Did you understand what I said about the databases taking time to update? The data returned will be dependant on whether the databases have been updated to reflect the location for this number.

NOTE: I am not saying that no provider can provide a stable connection, you might find that Zen who has less customers and offers a generally better quality of service might provide a stable latency.

The observed performance of BT Retail DOES NOT EQUAL what you will observe from other providers, it might be worse it might be better.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

Why?

If they are part of the same company I would have thought they would use the same database? If BT Retail have my address correct and have done since I moved here I would have thought BT Wholesale would have access to the same information?

They're different companies as I said earlier.

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

Did you understand what I said about the databases taking time to update? The data returned will be dependant on whether the databases have been updated to reflect the location for this number.

Yes I understand, but the problem with my address and other suppliers arose before I cancelled, before the database needed to be amended, unless it just hasn't been updated since I moved here 2 years ago, in which case the information will be incorrect no matter who I want to use.

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

NOTE: I am not saying that no provider can provide a stable connection, you might find that Zen who has less customers and offers a generally better quality of service might provide a stable latency.

For a much more expensive price, but like you said earlier, because of where I live if I want a stable connection I will have to pay through the nose!!

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

The observed performance of BT Retail DOES NOT EQUAL what you will observe from other providers, it might be worse it might be better.

Ye, I will just stay with BT now and put up with the unstable latency, it didn't happen all the time but more times than it didn't, the problems with the address, ridiculous cost's and other problems I have encountered over the last 7 weeks or so aren't worth the hassle of trying to move, I suppose it the price one pays for living where I do

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

They're different companies as I said earlier.

But part of the same group of companies, thats why I thought they would have access to the same data, but obviously not, that would be far too simple!

They don't BT Retails billing database is a different system to anything BT Wholesale has.

Very strict rules govern all this, and exist to try and encourage firms to unbundle exchanges in the name of competition.

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

They don't BT Retails billing database is a different system to anything BT Wholesale has.

Very strict rules govern all this, and exist to try and encourage firms to unbundle exchanges in the name of competition.

Fair enough, so is my exchange unbundled then, as Virgin, for example have told me it isn't and thats why its more expensive, because they have to rent it from BT and therefore can't pass the savings on, this was told to me by a Virgin Media advisor?

Your exchange is not unbundled, some 85% or so of UK homes have access to at least one LLU provider, so you are in the other 15% or so.

Virgin rent from BT Wholesale, or more correctly from Cable and Wireless who rent it from BT Wholesale

This thread would seem to illustrate that there can still be a (conceptual) steep step in the learning curve when it comes to UK broadband.
I did find the diagram illustrations of TBB (or ADSLG as was) very useful in the early days.

OP problems have clearly been compounded by some confusion about the postcode / address / phone number associated with the connection. I would not be surprised if this area has had its postcodes revamped recently (many people do not realise they are using an old postcode if the post still arrives).

When you add the experience of the OP that the databases held by the suppliers are not always in sync, and that the line checkers are interpreted differently by businesses trying to make a sale, and that the implied sales pitch is headlined as "we can provide you a better speed than the competition", I can't say I'm surprised at the mess the OP has found themselves in.

I think more people understand the "speed" of your electricity does not change when you change your supplier (billing) , and perhaps it would be helpful to imagine the reselling of the line (at least to the exchange) as a similar concept.

Only once that is understood can one introduce concepts such as LLU and differences in quality / investment in ISPs networks.
(edit) do you think schools ICT lessons should introduce something on History and Development of UK Broadband services?

Edited by prlzx (Thu 10-Mar-11 22:14:32)

some 85% or so of UK homes have access to at least one LLU provider

AAMOI where do those stats come from?