Right then, I'll fetch Galileo...

Imagine getting on a train that says London to Manchester and it might arrive in 3 hours - or possibly 4, maybe 5 - just depends really. But then we might have to cancel it all together because of leaves on the line.

Wow - trains are so much better than ADSL.

Perhaps you haven't travelled much by train. Trains have a schedule. If they are delayed or cancelled you can claim compensation. See http://www.traindelays.co.uk/Faqs.aspx

OK OK guys I know there are also problems for the ISPs so let's compromise:

AOL contracts to supply speeds up to 8mb and I contract to pay them sums up to �20per month.

That sounds about right to me.

Actually the sign-up through Quidco was what the "might" was referring to. You have to be careful to make sure you don't have O2 site cookies on your machine for example, not sure about your landline phone number being used for asking O2 sales for pre-sales info.

Look for a recent post by MKD in the O2 or Be forums on this site and follow the link in his sig to his excellent document.

Lots of info and advice there.

Doesn't statutory law state that the service has to be up to reasonable standards, and if you can compare that the speed is pathetically slow versus most of the market (this site is very useful for that you'll find!) then you may have a good case. If people don't do this kind of thing and take a stand, then companies such as AOL will never be forced to improve...
Do you think it would be cheaper for them to respond to a small claims court action by you, or to just allow you to cancel your contract?
I'd get some legal advice (collect hard evidence of the poor service first), then try it on. AOL deserve everything negative they get, as far as I'm concerned.