Eclipse, Throttling and should I move to IDNet?

[kerrso05]

Hi there  ID Netters

My name is Harry from Northern Ireland and at present I am with Eclipse but I am thinking seriously in moving to IDNet.
I started surfing the Internet about 6 years ago with Freeserve (who then got taken over by Wanadoo) I was reasonably happy with Wanadoo but thought that I could get better value for money and quicker speed so I moved about three years ago to Plusnet.....wrong move  I spent most of my time off line plus they introduced (as soon as I joined) Fair Usage, Traffic Management and Throttling. So when I did get on line they throttled my download speed to 0.2kbs. So I quickly moved to Eclipse who I have been happy with ever since, until last year when  they introduced without notice Throttling and this happens from 8.00am to 12 midnight and it is very bad...about 0.18kbs 
As I use P2P to download I am now being very restricted due to this policy of Throttling. Please understand I am not on this Forum to Eclipse Bash or tear them to threads. I'm on here to get your advice about IDNet.
As I have stated I use P2P but I am thinking of moving to IDnet's package known as "Home Max" with a 30Gb limit.....what I want to know from yourselves, is upload included in this 30Gb limit or is that separate? As my two daughters have a computer each how will I know when the limit is going to be reached.....do I get an advanced Email warning me of this? If not is there a software that I can download to keep an eye on this activity?
If the limit is only on download usage then I feel I can stay within the limit. I would rather have a Capping limit than throttling......which I think is a very harsh way to deal with Customers.
Last year, Eclipse wrote to me and told me that they were putting me onto a LLU system managed by Tiscali (I had no choice on the matter)......will being on a LLU system have any repercussions on me moving back to ADSL...what I mean is will it cost me more to move back to ADSL?
How long does the change over take from Eclipse to IDNet? Plus are there any ex- Eclipse Users on this forum that can confirm/reasure me that this will be a good move for me?
I have written to IDNet (and got a very quick response) asking them do they have any proposals to introduce Traffic Management or Throttling and they confirmed that they don't (but they would say that..wouldn't they??) As IDNet Users have you seen any signs of this policy being introduced?
At the moment I am about 2681 metres away from my Exchange (Samknows Details)...quite a distance away and therefore my line can only safely take a 1meg connection (although Samknows states that I can receive 3.5mbs) can  I ask IDNet for a 1 meg connection only or should I try ADSL Max?
Sorry for this very long winded explanation and questions......I promise I will try to be shorter next time I'm on here 

Thanks

Harry

[Barndog]

Hi Harry, being from N.Ireland myself i migrated 7 days ago from Pipex as i was having the same trouble as you, i just wish i had of heard of idnet sooner, it is like a breath of fresh air being with them, there is no drops in speed that i have noticed from p2p, its just great knowing i can now download when i want and not be restricted, also pipex were stopping me from playing bf 2142 from the evening onwards, with idnet i can play 24/7 if i want, i would recommend idnet to all my friends and i will do...good luck

[Broadback]

Hi, if your usage in any month (calculated from the first) looks like going over your allowance you will receive a very pleasant email from IDNet telling yo so.  Also you can log into your own page (I start from here: http://www.idnet.net/?gclid=CMjx99OynpACFQ6ZQwodq35p7w  )
and see exactly how much you have used so far this month, or previous months, on a monthly or daily basis. 

[Rik]

Hi Harry and welcome to the forum, have a karma to start your career.  

What BB said, with the exception that starting from:

https://www.idnet.net/secure/

takes you straight to the account login page, and uploads do not count.

[Broadback]

Indeed Rik, but then you don't get all those fascinating pictures! 

[cavillas]

Hello Harry,

1. No throttling or traffic shaping.  No plans to introduce it.

2. Uploads not counted in allowances, only downloads.  Warning email sent if approaching allowance although if you go over the limit every 1Gb above is charged at £1.00 and there is no interference with your connection.

3. You could ask Idnet to connect you with MAX and if you have trouble they will always try to get the best speed/connection at a lower rate for you.

4. I am 2.4+ Km away from my exchange and connect at 4Mb, I always download at 3.5+ Mb.

I hope this answers some of your concerns.  Never be afraid to contact IDNET about anything they will always be extremely helpful.

Looking forward to you joining this happy band of users.

[kerrso05]

Hi Harry, being from N.Ireland myself i migrated 7 days ago from Pipex as i was having the same trouble as you, i just wish i had of heard of idnet sooner, it is like a breath of fresh air being with them, there is no drops in speed that i have noticed from p2p, its just great knowing i can now download when i want and not be restricted, also pipex were stopping me from playing bf 2142 from the evening onwards, with idnet i can play 24/7 if i want, i would recommend idnet to all my friends and i will do...good luck

Barndog.......thanks for your greeting and that is great news about no drops in Speed when you are downloading  using P2P (that used to be the case with Eclipse but sadly no more) Barndog, how long did it take you to change over from Pipex to IDNet? and what was your downtime?
I don't if you know the answer to this but what is the best time in the month to move to IDNet? what I mean is...I don't want to pay Eclipse any more than I have too (I'm on a monthly contract)..should I ask for my MAC code after or before my next monthly instalment?
Thanks again and great to hear someone else from Northern Ireland (who has gone through the pain barrier and come out the other end....with IDNet)
Really looking forward to coming to IDNet

Harry

[Rik]

Hi Harry

A MAC is valid for 30 days from request, and must be supplied within five working days. On average, a migration takes 3-5 working days, depending on how busy BT are. Your ideal date for asking for it, therefore, would be about 14-20 days before your next billing date, allowing you time to give it to IDNet and agree an activation date. I'd suggest you move 2-3 days before your billing date to avoid any 'over hang' due to BT being a bit late.

Most ISPs take the MAC request as notice, but confirm with Eclipse that you have ceased to be a customer once you have migrated.

[Noreen]

Harry.

[kerrso05]

Hello Harry,

1. No throttling or traffic shaping.  No plans to introduce it.

2. Uploads not counted in allowances, only downloads.  Warning email sent if approaching allowance although if you go over the limit every 1Gb above is charged at £1.00 and there is no interference with your connection.

3. You could ask Idnet to connect you with MAX and if you have trouble they will always try to get the best speed/connection at a lower rate for you.

4. I am 2.4+ Km away from my exchange and connect at 4Mb, I always download at 3.5+ Mb.

I hope this answers some of your concerns.  Never be afraid to contact IDNET about anything they will always be extremely helpful.

Looking forward to you joining this happy band of users.

Thanks Cavillas (and to all of you that have contributed to this thread)

Cavillas, are you on ADSL Max? I've never been on ADSL Max before so I'm a wee bit nervous of it (after the experience I had with Plusnet when they moved me from a 526 to a 2mg connection I spent the remainder of the time unconnected, to which they blamed everybody and his Granny for my downtime till eventually they did what i asked and moved me to 1 meg but it took 2 months to sort that out) so I don't want that same thing happening again, you understand....I know it works on 1 meg. Does ADSL Max try out different speeds on my line until they get the right one? and if so will my Zoom Modem X6 reconnect everytime or will I have to reboot the modem?
Good to hear that UPloads don't count but is there a way of tracking the ammount of downloads we as a family are doing. I have an application called Dumeter which monitors my downloading activity for my PC but it doesn't monitor the other computers in the House.....I was wondering is there a application that monitors the whole house....I suppose I could put the application on all the other computers and just keep a eye on it or as others have said I can monitor it from IDNets web site (I probably have answered that question...LOL)

You all seem like a happy bunch of "campers" on this Forum (oh dear, not like Plusnets Forum...here we go again bashing Plusnet...sorry)

Thanks

Harry

[Rik]

Hi Harry

Things like DUMeter also count LAN traffic, so if you move files between machines, they'll give you a very distorted picture of usage. You can get an RSS feed daily of your usage from IDNet, and if your projected usage looks to overshoot, you'll get a warning email, no matter how early in the month it happens. It's worth noting that IDNet's charging month is from the 1st, regardless of billing date. In the month in which you join, you get the full allowance, so it's wise to join in the first half of the month, and definitely not in the last few days.

As to Max, if you can post your downstream attenuation, sync speed and noise margin, we can give you a good idea of what you might achieve with Max. Basically, though, it will start off by running your line as fast as possible, reducing the speed gradually until it achieves stability. For most people, it is of benefit, but it does pay to make sure your internal wiring is as 'clean' as possible.

I went from a maximum of a fixed 1Mbps service to 3Mbps with Max.

[kerrso05]

Hi Harry

A MAC is valid for 30 days from request, and must be supplied within five working days. On average, a migration takes 3-5 working days, depending on how busy BT are. Your ideal date for asking for it, therefore, would be about 14-20 days before your next billing date, allowing you time to give it to IDNet and agree an activation date. I'd suggest you move 2-3 days before your billing date to avoid any 'over hang' due to BT being a bit late.

Most ISPs take the MAC request as notice, but confirm with Eclipse that you have ceased to be a customer once you have migrated.

Hello and greetings  Rik

It looks like I have missed my date for moving as it appears my billing date is the 23rd of the month (it looks like I will be receiving an invoice in the next day or so) ......DARN
So are you saying that I should ask for my MAC code from Eclipse on...... .say...... 7th February (will that give everybody enough time to put things in place?)
I take it I will loose my Eclipse Email address? but will receive a new IDNet Email address......what about all my saved Email on Outlook express...will I loose it?
Thanks again

Harry

[Rik]

Hi Harry

Personally, I'd ask for the MAC tomorrow - that gives 30 days notice, which is probably what Eclipse demand. Then, give IDNet a ring (08000 267237 - keep the number, it's the same one for support if you ever need it), and tell them you want to be connected on the 20th, though remember that will leave you nine days to use your bandwidth allowance. Alternatively, come over earlier and accept the loss on the Eclipse account which you will have paid for already.

Once your account is set up, but before you actually migrate, you will be able to set up your idnet.com addresses, as many as you like, each of which has a mailbox size of 100MB with a 10MB attachment limit. These can be used immediately, though you will have to use the Eclipse SMTP server until you actually migrate.

Mail already in OE will remain there (unless you are using IMAP).

Many of us use 'third party' email addresses, to avoid issues when we change ISPs. Apart from a GMail account, I also have my own domain and an email service with 1&1, which costs about £7pa.

Do remember to change your forum email address if you have used the Eclipse one, as otherwise things like requests for password reminders will fail.

[kerrso05]

Thanks again, Rik

That is all sound advice but when you say contact IDNet......do you mean that I should contact IDNet when I get my MAC Code? (because surely there would be no point in contacting without that code in place.....I don't know how long Eclipse take in giving me the code!!!)
I do have a Yahoo Web Mail address....do you think I should change my Profile on here to show it?
Thanks for your help on explaining ADSL Max. I went through all this about having a clean line with Plusnet (a couple years ago because they blamed my line for not connecting.....when all time the it was the 2meg connection they set me at, that was causing all the problems....mind you, once we had that sorted out they Throttled the life out of my connection..it was a nightmare which I never ever want to repeat) and  I therefore invested in a Filtered Faceplate and am wired direct into my Zoom X6 Modem. My figures are so:-

            Downstream       Upstream   
SNR Margin 24.5 dB                  20 dB 
Line Attenuation 52.5 dB          31.5 dB 
CRC Errors 2 11
FEC Errors 21 19
HEC Errors 0 7

Downstream: 1152   Kbps 
Upstream: 288   Kbps 

I hope these are the figures you require (I got them from My Modem)

I'm really glad I came here to find a bunch of very helpful people  ....unlike some forums who just like to put you down and show how superior they are  (not naming any...but I'm sure you have guessed already)

Thanks

Harry

[cavillas]

yes Harry I am on adslmax.  IDNET changed me over when it first appeared here just on 2 years ago and I have had no problems at all.  It justs takes about 10 days to settle down to the best speed your line can handle.  If you need any more advice about improving connections just ask on this board there are some who understand the technicalities rather well.

[Rik]

Hi Harry

Request the MAC from Eclipse, they have five working days to give it to you, though good ISPs can do it immediately. Once you have it, give IDNet a ring and get their advice on the best date to set the migration. If it was me, I'd go as soon as I possibly could.

The figures you have are better than mine (I'm on a 56.4db attenuation), so I'd guess you would get a sync speed of 3500-4200, so a profile of 3000 or 3500 (it depends on how noisy your line is). You may be able to improve that slightly by a number of means, eg:

1) Changing to a router like the 2-Wire 2700, which seems to get better speeds on long lines (I gained 1000 on my profile by changing)

2) Replacing any flat extensions you have with round ones (though with a filtered face plate, these should not be an issue)

3) Changing the ADSL connection cable to a Cat5 netowkr cable with RJ11 plugs at each end - Cat5 cable uses tighter twisting than normal ADSL cables, and so reduces noise pickup

You'll find we're a pretty happy bunch in the forum, being IDNet customers, we don't come here to grouse about the service, but because we enjoy each others company. We don't go in for putting people down, unless they mention Tiscali, that is!! 

[kerrso05]

Hi Rik

So you think my figures are better than yours. Happy days!!!
Samknows Web Site said that I could get a sync speed of 3500 (whatever that means) which ties up with your figures.

There are a few things I haven't grasped(yes....because I am thick!!) in your recent reply to me and they are:-

1. what is the router "the 2-Wire 2700" ? what make is that? and does that mean me changing all my usb adaptors on my computers (I have two Zoom USB Adaptors on two computers)

2.My Filtered face plate sorts any issues flat extensions (because I don't have them)

3.What is a "Cat5 netowkr cable with RJ11 plugs at each end" and were can I purchase it?

Oh by the way................you know your favourite Service Provider ...starts with a T and ends with an I.....well they are the providers/managers of my LLU equipment at my Bangor Exchange.......so now you know why I want to leave Eclipse ....LOL

Thanks

Harry

[Rik]

Hi Harry

1) The 2-wire router is one we've been having a lot of success with, so much so that we've even given it a dedicated board. 2-wire is the manufacturer, a confusing name if ever there was one. It would replace the Zoom modems, allowing you to connect both machines to the net at the same time. You might want to use one or both wirelessly, in which case you might need to add wireless adaptors

3) I'm renowned for trans-alliteration, make that network cable. ADSL nation do them in lengths from 5-20m:

http://www.adslnation.com/phpapps/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=116

And yes, I can fully understand why you want to make the move. I think everyone here will tell you the same thing - until you've tried IDNet, you won't realise how good an ISP can be.

[kerrso05]

Rik

I have bought the Cat5 netowkr cable with RJ11 plugs at each end from ADSL Nation, as you suggested.......looks good...hopefully get that in the next couple of days.

As for the Router, can I get a Wireless Modem/router made by 2wire and if so do you have any links?

Thanks

Harry

[Rik]

Hi Harry

2-Wire's are sold on eBay. I'm just delving through some old posts looking for a recommended seller and will post back with one. The 2700 had 4 ethernet ports, 1 USB and wireless 11g.

[Rik]

Hi again Harry

Take a look at the post from Xild here. Everyone seems to have had good service from that seller.

[kerrso05]

Rik, again thanks for all your trouble.......but an it is a BIG BUT......it appears that this Modem is LOCKED and I need to unlock it. To tell you truth that seems like a whole load of trouble (but maybe not....I don't know  )
Is there instructions to unlock it? and if so does it unlock this newer version that Xild has posted which is the new Dual ssid version of BT Business Hub? Do you have this Modem and if so what do you think of it? There does seem to be very good reports about this Hub

Oh by the way ADSL Nation have just informed me that the Cat5 netowkr cable with RJ11 plugs  has been sent and is on its way to me.....now I call that SERVICE......EXCELLENT SERVICE.

Sorry for being a nuisance and asking all these questions..but the Modem and unlocking does give me some concern...I'm not really technically minded...do you think I could sort it out?

Thanks

Harry

[Rik]

Hi Harry

The term locked is a bit of a misnomer. The 2700s are only intended to be used on the BT network, so they 'phone home' occasionally, and alter the username if it's not correct for a BT network.

To prevent this, all you have to do is 'poison' the DNS table in the router, so when it looks up the BT address, it finds a local entry and goes nowhere.

For DNS poisoning: at IE browser address bar enter http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=J38 then at "Advanced-DNS Name Table"

In the DNS Name box type: cwmp.cms.smehomehubrms.bt.com

In the IP Address box type in: 10.0.0.0

That should be all you need to do (though repeat it if you ever perform a factory reset).

ADSL Nation are a good firm to deal with, and makes the best filters you can buy, imo. I even keep spares just in case.

Don't think for a moment that you're being a nuisance, we are here to help if we can, and I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that it's a pleasure when we can sort out any problems for a member, whether they are an IDNet customer or not.

[Simon]

All I can add to the above, Harry, is 

I was also a little apprehensive when considering joining IDNet, as I had been with Pipex for many years, and had not used any other broadband provider.  I can confirm that the migration was painless, and only involved simply changing the login user name and password on my router, on the day of the migration, and I was up and running in seconds. 

Compared to the throttled Pipex service, P2P downloading is amazing with IDNet,, and I had never experienced such good speeds before, given the limitations of my line.  I am sure you will be more than happy with IDNet. 

[kerrso05]

Thanks Simon, for the assurance and the experience that you have relayed to me about your move from Pipex to IDNet (my friend in work was with Pipex a number of years ago, and he was always happy with them and he tried to get me to move to them......see how times change, with commercial pressures and greed) . Hopefully tomorrow (as Rik has advised) I will ask Eclipse for my MAC Code and I will have started the move to IDNet...I'm a wee bit nervous about the change after my terrible experience with Plusnet (they promised so much and delivered nothing and again commercial pressures made them change...but not for the good of the customer)

Rik......what can I say....you are amazing. I can't thank you enough for all your help and support. Although, I think I will leave the purchasing of the 2wire Modem until I have moved to IDNet and once I have got a week or so under my belt I will go for it and buy the modem.....at least if something goes wrong with the change over from Eclipse to IDNet I know I can't blame IDNet but the way I have configured the 2wire Modem and I always can fall back onto the Zoom X6 modem. Your advice will remain on line on this thread for me to pick up on once I have purchased it. It sounds like I can squeeze a bit more speed out of my line for opting for the 2wire Modem and that would be great.

I'm looking forward to being a new IDNet Member...thanks for everything......I will keep you all informed how I get on


Harry
Bangor, Northern Ireland

[kerrso05]

Good Morning one and all

Guess what I have just asked for?........ my MAC Code from Eclipse.
In the early hours of the morning I took Rik's advice and sent an Email to Eclipse and asked for my MAC Code. Hopefully in the next day or so I will have it and I will be moving.............Guess where?

yes..................IDNet

Talk to you soon


Harry
Bangor, Northern Ireland

[Rik]

We'll look forward to seeing you fully in our midst, Harry.

[Barndog]

Nice 1 Harry, im only 5 miles away from you in Newtownards...lol

[RichR]

Hi there.
As an ex-Eclipser myself welcome aboard. You've made a good choice. After being given the run around by Eclipse with the internal wiring in my house, the viruses on my Mac :-), the phase of the moon and any other excuse that they could come up with for the slow throughput I joined IDNet. Magically the elves from IDNet came in overnight when I switched over and rewired everything and my throughput as measured by ThinkBroadband jumped from ~3Mbps to ~5.7Mbps.
Eclipse used to be very good, like IDNet are now, but went rapidly downhill once taken over by Kingston Communications :-(

[Rik]

Hi Rich

Welcome to the forum, have a karma.

[Ann]

Welcome from another exEclipser.  Seems my experience was the same as Rich's.  When I left I told them that it was because of the very slow speed I was getting and they said that I hadn't given them enough of a chance to sort it.  Moving to IDNet sorted it thank you very much.  There was nothing else for me to sort.

[kerrso05]

Ann, thanks for the welcome. How long did it take for you to receive your MAC Code from Eclipse?.....no sign of mine yet.
What RichR said about Eclipse was exactly what happened to me 3 yrs ago when I was with Plusnet.....they told it was the fault of the equipment...then they said it was my Modem.......then they told me to directly wire the modem into the master socket......and every time I did one of there fixes I had to wait a week or so to test out all their useless suggestions........meantime I couldn't get on-line and I was getting charged for it. It was a total and utter disaster. They eventually sent a BT Engineer out to the house...guess what the engineer did, they cancelled the appointment, then rearranged another appointment.....to which she (the Engineer) refused to come into the House to test the equipment ,but blamed Plusnet for wasting her time, saying "you are too far away from the Exchange and Plusnet have put you on a 2 meg connection which your line can't take....get in touch with your Service Provider and ask them to put you to a 1 meg connection....Plusnet are wasting our time" Was I mad!!! Wasting her time what were they doing to me??? I was raging. I had went two months without connection and it was the fault of Plusnet and then when they did admit they had set the line too high of connection they introduced Throttling. I couldn't take much more, so I left and went to Eclipse.
I must be honest and say that Eclipse have been fair with me up until last year when they seemed to join forces with Tiscali and thats when things went seriously wrong.
Anyway, that was then, and this is now......and hopefully very soon I will be a true IDNetter.....I just hope Eclipse don't drag their feet on issuing my MAC code.

Rik, I just received my Cat5 network cable with RJ11 plugs from ADSL Nation......That was very quick, Amazing Service, certainly will do business with them again.....of course I have plugged it into my Zoom Modem and everything seems to be working well. Thanks

[Sebby]

ADSL Nation are brilliant. I've ordered from them several times and dispatch is rapid! 

[Lance]

You must be given you mac code within 5 working days, but hopefully they won't make you wait that long!

[Rik]

Rik, I just received my Cat5 network cable with RJ11 plugs from ADSL Nation......That was very quick, Amazing Service, certainly will do business with them again.....of course I have plugged it into my Zoom Modem and everything seems to be working well. Thanks

Let us know if it improves things for you.

[Ann]

Ann, thanks for the welcome. How long did it take for you to receive your MAC Code from Eclipse?.....no sign of mine yet.

I got mine within minutes and it was also detailed on the 'my account' section of the Eclipse website although I suppose that might have changed.  I think you could request it from there too although I phoned them.

[kerrso05]

Ann

I used my account, to Email them, to request my MAC Code.......I wonder should I have Phoned them???.....decisions, decisions,.......I'm beginning to sound like Gordon.....Gordon Brown  .

Rik, I have noticed a difference with the new wiring in place, I definitely think it is faster although as usual I am being throttled on my downloads. At the moment I am getting speeds of 7.7 kbs (I used to get 70kbs) downloading a mp3 file of 3.18 mb....it takes about 8 minutes to download that. That is an improvement because I was getting speeds of 0.23kbs...so something has improved.....so hopefully by moving Service provider to IDNet (who doesn't throttle) I will receive even better speeds than that. If that works out then I will purchase the 2-wire Modem and that will complete the all round  improvements to my Broadband experience..well that's the plan.........let's hope it works.....if only Eclipse would give me my MAC code.....to be truthful I'm not the most patient of guys 

[Rik]

They only have five working days to do it, Harry, after that you can complain to Ofcom. Glad the wiring seems to be an improvement.

[kerrso05]

Rik, yes there is an improvement. I have sent Eclipse another Email to try and speed things up and if that doesn't work I will phone them and if that doesn't work I will complain to Ofcom

[Rik]

It will do no harm to mention Ofcom when you next contact them.

[Ann]

Phone them.. it really was painless..

call this number: 0845 1224 111

[g7pkf]

Rik, yes there is an improvement. I have sent Eclipse another Email to try and speed things up and if that doesn't work I will phone them and if that doesn't work I will complain to Ofcom

Have you looked on your account page as Ann suggested?

[kerrso05]

g7pkf

As I said I went onto the accounts page (actually it is called Connection Manager Page) and I requested the MAC Code, I clicked on Request Button and I was taken to a page which asks me to Phone 0845 1224 111 and request option 1 but it also has a button to ask for a support ticket, which I did and that sends an Email to Customer Services to request the MAC Code. I did all this on early Thursday Morning and then on Friday I sent another request via Email, with a copy of the original Email request, asking for my MAC Code.
If I don't get anything by tomorrow I will phone them and relate the above to them and if that fails to produce a Code then I will do as Rik has said and let them know, that I am going to complain to Ofcom. It appears that Ann was very lucky getting her MAC Code so quickly but then again she phoned......maybe I should have done that!!!!.....who know's what is best to do in the situation.....I know one thing is, they don't make it easy.
The next hurdle I will have to complete is cancelling my Visa Direct Debit but hopefully my Wife (who works in the Bank) will sort that out for me

[Rik]

Hi Harry

As much as I trust IDNet, and I do more than any other company I do business with, I will never grant a CCA/CPA on a card - it removes control from me. When you migrate, I would urge you to use Direct Debit or standing order as your means of payment.

[kerrso05]

Rik............Noted but my wife (she who must be obeyed.......and who has nearly 30 yrs experience in the Bank as a Financial Advisor) feels very secure with the Credit Card/DD arangement and plus if anything goes wrong eg. IDNet went bankrupt (God forbid) the Credit Card Insurance would cover my installment.
She says, it is up to the individual what arrangement they feel happy with. I have used this for the three Internet Service Providers I have been with in the past, Freeserve, Plusnet and Eclipse........it just is a bit of a Hassle having to cancel it, in that you have to write to the company (Eclipse) to cancel and then send a copy of the letter to Visa to cancel.
But I can't do anything without the MAC Code....by the way, I checked with Eclipse Account and I see that I have two open Support Tickets about my MAC Code...both of which haven't been answered.....so at least I have those two as proof of my request....I'll be sorted in the next day or so.
Thanks

[kerrso05]

HOORAY............ .................I GOT MY MAC CODE.......so I will be moving from Eclipse and coming to IDNet.

Eclipse sent my MAC Code today via Email.....so hopefully that will start the ball rolling and I will be on my way to IDNet and then I can truly call myself an IDNetter.

Thanks for all you help and support (especially Rik) 

And then I can say

[Sebby]

Great stuff. You could be on IDNet in as little as 3 days if all goes well.

[Rik]

Great news, Harry. With a bit of luck, you could be with us by the end of the week.

[Simon]

Nice one Harry! 

[RA-1972]

well done mate ,,,, bring on the HAPPY days .

[Rik]

Harry, just a thought, but you don't want to migrate in on January 31, make it Feb 1 if it can be done that soon.

[kerrso05]

Harry, just a thought, but you don't want to migrate in on January 31, make it Feb 1 if it can be done that soon.

Rik.......I have been very busy this afternoon, so I haven't been able to phone IDNet about my MAC Code so it looks like it will be first thing tomorrow. So it looks like I won't be moving until after the 1st Feb but if you don't mind me asking, why not  the 31st January?.........is it because of monthly Download allowance?

Eclipse, have been true to form in that they are throttling my speed on P2P down to 0.02kbs at the moment........it is taking over an hour to download one 3 minute mp3 track. Whatever Technology Tiscali (on behalf of Eclipse, because Tiscali manage the LLU Equipment I am on) are using in the exchange it is very clever in that I can browse at a fairly fast pace but at the same time as soon as I use P2P the download speed is non existent.....very clever but I will be glad to be away from it....I certainly didn't sign up to that type of conditions.

On the IDNet front......Is there a guide on IDNet, to show how to set up an Email account? and can I set one up before I move? or is it better to wait until I move and then set one up? It is three years since I last moved but what happens once I contact IDNet and give them my MAC Code? do I get a password or something to sign in to IDNet?......getting excited about moving (you would think I was a child)

[Rik]

Hi Harry

IDNet has a foible in it's billing system. Regardless of the date in the month on which you join, you pay for a full month and get a full month's allowance, so joining in the last few days is generally unwise.

There's no guide to setting up an email account on the site, but this may do what you want. If not, feel free to ask.

As soon as you get your account details through, you can set up your email, web space, blog space and Gallery if you wish, though only the email will be immediately usable.

Once you contact IDNet, you'll get a welcome email with your login details and password, plus the activation date. Once you have the email, you'll be able to access your account page.

[kerrso05]

Rik, I have just seen some bad news on another thread .......Planned maintenance of BT Exchanges.......Guess what Exchange is being messed about with...sorry, that should read planned maintenance.......Bangor, my Exchange, on the 1st February
What bad luck is that?

With a bit of Luck I will move after that date and BT will have completed their maintenance and the Exchange will flying.
I'll be crossing all fingers and toes

[Lance]

Hope you get a quick migration, Harry!

[Sebby]

Rik, I have just seen some bad news on another thread .......Planned maintenance of BT Exchanges.......Guess what Exchange is being messed about with...sorry, that should read planned maintenance.......Bangor, my Exchange, on the 1st February
What bad luck is that?

Don't worry, you're not alone. Both myself and Rik's exchanges are being tampered with too.

[Rik]

And it's worth pointing out that the work only involves about 20 minutes of downtime during the night.

[kerrso05]

Just put my order in online for Home Max into IDNet.........quite painless operation.
Only thing was that at the end it said I would get an Automatic Confirmation Email...which I haven't as yet......probably come as soon as I have written this. 

Rik.......I put your name down as referrer.......I don't know whether or not that gives you any Brownie Points or not (as I didn't have your Phone No)

[kerrso05]

 

Got my Email from IDNet and they say that I will move at 6.00pm on Tuesday 5th February 2008 

Does anyone know if I can change the Logon Username? or does that stay with me while I am with IDNet

[Rik]

AFAIK, you can't change it, Harry. Your move will be by 6pm. btw. In practice, most migrations are done in the small hours and you will wake up to find that you need to change the login details in your router.

Rik.......I put your name down as referrer.......I don't know whether or not that gives you any Brownie Points or not (as I didn't have your Phone No)

That's kind of you, Harry, thank you.

[Sebby]

Does anyone know if I can change the Logon Username? or does that stay with me while I am with IDNet

You can't change it. It'll be your_telephone_number@idnet.gw5.

[JB]

You can't change it. It'll be your_telephone_number@idnet.gw5.

I migrated last week. During the web page registration I noticed that you could choose your own user/login name. It worked for me and mine is my selected name@idnet.gw5. I have to say that in my excitement to join Idnet I nearly missed it on the web page and would have ended up with my phone number as user name.

I'm not sure if you can change it retrospectively though.

Regards,

JB

[Adam]

Does anyone know if I can change the Logon Username? or does that stay with me while I am with IDNet

It's worth asking support as it can be technically changed, but it is up to IDNet whether they want to do it or not. AFAIK it should be possible, though I've never tried asking before.

[Sebby]

I migrated last week. During the web page registration I noticed that you could choose your own user/login name. It worked for me and mine is my selected name@idnet.gw5. I have to say that in my excitement to join Idnet I nearly missed it on the web page and would have ended up with my phone number as user name.

I see. Thanks for that information. I either missed it or it's something new since I joined. I know there was a thread about it a little while ago and some people didn't like having their telephone number as their username, so perhaps IDNet responded by allowing new users to select their own. Personally, I much prefer having the telephone number as it's one less username to create and remember. 

[Rik]

I joined with a user name, so the phone number is probably the more recent option - but then again, perhaps they were always both available.

[Si]

Username option was given to me when I signed up on Friday... didn't see a default option of telephone number, but perhaps that would have been done had I not chosen one of my own.

[Sebby]

It certainly sounds like there's been a change during the last month or so. 

[kerrso05]

I don't know about a Username Option in the Web Page registration but I did see a Password Option.........I contacted Support (got put through right away...no holding on or waiting "till one of our operatives becomes free or listen to 'tinny' music.......I was well impressed......IDNet...good start  ) and spoke to very helpful guy who said that there wasn't an option to change the Username....at the moment, but that they are working to give an option in the forseeable future.
The only reason I want to change the Username is because it has my ex-directory phone no as part of it and I paid BT to have that number kept private........but then again I don't know if anyone can see that username, other than IDNet and my Modem....so I don't know what I am worried about.
Support also told me that my payment date will be from the 5th February to the 5th March.......I was a wee bit worried that because I had paid today I had missed the month of January but he assured me that it was from the date that my line became live with IDNet that my one month contract starts......which is the 5th March....can't wait

[Rik]

Hi Harry

The only people who will ever see the number are BT and IDNet, so you can relax on that score.

AFAIK, payment dates are from when you go live, but charging cycles (usage) are from the 1st of each month. You will have your full monthly data allocation to use in February, but it has to be used by the end of the 29th, a new charging cycle will start on March 1.

[MoHux]

It certainly sounds like there's been a change during the last month or so. 

Yes, of course Seb' .............  



 

[Sebby]

 

I can't have missed is as it sounds like you're forced to choose a username now.

[kerrso05]

Rik....thanks again......I forgot to say but the Support Guy also explained the usage period is from the start of the month to the end of the month

In respect the Username Change Option......I'm on my IDNet account now and I don't see any option for to change the Username.......I don't were people saw that option.....but I'm not worried about it because as Rik has said nobody can really see that Phone No

Roll on 5th February till I get away from E  and come to IDNet

[Ann]

There seems to be some confusion between choosing a username and changing a username.  When I joined in August last year, I got to choose my username but I can't now change it.  It seems that the same system is still in use.

[Sebby]

It is weird because I signed up for 3 IDNet accounts around the same time (early December, IIRC) and I'm sure I would've noticed once if I could choose a username.

It must have changed again recently.

[kerrso05]

I don't want to compound the issue but I didn't get an option to change the User Name and when I rung Support they said that you couldn't change it (at the moment.....but they were working on it) The only thing you could change was the password.....and there certainly isn't anything on the accounts page of the IDNet Web Page were you are given the option to change the Username.

Are there some people getting confused by Username and Password?........just a thought!!! 

[Lance]

I think, as already said by Ann, the confusion is not about whether the user name can be changed after connection, but whether the username can be selected at sign up.

[JB]

I think, as already said by Ann, the confusion is not about whether the user name can be changed after connection, but whether the username can be selected at sign up.

Honestly Lance, it can. I did it last week when I migrated. I got the user name I wanted and I have never spoken to anyone at Newnet at all.

I can't recall the exact web page of the sign-up procedure it was on but it was there. It offered my phone number as the user name but allowed me to change it to a unique name of my choice.

HTH.

Regards,


JB.

[Si]

Are there some people getting confused by Username and Password?........just a thought!!! 

No, I got the option to choose a user name when I signed up to IDNet online last Friday. The choice is only available at sign-up I believe - now I'm in there certainly isn't any option to change username, but that username is the one I chose on application. How recent the option to choose your own name on sign-up is I don't know.

[Rik]

I've never seen an option to change the username, Harry, but I signed up over the phone.

[Noreen]

I joined (online) last July and was able to choose my username then.

[Rik]

That was the old website, Noreen, I wonder if things have changed now?

[Ann]

IDNet has a foible in it's billing system. Regardless of the date in the month on which you join, you pay for a full month and get a full month's allowance, so joining in the last few days is generally unwise.

I don't understand why you think it's unwise.  You make it sound as though you pay for a full month for the last few days of the month only.  You don't.  I signed up on the 27th August and paid for a month until the 27th September.  I got a full 30 gigs to use in August and then another 30 gigs to use in September.  So what is the perceived problem?

[Malc]

I quite like the idea of using my phone no, it's a lot easier than the one pipex tiscalli, whoever, gave me.

Still what do you expect from some 2 bit company.

[Malc]

I don't understand why you think it's unwise.  You make it sound as though you pay for a full month for the last few days of the month only.  You don't.  I signed up on the 27th August and paid for a month until the 27th September.  I got a full 30 gigs to use in August and then another 30 gigs to use in September.  So what is the perceived problem?

I didn't even thinlk about it, I just got my MAC the second my contract was up. Get out at any expense (as long as not to pipex)

[Rik]

So what is the perceived problem?

As it's been explained to me, Ann, you pay from when you join. If you join, say, on the 15th, then you have the rest of the month to use your allowance. From the 1st of the following months, you get your allowance for the calendar month. If, therefore, you were to have a heavy month in the second, or subsequent months, there would be no 'rollover' from the first partial month, whatever day you pay, the charging period is still from the 1st. It isn't going to affect most people, but on occasion, it might leave someone feeling they have paid for something they haven't received.

[Ann]

Oh.. I saw it as a bonus.. getting extra in the first month.  Maybe you should describe it that way in future. 

[Rik]

 

Nice thought - you should be in marketing.