Re: Which broadband ISP?


"Paul Hutchings" <paul@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:paul-DB48B0.16080823102005@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> In article <1130074065.655063.125640@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
> iblair@xxxxxxx wrote:
>
>> I have an iMac 2Ghz, 1.5 GB RAM, OSX 10.4 and a standard BT line. I'd
>> prefer a dial-up anytime broadband service, not one where you pay by
>> the minute. I don't need bells and whistles, just a simple, fast,
>> reliable connection and some web space. I like Safari, but I've not
>> used the Mail application. If it's as good as Safari, it will be good
>> enough for me.
>
> One of the selling points of ADSL/Broadband is that it's an always-on
> connection, so although your modem or router makes a connection, once
> it's connected usually the connection stays up for days/weeks/months at
> a time - there is no need to "dial-up" in the manner that you do with a
> modem.
>
> There are lots of packages available depending on your level of usage,
> BT are now charging ISPs by the capacity they use, so most ISPs do a
> range of packages from cheap "capped" packages that include an a set
> amount of data transfer, right up to more expensive unlimited packages.
> Whilst there are some downsides to this (less and less truly uncapped
> ISPs) there is a plus side which is that it costs an ISP the same to
> provide X amount of data at 2mbps that it does at 512kbps, so most ISPs
> will simple put you on the fastest speed your phone line can support.
>
> The biggest tip I can offer whilst shopping around is read the small
> print, then read it again :-)
>
> Two things are worth knowing:
>
> BT charge an ISP approx £40+vat to enable a line for ADSL
> BT charge an ISP approx £8+vat a month to provide an ADSL circuit.
>
> Bear this in mind when you see ISPs offering "free connection and modem"
> as most do so on the understanding you stick with them for 1 year
> minimum, also bear it in mind when you see "unlimited" packages for £10
> a month.
>
> I'd suggest look at getting an ethernet ADSL modem/router rather than a
> USB modem, the USB modems do the job, but a router provides better
> security, and doesn't require drivers, so it's one less thing to "worry"
> about installing on your Mac.
>
> As for ISPs, to begin with I would look at the following to get a feel
> of what's available and at what prices:
>
> www.metronet.co.uk
> www.newnet.co.uk
> www.zen.co.uk
> www.pipex.com
> www.freedom2surf.com
> www.eclipse.net.uk
>
> cheers,
> Paul
> --
> paul@xxxxxxxxxxx

Hi,
I'd have a close look at pipex. We've had it for 18 months now,
and it only crashed once in that era. I hear lots of bad stuff about
other ISP's, but rarely about pipex.
Regards,
Rob E.


.

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