Worth downgrading?

caveman · 14-06-2007, 18:22

I've been pretty satisfied with Virgin / NTL over the years. I was also pretty impressed when they upgraded the 10 meg to 20. That means that I have gone from 4 - 10 - 20 within a year and to start with the 20 meg was fantastic.
The thing is I get 20 meg till 4pm. and the 500 - 2M during the evening.
If I went back to the 4meg using STB or SACM would my speed be steady like it used to be and not be subject to the evening speed reductions. The honest answer is I would be more than happy with 4 Meg all the time and save myself a few bob in the process. Is the 4meg steady?

Nikesh · 14-06-2007, 18:29

My 4Mb has always been steady. I guess it depends on the area though...

14-06-2007, 18:29

it sounds like you are being affected by the traffic management, although it should only 'kick in when you have downloaded more than 3GB after 4pm and last for 4 hours.

If that is the case, then you will get the same thing on 4 meg, except it triggers at 750MB and halves the speed to 2Mb/s.

If it isn't throttling, but over-subscription that is your problem, then it isn't easy to predict how downgrading would affect you.

caveman · 14-06-2007, 18:33

I can use it at 8 in the morning and the BB speed is 17meg+. Turn off machine, come home at 5 and I get speeds at 500 straight from boot up.
I was better off 2 years ago!

fizgog · 14-06-2007, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by caveman

I can use it at 8 in the morning and the BB speed is 17meg+. Turn off machine, come home at 5 and I get speeds at 500 straight from boot up.
I was better off 2 years ago!

I'm afraid it's the case were to many customers are trying to use the same hamster in the wheel

GeoffW · 14-06-2007, 18:37

I downgraded from 4Mb to 2Mb as I thought the 4Mb was overpriced. I must say I haven't noticed any difference. When you call they can do it there and then, but you can't change again for 30 days.

I'm anticipating the billing isn't going to be quite so efficient though.

caveman · 14-06-2007, 18:42

Quote:

I'm afraid it's the case were to many customers are trying to use the same hamster in the wheel

Then it's back to dial up speeds then. We've had the good days - now it's back to the bad. BB is therefor a victim of it's own success.
How do the newsgroup / torrent guys get over the problem?

Dogster · 14-06-2007, 18:55

Torrents and newsgroups are fine on my 4meg (paying for 2meg) though
I'm not being shaped/traffic managed...yet!