Broadband In The Uk

Swirl1Swirl1 Join Date: 2004-04-20 Member: 28041Members
in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">need some advice</div>posted this in tech support as well, but it seems not many ppl read that part of the forum :P

here goes:

I recently moved to England from South Africa, and im looking to install a broadband connection. What would you guys reccomend - specifically service provider and what type of connection.

Currently Im looking at 512k ADSL, but with all the providers to choose from, and not really having much experience with any of them either, i would like some help on this :P . I want something that is really stable and reliable, and would give good pings to US servers as well.

Any help appreciated, thanks.
Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome

Comments

  • VenmochVenmoch Join Date: 2002-08-07 Member: 1093Members
    I'd say Blueyonder Broadband. Its proper broadband (Rather than using your phoneline for it, its a dedicated Broadband line) and the basic package of about £30 gets you a 750kbs connection.

    Only drawback? You need to be in a location that has all the wires installed by Blueyonder. So some areas can't get it.

    <a href='http://www.blueyonder.co.uk/blueyonder/getContent.jspx?page=home' target='_blank'>Blueyonder</a>
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • EmseeEmsee Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16644Members, Constellation
    edited May 2004
    I'm on Pipex ADSL. It's a good, solid and stable service. The most downtime I've had (That I can remember) is about 5-10 mins at 3am and they gave me 3 days notice.
    Approx 30 ping to most UK servers and for US servers about 100-150. not too bad. I've had no complaints. It's about £24 per month (I Think), but they occasionally do offers on connection etc. So it's worth checking out the site.

    Also they do an excellent netmail service, so you can access your ISP e-mail accounts via the web like hotmail etc so it's alot safer and more convieniant. I've never used OE ect since. Probably part of the reason why i've been virus free for about 18 months.

    *Edit*
    Forgot link to list of home services.
    <a href='http://www.solo.pipex.net/xtreme-solutions/?service=solo500lite&PIPEXSESSID=50e9398bcfb05e02691ed17b00f49b50' target='_blank'>Clickeh</a>
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • RueRue Join Date: 2002-10-21 Member: 1564Members
    edited June 2004
    I'm with OneTel and never had any probelms with them, been with them for 2 years with my ADSL and 56k.
    If anything goes wrong there Customer Services is amazing, only needed them once and they sent a someone around in 2 working days to fix it <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
    They have also just reduced their charges for the 512k package to 23.99/pm
    I almost sound like a salesman <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    Anyway the webby is <a href='http://onetel.co.uk' target='_blank'>Here</a>

    As Venmoch said however if your in a Cable area , then you would be better getting BlueYonder as its faster and cheaper.


    Edit: Speeling, Grammer Mistakes <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Swirl1Swirl1 Join Date: 2004-04-20 Member: 28041Members
    edited May 2004
    Im currently considering bulldogdsl ( www.bulldogdsl.com ), though i am open to other packages. Their 512k packages look really good. Anyone know anything about their service (quality and stability)?

    Thanks again for the response.

    edit: Im currently using Tiscali 512k (its a home computer which every1 in the house uses) and im not impressed at all. It drops frequently, and sometimes we have trouble getting online. I havnt tested the line for gaming yet though, as the pc is not suited for gaming (8 meg 2x agp Ati rage = gg <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> )
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • EmseeEmsee Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16644Members, Constellation
    You could try <a href='http://www.adslguide.org.uk/' target='_blank'>adslguide.co.uk</a> for alot of infomation. Their <a href='http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/' target='_blank'>forums</a> have a section for each ISP, so users can give feedback.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • BigMadSteveBigMadSteve Join Date: 2003-02-12 Member: 13472Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Venmoch+May 30 2004, 09:15 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Venmoch @ May 30 2004, 09:15 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'd say Blueyonder Broadband. Its proper broadband (Rather than using your phoneline for it, its a dedicated Broadband line) and the basic package of about £30 gets you a 750kbs connection.

    Only drawback? You need to be in a location that has all the wires installed by Blueyonder. So some areas can't get it.

    <a href='http://www.blueyonder.co.uk/blueyonder/getContent.jspx?page=home' target='_blank'>Blueyonder</a> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I use Blueyonder's 1.5 broadband. It's superb. Free installation and £35. I know someone who is using "Wannado" and he seems happy with them.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • amarcamarc Guide Scribe Join Date: 2003-06-03 Member: 16982Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Supporter
    I use <a href='http://www.zen.co.uk' target='_blank'>Zen</a> 512/256k ADSL - great service & customer support.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • MonkfishMonkfish Sonic-boom-inducing buttcheeks of terrifying speed&#33; Join Date: 2003-06-03 Member: 16972Members
    If you can get it , blueyonder deffinately , lowest package is 750/128 for £27.99 (thats without having a blueyonder phone line or tv package) and with either a phone line or tv its £25 a month , well worth it
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • AngelusAngelus Join Date: 2002-12-14 Member: 10810Members, Constellation
    edited May 2004
    <!--QuoteBegin-amarc+May 30 2004, 09:50 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (amarc @ May 30 2004, 09:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I use <a href='http://www.zen.co.uk' target='_blank'>Zen</a> 512/256k ADSL - great service & customer support. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I'm the same as this guy... Great thing about Zen is theres a Zen Techie right here on these boards.... <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> easy to shout at if something goes wrong... which RARELY happens. Only ever had one problem, and that was a problem with our router itself (so we found out about 2 days later)
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • FamFam Diaper-Wearing Dog On A Ball Join Date: 2002-02-17 Member: 222Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    Blueyonder for cable, or Zen for ADSL.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • NecroticNecrotic Big Girl&#39;s Blouse Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 53Members, NS1 Playtester
    Another vote from a happy ZenADSL customer.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • RueRue Join Date: 2002-10-21 Member: 1564Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Swirl.+May 30 2004, 09:33 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Swirl. @ May 30 2004, 09:33 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Im currently considering bulldogdsl <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    dont ever get this, and the guy is next door has this and it is very poor , he doesnt get very fast download speeds and not a great service alround.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Seph_KimaraSeph_Kimara Join Date: 2003-08-10 Member: 19359Members
    I use BT broadband. It works great, costs around the same as all the other packages mentioned here..I get average ping of 100-150 to US servers, UK servers range between 10-50. Then again, I'm in London.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • GeminosityGeminosity :3 Join Date: 2003-09-08 Member: 20667Members
    edited May 2004
    Tried BT's ADSL and I've got Blueyonder. Blueyonder all the way!!! XD

    No downtime, period, you'll get LAN-style pings to other blueyonder users and they've even got a neat FTP storing lots of gamefiles, patches and stuff.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • BigMadSteveBigMadSteve Join Date: 2003-02-12 Member: 13472Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Geminosity+May 31 2004, 06:23 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Geminosity @ May 31 2004, 06:23 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Tried BT's ADSL and I've got Blueyonder. Blueyonder all the way!!! XD

    No downtime, period, you'll get LAN-style pings to other blueyonder users and they've even got a neat FTP storing lots of gamefiles, patches and stuff. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Almost there. I've been offline quite a few times. The first time was caused by dodgy cables, second time by a dodgy box and last time cables at their main building got severed by an explosion.

    And that FTP server rocks <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • NecroticNecrotic Big Girl&#39;s Blouse Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 53Members, NS1 Playtester
    The ftp isn't restricted to blueyonder users I'd like to point out ;p
    I guess you get nice download rates from it though....
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Swirl1Swirl1 Join Date: 2004-04-20 Member: 28041Members
    Thanks for the input. i ran comparisons on adslguide.org.uk and it seems that they also agree that Zenadsl and blueyonder are the way to go. I would like to ask you guys using Zen / Blueyonder to ping this ip for me please: 196.4.79.17:27015 - its a server in south africa. I know of players in the UK that ping 150 to that server, and seeing as i still have clan responsibilities in SA, i would still like to play there.

    Another question: anyone using the netgear adsl routers? What do you think of them?
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    Blueyonder gets my vote <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    Zen... zen... zen... as in Play Zen?
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • BigMadSteveBigMadSteve Join Date: 2003-02-12 Member: 13472Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Swirl.+Jun 1 2004, 02:44 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Swirl. @ Jun 1 2004, 02:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Thanks for the input. i ran comparisons on adslguide.org.uk and it seems that they also agree that Zenadsl and blueyonder are the way to go. I would like to ask you guys using Zen / Blueyonder to ping this ip for me please: 196.4.79.17:27015 - its a server in south africa. I know of players in the UK that ping 150 to that server, and seeing as i still have clan responsibilities in SA, i would still like to play there.

    Another question: anyone using the netgear adsl routers? What do you think of them? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I just tried it out for you and my ping was sitting at about 500 all the time.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • AngelusAngelus Join Date: 2002-12-14 Member: 10810Members, Constellation
    edited June 2004
    <!--QuoteBegin-Swirl.+Jun 1 2004, 02:44 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Swirl. @ Jun 1 2004, 02:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Another question: anyone using the netgear adsl routers? What do you think of them? <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Used to have one of the NetGear ADSL routers. Absolutely brilliant, until there was a slight problem with the firmware that, even though later versions fixed it, we couldn't do sod all with the firmware on ours.

    Easy to set up, open ports, etc. Great hardware firewall aswell. Aint much getting past it.


    And Jimmeh, yes, Zen as in PlayZen <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    Edit - Average of about 430 ping here, thats on 512K Zen ADSL.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Jimmeh+Jun 1 2004, 07:12 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Jimmeh @ Jun 1 2004, 07:12 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Blueyonder gets my vote <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    Zen... zen... zen... as in Play Zen? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    yeah, shockwave does the gaming stuff for zen, hence playzen


    and I believe he works there as well >_< suprised not to see him in this thread
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    as I don't live in the UK, I don't know ISPs...

    however:

    <a href='http://www.dslreports.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.dslreports.com/</a>

    I don't know if they do UK stuff or not, but alot of people use em, so you can see whats good in YOUR area.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Swirl1Swirl1 Join Date: 2004-04-20 Member: 28041Members
    Oh well, its not a huge loss of i cant play on SA servers from here, there are loads more servers here, and i can play on US servers from here as well with decent ping which makes it all worth it (not to mention a player base of 500x the size of SA)

    :P
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
Sign In or Register to comment.