Question from a potential customer on LLU

I'm currently with Eclipse on their Flex 2000 package (BT IPStream). I'm leaving because Eclipse are moving some of their customers across to LLU without informing them first and, since LLU performance seems to be dire, I want to get out before they do this to me.

Are Zen using LLU and if I join up is there a chance I might be put on an LLU line now or in the future (as far as can be predicted anyway)?

I think zen only have 4 llu exchanges around Rochdale(according to samknows).

The Zen LLU performance is excellent

Are they also offering to migrate someone back to BT with themselves first, before the customer is issued a MAC code so they may choose any ISP on the market?

Hi,

As somebody else points out - we have four LLU exchanges, as detailed on the Samknows Web site.

LLU in itself is not fundementally flawed. Unfortunately it has a bad reputation because some LLU operators have not implemented it successfully, or providers have experienced problems in moving users to LLU services.

In Zen's case after the odd minor teething problem, but I think the testimonials of users here would show that the service is at least as reliable as IPStream services - and not prone to some of the ongoing issues that can still occur with Max.

Of course this is all academic if you're not on the LLU'd exchanges.

regards,
Phil.

Like the OP, I have fled from Eclipse and their questionable practice of moving people across to a unidentified 3rd party LLU supplier.

The complaints have started to rise, yet Eclipse refuses to make any official statement on the subject only informing individuals about being placed on a 3rd Party LLU 'trial' when other excuses run thin.

They have point blank refused to say with 3rd Party LLU supplier they have gone with, but from putting together various reports most of us believe it is the dreaded Tiscali.

How this is relevent to the Zen board is like the earlier Plusnet situation of LLU switchover, the growing number of Eclipse refuges want to find a more communicative company that would keep to the spirit of the contract we accept at sign up. At the very least they would inform the customer openly if they intended to change any part of the service that would directly effect the customer.

From my examination of the Zen forum for the past couple of years, I would guess Zen would be pro-active in announcements, such as the withdrawal of most of the unlimted products earlier this year.

I therefore was content to join Zen last month, but it would be nice to hear what Zen's present policy or thinking is with regards to 3rd Party LLU services.

Does Zen use anyone apart from BTWholesale outside the Rochdale area?

Does Zen consider or has considered using a 3rd Party LLU service to provide its customer connections?

If not would Zen consider such a thing in the near future and most importantly if you did would you fully inform customers of any trial or switchover before it began, so they could be allowed to opt out or leave?

It would be comforting to hear answers to these questions especially that 3rd party LLU services seem to be the flavour of the times for small-mid sized operators and some rumours have indicated Pipex may follow Plusnet and Eclipse down this road.

Customers are now getting nervous about being 'trapped' onto a poor quality LLU system. Previous comforts of the Migration Code of Practice is an illusion as Eclipse are apparently refusing to give out any MACS to LLU'ed customers and simply saying the code of practice no longer covers these customers. These customers are forced to then either stick it out or cancel with all the downtime and re-activation costs invloved - it is quite appalling.

Most of us would like to think Zen is better than this and are willing to pay the higher prices to deal with a more honourable company, but at a time when good reputations are falling like flies some of us are no longer taking reputations for granted. Therefore It would be nice to hear Zen's policy on 3rd party LLU services.

Jimmy81

Edited by jimmy81 (Thu 17-Aug-06 16:18:14)

Are zen planning on unbundling any more exchanges in the future? Gutted that I'm not on a Bury number now I've seen that is being done.

That's what a MAC is.

No, that is an LLU based MAC and not many ISPs accept them. Do Zen provide a BT MAC if someone is on LLU with them and request a migration away?

I think your missing his point.

On a LLU service a customer would be given a 'LLU Mac' - which has very limited acceptance (only 1 other supplier apart from Zen i believe.)

I think he was asking if Zen would move someone back to a BT product and get a standard universal MAC.

I bet the answer is no mind you.

Jimmy81