Looking for new ISP - combined BB/phone package

Hi folks,

I'm looking for an new ISP that offers me a decent broadband package combined with taking care of phone calls and BT line rental.

I'm currently with Pipex, been with them for years and never really had any problems with them although I notice I've been LLU'ed. They don't offer the package I want so I'm after some advice.

I'm not a particularly heavy user, something with an approx 10gig limit would be good.

I've had a look at Plusnet as they seem to offer a good deal, but I came across them by chance as the info on this site doesn't state they include phone charges and line rental?

Rather than diving straight in with Plusnet, I wonder what other alternative ISPs offer what I'm after, any pointers/advice would be good.

Many thanks

Why are you so bothered about a BB/call bundle? BT will be doing an Anytime call package for �5.95 from April 1st. By limiting your search to bundle providers you're probably going to exclude some of the best BB providers at a stroke.

Regards,
Steve

It would be wise to actually check what ADSL services you can get first before parting with any cash.

LLU providers such as Sky and Be will give you the best speeds, biggest caps or no caps at all - no throttling - and at the lowest cost. Someone like Sky also has phone deals of calls and line rental.

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.

I was hoping they'red be decent options of ISPs that offered a total package.

Really the choice is just for convenience and the fact that BT have had enough of my money over the years and I'd rather only pay to them the minimum that I have to.

Thanks for the link, my options are:

BT Wholesale ADSL
BT Wholesale ADSL Max
Virgin Media (Cable)

But cable is out as it doesn't quite reach us.

The only two LLUoptions worth considering are not available so you'll have to go with an IPStream ISP. Given that any BB/call bundle is going to include �5 or so for calls you're really not saving anything by going for a bundle so I would say find the best ISP that suits your needs, and if they offer a call package then all fine and dandy, but if not �5.95 to BT isn't unreasonable (IMHO) for a call package and then at least you've got a decent BB connection. The other thing to consider is that bundle providers usually lock you in to a 12 month contract.
Tell us what sort of usage and data allowances you're after and a budget and you'll get some suitable suggestions.

Regards,
Steve

You're probably right and I'll keep my options open, but if the costs are the same I'd rather go for a combined package.

As I say I'm not a heavy BB user, average use is probably under 5gig a month so 8-10gig a month would be ample.

At the moment I'm on an older Pipex setup 2mb/15 gig for �14.99. I've never upgraded it as I didn't want to commit to another 12 month contract with Pipex.

If I wasn't going for a combined package I could stick with them, but there's a lot of negativity towards Pipex around these parts... touch wood 99% of the 6 odd years I've been with them have been trouble free.

If you are still getting a reasonable service with them you can ring and see if they are still doing a retention package of

ADSL max 8mb, 2 GB data, all 01/02 calls included for �9.99 /month, extra 3GB @ �2.70.

So your 5 GB plus all calls is covered for �12.69 a month

Of course you risk being shoved onto LLU and having a miserable time for a year....

Hi there,

All our products for both BB and phone are monthly contracts, so there's nothing to lose by trying out our service.

With your usage requirements Option 2 BB should more than suffice (8GB peak time usage plus free overnight usage).

If you do have any queries or need any more info give us a shout and we'll be happy to help.

Hi Ezo

If you want to look at bundled packages for comparison, I would naturally recommend Utility Warehouse.

They bundle line rental, calls, broadband, gas, electricity and mobiles (all on one monthly bill).