Changing broadband provider

Well, it looks as though I’m finally moving ISP from Zen back to BT broadband, as I just called Zen for a MAC code.

It’s a shame, really, as Zen has a far better reputation for service and support than BT, but the problem of wireless interference is a constant and annoying problem.

Plus BT are offering mobile broadband with their new broadband packages, and free BT openzone minutes, which will be very useful for business travel.

The caveat is that the pricing on the BT website is quite misleading, as those shown only apply to certain exchanges (apparently) plus they include 24-month pricing, which can take as much as 25%-30% off the 12-month price (so Option 3 is £45+VAT over 24 months, or £30+VAT over 12 months).

Still, at least I know from experience that the BT router supplied is far less susceptible to wireless intereference.

Which is very important, because if I couldn’t get decent business broadband, I’d have to consider more serious broadband connection packages, such as a leased line or custom business SDSL, both of which are priced higher than normal mass-market broadband packages.

In the meantime, I can only hope the move to BT goes smoothly, and that I don’t end up getting caught up in their cold automated support process – as BT customer service is not renown for being good.

Filed under: Miscellaneous, broadband, internet, tech

Broadband technical problems

I don’t normally write about technical issues. Though I can use computer technology, it all goes over my head and I don’t have a clue how it all works.

I’ve come across an interesting problem while setting up my home office, though – wireless interference.

I was originally with BT as my ISP for broadband, but after previous problems with the company I decided quality of service was more important than price, so I moved to Zen Internet.

They sold me a Thomson TG784 router with the package, and all seemed to be running fine.

Until I bought a nice cordless phone, a Panasonic KX for the home office.

Both work very well and as required most of the time, but the problem is that whenever anybody rings, the broadband cuts out.

The result is quite annoying, especially as I keep getting sales calls from loan companies using autodiallers – which disconnects the internet every time, even when I pick up the phone on the first ring.

I’ve contacted Zen about the problem, but they haven’t been much help at all. And I wouldn’t expect much from Panasonic as the phone does exactly what is expected from it.

I was beginning to think I needed a different business broadband service. After all, there is a myriad of types to choose from – ADSL, SDSL, bonded broadband and even leased lines. And don’t forget the satellite option!

Apparently, though, wireless interference is not all that uncommon.

The frustration is that if wireless interference is such a problem, then why is more effort not made by manufacturers to minimise the risk of it happening in

the first place?

This is especially when there appears to be quite a push to make much of home networking wireless.

It looks as though I will now have to look at changing my router to one that runs on a different frequency. which is obviously going to be cheaper than

having to get a new type of broadband installed.

It is still a pain, though. Still, I do not think I am the only one who has never got frustrated over a computer issue!

Filed under: Miscellaneous

Starting a new blog

Well, I’ve already been trying out blogging by myself at Richmond Way as part of trying to understand the online environment, not least with the current development of my A1 brand websites.

Even still, I have to admit it feels sometimes isolating and lonsesome to blog without any real understanding of what audience may or may not be around.

I’ve therefore decided to start up blogging at a few online blogging communities, where perhaps it may be easier to engage with an online audience, and that’s why I’ve set up this blog at WordPress.

I’m not sure what to expect as yet, and perhaps lack of expectation is good. Nevertheless, it will be an interesting experiment.

Filed under: Miscellaneous