Strange that 2 of the best ISPs don't have 24-hour support. . It could be that it isn't needed by their customers. Are you sure you are right to rule them out? I can't see it would have much effect on your current line problem. And once that is solved?

If you re-read the posts about LLU you will see most have their own equipment at the exchange. BT equipment is limited to 8Mb (ADSL1), LLU equipment is limited to 24Mb (ADSL2+) - or at least in Be's case it is. Some ISPs say 16Mb, but that is a different question.

So presumably Waitrose (aka Madasafish aka Brightview aka recently > BT) are using the BT equipment. Ask Be what speed they would expect you to get. ADSL2+ degrades with distance faster than ADSL1, but I would expect more than 5.5Mb.

PS - Quality of support is more important than availability - so you should be ruling out Be from your own experience.

That leaves Madasafish, who so far have a very good reputation.

In reply to:

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- Be* broadband,

John2007 Thanks for that.
This site: http://www.dslzoneuk.net/maxspeed2.php,
my "Attenuation" is 32Db, site says I can get between 10-14Mbps.

This site http://www2.farina1.com/adsl/default.aspx
Current line sync: 7168 I think
(my livebox says this is downstream rate, don't know if this is the right number)
Attenuation: 32db
Noise 6.6
Results are:-
We estimate that if using a rate adaptive up to 8Mbps service your maximum line speed will be: 7168kbps.
If you are on a Max product, that uses the IP Profile system (sometimes called BRAS Data Rate) if you maintain the above line speed for 3 days or more your IP Profile would be set to: 6mbps.
If your service provider uses ADSL2+ we estimate you may manage line speeds of: 15,650.
With ADSL2+ the maximum IP throughput is likely to be around: 13,850kbps.

So I think the answer is that I'd get up to 6Mbps with a non LLU provider like Waitrose/Madasafish, but could get 10-14Mbps with an LLU provider like "Be".

Hmm, interesting, but I still think I may go with Waitrose as they've got such good reviews and support should be good. Also "Be" do seem to be having problems at the moment. Worrying though that BT have bought the company that supplies Waintrose & Madasafish (Brightview).

I still have a bit of time to decide anyway, as have to wait for MAC code from Orange.

Have you sorted out your line problems now? If you haven't they will move with you to your new ISP.

Madasafish have a good reputation, although there have been grumblings on this site since their takeover by BT.

In reply to:

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Worrying though that BT have bought the company that supplies Waintrose & Madasafish (Brightview).

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If there comes a time to leave MAAF, then the two ISPs I would choose between are Newnet and IDNet (at this moment in time)

Line problems sorted out ok.
I now have Mac code, will prob risk Waitrose/Madasafish.
Thanks to all.

I suggest you register a domain at Purple Cloud for