Just got a letter from TalkTalk

Pixel · 6 Oct 2011 at 15:05

I'm one of those guys who is still on Pipex after all these years, the reason I haven't changed ISP sooner is because I'm still on an original "unlimited" plan which I'm reluctant to lose. But it seems I will be losing it regardless.

The letter from TalkTalk is explaining how they're taking over from Pipex, and what changes are going to occur to my account. In nice big text they explain that my monthly charge will be reduced; in small print on a seperate peice of paper, though, it says the following:

"From 7th November 2011, your monthly broadband download limit will be 40GB."

Now obviously that's a pathetically small amount, and I will probably end up going over it after a week of Youtube or Steam alone, so I need to find a different ISP.

First of all though, are TalkTalk allowed to do this? I thought my original contract terms had to be honoured? Secondly, is there any ISP you'd recommend switching to? I need an unlimited account in the Lincolnshire area.

Orcvader · 6 Oct 2011 at 15:23

Use this to see what exchange you're connected to: http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange_search

O2, Be* and Sky LLU are unlimited and provide good service for broadband.

stoofa · 6 Oct 2011 at 15:34

I would have thought your "original contract" with Pipex ended a long time ago - 12 months after you initially took it out.
I'm assuming you've been on a rolling month-to-month contract ever since, so yes, of course it can be ammended.
And by the rules, after ammending you have the option to accept or move on.

Scougar · 6 Oct 2011 at 15:36

Basically, they can see you're a high usage user, and don't want you anymore.

Jay794 · 6 Oct 2011 at 15:37

I had Virgin internet when I was in Lincoln and it was great, really fast, I wouldn't recommend Virgin Media TV though, it never worked for us and we had engineers out weekly

Pixel · 6 Oct 2011 at 16:17

Orcvader said:
Use this to see what exchange you're connected to: http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange_search

O2, Be* and Sky LLU are unlimited and provide good service for broadband.

Unfortunatley, TalkTalk are the only LLU present.

stoofa said:
I would have thought your "original contract" with Pipex ended a long time ago - 12 months after you initially took it out.
I'm assuming you've been on a rolling month-to-month contract ever since, so yes, of course it can be ammended.
And by the rules, after ammending you have the option to accept or move on.

Ah, ok, thanks for clearing that up.

Scougar said:
Basically, they can see you're a high usage user, and don't want you anymore.

Aye, looks that way.

Pixel · 6 Oct 2011 at 16:22

Jay794 said:
I had Virgin internet when I was in Lincoln and it was great, really fast, I wouldn't recommend Virgin Media TV though, it never worked for us and we had engineers out weekly

Looks like it'll have to be Virgin, as I can't seem to find any other unlimited services about. Thanks.

rpstewart · 6 Oct 2011 at 18:28

If it's Virgin cable that's fine but steer well clear of Virgin over ADSL - the service is widely regarded as one of the worst out there.

Orcvader · 6 Oct 2011 at 18:36

rpstewart said:
If it's Virgin cable that's fine but steer well clear of Virgin over ADSL - the service is widely regarded as one of the worst out there.

This. And if TalkTalk is the only LLU provider you'll only be getting very unstable speeds with Virgin as it has to borrow equipment at the exchange. Maybe consider BT Broadband?

Pixel · 6 Oct 2011 at 18:55

Thanks for the advice.

Any thoughts on Sky ADSL?

Nymins · 6 Oct 2011 at 18:57

Stay away from Sky ADSL as well. Only their LLU package is worth considering.

If you can get Virgin cable, then definitely go for it.

rpstewart · 6 Oct 2011 at 18:58

Again if it's not LLU then it's not worth considering.

If you want a decent allowance on a BT Wholesale connection then you'll need to look at one of the smaller ISPs - Zen, Xilo, AAISP etc. Be prepared to pay for it though...

Pixel · 6 Oct 2011 at 19:55

Thanks again.

TALON1973 · 6 Oct 2011 at 21:49

talk talk plus is unlimited

Pixel · 7 Oct 2011 at 22:36

TALON1973 said:
talk talk plus is unlimited

I'd rather not go with TT because I'm not happy about being bullied off my original package like this. They sent emails asking me if I'd move off my original package and join one of their new ones a month or so prior, I refused, and this is what I get.

I've decided to go with BT. Thier "unlimited limit" is 300GB, which sounds like it should be more than enough for me (I don't actually know what my usage is as I've never had any tools for monitoring it). But I've heard that they may be scrapping their FUP limit altogether soon, along with the rollout of their fibre optic network. We'll see.

I was also wary of the possibility of being forced to use their supplied Home Hub router, but it seems that you can use your own router anyway. I'll give them a ring on Monday.

Orcvader · 7 Oct 2011 at 22:55

I believe they already scrapped the 300gb limit. Am on BT Total broadband option 3 and went over the 300gb limit a few times. And yes, you can use your own router. I've stuck with the BT one as it seems to be doing me fine.

Mr Plow · 7 Oct 2011 at 23:11

I'd also check with BE There/Sky to confirm they don't offer LLU services to your address as the Samknows website isn't always up to date as is the case when I look at my address on there.

kg648 · 8 Oct 2011 at 06:50

go with TT's business plans, better contention ratio, unlimited transfer. I have done around 1.5tb just under every month since I have been with them which is just pushing 3yrs now.

suarve · 8 Oct 2011 at 10:05

Lol, how many times have Pipex been bought out now? I've lost count

Rozzy85 · 8 Oct 2011 at 16:12

Well, Tiscali bought them out first then Tiscali abandoned the UK market and sold it to TalkTalk otherwise known as Carphone Warehouse. It went to crap after the first buyout.