Zen seem a safe bet from previous posts on here and seem to have the best balance of price and customer service awards...
They also offer multiple static IP's without charge on their Fibre packages...
Zen withdrew the ability to sign up for a routed IP block online some time ago.
Many routers do not support routed IP and it is increasingly possible to host multiple services on a single static IP, especially now that client support for Server Name Indication is pretty much ubiquitous. This means there are relatively few users who need and can make use of routed IP on an ADSL or FTTx connection. With all IPv4 address space having been allocated by the registries, ISPs want to make careful use of what remains of their IPv4 address allocations, because spare addresses are a finite and dwindling resource.
I suspect many Zen customers signed up for a routed /29 when that option was freely available via the online signup because it was a no cost option, but have only ever used a single address.
I have and use a routed IP block on my Zen FTTC connection at no additional monthly cost. My block was allocated many years ago. I started off with a free /29, but eventually moved to a /28 for a one-off cost after providing extensive justification for the larger allocation.
If you have a use for routed IP, you might still be able to get a new /29 allocation from Zen on request, though you should expect to have to justify the allocation by explaining what amongst your proposed usage cannot be accommodated using a single static IP address, NAT and port forwarding.
I believe Zen are a solid choice. They have unlimited usage broadband and phone packages at a relatively small additional cost over mass market ISPs such as BT Retail. They can provide service in many locations over their own backhaul network, meaning your connection is not subject to BT Wholesale congestion, though they will offer service over BT Wholesale WBMC in locations where they do not have presence.
All Zen accounts are static IP with the user having control of their reverse DNS.
Zen customer services are UK based. I don't believe they make any use of foreign call centres.
The major drawback with Zen is that they have no announced plans for native IPv6. This can be overcome using a free 6 in 4 tunnel from SixXS or Hurricane Electric, which involves only small additional overheads, though some IPv6 capable routers don't support 6 in 4 tunnels.
Zen no longer offer a Usenet (news) server, though they are far from alone in this. Even text only Usenet is a niche interest these days.
As has been said, Zen's minimum contact length is based on the minimum contact length of the underlying wholesale product - 12 months for FTTC and 1 month for ADSL. The minimum contact length for a phone line in a bundle is the same as the broadband connection.
Edit: tidying up the section on routed IP.
Edited by deleted (Sat 23-May-15 10:43:00)
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