Joining IDNet

[CrossTalk]

Hi,

I'm in the process of obtaining my MAC from Pipex after 6 years.  (Anybody that's been with Pipex over the last few months will understand why!)

At the moment, IDNet looks the most likely choice for my new provider, most of the posters here and on ThinkBroadband (aka AdslGuide) seem pretty happy, and though there seem to be a few small problems at the moment, there seems to be a high degree of confidence that IDNet will get them sorted.

However, before I sign up with anyone offering a Max based product, I'd like to be a little more certain that I'm going to see some benefit.  (I'm currently on a pipex solo1000 product, based on BT IPStream I believe).

I'm a little concerned as the BT line checker says I should be able to support 250kbs & I might get 512kbps.  My current 1mbps connection is rock solid.  (Though pipex can only deliver about 488kbps through it).

My SNR is 21db & line attenuation 54.5 db as reported by my Draytek 2600+ router.  If I telnet to my router for additional info, it suggests the maximum possible line sync speed would be just over 4mbps - I can't remember the exact wording on the router.  This figure is in line with some of the online calculators for max line speed.  This is also consistent with the BT availability checker result for my next door neighbours.

1) So, why is the BT line checker figure so low ?
2) Does anyone have a feeling for what sort of connection speed I might actually obtain, given the info above ?
3) Is there any reason I shouldn't join IDNet - other than this flood of customers will be slowing things down for the rest of you 

Thanks for your views


Phil B.

[Nerval]

Hi Phil
To answer your points in order:

1.BT line checkers always err on the side of caution.
I was told I'd need an engineer's visit to get 1Mb, and I'm currently doing a stable 5Mb on Max.  Problem is that each line is different, even if they're connected to adjoining houses.

2. You ought to be good for 2 or 3 Mb  but then again you might not.  Some people just never get a good connection with Max, If I were you I'd retain the option of a fixed speed such as you have now in case Max doesn't work out for you.  That's not particular to IDNet, but to whoever you're with.
I'd suggest you ring Customer Support on their free line and talk it through with them what is the best way for you to approach it.  They can always put you back on a fixed line if Max doesn't work out - but ring them and talk.

3. No.  Apart from the reason you give. 
I'd much rather people kept IDNet secret.

[old Bill]

Hi Phill,
          I to was with Pipex, geting speeds of around 2meg with Pipex. After a lot of help from C/S I am now geting a nice steady 4.2 meg. I wish you luck in geting your Mac code from Pipex.

[CrossTalk]

OK, Finally got my Mac from Pipex - gave up hanging on the phone after 30 minutes & resorted to snail mail, followed by another letter 8 days later.

So, I'm down to a 2 ISP shortlist but can't decide between them, so the question is - IDNet or Zen - Discuss !

There must be some of you with experience of both [good and bad], please help cure my indecision.


Phil

[AvengerUK]

Naturally, im going to be biased -> i have no experience of Zen.

I beleive there is a user here that came from zen, hopefully he can give a fairer comparison.

From me tho, id say IDnet!

[Inactive]

Not much to choose between them as far as I am aware, both very good ISP's, but, does Zen have a friendly forum like this one?

[Lance]

There must be some of you with experience of both [good and bad], please help cure my indecision.


Phil

I'm afraid all my experiences are good! One example is phoning up CS to get interleaving turned off. The phone was answered in only a couple of rings and interleaving was off within the hour.

[RJM]

I migrated in from Entanet in November 2006 and had the same dilemma  -  Zen or IDNet.

I am on the "Home Max" and it comes with a 30gb monthly allowance, (Zen have a 20gb allowance.) and so far the service has been excellent.

I also checked their client list and I as do some work for one the organization's on the list, I rang them to get their feedback and that swayed me.

I don't think you will go far wrong by joining.

[CrossTalk]

Thanks for all your help.

The bad news is, subject to a successful migration, you've now got someone else sharing your bandwidth  

[Nerval]

Bugger !

I purposely didn't answer so you'd go to Zen.

Anyway, now that it's done, welcome 

[cavillas]

We don't mind sharing. We love new people. Have an early welcome to IDnet.

The BT line checker always gave me a maximum speed of 1MB but I changed to MAX and have had a steady 3.5-4MB download since April last year.  Don't forget only downloads count towards your useage.

[Inactive]

Thanks for all your help.

The bad news is, subject to a successful migration, you've now got someone else sharing your bandwidth  

Great news, Welcome aboard, I hope the transition goes as smoothly as mine did.

[maxping]

Hi CrossTalk welcome to the forums 

[Lance]

The bad news is, subject to a successful migration, you've now got someone else sharing your bandwidth  

We don't mind sharing bandwidth as long as you keep posting on this forum!!!! And here is another early welcome to IDnet!

[stevelondon]

Welcome to IDNet crosstalk