Another broadband question - Bulldog?

OK, so (soon) with a third machine added to the Chateau's modem/router,
and two surfing teenagers,m suddenly 1MB doesn't look fast enough.

Trouble is that Pipex's 2MB deal really doesn't seem that good. Loads
of free stuff that's no good to me anyway (free modem - well, I've got
a four-connection Netgear modem/router anyway), and extra charges for
Usenet access. I'm sorry? OK, so I use the German server, but I like to
have a back-up, and paying for NG access doesn't sound like an
"improvement" to me.

So there's Bulldog 8MB. Sounds good. Price is right. Are they a bunch
of pikeys or really rather good? Is there anyone else particularly
recommended? What says the FOAK?

 

A fair number of people have had billing and connection issues, and the
customer hotline was nowhere near geared-up-enough to handle the level of
complaints, but that's largely been addressed now. Of course, if there are
any connection issues, and you happen to be able to contact someone on the
inside *cough* *cough* then they should be able to circumvent the call
centre for you.

If your installation goes smoothly, it's supposed to rock. You do have to
take a Bulldog phone line, though, so if you're especially fond of BT for
some reason it might not necessarily be for you.

The other issue to contend with at this sort of speed is the length and
quality of your phone line. If it's a bit on the long or crappy side, you
won't get the full 8Mb service - though you should always get more than 4.
This is the same for any high-speed ADSL provider.

 

I've just dropped Zen in favour of Plusnet. Up to 2meg (or they do
8meg if you pay a few quid more) if your line's capable of it, news
server included (haven't tried it, but it's there), and 15 quid a
month. Or 22 if you want a static IP and lower contention. Quite
ridiculously cheap.

Had to chase them to get it set up, but it's been running perfectly
since, as has the gf's 15 quid package.

Bear in mind that Bulldog are local loop unbundlers, your phone line
will cease to be with BT at all, so you'll have to use Bulldog for
calls as well, and you won't be able to pick a different DSL provider
without being plumbed back to BT and cancelling your Bulldog account
completely. They've also been on the receiving end of some serious
Ofcom attention recently for poor service - Kenyon can fill you in,
I'm sure.

 

Sounds like Plusnet gets a call tomorrow, then. Thanks, all.

 

I'm with Bulldog, & in two minds about whether to stay with them, or go
back to NTL. On the plus side, the 1mb service[1] seems faster than
NTL's 3mb service during peak hours. On the negative side, the
connection drops several times everyday, which is becoming a real pita.
I need to download the new version of Oracle (640mb) & can't get a
connection for long enough to finish the download[3]. Also I've found
it impossible to get through to tech support - just a message saying
they're really busy, & to call back later.

If you do go for Bulldog, make sure you keep all the emails they send
you. The confirmation email I received said I'd get the details to
access my webspace shortly after. When they didn't arrive, I emailed
them asking when I'd get them, & was told I didn't get any webspace
with my package. Forwarding the original email accompanied by a few
well chosen words changed their mind.

Not exactly a glowing testimonial methinks - sorry Simon!

[1] Waiting for an exchange upgrade[2] to get the 8mb.
[2] Which has now been delayed[3]
[3] Hence I think I'll be cancelling next week.

 

Krusty emerged from their own little world to say

Can't you use a download manager with a resume function?

 

Why not use a download resuming application?

 

I'm not sure I'd want to deal with a company that doesn't deal over the
phone.

 

Probably, although I've not tried - Getright left my puter very soon
after getting broadband. It's not just the Oracle download though. I
work from home using Terminal Services, & sometimes the session won't
reconnect after an unexpected termination. Which is most annoying when
you've got a bunch of windows open full of bits of script that all get
lost.

 

Maybe not the force9 bit, but plusnet them selves I've had occasion to
phone and got through straight away. So I'll add another vote for, I
am paying the extra for the less contention and static IP etc £22. I
am too far away to get 2Mb so have to settle for 1Mb.

 

Worth knowing - i'm still 512k with Zen and they just haven't bothered to
lower their prices whilst everyone else does. Do Plusnet charge a one off
connection fee?

 

They *what*?

What good is a company you can't talk to?

Right: any other suggestions?

 

You are me AICMFF life stories.

The only time I've really had to phone them was when I was chasing the
installation. Recorded message warned me that the queue was in excess
of 20 minutes. Less than 5 minutes later I was talking to a real person
who seemed to know exactly what they were doing. Which is fine by me.

 

Yes and no.

If you migrate, it may be free (the 50 quid goes to BT for physical
line activation, so if you're already activated any change is entirely
in software). If not, it's either the usual 50 quid or so, or you can
pay 11 quid (zero if you go annual) and turn it into a cancellation
fee which is reduced each year you stick with them.

Zen were fine (other than the daily disconnect which seemed to manifest
itself on my line) but far too expensive for the line speed.

 

Get a grip man, this is Rope you're listening to!

Go to the web site, look for the phone number at the bottom of
every page, give 'em a tinkle. Or order online, it's entirely
painless.

 

Net Transport; free and better than Getright, imo.

 

In message <>,
"TOG@toil "

Bulldog seem to be number one for complaints

Have a look here

http://www.bethere.co.uk/beonline/canBeHome.do

and then let me introduce you so I get a month free

 

TOG@toil wrote:

rovement" to me.

No

--

 

Think Contention. OK so Bulldog give you 8mb into their network. How
much can you get out of their network to resources you really want.
Here in CA this week I have a 4mb local connection. I get 300k out to
a UK server.
A couple of megs of high quality bandwidth beats 4 times that in
congested highly contended pipe every time, which is why Zen stand up
well to scrutiny.

'Hog

 

Nildram seem pretty reliable to me- except for their news server which
is pretty shitty. I've never had to call them and only recall one
outage.

Mind you they are expensive.