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"Contemplating packing up and moving to Freeola"

I've been with BT for ages now for my broadband and they're 'ok'. But sometimes just being ok doesn't cut it.

What's annoyed me most recently is that their hardware sounds great until it's put into practice, namely the new Home Hub 2.0. For a start the USB doesn't work with my HDD any more and then it's not the most reliable service despite claims of the signal being stronger.

The cost (£30 a month) does include a smartphone, which I've since changed but still use the sim card, which has 10mb free each month and apparently a USB dongle if I re-register for 18 months.

The Geocities site is closing too, so no free website with BT either after that time (not that Geocities is that good).

However, Freeola does look like a viable alternative, with no annoying contract, cheaper rates and what seems like a support staff who are there to actually help you (makes a change).

The only thing I see is that the modem/router isn't Vista compatible (surprised that there are no firmware updates for it) and I'd have to buy a new router.

Can anyone recommend me a Freeola based router with a USB input to use my HDD on the network and with a decent WIFI signal strength?

The other thing is that I'm on an ADSL2 exchange now but only get 1.5mb, is there any reason Freeola may be faster than BT? I'd like to imagine having a faster broadband, even if it's by another half a meg.

I'm going to have to wait until August if I don't want to pay BT's get out clause (£75 or so) but I want to make my mind up now.

I have in the past checked through the Master socket, but only for speed (over 3-5 days) rather than quality.

How long would I need to test for?

Just long enough to get the connection speed and attenuation figures.



*warning*
Don't restart your router too often in a short space of time - else you will upset BT and get a Target SNR of 15db that will slow you down even more!!!

Oh, and I also have an iPlate I installed, just in case!

Looks like I'll have to test the master socket later (need to move the computer table), kids need looking after and dinner requires eating!

Best not to re-connect in the evening as you won't get you best connection speed (lower SNRM). The attenuation figure would still be accurate though.

I would wait until you can test/restart during the day now...





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Testing speed isn't too important, I've done that enough times and know the speed is pretty much spot on with or without using the master socket since taking out the ring wire and installing the iplate.

Ran the Freeola checker again:
Estimated ADSL2+ Upgrade Date: Upgraded. Freeola will perform ADSL2+ upgrades shortly.
Expected ADSL2+ Broadband Speed: 1Mbps

Oh dear!

Surely BT could put some sort of relay exchange in where properties were far enough from the exchange to give these low speeds? How do other countries like Spain seem to manage when they have houses so far apart from each other?

Well, I found an old 5 port Safecom GURU Modem/router today that a friend had given me. (product code GART2-4115 if you're interested).

Amazed by the wealth of options and ease of the menus on it, took me about 10 minutes to get up and running. Anyway, looks like it's pretty universal and probably more sturdy than the BT Home Hub anyway. Might even be a bit faster (I know, mostly it's the line speed not the equipment, but who knows!)

Anyway, it's a step towards changing ISP and you've convinced me Freeola is first on my list when I can break the chains of BT.

Great.

BT extended my Broadband contract by 18 months, not 12 when they 'offered' me the mobile internet. Now I have to wait till November or pay a couple of hundred quid to cancel early.

Come November I'll grab my MAC code and take my business to Freeola for sure now.

You may be able to wrangle your way out of it by the way. BT recently got in a bit of stick over this sort of thing, and have been known to back down after some constructive moaning.

I'll try and find where I read about it and get back to you. However just try moaning to their CS anyway. Never know.

I'll have a go. They did sound pretty adamant that I'd have to pay yesterday though.