Is BT Anytime to blame for slow connection?

[Stan Sted]

Thanks for the advice, I will try an external modem.

In the meantime I have loaded a free AOL 100 hr trial (I say loaded, but the blasted thing seems to have completely taken over my computer) in the hope of trying to improve my surfing.

I had high hopes but found that AOL was stopping and starting just like my BT connection. For you techies out there, does this mean my computer is at fault?) I thought it was starting to point to 'puter overheating, modem malfunction etc, but lo, tonight, BT is whizzing along without a hitch albeit at a connection speed of 45,500 bps (whatever they are) whereas I managed to get only 44,000 bps from AOL. I have got a 56 bps modem, so shouldn't the connection be running at 56,000bps?

I have now forgotten the AOL password, so I am back to BT for tonight.

But it all seems pretty hopeless for anyone who wants to rely on the net for internet banking, share dealing, etc etc. You could build and paint an Airfix 1.72 scale Spitfire in the time I was waiting for my BT link to crank up again after stopping for no apparent reason after 10 mins use earlier this morning.

If there is no improvement in the next few weeks I will have to try broadband and shell out £30 a month.