UK Broadband

So my orange connection will stop in 2 days unless I stick with them or quickly find a better option.

I currently receive these pitiful maximum off-peak speeds:



During evenings and weekends I get barely enough to stream a 4od episode or a youtube clip. Orange say I'm getting the maximum available but i'm sure that is simply not even remotely true - even if I got half or 1/4 of the advertised speed that would be far better than i'm getting now.

The also used to cap my speed permanently at speeds so low it was impossible to watch youtube clips without buffer issues.

I do download quite a lot - maybe on average 10GB / month? Maybe more sometimes

This is the information I have about my exchange:

"FORTON
Your exchange is ADSL enabled, and our initial test on your line indicates that your line should be able to have an ADSL broadband service that provides a fixed line speed up to 2Mbps. Our test also indicates that your line currently supports an estimated ADSL Max broadband line speed of 8Mbps. The actual stable line speed supportable will be determined during the first 10 days of use. This speed may change over time, to ensure line stability is maintained. If you decide to place an order, a further test will be performed to confirm if your line is suitable for the service you wish to purchase. Thank you for your interest. Please note that postcode and address check results are indicative only. Most accurate results can be obtained from a telephone number check. "

The guide on the web says to AVOID:

O2 home access (the only one I can get)
Non-Cable Virgin (again the only service I can get from them)

Other 'Options':

TalkTalk (only offer an expensive £21 version of their 'cheap' package) - Not really a good ISP I don't think
BT (says should get 8Meg - can't get 'Infinity' only 'Total Broadband' service)
Sky Broadband - 'Connect' package 8mb £17/month!
Can't get Be UN Limited

Any thoughts on plusnet?

When I run speed tests with various ISPs they say I should get 8Meg (probably to get me to sign up) but maybe I should be getting something like 4-8 Meg) Orange claim they can give another local address 3.5 meg (they won't let me see how much they claim I should be getting (unsurprisingly)


This is just like all mobile phone networks claiming coverage in my area when it is virtually non existent. I my live a bit rural but only 1 minute drive away from an main 'A' road!

I need to sort this ASAP or i'll be left in the wilderness without my precious internet by Monday :-(

Any help or advice will go very much appreciated,
Thank You,
Pete