Best internet service provider?

[devsdev]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone could provide insight/advice on the best ISP to go with. We had Virgin Cable when we were in ED. Now we're in HOP and have Virgin "national" i.e. ADSL services (we had to continue with them because we couldn't get out of the contract). I'm sick of the rubbish wireless router which doesn't seem to extend very far in a Victorian house (or indeed in a flat as my friend has found) and am ready to switch. Especially as the service has been spectacularly useless recently.

But we're not sure who to go with. We can get BT Infinity so am tempted by that (we already have the BT line).

Does anyone have BT Infinity - what has service been like and what is their wireless router like? Would you recommend any other providers?

On another note, would anyone recommend a "powerline adapter" to boost wireless in the house - might that fix the problem?

Thank you for your advice!

Dev

[Lowlander]

Depending on your house the router may be ok, but you could do with a wifi repeater (all those stone walls). About ?25 from Amazon etc.

Also the best place to put the router is at ceiling height near the centre of the house..or near where you want to use the connection, so it might be worth thinking about that and extending the connection point...

As to suppliers, essentially you'd need a BT line and either broadband from BT or a third party, OR, a complete package from a third party (still using the BT line although you pay BT nothing, as they have to allow others to use their equipment).

Do a comparison here: http://www.broadband.co.uk/

And yes, Virgin seem to be ok until something goes wrong, when their customer service is abysmal...PlusNet and TalkTalk seem to be the best buys at the moment...

[devsdev]

Thanks very much Lowlander. Given current wiring our router is very much in a corner which isn't useful - but the router has become even worse recently. Will try chasing Virgin and also get a repeater. Virgin's response to "your router is utter rubbish" is usually "restart". Useful.

We already have a BT line since we don't have Virgin cable in this area, so switching should be easy (we're on a rolling contract now). Will check out the comparison site - thanks!

[Lowlander]

Would recommend PlusNet myself...and if you want the wiring moved or extended, have a search on the forums for a telecoms chap who can do it for you (or buy a DIY kit from Argos etc., easy job)

[dulwichpc]

I would also recommend Plusnet (which is actually owned by BT but they leave them alone to run the company). They are UK based and if you have any issues easy to contact (call centre in Yorkshire). Prices and service are probably the best in the country considering they don't outsource there services.

[Sue]

I would also recommnend Plusnet.