Sky Broadband Review

I am writing this review because I�d like everyone to know that Sky are the only ISP I�ve used out of the big 5 (BT, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, Sky, Orange) that are providing a flawless service.

Based on my previous experiences with 3 out of the big 5 from above (Virgin Media, TalkTalk and Orange) I had cold feet while waiting for activation of my Sky Broadband. Basically, my dealings have been with TalkTalk which didn�t work at all during peak times (this was when �free broadband� was launched), Virgin Media who provided a neutral experience and Orange Mobile who were an absolute disaster (dreadful customer service).

However, contrary to my expectations everything with Sky has gone according to plan. They started off my connection at around 4 Meg on the first day then increased it gradually, resulting in a very reasonable speed for my line at the end of DLM. It�s also completely consistent; we�re getting pretty much the same speed all day whereas with Plusnet it went from 6.5 Meg to 1-3 Meg during peak periods. Apart from speed adjustments in the morning when going through DLM, the connection hasn�t dropped once.

I am amazed that they manage to provide this level and quality of service while still remaining pretty much the cheapest unlimited ISP. This brings me onto my next subject; downloading from P2P file-sharing services during a busy time of day, which occurs at full speed (not subject to any traffic shaping/management).

Finally and best of all it�s truly unlimited, only subject to AUP which I believe means if you damage the network, you�ll be cut off but otherwise you�re free to go wild.

So in my experience, Sky Broadband is a five star service and I�d recommend it to all.

Thanks,
Xplosion

I would also agrre with these comments made about Sky, other than actual line problems i've never had any issues with Sky and customer service is top notch once past tier 1!!

Have to agree.

My only gripe about Sky is that when you are having issues. If it's something slightly obscure the networking team are absolutely pitiful. That said if it's going well it's great and possibly the best service out there.

& the customer service are UK scottish or Irish which is nice.

Sky definitely provide a pretty flawless service as we've had two connections from 2008 that haven't dropped once - at least in the time we're using it, which is like - always! The speed and reliability has been top notch, though my DG934G did go wonky on me recently and I had to pretty much beg them to send me the 'n' router. I doubt I'll ever go with an ISP that doesn't offer unlimited - I hate limitations on my Internet usage - fixed line or otherwise.

Their newer N router is pretty fab too IMO

It has the best wifi coverage of any router I've ever used and doesn't ever require a reboot.

Sky is terrible, at peak times internet speeds plummet.

Sky Connect or Unlimited package? The non-LLU Connect package has always been poor.

You must be on connect not LLU

Totally different kettle of fish & connects always been rubbish

I am on Unlimited (LLU).

I am on Unlimited (LLU)..

Have you monitored your router statistics during peak hours

The peak congestion issues which sky had in a few exchanges has been resolved I believe.

It is certainly not fixed for my exchange. Its fine throughout the day but once peak time (around 7pm-11pm) hits it goes all over the place, and that is with no one else using bandwidth and I am connected via Ethernet.

My router stays synced at 3mbps constantly and I get that when not in peak time. I use the broadband meter to monitor and display waveforms of how much degradation of throughput there is during peak time.

Its shockingly bad,

Screenshot

Edited by deleted (Mon 28-May-12 16:39:11)

Yes monitored and no they have not patched their kit, issue still active on the sky website, third time now it�s been rescheduled for a resolved date. As for the support, pretty much standard UK offering �poor� even past tier 1!

In reply to a post by Alex1M6:

Its shockingly bad,
Screenshot

Yes that about sums it up for me too.

If you sync at 3 Meg, what speed do you see off peak? And what sort of drop would be acceptable for the peak period?

While I can see the speeds varying a lot in that screenshot, it is not similar to the really bad situations we have seen when congestion hits really bad.

Remember Sky don't promise a contention free network, just one where they don't slow you down, other users are a different matter.