The main problem with cable in UK is that it's not available over 90% of the area. The cable companies (now reduced to one) only went for the high density areas, and a limited number of towns and cities at that.

Thornbury (pop 18,000) has cable. I'm 1.5 miles from the centre, 900 yards from the limit of cable. There's only 40 houses around us, and we're told the chances of cable are nil.

My ADSL gives about 2Mb - I'm 4.2 miles from the exchange along the wire - 1.8 miles in a straight line.

I get a good service from Nildram - includes 500 minutes a month of calls, anytime. I still have the BT line rental to pay.

Phil