Well I have spent the afternoon looking at broadband suppliers going through a BT line. I cannot continue trying to use my computer without a stable connection to the web, and so ntl is going to have to go. The TV package went to Sky before Christmas, and was the best decision I made.
Looks like I'm about to make another good move.
I'll ring BT to reactivate the line, and then I think I'll opt for a RELIABLE provider for BB.
BTW, can I alter from an ntl BB package down to the dial up 'as you go' option - to keep my email address until I remember all the places that I am signed up to with that address!?