I have recently returned to the UK and need to setup a broadband connection. I was previously in the U.S and had a T1 connection from the wall outlet so just plugged in and went. My usage is about 2-3 gb per month. I will probably only want this for 18 months before I move again so don’t want to get tied into expensive contracts. Also does anyone know how my T1 line would compare to 2mb connections available here in the UK?
I have looked at AOL and BT Broadband they seem to be about the same price although I’m not sure if I can use outlook with AOL anyone know ?

If anyone has any other recommendations please let me know. I already have a BT phoneline.

Thanks

Viva.

Have a look at Plusnet (http://www.plus.net). Their basic package is £14.99/month, and there's all sorts of various activation options depending on how long you intend to stay with them. I have a Plusnet connection and have found it to be fast and reliable, and their customer service has been excellent (and you get to speak to someone in England that you can understand). Whatever you do, do NOT go anywhere near NTL, who are at the opposite end of the scale. I had them in my university house last year, and although the connection was usually OK the customer service, when needed, was an absolute disgrace.

Freenetname are about the same price as above, but you also get a free domain name of your choice, which might be useful to you.

You also get a free modem.

I for one wouldn't go near AOL!

I have had NTL for more years than I can remember, no problems.

I think a T1 connection is around 1.5mb so a 2mb connection will be a little faster.

Check with http://www.adslguide.org.uk - all UK providers, prices, packages lsited.

I heard today that one of the phone companies is about to start offering free broadband if you have your phone with them... Should start a price war! :ok:

NDO now known as Namesco are one of the best ISP's and offer really good deals. Voted best ISP by several computer mags for level of service.

Check there site for info.

http://www.names.co.uk/testimonials.html

Ive never had any problems with them even after they changed from NDO to Namesco.

Another vote for plusnet - merely because I have used them since I was able to go broadband in '03 and had no problems.

P.P.

I have my broadband from Pipex and it has never in three years caused me a problem but, it costs £23.43 for 2.2mb download and I will be getting a new ISP.

in recent weeks there have been 'noises' that vast changes are taking place. For instance, BT broadband for free. Yesterday, Car Phone Warehouse doing the same providing you use their 'Talk Talk' phone. I do and that costs £12 per month plus vat which includes all normal calls for free. Plus BT quarterly charges at circa £31.

My personal feeling is that offers will abound very soon so I am going to wait just a little longer.

Don't go near Bulldog. They are unbelievably bad.:mad:

you can use AOL with outlook you just need to adjust the settings when you set it up

HI,

I recommend Plusnet also, or who I am with Force9, the same company but different names, PlusNet is the parent company.

Very Very Good Service, now offering 8mb for 14.99 a Month, and exsisting custermers are getting free upgrades.

Heres the link if you want:

Force 9 (http://portal.f9.net.uk/my/mydiscount_info/landing_page.html?WRKUh%2Fz%2FuZ5dXmEjImm%2BIB92uU9MG7MP7KvpbRbgGuE%3D)

Regards

Advertising removed - mod.

Anyone have any views on 'talk talk' broadband (free for ever)?
H49

I have my broadband from Pipex and it has never in three years caused me a problem but, it costs £23.43 for 2.2mb download and I will be getting a new ISP.
in recent weeks there have been 'noises' that vast changes are taking place. For instance, BT broadband for free. Yesterday, Car Phone Warehouse doing the same providing you use their 'Talk Talk' phone. I do and that costs £12 per month plus vat which includes all normal calls for free. Plus BT quarterly charges at circa £31.
My personal feeling is that offers will abound very soon so I am going to wait just a little longer.

PPRune Pop...Snap, same as you, I'm with Pipex. Like you I'm waiting for the the dust to settle from the CarPhone Warehouse offer.

Can I suggest we start a sticky for this issue in this sub-forum as this issue is going to become important methinks! :ok:

If you get it Telewest Blueyonder Broadband is the best in my opinion - it might a cost a bit more than ADSL via a BT exchange but in return you get a quality, reliable and efficient service. They provide and maintain the modem, Ethernet is supported by default, there's no bandwidth capping and their customer service is just amazing.

If you can't then Plus.net are equally as good, especially when it comes to customer service; they do it the old fashioned way i.e. they actually try hard to keep their customers happy, rather than their stakeholders.

I haven't looked into the Talk Talk free BB offer but I'd be willing to be you get the free service in exchange of high contention rate (http://www.broadbandwatchdog.co.uk/contention.php).

amofw

I just helped my sister switch to TalkTalk (Carphone Warehouse..

20.99 a month (BT monthly line rental included), free local, national and international calls (to 28 countries) plus free broadband up to 8Mb. Only downside is that, due to demand, the broadband won´t switch till June.

I looked at changing myself, but I live in the countryside with an unbundled exchange, so the price would be an extra tenner a month for the extra BT broadband equipment cost (total 31 instead of 21). Since I am working abroad and not making calls, its marginally cheaper for me to stay with my present TalkTalk tariff (11 pounds a month) and with my present ISP, Metronet, who have a flexible tariff depending upon usage. Since I am in Spain most of the time it works out at about 15 pounds a month.

I´ll probably switch when I get back home, but they reckon the TalkTalk offer will force the other telephone companies to match it - and force the other standalone ISPs out of business or into partnerships with the other telephone/cable operators.