With UKOnline, I can only go a maximum of "2mb" up, "250kbs" down. In reality it's more like 1.6mb down and 220kbs up which still isn't bad.
UkOnline can't provide me with anything over 2mb for reasons that were so technical I forgot as soon as I hung up.
I called Orange and they said they'd give me 8mb.
BT have also said my line will support a maximum of 8mb.
So now my questions:
1. I don't fully understand this LLU thing. Is it good or bad, as I see my exchange doesn't have it...?
2. What can't UKOnline go faster than 2mb?
3. Why can BT and Orange go faster than 2mb?
4. Is Orange lying to me about the speed claim?
5. Is BT also lying to me?
I regard ISPs as much-of-a-muchness. They're all going to suck along the way at some point. I just want more speed for less money and Orange is by far the best option in that regard for my usage of the internet and home phone, provided my speed is a real increase and not just an 8mb claim.
The problem I've got is I'm so far out in the sticks the companies I wanted in my shortlist don't come out here.
Zen and IDnet are way overpriced, Bulldog was top of my initial list but doesn't come out here, neither does BE.
I'm literally left with not much choice, and price wise Orange is coming out top, Tiscali is a very close second but doesn't do free line rental. When BT is an isp option you know things are bad, but they're hitting my 3rd choice.
Or I could just stay where I am, but I don't fancy another 12 months on "2mb" down.
I know this board was created because of the woes of Orange customers, but UKOnline gets battered with their reviews all over the place, and they've been alright. Since Orange is the largest broadband provider in Europe I'd say there are more satisfied customers than not, otherwise this board would have 6.3 million members.
They remain an option for me, but I can't really make a proper informed decision until my technical questions above are answered.
Yes, I know that certain ISPs can't provide in your area.
Orange don't supply Samknows with the information of exchanges that are LLU'd. So ask around your area, if others are on LLU with Orange get their opinion. Also if they're on Orange Max, get their opinion.
In the end, if you must go with the cheapest option then don't expect a much faster connection than you're getting with UKOnline but do expect more hassle and problems.
Provided you go into the contract with this in mind then you won't be too disappointed.
If you could struggle more through my ignorance here that'd be great!
As Samknows says that my exchange doesn't offer LLU services, does that mean Orange and anyone else can't use it?
And if so, is that good?
I'd never even heard of LLU till I came upon this site, not swapping ISPs has suddenly become a minefield!
As Samknows says that my exchange doesn't offer LLU services, does that mean Orange and anyone else can't use it?
I think you may have misunderstood. Orange don't supply data to Samknows for exchanges where they have LLU equipment installed. Other ISPs do notify Samknows.
The LLU equipment is personal to each ISP.
So it is possible that Orange are LLU in your exchange, that's why I said ask around.
Obviously no other ISP is using LLU in your exchange because of the red markers.
If there are no LLU ISPs there then an ISP would buy-in BT Max ADSL which was enabled 31/3/06. This means you potentially should be able to get <8meg. If you are 300 yards from the exchange you're in a position to see a good speed. Given the choice I'd go for an ISP who buys-in from BT.
Dooj - if you're out in the sticks, 300yd from the exchange, and getting a lousy service, you could perhaps try contacting BT to reroute your line to the exchange over a shorter distance??
Thanks for the replies everyone.
According to that last link that checks my line, I'm 440m away from the exchange as the crow flies, which must surely be well under 1km with the cabling.
ADSL is available and can support up to 8mb, SDSL is unavailable. LLU is very unavailable.
I hate to say it on this site, but Orange is my best if limited option I think.
Joined: 12 Jun 2006Posts: 907Location: Weston-super-Mare, UK
Dooj wrote:
Since Orange is the largest broadband provider in Europe I'd say there are more satisfied customers than not, otherwise this board would have 6.3 million members.
Very good point. Orange works fine for me with a speed of 6 on LLU.
All I can say Keith is that you are a very lucky Orange customer
My speed or lack of it is now down to 776 download and 73 upload. Nowhere near the speeds the glib tongued salesman promised if I "upgraded" to the 8mb service and agreed to another year with them.
I asked for a MAC code on Saturday and am still waiting.
I wrote to the executive office on Friday and have had no reply.
When my MAC code eventually arrives they will cut off my service as soon as I use it even though they will have the money for the 8 months still to run on my contract.
My original connection speeds when Orange put me with Cable and wireless were always well over 6mb.
Now I have been dumped in the broom cupboard that passes for Orange Home UK's prestigous LLU service I have a 776 download speed.
Oranges unhelpful customer service team tell me I have been fully upgraded and can now enjoy even faster speeds!
You relpied the other day that by law Orange have to supply a MAC code within 5 days. It took 5 phone calls and 4 weeks for my sister to get a MAC code when she migrated to BT in September.
Yes I'm angry with Orange Keith and I have no one to help me deal with this situation. I pray my MAC code arrives so I can get away from this nightmare ASAP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006Posts: 907Location: Weston-super-Mare, UK
Kate
I presume I am not the only one who has a decent speed, for some reason this area does get good speeds from Orange in general. But I don't suppose you want to move to Weston-super-Mare.
Although all is not simple my next door neighbour has a ppp server down since Sunday and I've tried all sorts to get it back with no luck. But I did notice that his speed is fixed at 2mb.
I've just looked at your posts again and see you used to get 6.5 so Orange have no real excuse for giving you less. How did you ask for your MAC, I see in one post it was by email - you really need to ring up because at that stage they know you have had enough and put some effort into solving the problem.
The problem always has been the front line support who are no good at technical problems, you need to try and get it escalated another level. Orange do have staff who can solve problems but it is not easy to get through to them.
I presume I am not the only one who has a decent speed, for some reason this area does get good speeds from Orange in general.
Look at "Speeds by Region".....South West is top of the results and within that South Gloucestershire (where I am) and North Somerset (Keith) are top of the results.
I get a consistent 5600 - 5800.
There must be a simple explanation but Orange probably haven't a clue as to what it is !!
_________________ An ex-Orange guinea pig
"The first third of our lives is ruined by our parents, the second third by 0range then along comes 02 and you die happy."
I phoned on Saturday and asked for my MAC code to be sent by e-mail. I'm usually mild mannered and quiet but everyone in India probably heard me telling them I wanted a MAC code. The kind man offered to take the money for the outstanding 8 months and end my service there and then. The whole of the call centre must have heard my reply to that one. I was a wee bit loud. Polite as ever but forceful
I phoned again tonight and you won't be surprised te read that there was an error on my line so they can't give me the MAC.
I demanded to speak to a Supervisor. And after several "hold for two minutes please" I was put through to the Broadband Care team. First he said it was the migration to the LLU that hadn't been finished. I read him the email from customer support from last Tuesdy that said it was complete. Then he said it was a problem with BT so I read him the e-mail from them telling me my line was OK and to contact Orange to sort the problem. He then said no one can get such low speeds as you have, he obviously hasn't read posts on this forum.
I did remind him that a MAC should be supplied within 5 days. Then he said their system hadn't updated so he still couldn't give me a MAC.
I know have to phone back in the morning so they can contact BT to do a test on my line. The same old Bo*****s that they give everyone else trying to get away from them
I will update you with my nightmare experience tomorrow, if their computer system isn't down when I phone!
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