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Unlimited 512k broadband for under a tenner
If you're after dirt-cheap ADSL with absolutely no usage cap, check out UK Online's Broadband 500 service. With a monthly fee of just £9.99, this 512k package sets the new standard for cheap broadband. Unfortunately, it's only available to those connected to an Easynet LLU (local loop unbundling) exchange - UK Online also uses Easynet's LLU exchanges to provide its super-fast 8Mb service.
While it's good to see such a cheap 512k service, we don't expect to see many ISPs follow suit. Most buy IPStream broadband packages direct from BT Wholesale at a set cost and can't reduce their prices any further without making a loss. However, what this move from UK Online highlights is the advantages ISPs have when they use their own exchange equipment rather than buying direct from BT. As such, we expect more ISPs start using LLU services in the future.
Head to UK Online to find out if you can receive this package and watch out for the definitive guide to broadband in the July issue of PCW.
Have you had experience with UK Online or do you know a better package? If so, leave a comment.
It's a real shame that there are only about 4 million homes that can use this service - I'd be straight on the 8Mbit service if I could!
Oh well, stuck with Blueyonder 1Mbit for the time being....
Posted by Fraser Dickson | April 13, 2005 2:34 PM
I think Britain is a rip-off for these services, when compared to America or parts of Europe that have had broadband for a tenner for quite a while.....
Posted by simon | April 23, 2005 2:26 AM
The July 2005 issue of PCW on Broadband providers as well as the online lab here maks no mention of the NTL offers as compared to those of others. Any rason why? I am particularly interested
- what Hardware NTL provides (wireless router, modem?)
- what happens if during the 12 months contract period you have to move abroad for work? Do you still have to fulfill your contract and pay to the end?
- whether the new 3GB offer for a 9.99 requires customers to pay installation, or if that is included?
Anyone any experience?
Ta
Dirk
Posted by Dirk | July 11, 2005 2:24 PM
NTL sucks balls, if you try and terminate your service they will literally refuse, dont touch them with a 20ft barge pole.
Posted by hector | August 1, 2005 12:58 PM
Second that - NTL are the worst service provider I can imagine. Connections continually crash, tech support rarely available and never helpful. They are the only company to score entirely negative marks in a recent WHICH survey of broadband providers - i.e. they have no redeeming features. Avoid them!
Posted by Frosty | August 9, 2005 12:11 AM
Nice, Thanks!
Posted by buy cialis in canada | September 15, 2005 10:28 AM
I have an extremely bad experience with ukonline. I ordered a 2Mb dsl service from them 6 weeks ago. I have not had it enabled, and I have had no indication from them when it will be. I have repeatedly called/emailed them and all I ever get is sorry we are busy and there is a delay. One of the helpdesk staff did email me privately from his non-ukonline email address (lol) and told me there is a complete breakdown in communication between their order status department and their provisioning department. They even, after 4 weeks, decided to blame BT and re-order from them. However, I had already called BT and been informed that their end of the order had been completed a week or more beforehand (an inside contact I have in BT, not BT sales or support). So, my advice - do not touch ukonline at all if you want to get online quickly. Oh, and the port block too - something that is inexcusable in my opinion. I moved back to the UK from NL 7 weeks ago. In NL I had 8Mb*2Mb ADSL for 37 euros per month, in 4 years I had one 25 minute outage in the middle of one night. I ran mail and web servers and got support questions answered within 4 hours every single time - normally within the hour. THIS COUNTRY IS BROKEN !!
Posted by John Williams | September 19, 2005 2:03 PM
I had experience. I like.
Posted by mp3 player | October 5, 2005 7:20 AM
yep i had same experience with ukonline, took me 4hours to get through to them to cancel because ntl wouldn't let me terminate 1 month earlier, so i'm avoiding both.
Posted by andy | November 2, 2005 9:55 PM
Anotherone to avoid is Tesco (NTL as far as I can see)serves me right for being a cheapskate.I agree with the comment above, this poor ole country is broken...governed by a nanny state and ripped off by everyone.... :(
Posted by Andy Dacosta | December 3, 2005 8:32 PM
17th grade third-world customer service. They do not answer phones and do not read e-mails. Avoid ukonline!
Posted by Jack | December 22, 2005 11:47 AM
i had wanadoo once, then thet tried to sting me for nearly 200 quid. because they stopped my service i refused to pay. its simple if you provide a service, then you shall be paid. im not paying for a service i didnt receive.
Posted by gavin | February 10, 2006 2:12 PM
ntl how can they up the charge for none payment by direct debit from £1 to £4 per month when u read the comments about ther billing system to victems who would let them raid your bank a/c I am canceling if I can get them to answer the phone
Posted by bob westwick | June 19, 2006 12:31 AM
I have Tesconet 512k, it's okay, normally around 50-60KBs and it's unlimited. We might go 1MBit for £2 extra if I can nag my Dad enough : )
Posted by Chris | July 5, 2006 10:04 PM
Currently with UKOnline @ 1MB. Its ok but BT lines suck so i cant take advantage of the 8mb :(
We need a broadband revolution!
Whats the best service provider that doesnt port block, throttle, no usage cap and is not too expensive?
Posted by Oli | July 11, 2006 2:38 PM