The adage "you get what you pay for" seems to be applying a lot more to ISP's since 8Mb became commonplace.
I recall paying nearly £80 a month for 2Mb internet (back when that was the fastest available) and being happy to do so. The only people getting faster speeds than me were a few on Telewest's 4Mb trial.
I'm now paying £64 a month for 8192/834 and I'm still happy. I get priority bandwidth over those on standard 8Mb and I get truly unlimited access as well.
Orange have been slated (or were being) due to their poor service. They are clearly a 'budget' ISP (unlike e.g. Zen) and they have to cram as many users as possible into a limited amount of bandwidth, whilst still allowing Mrs Cratchet from number 73 to email her daughter in Australia. She may not be able to use her webcam, but so long as the core service (email, http) works, Orange are satisfied.
I really hope my ISP don't go bankrupt or anything (though their finances are not the best, last time I looked!) because the only other one I can go to is Zen, for quite a bit more money.
I recall paying nearly £80 a month for 2Mb internet (back when that was the fastest available) and being happy to do so. The only people getting faster speeds than me were a few on Telewest's 4Mb trial.
I'm now paying £64 a month for 8192/834 and I'm still happy. I get priority bandwidth over those on standard 8Mb and I get truly unlimited access as well.
Orange have been slated (or were being) due to their poor service. They are clearly a 'budget' ISP (unlike e.g. Zen) and they have to cram as many users as possible into a limited amount of bandwidth, whilst still allowing Mrs Cratchet from number 73 to email her daughter in Australia. She may not be able to use her webcam, but so long as the core service (email, http) works, Orange are satisfied.
I really hope my ISP don't go bankrupt or anything (though their finances are not the best, last time I looked!) because the only other one I can go to is Zen, for quite a bit more money.