Hi Paul
you have got some problems, havn't you.
First thing I'd try is setting an 'explicit' proxy
more info on this, instructions on how to do it & a list of cache servers is in this link
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/robin.d...trancache.html
general principle - choose to set the one you are accessing 'transparently' first (there is a 'what's my proxy' link on the front page of the forum, near the bottom), then if that doesn't improve things try another geographically near you. It's a bit trial & error, I'm afraid, but you will be amazed at the difference once you find a proxy server that is working correctly.
If that doesn't work, I can only assume you have an oversubscibed connection - and you will have to contact customer services, to report that.
RE: upgrading, personally I would get your 150K connection running properly first - I wouldn't want to be paying the extra on the off-chance it will suddenly work better.
- let us know how you get on
Gaz