We had been with Sky for 12 months up to 2 months ago when we switched back to TalkTalk.

Since the switch the best download speed we have managed is 2.6 Mbps (with the router in the test socket).

With Sky the line was stable with a speed just under 4 Mbps (router not in master socket).

Before Sky it was over 3.5 Mbps with TalkTalk (router not in master socket).

Our long line means we are never going to get as high as 5 Mbps and have no chance of fibre for the forseeable future as we have an Exchange Only line.

I've spent the last 6 weeks conversing with the OCEs on the TalkTalk broadband help forum trying to establish the cause of the speed reduction.

Several different routers have been tried.
I'm sure there's not a problem with our line.
The OCEs have reported there's no line fault.
TalkTalk Network Team can find no line fault.
They are now suggesting an engineer visit to investigate further. If no fault is found (as we all expect) then this will cost me £65 and not gain any improvement.


I now firmly believe that the reduced line rate I'm getting is purely down to the algorithm that the TalkTalk SDLM uses. I have asked the OCE to confirm this so we can save everyone the bother of further investigations but they are unwilling to do this.

TalkTalk apparently rolled out their new DLM system nationwide in January. I've read many unresolved threads of people with no line faults having reduced speed since this was implemented.

Those lucky enough to be closer to their exchange may not have experienced or be aware of a 1 Mbps reduction in speed but we are about 4km from our exchange so this makes a big difference to us.


So my question is... Has anyone with a long stable TalkTalk line NOT experienced a 30%+ reduction in download speed with the TalkTalk SDLM?