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View Full Version : Best UK ADSL Broadband?




netdog
May 21, 2007, 07:25 AM
I know there are some other threads, but they don't seem up to date, so here goes...

My priorities, in this order, are...

1) Ability to use a non-wireless ADSL modem / router and be supported by the tech support line using said non-wireless router. We don't want a wireless signal in the house.

2) Unlimited DL (at least within reason)

3) Highly reliable with great tech support.

4) Fast. Preferably 8MB+ (this is in London).

5) Price



Cromulent
May 21, 2007, 08:00 AM
I know I'm going to get jumped on for saying this but I still think BT are the best bet it terms of speed, reliability and uptime. If that is not what you are after try www.bethere.co.uk

RedTomato
May 21, 2007, 09:19 AM
Er, why are you against wireless in the house? Is it just cos of some scare stories in the media recently?

You can turn it on and off you know, it's useful to have it there if needed. (all wireless modems allow the wireless bit to be turned off without affecting the rest of the modem functionality.)

I suppose you don't allow mobile phones, wireless doorbells, baby alerters, RC cars, or microwaves in the house either? (actually I hate microwaves so I don't have one either :p )

In London there's probably 6 houses or flats next to you that have wireless overlapping your house.

I know another homeopath who has a wireless modem at home, and loves it, he can work/ surf on his laptop from the sofa.

Peterkro
May 21, 2007, 09:20 AM
A vote for Bethere.

MagicWok
May 21, 2007, 09:21 AM
Have you considered Cable?

With cable, you'll always connect at the maximum speed, be it 2/4/8 Mbit (ie. whichever you purchase). You won't always download at the full speed of course, that depends on the service/site you're connecting to.

Blue Velvet
May 21, 2007, 09:24 AM
A vote for Zen... dedicated Mac support too.

UK's best broadband according to the Sunday Times... for what it's worth.

http://www.zen.co.uk/

MagicWok
May 21, 2007, 09:25 AM
Er, why are you against wireless in the house? Is it just cos of some scare stories in the media recently?

You can turn it on and off you know, it's useful to have it there if needed. (all wireless modems allow the wireless bit to be turned off without affecting the rest of the modem functionality.)

I suppose you don't allow mobile phones, wireless doorbells, baby alerters, RC cars, or microwaves in the house either? (actually I hate microwaves so I don't have one either :p )

In London there's probably 6 houses or flats next to you that have wireless overlapping your house.

I have wireless in my house, however when GB's of sensitive/confidential data needs to be uploaded to secure servers from my household - the wireless is never used. No matter what the level of security and encryption we use, it's out of the question.

The OP has his own reasons, whether it be security based or not - that's up to him to decide, not for you to belittle or make assumptions.

miniConvert
May 21, 2007, 09:27 AM
http://www.zen.co.uk/
Zen has been going strong for a long time now and comes highly recommended.

Nildram (http://www.nildram.co.uk) is also very good.

MagicWok
May 21, 2007, 09:28 AM
I've heard many good things from Zen and Nildram also, I notice that both seemingly to feature at the top end of consumer lists.

RedTomato
May 21, 2007, 09:42 AM
I have wireless in my house, however when GB's of sensitive/confidential data needs to be uploaded to secure servers from my household - the wireless is never used. No matter what the level of security and encryption we use, it's out of the question.

The OP has his own reasons, whether it be security based or not - that's up to him to decide, not for you to belittle or make assumptions.

Holy flamepants Batman!

You have wireless, which sometimes you don't use. No probs. The OP wanted a router without wireless for house use.

I did say in the first part of my post that wireless routers can have the wireless part turned on / off without disabling the router - the OP might not have known this was possible. (most people don't in my experience).

dcv
May 21, 2007, 09:55 AM
A vote for Bethere.

Depends how far you are from the exchange. I'm something close to a km from my exchange and combined with shoddy extension sockets in my flat I don't get anything close to the advertised "up to 24MB" downloads. Mine is more like 10MB, meh. Upload speeds are good though (about 1MB to 1.2MB)

Haven't had too many problems but when I have, the customer service hasn't been particularly helpful. When I asked about my seemingly slow connection speeds they advised me to reinstall Windows :rolleyes:

The 'BeBox' modem-router thingy is wireless by default but obviously this can be disabled. I have mine turned off and use two Airport Expresses instead.

Peterkro
May 21, 2007, 10:04 AM
I was speaking overall it does say "up to 24" I've had great service from them,raising a ticket brings a quick response.They have a Mac section on their forum.I finished with Pipex last year,they were once a great ISP but are at present in the death throes (they own Nildram as well).I download a lot and Be haven't blinked as yet.If you use ethernet rather than wireless you'll get better speeds,I get 17 down and 2.3 up although I'm on the more expensive Pro plan (higher upload).There are people on the forums that can help you maximise your speed with various tweak.

Most other ADSL2+ routers will work also but as the Be ones free it serves it's purpose.