broadband

[goldheart]

If I want to get broadband installed into my home, how easy is it? and which are the better ISPs to have?
My phone line is NTL and I know they do broadband - do they have to come out and install cables etc? Im quite reluctant to have this done... I thought broadband went through the phone lines now?
Thanks

[wizard]

Not 100% sure how NTL works but for BT the general case is - you buy your subscription to broadband, they take 7 days to digitally upgrade your phone line at there end, they send you a modem and drivers and you simply plug it in. Pretty simple really. I bought mine with BT though so I cant really vouch for how NTL will do it.

[smudge]

NTL came out & laid underground cables to our house & placed quite a small grey box on the wall outside, hidden behind a plant! We have the following:

 

• NTL Broadband Cable Modem Access
• Digital TV Base Pack & Telephone

 

The installation didn't take too long to do. There were a few minor teething problems, but were soon sorted out.  

[LeMarchand]

If you already have digital TV, NTL will send you a cable and a software disc + instructions. From memory, I ordered mine Thursday late evening and got the kit Tuesday.

 

You connect your PC to your set top box either via USB or (preferably) ethernet if you have it and run the software. I've not done it, but I assume you could also do it with a wireless router, but this may be more complex than you want!

 

If you don't have digital cable TV, I believe an engineer will install a cable modem for you. I think they will need to drill a hole for the feed if you don't already have one.

 

Whilst I'm reasonably happy with NTL, some customers have been annoyed by a download cap they have announced. If you are planning on heavy downloading, you may be better off with another provider. If you are just surfing and downloading a few music tracks etc you should be OK. Check the current details - NTL are upgrading their speeds in many regions, but (in some cases) lowering the download cap. It may be worth hanging on for the speed upgrade, as current plans appear to be to charge a one-off �25 fee to upgrade your speed (though the monthly fee does not necessarily change).

 

Check the dicussions here: http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/forumdisplay.php?f=75 , here: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/ and here: http://www.ntlhellworld.com/forums/

[smudge]

LeMarchand - That's an interesting site, I shall read more later. Cheers. 

[stevie21]

Remember goldheart, I'm your bank manager and I say you can't afford broadband ;-)

Normally broadband does go through the phone line unless you get it through a cable company such as NTL or Telewest.
I don't think that they'll have to install too many cables and if you give them a ring (or even sign up via their website) then it's very straightforward. At most, an engineer should visit and run a wire/cable from the white box on your wall to your PC, and also do some tinkering around with a box outside.

If you choose not to go with NTL then you'll have to have a BT line installed and pay BT line rental on it, as well as your broadband subscription. You don't necessarily have to go with BT for the broadband itself but many ISP's require a BT line. If you're not already paying BT line rental along with your phone bill then this would be quite expensive & not much value for money.

[alunrw]

I upgraded to Broadband recently with Supanet and so far so good.No download limits and very fast - I have the 1mb speed at �22 a month and It was incredibly easy to install, they provide a free USB modem, aswell as the adapter for the phone line - its just a case of putting a splitter into your phone socket (they also send you an extra splitter) and plug the modem in and run the CD - it did take about 10 days to get the line activated though (via BT).