possibly something wrong either with your internal wiring, or BTs. aol do have the capacity advise and to look into it, but i'd be more inclined to migrate to an ISP with a better CS reputation.

Woby_Tide

from my understanding the LLU charge for going back is only if you completely unbundle to someone like TalkTalk or Tiscali, if only the ADSL is unbundled and your phone line remains with BT then you only have a £45 charge to return from LLU if you so wish. But thats only my interpretation based on my reading to contemplate a switch to Be*

penrhyn

Some confusion in terms here.
ADSL (asynchronous digital subscriber line) is the technology used to get the broadband to the subscriber.
LLU (Local loop Unbundling) is the commercial practise where third party operators are given access to BTs last mile of copper to the subscriber.

south_paw

ADSL is up to 2megs.
ADSL MAX is up to 8megs.
ADSL2+ (or LLU) is up to 24megs.

I Know the difference...and LLU is to be treated as a better service than the 1st gen ADSL. I know that much. And moving away from ADSL1 in any form can only be a good thing.

When I check via DSL Zone UK they say:

ADSL Test:I should get 1megs out of 2megs service.
ADSL Max Test: Should get 6.3-7megs out of 8megs.
ADSL2+: Should get 16-22megs out of 24megs.

Most people let BT quote them what their line can support ADSL wise. And they leave it at that. WITHOUT asking about what their line can support via ADSL MAX & ADSL2+.

I asked BT what my line supported maximum...I got told 3megs.
I'm thinking now that I know the difference...I know what Broadband product to buy now.

south_paw

ADSL is affectec by traffic. And you end up with slower speeds. It needs 10 days to settle.

LLU doesn't need a 10 day settle time. And will give you the max your line can provide without cutting you back (within reason).

south_paw

Alhough some people do get LLU on ADSL1 via SKY and have to get the Tier 3 reps at SKY CS to change you onto ADSL2+.

It just happens sometimes.

penrhyn

Sorry to be a pedant but you are missing the point. ADSL in what ever flavour is used by BT, or an LLU operator like Sky to deliver broadband over copper pairs.
ADSL performance is affected by noise, distance from the exchange your own internal wiring etc. Your practical upload and download speeds will also be affected by congestion on the network etc.
You are correct in stating that their are different generations of ADSL which have improved the technology and that LLU operators have overtaken BT in installing the latest products.