Broadband Providers Comparison, DSL, satellite, dial-up - eligibility... and speed testing - Broadband and DSL packages
Last updated : 10/12/2007
Orange (formerly Wanadoo UK) ranks as one of the top-five Internet Service Providers in the United Kingdom. Generally speaking, the bundles are affordable and offer reliable performances. A Wireless modem is part of the basic equipment, as well as the possibility of making inclusive phone calls. This implies that you'll get a second phone line,and a telephone plugged into your modem will be all you need to make phone calls at free or cheap rates (depending on your package, and the time of the day). Please notice that these kind of calls are only possible if you already pay a line rental, except Home Max package which allows inclusive phone rental.
Despite of the troubles that Orange had following a survey organized by BBC Watchdog (on the 21 March 2007), we cannot seriously assume that the "prize" which was granted to Orange means something. Everyone can one day or another complain about his ISP, whether his problems deal with drops of speed, or connection failures. What is important to point out is that ISPs should adapt themselves and make efforts to overcome the situation (problems). Fortunately, this is precisely what Orange did, as any reliable ISP should have done.
Packages which include unlimited usage are subject to a fair use policy (like Pipex does) : heavy files (these are particularly pointed out) are expected to be downloaded outside peak hours (11PM to 6PM). Phone service is also subject to a limitation : it has a maximum call duration of two hours per call, and 1000 call minutes per bill. The monthly cost assumes the payment to be done by direct debit, any other payment method will require an additional charge of £1 a month.
| Package name | Speed | Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Starter |
ADSL 2 Mbits |
£12
|
|
| Home Select |
ADSL 8 Mbits |
£20
|
|
| Home Max |
ADSL 8 Mbits |
£24
|
|
Beware, speed values represent the maximum speed which can be reached, but your Broadband speed could be inferior to what was expected, depending on the quality of your phone line. For more informations, read the details in the package description pages.
