Can't decide on new ISP, help please.

steveint

Hi, My BT Broadband contract is up now and I've been searching for a new ISP, but I can't seem to find the right one for me. I've read Martins article on the main site, but none of them seemed to be right.

This computer is a family computer and is used a lot, so I am classed as a "heavy user".
I've used netmeter to monitor the usage over the past few months and although one month it could be less than 10GB the next is over 40GB! Not including my PS3. So I need an ISP which has either high limits or unlimited downloads...

Only problem is, is that when I come in from work, it's obviously peak times and the speed is really slow, and all I want to do is chill out and do some online gaming. I can't do that because if I start to play on either the playstation or PC it disconnects or is unplayable due to the speed issue, so I would ideally like a consistent speed during peak times.

Any downloading that needs to be done, I'm quite happy to do that during the night, and although I'm reasonably sure (please correct me if it's not right) that online gaming doesn't use much bandwidth, it's that which would be done during peak times, and I don't want to get throttled for basically using my internet how I want to normally use it.

Anyway, I've rambled, I tried not to so I'll end this quick by just asking does anybody have any suggestions of a ISP which has either high or unlimited downloads and a good speed during peak times. A free router and connection would also be a huge, huge bonus. Price isn't too important, can't be more than I'm already paying bloody BT!

MAAF and Demon both have caught my eye, but it's so difficult to see the pro's and con's of ISP's. Also read MAAF were taken over by BT, who is who I am trying to get away from.

Many thanks for reading and I really appreciate any replies.

Belnahua

I recommend Demon, they're a bit steep at £17pm and 8Mb, but in the 3 years I've been with them, the service has only been down once.

I average 1.5Mb to 4Mb, although I suspect it's more my exchange than Demon itself, as we're quite remote, albeit close to the exchange.

The tech support is second to none, and have always been quick to respond, when I misconfigured my router! And they have a fall back dial up number, never used it though! Never had to!

I usually source the cheapest, as an MSE wanabee, but sometimes quality of service and reliability is more important.

mymatebob

My vote would go to o2

Unlimited usage and a variety of speeds and prices.
And UK based 24/7 helpline

S0litaire

Belnahua wrote: »

I recommend Demon, they're a bit steep at £17pm and 8Mb, but in the 3 years I've been with them, the service has only been down once.

I average 1.5Mb to 4Mb, although I suspect it's more my exchange than Demon itself, as we're quite remote, albeit close to the exchange.

The tech support is second to none, and have always been quick to respond, when I misconfigured my router! And they have a fall back dial up number, never used it though! Never had to!

I usually source the cheapest, as an MSE wanabee, but sometimes quality of service and reliability is more important.

+1 for Demon :j or look at Zen.co.uk both are good for heavy usage

also Demon usually set-up your router before you receive it so all you need to do is plug it in and go.

MoneyMiser

I would go for O2, Zen and Demon are over rated and over priced

MM

billycasper_2

I would recommend o2, just switched from virgin and had no problems. The good thing is if you have an o2 phone (contract or pay as you go) they will cut the price. I'm only on the lowest broadband but for£7.50 i'm not complaining

Belnahua

S0litaire wrote: »

+1 for Demon :j or look at Zen.co.uk both are good for heavy usage

also Demon usually set-up your router before you receive it so all you need to do is plug it in and go.

Sorry I should've clarified; When I signed up originally they were only offering a USB modem, and I went out and bought a wireless modem 2nd hand off of Ebay, only to have no instructions, to which Demon were very helpful in giving me the settings!

steveint

Thanks for your replies everyone.