Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Anyone know of any good ISPs that work in the Hertfordshire area?
I am thinking of discontinuing all my ntl product (BB, phone, and TV) due to bad ping, and the fact that they are now charging more for basic TV package.

I am looking for 512k connection, around the same price as ntl.

Any info and/or links would be most appreciated.

Thank you

-DJ

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Follow the link in my sig, & you won't (IMO) go wrong for your ADSL.

Also, if you sign up for Sky, we have a banner running that will generate a small amount of income for the site should you decide to order Sky.

HTH.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

LOL - When I saw you had posted Neil I had this strange feeling that Pipex would come into it somewhere !!! :D

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

You've had dealings with Pipex Stu-what's your feeling?

Also worth checking is www.adslguide.org.uk as you can do comparisons on service/reliablilty etc. :)

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Not yet m8 as I dont move out of the flat til the end of the month and then I am going for the 20:1 2mb service....

I can comment on what has happened so far though... I rung Pipex up and explained that I run a business and have a few questions. The guy on the phone asked if I would like to be called back if it was going to be a long call. :Yikes: Was not expecting that having dealings with NTL for the last year...

Out of interest I timed him. He called back 1 minute and 23 seconds later..

He then listened to what I wanted to do and then explained all the options - he was tech savy and knew what he was on about. He even gave me few URL's for ethernet modems..... After this he told me the tiers that would be best and actualy told me that I would get nearly the same performance on the lower contention service - :Yikes: He was being honest... I needed to sit down...

This guy was polite, pleasent and very very helpfull and for a change I could not smell any BS througout the whole call....

So so far - :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :) :) :) :) :) :)

Absulutely briliant !

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Pipex looks interesting, thanks for the info.

tbh. its the mum who pays the bills, so its up to her, but provided I can tell her what it costs per month, and what the connection fees are (including installtion), then it should be fine.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Ok, little update on this:

I read that it uses a phone line. Does that mean I will get charged like a phone call (per minute) or is it just a flat fee of £24?

Also, is there is limit to the length of cord from the modem to the phone plug? 'Cause my computer is upstairs, and the phone plug is downstairs (about 10m of cord needed).

Also, does it get fitted, or do I have to fit it?

Oh, also, are you sure I can get it in Letchworth? Cause I don't have a BT line to check it atm.


Oh, ok, let me explain what I'm hoping to happen:

I currently have ntl BB, TV, and phone.
The TV line is slit 4 times: from the wall downstairs, up to the TV, from the TV to the modem, from the TV back downstairs to the TV in the living room (no arial).
I am hoping that I can get the arial in the loft to work (no lead on it atm). I will then use that for the upstairs and downstairs TVs, and I will cancel ntl cable TV.

I will then get a BT line in the house, which will get me the number. I will then cancel ntl phone line.

Then I am hoping to get Pipex Solo2Go 500, which means I can have all the stuff I need to start an ADSL line.

Does that sound right?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

All you need is a BT phone line-mine took one pain free 10 minute phone call to BT, & they did the rest. :)

Pipex/ADSL FAQ: http://www.solo.pipex.net/xtreme-solutions/faq/

HTH.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Ok, great, thanks for that.

Can you please confirm if its available in the area. I would pester Pipex for these kind fo questions, but I cannot see a contact email link anywhere.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

You can email customerservices@pipex.net
or
Email - ADSL enquiries only: support@dsl.pipex.net
Within UK Local Rate Telephone: 0845 077 8324 / (0845 077 TECH)

here :)

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Yeah, hehe, I found it. Thanks anyway though.

I thought the site was only for the ASDL, didnt know there was a link to their main site.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Ok, I mailed BT (about cost of line connection) and Pipex (about some stuff, mainly about availability) and Sky about digital and a second box. So far I have not heard from anyone, but its only been a day so far.

Anyone know how much notice I have to give ntl for diconnection (for TV, BB, and Phone)

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

30 days

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Ah, ok then.

MY mum got her bill the other day, so I said we have about a month to sort this lot out, otherwise we get billed again. But seeing as we have t give a months notice anyway, we will be billed no matter if we take 1 day, or 55.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Once NTL have acknowledged your desire to terminate the services you should get a disconnection date, i cancelled my services over the phone by calling CS, some ntl area franchise's like you to put your desire to terminate by letter.

As you pay your rental in advance you should not be billed for the 30 days notice.



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Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Ok, my mind wont work right at the moment, so let me see if I understand this.

I phone ntl, and say that I want my services terminated. They give me a dat and that is that.

So say, if I cancelled tomorrow, they would disconnect me on the 17th April?

Oh, and, when I cancel the phone line, do they just do it their end, or do they have to come round my house to do something? And with BB, do they pick up the modem, or do I have to mail it to them? Same for TV?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Yes phone your local customer services & ask them they will tell you weather you should put it in writing or they will accept the termination over the phone, ask for the persons name if they dont give it automatically doing this will mean you have someone to come back to if you have any problems.

If a letter of termination is required it might be a good idea if you send it by recorded delivery (someone signs for it) again its proof if things go wrong (if NTL say they didnt recieve a letter)

The person you speak to over the phone will verify the date if you ask them.

Yes they do it their end.
depending which area you are in, in some NTL areas they will retrieve the modem and/or stb some dont, when you phone NTL Customer Services ask who you speak to weather they collect the modem or stb.

If you are transfering your NTL phone number to a BT line then have a read of my thread here of what can go wrong.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

see my sig,

f2s, based in St Albans.

Cant recommend them enough. If you go for it please mention tkiely so I earn a tenner,(almost two weeks access) :)

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Yeah, was planning to do that.


Yeah, I'm not sure about keeping the number.
I think it would be easier, but my mum says that she wants a new one because she is fed up with the annoying telemarketing callers.


Can anyone else recommend them?
I was thinking of Pipex, but if this one is better/same, then ill think of going with them.
Whats the customer support like?
What can it offer me that Pipex can't?

Edit:: Ah, I've just seen why its cheap: I would have to buy the routers and stuff. I want to get the modem/routers etc. on contract rental, because if I dont have ADSL, I won't need the equipment.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Bear in mind that you will get a USB modem - and that means that unlike ntl you will have to 'dial up' the connection to get it to connect every time manually. Although no actual 'dialling' is done ie. there are no tones and screechy noises, you have to use dialup networking to get it onto the web - hence the term 'dialling' ;)

What I would recommend you do is go and purchase an ethernet modem if you have a stand alone machine or router with ADSL modem built in if you have a network or want to build one.

That way, you can enter the details into the modem's flash memory and so long as the ISP doesn't disconnect you, ADSL line does not drop or power isn't lost to the modem you will retain the same IP address and also stay connected 24/7. So if you do not want to keep your PC on 24/7 or use your modem with a laptop and have to take it between A and B all you have to do is plug in the ethernet cable from the modem your PC/laptop wait a few seconds and you should be connected. No 'dialling up' required unlike USB.

You can also set it to reconnect automatically ad infinutum if you get disconnected or if the connection drops - because that is what kept on happening when I had ADSL and the ethernet modem was pretty much a godsend because it dropped out so frequently. Although it got a new IP address everytime it dropped I did not have to manually reconnect so it pretty much maintained a 24/7 connection.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Then you / she need to complete this form. In about 2 months you will not hear a peep. If you do then you fill in the form on the next link.

http://secure.dma.mx00.com/cgi-bin/s...reg_option=tps

Complaints form - but you need to be registered.
http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/complaints/

Any registered number will recieve telemarketing calls, even I think if it's ex directory.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

So I have to dial up each time I want to use the internet? Is there a timed cut-off period (like ntl dial up used to have a 2hr cut-off).

If I buy a more expensive modem, what benefits does it have over a cheaper one? Also, have you got any good links of websites that sell a good range of e/n modems?

Ok, I didnt understand a bit of that. Im fairly techno-savvy, but useless when it comes to modems and internet problems.
Is it hard to put info into the "modem's flash memory"?
I have never been disconnected with ntl's modem. Its the silver stand-alone one. (forgot the name, and cannot get to it to look underneath it).

But this shouldn't be a problem if I get an e/n modem, right?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

I am going for this one - http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=67

It looks good and the spec is nice !

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

:sick: usb

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Its combo m8... You dont have to use it. I will be using the Ethernet !

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

try http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=57418

only £30 and its a router too. Works a treat, keeps the connection alive and has a BSD firewall.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Where you gonna buy it from and how much?

Netgear is a much better option :)

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Whats the netgear one ? I have not bought it yet... If its better then I will go for it - as long as its not a router and just a modem...

Do you know the model number ?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

I followed Neil's advice and bought Netgear after he posted how good they are.

Whats the problem with not having an adsl router/modem?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

No good for me m8... I allready have a pix so having another router in the way will cause problems with my nat....

I dont realy trust soho type routers in terms of reliability anyway...Thats why I was looking for a decent standalone ethernet modem.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

I run with 2 routers 1 of them being a Befsr41 (its well over 1yr old) & my Netgear (which was less than 3 weeks old as it was a new model) had no problem marrying to it..

If you want to have a look at a good range of Adsl modems (damn cant find the thread as i did post some good information links on where to look at ADSL modems but sadly it has gone along with some other useful links) :cry: :fit: anyway i have remembered some of the links i posted you can have alook here or here.




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Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Nice one - Thanks m8.... I will have a look see...

I cant see the point in having a router when I have a pix !!! :D

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

As thankful as I am for all this info, its all gibberish to me, cause I don't know what im supposed to be looking for.

F2S advertise a package on their site (modem, filters, all the bumph you need to get it to work) for 60 quid. Anyone know if its any cop?

Quote from F2S website:

So it sounds like I need a modem router, 2 micro filters, and a modem. Is this correct?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

If you only have the one pc to connect then you need a modem. Ethernet modems are better as the USB ones are not very stable and make the pc work harder.

If yo have multiple pc's then you need a modem/router. You can buy the two saperately but this may cost more.

A micro Filter is needed for every phone point that you want to connect a phone to that is on the adsl line.

Sorry for the tech speak - My bad -

HTH

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Me dumb. Me need thicko talk. :dunce:

Ok, I have found a e/n modem/router. This one: http://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk/produ...r=DM602&pm=260

Also, I will need about 15m of extension cable, so ill get this: http://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk/produ...11-15M&pm=2525

And 1 filter: http://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk/produ...20UK-A&pm=2524

All of these seem ok to everyone?
I will only have the 1 computer to connect.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

oh!
I can see a link to one of my threads needed :D


And here it is..... read post #12 for cheaper Adsl line splitters origional link & info supplied by handyman

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Ofcourse you do know you will get a 1 x BT approved microfilter supplied with the Netgear DM602UK.. :)

Are you thinking of sharing your ADSL connection with your neighbor :rofl: thats alot of RJ-11.



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Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Yeah, its really a lump-and-a-half of RJ, but tbh, I like a bit of slack to play with. I once had a 20m extension cord for my phone, and by the time I had finished hacking it about, it was only 13m long! Im that bad at cutting!

And yeah, I realised that I get a free filter with that modem/router.

So everyone thinks its worth getting?

Cuase the problem is, I have £200 in my account. £70 of that goes to mum (expenses and stuff), £50 of that will go towards my Visa debt, and the rest is mine... I get £80 a fortnight from JobCentre, so what I buy must be worth getting, cause I cannot afford to make a duff purchase.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Im going off topic here again lol :) oh well... here i go...

Well i bought a Netgear DG834 from Amazon (free postage) & i have been very pleased with it so far its really easy to setup & it does the job nicely plus also it works very well with my Linksys BEFSR41 router which is over 1yr old.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Oh, also, just to let you all know: No word from Pipex, BT, or Sky as yet.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

ok, just got off the phone to BT. They said the ideal package for me would be £12.50 (£11.50 on direct debit). They also suggested the same website as SMHarman did. They said that will sort everytihng out with ntl if I decide to go to BT.

The only thing I see standing in the way is that I currently pay £14 for ntl's phone and tV together, and the phone on it own with BT is nearly the same. Though, tbh, ntl just put the price up to £18 Mo. so I think it should all be fine.

Once BT come and fit the phone line, i'll go to F2S' website, and check if I can have it in my area (same goes for Pipex, if F2S is unavailable). Then i'll get them sorted out, and buy the modem and stuff.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

ADSL is not area specific. If the exchange is ADSL enabled, & you are in reach of it, then you will be able to get it from whatever ISP you choose.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

OOOOOOOH!

I get it now!

Anyone know if there is an ADSL-enabled exchange near me?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

You need to check your BT phone number to be 100% accurate, but you can get an 80% accurate answer by entering your postcode here: http://www.bt.com/athome/at_home_2le...K&obsOID=46435

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Im assuming that the "should be able" part is to protect themselves from people who think its definate, then find out its not. Just legal armor.

Speeds look ok, don't they? I know the downstream should be good, but I dunno what a good upstream is.

I'll sort out the BT line with my mum, then i'll get it sorted with BT, then once I get the number transferred, I can check properly, just to make sure.

Can someone please tell me if there are an hidden costs? And how long do you think it will take to do all this?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Most people get that. When you insert a BT phone number the checker will tell you which BT exchange you are using (unless you already know) then you can look at the trigger level & see/check how populated it is.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

That's not guaranteed, the only way you will know for sure what level of service you can/can't receive, is to enter your BT phone number. :)

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

upload speed is 256 if its ADSL your going for, around 30kb/s is the norm.

Once you have registered your interest with Pipex etc.. and you have paid your activation fee BT will test your BT line for the quality if you have a good quality line (minimal line noise) & BT give the all clear then you can choose an ADSL service upto whatever your local BT exchange supports.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Paid activation fee? To whom? Pipex (or whoever I choose)?
Do they have to be at my house to test the line? If so, could they do it once they reconnect me?
The thing is, I have a good price with ntl, with regards to the TV/Phone, so if I get BT, then find out I cannot use ADSL, then I don't want the line!

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

No they test your line at the exchange.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Set up normally takes about 7-10 days (depending on the ISP), & each ISP will have different costs, just make sure you get them to tell you of all costs involved.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Yes you pay it to the ISP you have choosen along with the first months subscription, the activation fee is a one off payment.

BT do the line test before your phone line is ADSL activated if the line quality is bad then unfortunaly you cant have ADSL (as a forum member recently found out).

Unfortunatly thats the way it works you pay and find out later.

A friend of mine she decided to choose BT as her ADSL isp she had no BT phone line installed & she managed to get a refund from BT when it was found after BT installed her new phone line she couldnt have an ADSL service because the BT phoneline was so poor.

May i suggest if you are getting a phoneline installed by BT (not an old BT line re-activated) before asking BT to come and install the new line ask BT if they will give you a re-fund if the new BT line they install cannot be used for ADSL as that is the prime objective of having the line installed in the first place.



phew!! i hope i dont have to type all this out again.....

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

some of the ISP's have free activation, don't they?
I think Pipex is free, or £17.50 if you want the modem and stuff.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

yup usually USB
free modem sometime means it is a trade off even with the best of isp's

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Yeah, I think the modem is USB.

I think F2S has free activation, but no stuff. Which is kind of what I want, because I can then buy the modem I linked earlier

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Did you read my thread about the good & bad of signing/choosing ADSL supplier?

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Nope, can you link me please

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

link should answer all your questions what you have to go through when signing up to an ADSL isp, the next bit to be added to that thread will be migration which will probably complete the thread.

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Ok, thanks for that.

I got to go out in a minute to get some Coaxial Cable, and some Co-ax sockets. Im going to hook all the TVs in the house up to the arial in the loft, then get rid of the stb.

While im out, can someone please explain the differences between static IP and... ummm.... non-static? :dunce:

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

One has an electrical charge the other doesnt :rofl:

Re: Good ISPs in hertford area?
 

Well aren't you the helpful little bugger.

Got all my co-ax and stuff, couldn't find any RJ-11 cable, but ill get it when I get my modem.

So, I guess we have to wait for BT to put my line in, then I can move on to getting ADSL.

Thats everyone for your help.

Can the admins/mods please not delete this topic, cause I would like yo have it around if I need help.