Do different LLU providers use different virtual paths?

[Nutter]

My ADSL speed is getting steadily worse at peak times, sometimes to the point of being unusable.  It appears to be due to contention at the exchange, as it's OK at non-peak times.  In fact, 3G is quicker in the evenings.

My line profile is 4Mb and I get that at non-peak times.  At peak though it slows to 0.3-1Mpbs, with ping times at 700-950ms.  Pathpings show I also get a fair bit of packet loss before the packets even leave IDNet's network.  The PlusNet exchange checker shows the exchange VPs as Amber with no resolution date set.

There is one LLU provider available (TalkTalk, unfortunately), and I was wondering whether they will use different VPs to BT Wholesale meaning I might not be subject to the same performance drops at peak times if it's not as congested?

Anyone know?

[Steve]

The short answer is yes, with regard TalkTalk look around I know there's one reseller that has a 1 month contract but can't recall who sadly.

[Lance]

Have you asked support about the exchange congestion? They will have more accurate and specific information about the exchange and in the past have managed to get users shifted from one VP to another in extreme cases).

[Nutter]

I contacted support and said that from the information I have seen the VPs are at Amber and BT haven't planned any work. They said congestion may be the cause and that it's 'normal' to be Amber with no date where the exchange is operating a lower speeds but within acceptable product ranges, and basically that BT will get round to it at some point when it gets bad enough.

Shorter translation seems to be: tough.

[pctech]

Think it only becomes a priority when it hits Red.

In terms of VPs if you join TT the broadband portion will be connected to completely separate kit so you will bypass the VP issue completely.

[Nutter]

Looks like TalkTalk might be a genuine option for a faster connection then (never thought I'd say that!).  I can only see 12-month contracts on their website though, and from what I've heard of TalkTalk I don't think I want to be tied in for 12-months. 

It sounds like things are going to get much worse before they get better on my local exchange, making broadband almost unusable during peak periods before it gets fixed by BT.  I'm really not sure what to do.

[pctech]

I'll send you details via PM of another couiple of providers that use TT LLU but you won't be dealing with TT.

[Nutter]

I'll send you details via PM of another couiple of providers that use TT LLU but you won't be dealing with TT.

Thanks

[pctech]

NP

Its a real shame that good ISPs are sometimes hobbled by this dinosaur.

[psp83]

I know a few people that use TT LLU and have no problem. I guess the level of service depends where you live.

[pctech]

I don't think there's an issue with the TT infrastructure, the problem comes if you are a direct customer of TT, just like the Customer Serivice is of mixed quality when you are a direct customer of BT Retail.

[Nutter]

That gives me some more confidence.