Tech: Iinternet service providers? UK

Subject: Tech: Iinternet service providers?
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 04:13 AM

I've been using Virgin broadband as my provider for about 3 years now and been satisfied in that it provides what I want. I use the internet a little for research for my teaching work, going to a few folkie sites and pretty basic stuff. I dont download films or music, so I suppose I don't need high download speeds.
I pay around £12 per month to BT for my line rental and £14.99 to Virgin for their services. A total of about £27 per month.
I've been telephone canvassed by Talk-Talk who offer a complete package for £16.99 per month.Free broadband, £10.99 line rental and cheap calls.This has a £30 connection fee and a compulsory 18 month contract.I should point out that I use the phone very little. Has anyone out ther in Mudland any experience of this outfit Talk-talk and know whether they provide a good service? Can anyone inform me of the possible drawbacks to changing over. It looks like I could save myself £10 per month, but will it be worth it in the long run? Any advice appreciated.
Regards
Andy

Subject: RE: Tech: Iinternet service providers?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 04:42 AM

Virgin Media can be bargained with.
They used to charge me around £40 per month for broadband/landline/digital TV.
When I applied for their £10 per month broadband only they offered all three services for £20 + calls but including line rental.
Why pay BT for a line?

Subject: RE: Tech: Iinternet service providers?
From: Rasener
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 04:53 AM

Is this the one you mean http://www.thinkbroadband.com/isp/talktalk/package/641.html

If you haven't already done it, go to this page and scrioll down and put your telephone numbar and Postcode in and find out if you can actually get free Broadband. Very important as you may have to pay an extra £15 a month for broadband on top.

http://www.talktalk.co.uk/talktalk/servlet/gben-home-Home?portalId=GOO_BRA&promotionId=GOT0795&adgroup=BR_Pure_TalkTalk_brand

Subject: RE: Tech: Iinternet service providers?
From: Rasener
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 04:56 AM

Which one are you on Diane, the 2mb or 8mb package. In principle Andy only needs 2MB download, if he sticks with his current policy.

Subject: RE: Tech: Iinternet service providers?
From: Carol
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 06:05 AM

I couldn't get the 'free' broadband where I live from Talktalk and did hear they couldn't cope with all the customers wanting to change anyhow!
I've a package from Orange which includes line rental, a VOIP second line with free 01 and 02 calls anytime, plus a lot of free international ones which I don't suppose I'll ever use, up to 8mg broadband, free wireless router, they call a LiveBox and free evening and weekend calls on the original line for £24 per month, had to sign up for 18 months. I think they've also some reduction on the first three months. So far it's a good service.

Subject: RE: Tech: Iinternet service providers? UK
From: Grab
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 11:26 AM

If you're in an area that has NTL cable, that's actually a good bet - you combine calls and internet in one, plus you get the extra TV features (film on demand, "watch again" for programmes you've missed, etc.). My experience (in two separate houses) has been that technicians were there dead on time to hook it up, and it's been nice and reliable. Getting through on the phone can be tough, especially at peak times, but that's no different to any other large organisation.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Tech: Iinternet service providers? UK
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 11:40 AM

NTL has been swallowed up Virgin Media, as has Telewest.

Subject: RE: Tech: Iinternet service providers? UK
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 03:40 PM

Diane,
Have spoken to a work colleague who has the package you describe. £20 per month+calls, no BT payment, and digital TV. Sounds good. It would save me £7 to £8 per month and I won't have the hassle of changing to a new provider.The £80-odd pounds I save per annum will pay for half the car road tax!I will get onto Virgin's website straight away and investigate further.Thanks to all who have contributed.

Regards

Andy