If you have connection or speed prblems problems with ADSL and your line is with BT ask your ISP to 'WOOSH' tests. This will usually identify if the problem is in the exchange or is a line fault. My experience (working for an educational ISP) is that 80% of adsl problems are line related. Also with 300+ ADSL schools on our network ADSL is VERY reliable, but when a problem hits a connection it can sometimes be very hard to pin down where the problem is. It has in the past taken us up tp 4 weeks and 5 BT engineer visits to sort out a problem.
My advice is keep pushing and br patient!