Looking for a new ISP

Im with AOL currently and as of the end of next month, im being kicked off due to excessive useage (some months, i probably go over 60gb for work alone)

I need a new ISP for no more than

An LLU provider will give you the best download speeds - if you can use an LLU provider. So it would be wise to actually check what ADSL services you can get first - before parting with any cash.

Use the link I have put below and it will tell you exactly what ADSL services you can get by just putting in your post code or phone number (i.e. it may say "Sky LLU" or "Be LLU" - that means you can use Sky or Be and they are an LLU service).

Link to ADSL services checker.

You may find you can use an LLU provider such as Sky or Be and then get more bang for your bucks.

Im not sure exactly what LLU means..

but i ge;
BT Wholesale ADSL
BT Wholesale ADSL Max
BT Wholesale SDSL
Be LLU
TalkTalk (CPW) LLU
Sky Broadband / Easynet LLU
Pipex LLU
Tiscali LLU
Virgin Media (Cable) may be available
21CN PSTN migration due Jul-Sep 2008

Your best bet is likely to be Be if your line is good enough.

LLU = Local Loop Unbundled.

Which means the ISP can/does have it's own equipment on the exchange end of your line. If it does, then normally it is ADSL2+ capable (24Mb maximum), where BT IPStream is only ADSL1 (8Mb maximum).

thanks for the reply, ill call them later

thanks, useful to know!

As john posted Be is a good option or if you already have Sky TV it may pay you to take one of their packages of TV, free phone calls plus broadband.

For example Sky do a combination of Sky TV channels - free evening and weekend telephone calls - plus a broadband connection up to 16Mb with completely unlimited downloads for just

some variables to consider

of course it may be worth looking at all aspects of the various services,
eg minimum length of contract, costs of leaving some suppliers
perceived view of service (via responses of those clients posting on forums such as this)
necessity to purchase hardware as a condition of the service.
if moving from LLU any costs that may be incurred.
ease of meaningful communication at any time
bandwidth available for cost..........

speed of connection whilst being desirable is not always the best reason to choose a provider

I am considering Sky and BE and have asked them what sort of speeds I could expect and got very different answers with Sky saying between 10-16 Mb and BE quoting me 5-7Mb.

I was under the impression that Sky and BE would be using similar gear in the exchange and not sure if the Sky CS advisor was just telling me what I wanted to hear.

I am waiting for a mac code from Orange on their starter 2Mb connection I get around 1.7Mb which is too slow.