Anyone Got Ntl Broadband?, UK ISP Options

[Andy-M]

Anyone here got Broadband with NTL? the modem version, not the set top box.

I have had broadband (My first) for 9 days now at home. I thought it was a little slow and after a few days, it slowed right down. So I use this "BRoadband Medic" thing that NTL use to check the PC & then connect you to an on-line advisor.

So on about day 3, they ask me some questions, I answer, run some tests & then they tell me to overide my the automatic proxy server address and give me some numbers to type.
This worked untill today (Day 9). So I did the same thing & used broadband medic.
This time the advisor does not consider that my problem may have history & therefore require time to type. He does not consider than maybe a disabled person is typing & therefore may experience difficulties which make typing a more time consuming task. nor does he consider that the person may be perfectly abled but just a slow typer. Instead he just cuts me off form the assistance I had just waited 40 minuites to get.

So I call the call centre. they give me 7 more proxy address' & tell me there is a known issue with their server. Something whichI obviously wouldn't get told before I had signed up bacause I may take my business elsewhere & they would get none of my cash.
I was then told that when my I.S gets slow, to try a different proxy address from the selection I had just been gven. So I ask, how long till this issue gets resolved. & get told there is no tomeframe for a resolution.

Appologies for this long rant, but I feel I have just been sold the internet equivilant of a car who's engine must have an oil changed at every 3rd set of traffic lights!
Is this just me or are there more of you dissatisfied NTL broadband customers out there?
& how long have you been experiencing this problem? I would like to know as if there are others with the same problem & that it has gone on for some time, then I need to cancel my service & obtain all 3 services elsewhere.

[Lethal Mitch]

That's not so good Andy.

I haven't heard much about NTL to be honest. IIRC someone in FACTS has NTL but it's the cable version.

Doesn't sound like you're getting your moneys worth though.

I like this site for checking out ISP's and the like. I have linked right to the NTL part.

A great site for speed tests and finding out what's going on.

http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=ntlhome

[Ferd Harling]

Hi Andy, sorry to hear of your prob. One thing I do know is when I've played WoW (Online RP Game) some of my contacts have been cut off during battle. This is no joke as I'm left to deal with all enemies lol

Just thought you should know.

Also broadband users need to get a "Mac Code" to move to another ISP this code only lasts about 14 days so you have to work fast!

Hope I have helped & good luck!

[Andy-M]

Cheers Ferd. I have filled in a complaint form and requested a MAC code. Dunno how far I wil get as I have had broadband with them for under a month so it may just get cancelled instead. Either way, I will be looking for another ISP tonight.

[Scoobie]

That is a considerable shame, the cable connection is IMO far more capable than other connections at handling higher speeds when it works properly. NTL have been fine in my area with only a couple of minutes downtime in the years I have been with them (about 5)

I am however aware that there are many people who have not had the same glowing service, I do not really know what to advise you here - I am inclined to suggest hanging on in there in the hope they will get it sorted, but with the length of time you have been having trouble I'm conserned you are in one of their trouble areas.

[Andy-M]

Well, I got an automated reply saying my complaint has been recieved. It's gonna take about 5-7 days for them to respond.

I want to have all 3 services with one company (TV, phone & broadband) & after a little research, the only one in my area that can provide all 3 other than NTL is "Homechoice". Never heard of them. had a quick look round their site & I couldn't see SkyOne listed as a channel in any of the package offeres. I love SkyOne so I'm kinda stuck as to what to do.
I guess I'll give NTL the next 5 days & see how it goes. If things are fine, then maybe I'll stay with them. If not, then I guess I'll have to give up SkyOne. *sob*

[Mickwild]

Sorry to hear about the trouble Andy, its so annoying when in this world large corporations seem to be able to get away with taking your money but not providing the service, rather like the water company's who get paid for to supply water but can get away without supplying it if they have allowed enough to leak away causing a drout, but we still have to pay. , if they cannot supply the service they should receive less payment.


Mike

[Andy-M]

Mike,
FYI, although there are excessive amounts of water leaks, they are not the major reason that there is a water shortage in the UK.
Some dozey idiot decided that it would be a good idea to empty our water resevoirs during the autumn in anticipation of an unusually wet winter, which did not happen !
Exactly how much valuable water was disposed of, I do not know.

I work in an associated industry and have a friend and a friend of a friend who both deal with the water authorities on a daily basis during the running of their business'. I have heard the same story from both of them without me first bringing the subject up.

Now you & me, along with everyone else reading this is probably thinking, why didn't they wait until the rain started falling and then dispose of the excess water?
Well, I refer you to my comment above where I used the reference "Dozey idiot".

I really can't understand the mentality of the people who control this country's infrastructure. There are people in positions of power who are no doubt extremely well paid because of the magnitude of the decisions that they are employed to make, yet they seem to have the aptitude for it of an Intellectually deficient Dodo.

For the record, my Broadband has been fine since I complained to them. I have been using this website to periodicaly test my connection and all seems well as I type.
(Crosses fingers. Too hard to type. Crosses toes instead)

[Scoobie]

That is very good to hear your net seems sorted! Lets hope the connection stays that way.

[pasman]

I was lucky to get here, as im having a lot of trouble with my connection speed. Thats why im asking for your help. I've been having issues for some days now, and every speed test i do, offers different results. I am really lost here. cheers and thanks in advance.

[maniac_uk69]

we USED to have ntl but the signal was very unstable. We had to reboot our modem a couple of times a day which is very annoying.

I uninstalled it twice and reinstalled and when I spoke to thier tech line they insisted I uninstall and reinstall it even when I explained I already had!

I'm with bt now with no regrets..... Costs a bit more, but ntl admitted to having hidden charges so maybe you get what you pay for?