Well I am posting here to vent. We have been a internet customer with Orange since they were Freeserve, we moved to Wanadoo when they changed over and then to Orange when they changed again. On the 18th of February 2008 I logged out of my internet to sleep (I work nights and check my e-mails before bed) and when I woke up it was not working. We had never had problems with Freeserve or Wanadoo, but with Orange, before the 18th, the internet would disconnect every 4 hours or so and I would have to unplug the box, leave it for 30 seconds and plug it back in and everything would be fine. This time however we are still waiting and it is now the 14th of March...
After numerous phone calls to Technical Support who all spouted the same useless rubbish that we had already been told (They insisted we do a factory reset everytime we called...) I spoke to a young girl yesterday who advised me I wasn't allowed my MAC Code until 3 line tests had been done and we had been without the internet for a month. I advised her Three had been carried out to which she replied "No. Only one has but it has been stuck for a long time." This was news to me, Three weeks on... Customer Services gave us 2 months free and seemed to think that this meant they could take two months to rectify the situation.
I am now awaiting a MAC Code (Customer services are so much better to talk to than the untrained, multiple-choice-button clicking monkeys at Technical Support) and they have been given until 10am today to have it sorted before we swap providers.
I am so frustrated with their technical team who obviously receive NO training and just get a series of questions that they have multiple choice answers for when dealing with customers, because they obviously a) barely understand English and b) Have no idea what they're doing outside those multiple choice questions.
I'm actually preparing for a row with them tomorrow. The question is to people who have swapped providers: We're thinking of moving across to TalkTalk who currently provide our Telephone as well. Is there anything to be warey of with them?
Joined: 13 Aug 2006Posts: 1689Location: Marylebone Central London
Hi Brad
Personally i wouldn't sign up with any of the large ISP's that insist on an 18 month contract once your in they don't give 2 hoots about any problems as they know you are locked in, if they were any good at all they wouldn't need to lock you in for so long, however my dad has Talk Talk landline and broadband and his has been ok so far.
There are plenty of smaller ISP's that only require a 1 month contract slightly more expensive but you get what you pay for and their tech and cust support are usually excellent.
Check out the Talk Talk forum here and here see what their customers have to say it will give you a better idea.
As for the MAC code by law they have to provide you with a MAC within 5 working days from request regardless if your still in contract or not otherwise they are breaking the law.
Good Luck
_________________ ex Freeserve/Wanadoo/Orange Blog
It would be helpful if you could list some of those small suppliers that are recommended.
After some months of not hopeless service (just cutting out every 10-15 minutes) I've been getting a flashing light on the speedtouch over the past couple of weeks and much greater difficulties - seem to have to swicth computer off and back on for even the 15 minutes of 'fame' ..
It would also be useful to know the best Orange customer service number to call to cancel. I know the problems with technical support.
I have been with Wanadoo/Orange for years so I imagine they can't try to hold me to a contract - and I have another phone line so I can go for wire-free with someone else on that without even extracting a MAC code, I presume?
As a computer ignoramus, I may need some help interpreting what I need. I guess I'm just a domestic user (websites only, not anything fancy), so would the cheapest package be sufficient in most of these cases? I get bamboozled by talk of bandwidths and usage etc,
Also, I currently don't have wireless, still on a Speedtouch and wires, so what I want to do is to put wireless on my other phone line, which has never been conected to the internet, so I presume does not need MAC code retrieval?
Joined: 13 Aug 2006Posts: 1689Location: Marylebone Central London
Hi john
I spose its all according what your looking for if its just broadband these above are ideal with 1 month contracts except Bethere.
All you need is to get a wireless router to replace the SpeedTouch modem which will allow you to conenct up to 4 (usually) wired connections and countless wireless connections.
The only large provider ide consider myself would be Sky if you wanted more than just broadband and you have Sky tv is cheap and it works and their support isn't bad either.
If your other line has never been connected then yes you will not need a MAC code but in most cases with new connections theres usually a connection charge.
_________________ ex Freeserve/Wanadoo/Orange Blog
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