Well I really don't know who I'll replace NTL with. As I've said before, the key thing for me is reliability. I only require my internet to do 4 basic things.
1. Let me browse the web at a reasonable speed. Doesn't have to be super quick, just "reasonable". Problem is I can't rely on it working at present. It works now, tomorrow...who knows?
2. Let me send e mails. Problem here is I have to use a non NTL proxy to get trash cleared from hotmail and for inbox to update e mails as "read." I shouldn't have to do that.
3. Use Instant Messaging. Problem on this one is same as number 1. If the internet don't work, that sure won't.
4. Play music. OK, fair enough, I don't need an internet connection to access my iTunes library but I cant get their online radio unless I get online.
So, even discounting their failures when I first had cable installed, even disregarding their cable TV with it's freezing pictures, which to be fair, they have now fixed.....even ignoring the mis-selling they did....it's not good is it!!! Not one of my 4 requirements, which are pretty basic, can be provided on a regular, reliable basis by NTL. Now it's a shame because they came recommended by a friend who lives in Glasgow who was aghast that I was with AOL with all their spyware, junk etc.
I'd be the first to admit some of my PC woes have been of my own making...getting AOL at first was a big mistake and I've been a bit unlucky in that a corrupt download from ZoneAlarms meant I had to reinstall Windows. But that's done now, I have a PC that's virus free, Trojan free, no adware etc, etc so I should be able to trot downstairs tomorrow, turn on my pc and collect my e mails without wondering if I'll be able to get online at all.
I had such high hopes of NTL, I really thought they were a reputable company with high standards of customer service. The truth is though that all this has left me disillusioned, and when I look back over the last 9 months, they really have got very little right, hardly anything has gone smoothly, even my upgrade to 2 Mb caused my modem problems and that was AFTER my windows reload.
A shame, a real pity. If they had even done half of what they promised when they signed me up I'd be happy to stay with them, I don't want perfection, just things to go smoothly most of the time and a reasonably quick resolution when they do go wrong. I'm really disappointed, I would probably have been a really loyal customer too.
I wonder if my experience is common or have I just had bad luck?
Alan