Originally Posted by seifer  To be quite honest, you've presented us with a toughie. I'd normally say DSL is the best way to go. I've had little problems with it since getting in back in June 2004. I've been with 2 different ISP's, and each of them have given me the speeds I pay for. I'm with BT now, on their 3mbits package with Talk for €50. Some people are getting slop from BT, seemingly due to over-subscribed exchanges in their area. However, it's not BT that's causing it as such. Other DSL ISP's, even eircom themselves have been slandered for their slow service in some areas. Remember, all the DSL ISP's are merely reselling an eircom product. Even though I'm with BT, I'm still subject to eircom's maintenance of my line, and my local exchange; as BT have no access to the equipment. We're all at eircom's mercy!
That means, if you want to get DSL, you'll have to contact eircom first of all in order to get a phone line. Once done, you can proceed to contact Esat BT and have them get the ball rolling (by getting eircom to activate your line, etc.). It takes 15 working days or so to have your broadband go live after signing up with BT.
Wireless... I've heard more bad things than good. I've never tried it out, so I'm not going to go and tell you that you're 100% likely to be disappointed. Wireless can be quite erratic, apparently. I was told to steer clear from a few people down through this last year. I'm taking that advice. However, to re-iterate, I'm quite happy with the service I have at present.
There are a couple of notable differences though between BT's 3mbits package and Metro's 3mbits package. One is the contention ratio. BT has 24:1 and Metro has 36:1. Personally, I'd rather share my connection with as little people as possible. BT wins that round. The second is upload speed. BT gives 384kbits while Metro offers 512kbits. Metro wins round two! Lastly, with Metro you'd be able to avail of a free phone line. BUT, you'd have to pay €15 extra a month to get a talk package. While you've already stated this, you need to figure out what you need. Is going for the "false economy" the right decision in this situation? Maybe. The only problem with all this is that it's all down on paper. You won't know for sure what each service is like in your own home until you take the plunge. Really, it leaves you back at square one. But just weigh the options carefully. If you're not satisfied with whatever service you choose, you have 10 days I think to get your money back and have it disconnected.
Seifer. |