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Back to: Help & Advice page
 Useful Information:
Help & Advice:
 Internet Service Providers:
Internet Service Providers Association:
If you are thinking of switching your ISP (Internet Service Provider), you may like to check first whether they are a member of the Internet Service Providers Association. All members are vetted and must subscribe to a code of conduct, which means that if you have a complaint you can go to the ISPA and they will try to resolve the problem.
You can find out which companies are members by visiting the ISPA web site at http://www.ispa.org.uk or by calling them on 0207 233 7234
Changing to a New ISP:
There are hundreds of companies willing to supply you with an internet connection. Choosing the right one can be as critical as choosing the right computer.
An ISP is the bridge between your computer and the main internet. The ISP supplies you with a telephone number that your modem dials when sending or receiving data. The ISP is responsible for the sending and delivery of your e-mail.
There are many subscription-free ISPs available. All you pay for is the cost of the calls. But these free services tend to very popular and are notorious for taking on more customers than they can cope with. So at peak times this can lead to failed connections and slow connection speeds.
So, if you are looking for a new ISP, try to get answers to the following questions:
What is you modem / subscriber ratio?
That may sound a bit technical, but you want a ratio of less than 10 users per modem if you want to connect first time.
How many e-mail addresses can I have per account?
If every member of your household wants a separate e-mail address, make sure you have enough on your account.
How much does technical support cost?
This is a crucial question to ask. Many web newcomers need a helping hand once in a while. But be warned: some ISPs charge £1 per minute for technical support calls.
How much free web space will I get?
If you are planning to build a web site, look for a minimum of 50Mb of space.
Can I alter my subscription plan?
Your internet needs may change over time. If after three months you decide you want to switch from a pay-as-you-go to an un-metered subscription does your ISP allow this?
Check the performance of your ISP:
To check the performance of an ISP, visit the Zeus Technology's web performance web site at http://www.webperf.net/
As part of their continuing mission to speed up the Internet, they are currently monitoring the performance & availability of all the major ISP hosting companies in the UK. If you are already a customer, or a prospective customer of any of these companies, you should find this information very enlightening.
You can check the availability of a particular ISP, or make comparisons between multiple ISPs.
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