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Distance from the Exchange - Ask Our Expert
If you have a broadband question, why not write to our Broadband Expert, Michael Phillips, at OurExpert@BroadbandChoices.co.uk
Q ~ Dear Michael,
I recently moved into a property and am trying to get broadband. I only live about two miles from a major town in Crawley, West Sussex but when I log onto the BT Broadband website it says my phone line can only support maximum speeds of up to 0.5Mb, which is really poor.
I have been told that this could be because I live a long way from the exchange but I don’t think I do. And I can’t seem to find out where my telephone exchange is.
Also, if my phone line really only can support a maximum of 0.5Mb, would it be better to just go for a free package? It seems silly for me to pay for internet speeds that I can’t actually get. I’m thinking of just taking advantage of Sky’s free basic package but am slightly reluctant as I have heard lots of bad reviews. But if its free and I can’t receive any quicker would you recommend this?
Martin Burnell, via email
Our expert says...
It could well be the case that your broadband will be slow because you’re far from the exchange. If you go to the SamKnows website (see useful links) you can type in your postcode and find out exactly how far you are from the exchange and how much degradation your connection would face.
The SamKnows website will also tell you if you’re in a Virgin Media area and if their cable connection could offer a faster connection.
With regards to the free broadband, you’re right in wanting to get something more for your money, like digital TV or a home phone, and in not wanting to pay £15 a month for a slow 0.5Mb.
What you need to consider is whether or not you want to go with Sky or TalkTalk for your free broadband, as they’re both available to you via their local loop unbundled (LLU) services. If you want to get digital TV then obviously Sky is the one to go for (and you would have to switch to digital at some point any way), but if you’re a heavy home phone user you should be aware that TalkTalk’s call charges are much cheaper than Sky’s. Sky also hasn’t had a many well publicised problems - such as with customer service - as TalkTalk.
The last thing to consider is the fact that you’ll be on an LLU provider, which could be difficult or expensive to switch away from but unfortunately you don’t have a huge amount of choice here.
LLU broadband
| Supplier | Speed (up to) | Usage limit | Contract length | Monthly charge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadband & Evening and Weekend Calls | 14Mb | Unlimited | 12 months | £2.50 (for 12 months) Ends Soon | |
| Broadband & off peak calls (Orange mobile customers only) | 14Mb | Unlimited | 12 months | £5.00 Exclusive £45 Amazon Voucher when you call | Call Orange on 0800 072 4137 |
| The All Rounder (O2 mobile customers only) | 16Mb | Unlimited | 12 months | £6.25 for 12 months Half-price broadband Ends Soon | Call O2 on 0800 954 1408 |
| Broadband + Phone - Plus | 14Mb | Unlimited | 12 months | £7.25 (for 12 months)Online exclusiveEnds soon | Call TalkTalk on 0800 049 7843 |
Ask us a question
If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at OurExpert@broadbandchoices.co.uk
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