My question is do TalkTalk actually offer a variable speed on exchanges
where they don't have there own kit installed or do they only offer fixed
speeds? The exchange is a small rural one
Peter Crosland
Peter Crosland wrote:
> I would like answers from anyone who is using the TalkTalk Broadband package
> on an exchange that does not have TalkTalk kit installed. The problem a
> friend has is that his line stats show an attenuation of 50dB and SNR of
> 29dB and the line speed is pegged at 1MB. TalkTalk say that they cannot
> increase this even though they have sold the service as "The highest speed
> the line will support up to 8MB". Checking the BT site suggests the line
> will support 3.5MB.
At least I would say.
> Repeated conversations with TT have resulted in an
> impasse because the TT presonel have not understanding of the issues.
Surprised ?
> Attempts to escalate this to a higher level have failed. My firend is minded
> to cancel TT and go elsewwhere and fight the issue in court if TT insist on
> billing him for the remaining 5 months of his 18 month contract.
Sounds like unfair terms and cnditions to me.
> I am concerned that transferring the line back to BT and also changing ISP
> will
> result in a long period without phone and/or broadband.
Why ?
Graham
> > Attempts to escalate this to a higher level have failed. My firend is
> > minded to cancel TT and go elsewwhere and fight the issue in court if
> > TT insist
> > on billing him for the remaining 5 months of his 18 month contract.
>
> Sounds like unfair terms and cnditions to me.
TT have made several appearances on Watchdog, their service is
appalling due to technical issues.
First try to cancel and get a MAC code, which will greatly
simplify transfer to a new provider.
Failing that paying approx £30 for Small Claims In The
County Court might force a resolution by giving them
a time limit to respond, which will eliminate the run around
of national rate call centres and no resolution.
I've had to use Small Claims myself on a different
issue, against a plc with it's own tame barrister and
legal dept, plus a national retail chain, it works.
Not fit for intended purpose is I think the usual
term.
I am aware of this. However, have been asked to establish just what the up
to 8MB means in TalkTalk speak. If anyone has first hand experience of this
I would like to know.
Peter Crosland
It'll be anywhere from 256k to 7.5Mbps just like every one else, but
what the hell do I know I just have to fix the blasted things (alright
maybe some don't go as low as 256Kbps but that is the range possible)
> It'll be anywhere from 256k to 7.5Mbps just like every one else, but
> what the hell do I know I just have to fix the blasted things (alright
> maybe some don't go as low as 256Kbps but that is the range possible)
There are at least two factors involved, first and foremost
is the quality of the line between you and the exchange.
As you get further from the exchange the line resistance
increases, and the longer line can by virtue of its greater
length pick up more noise.
So next to the exchange 8meg, in a rural farm in the middle
of nowhere 256k. This is outside the control of the ISP. The
modem/router/exchange combination drops the speed until
the error rate comes within acceptable limits. Changing ISP's
may not make a lot of difference if you are on a long line,
buying a long line modem, or flashing your current modem
with long line software may improve things slightly.
The other issue is how much bandwidth the ISP can deliver,
and it's generally, you get what you pay for. Cheap prices
may mean poor bandwidthe due to contention, etc,
> I am aware of this. However, have been asked to establish just what the up
> to 8MB means in TalkTalk speak. If anyone has first hand experience of this
> I would like to know.
Talk Talk are liars, they do not use MaxDSL hence the connection will
be either 0.5, 1 or 2M on an exchange without their kit.
Actual throughputs will typically be half the line speed.
Talk Talk's "free up to 8M" broadband is in reality "£15/month 0.5,1
or 2M broadband" outside their LLU areas.
Phil
Thanks Paul. That is what I wanted to know. As you say TT were lying. It
also explains why the droid I spoke to said they only did fixed speeds. It
also probably means that they will not up the speed to 2M.
Peter Crosland