I have been using Freeserve for ages, and on the unlimited almost since it began. It has always connected first (or very occasionally second) time and the connection is almost always 45333 bps. If it isn't I just redial and always get it the second time. Not had any problems with disconnections.
But... a few days ago I couldn't connect. I rang BT who tested the line OK. I rang the 50p a minute Freeserve technical helpline. They said they had had a number of complaints from my area but to try again later. I did, no joy. I rang Freeserve again, and they ran some diagnostic (allegedly) which told them it was a fault at the exchange, which means I had to ring BT as BT run the exchanges. So...back to BT. They told me yes, the exchange was very busy. So I left my computer on permanent redial all evening and not once did it get a connection. So I rang BT again, and they told me it was Freeserves problem and refused to speak to me. I rang the complaints department who were very rude, told me it was Freeserve I had to call and promptly transferred me to the Sales Department at which point I filed an official complaint, paperwork and all.
However, it all seems to be back to normal tonight, fast connection, no probs at all.
Hopefully just a temporary glitch.
By the way, if you want to connect to Freeserve and are having problems you can still use the standard Freeserve number although you will pay 1p per minute.