Second broadband supplier

joe · Oct 21, 2010, 07:59:06

In view of the recent problems but not wishing to leave idNet, is it possible to have a second, back-up, ISP?

If so, is the fact that I am now fibre optic (great when it works) does that limit my choice of secondary supplier?

Glenn · Oct 21, 2010, 08:04:52

Joe, I would think that you will need to have a 2nd line installed before you could have a 'back-up' ISP.

pctech · Oct 21, 2010, 08:18:41

Glenn is correct, BT only allow you to authenticate against one ISP by implementing a service block, if they did not you could in thory log into any ISP in the UK.

joe · Oct 21, 2010, 08:36:04

OK, thanks for that. I'll just have to hope that idNet can sort out BT or progress the alternate they are considering.

pctech · Oct 21, 2010, 09:04:17

Think they need to add some more hostlinks to the configuration.

Glenn · Oct 21, 2010, 09:17:29

I would think, renting a hostlink is an expensive business.

DorsetBoy · Oct 21, 2010, 09:23:22

IDNET have already stated that they are going to be using other suppliers in conjunction with BT after this last event HERE. Spreading load across suppliers is less costly than loss of users in the long run.

If you want a second supplier for emergencies then consider a router like a Draytek Vigor which has Wan2 with 3G onboard.

http://www.draytek.co.uk/products/3g_solutions.html

pctech · Oct 21, 2010, 09:52:35

3G is no good in densely populated areas.

Steve · Oct 21, 2010, 09:56:43

It's no good where I live, too thinly populated to bother with coverage.
I think as an emergency option for those who have 3g coverage it's useful but has the added advantage in that it can be used away from home if required

DorsetBoy · Oct 21, 2010, 12:39:59

Quote from: pctech on Oct 21, 2010, 09:52:35
3G is no good in densely populated areas.

Why is that Mitch? It seems to work for some I know and gets recommended on the Draytek forum. Have you seen poor results with it?

pctech · Oct 21, 2010, 12:47:52

Depends what you want to do with it Dorset.

For my day job I support an audio conferencing system used by remote users and its dire for that.

Also seen lots of speed issues on the forums of 3g.co.uk which seem to be related to capacity shortages so as a backup perhaps but you shouldn't expect it to provide the same sort of performance as ADSL/VDSL.

Once LTE launches it will be an excellent backup.