On 2Mbs Service when paying for 8Mbs

[richtrash]

About a year ago I changed my 2Mbs package to an unlimited Talk package and was led to believe that it was an up to 8 Mbs package with unlimited calls but when I look at my account it says that I only have up up to 2Mb Unlimited plus Anytime Talk II but there are only 2 Talk products listed and both are up to 8Mbs packages.

When I originally took out the Talk package I was told that I could not get 8Mbs because my local exchange did not support it but I would automatically be able to get it at no cost once the exchange was upgraded.

Can anyone tell me if the Bicester exchange is already capable of supporting 8Mbs or is there some way of finding out when it is likely to be upgraded.

I am aware that even if it is 8Mbs capable it is unlikely that I will get a full 8Mbs service but I think my line should be able to support at least 4Mbs which would be a bonus.

These are the line stats from my router which is a Cisco Router with an ADSL-WIC module installed.

ATU-R (DS)
Modem Status: Showtime (DMTDSL_SHOWTIME)
DSL Mode: ITU G.992.1 (G.DMT) Annex A
ITU STD NUM: 0x01
Vendor ID: 'ALCB'
Vendor Specific: 0x0000
Vendor Country: 0x00
Capacity Used: 46%
Noise Margin: 9.0 dB
Output Power: 20.0 dBm
Attenuation: 43.5 dB
Defect Status: None
Last Fail Code: None
Selftest Result: 0x00
Subfunction: 0x15
Interrupts: 1347 (0 spurious)
PHY Access Err: 0
Activations: 3
LED Status: ON
LED On Time: 100
LED Off Time: 100
Init FW: embedded
Operation FW: embedded
SW Version: 3.8131
FW Version: 0x1A04

I am quite happy with Tiscali but I do feel like I'm paying over the odds for a 2Mbs service and I've been thinking about moving to Virgin as they are offering me a 20Mbs service for the same as I'm paying now.

[KevinP_N19]

This is from the BT ADSL checker - I just put in the number for a friend in Bicester town centre but you'll have to put in your own number to get a more accurate answer. Looks like you should already be able to get the <8MB service but in my experience ISPs have never been known to volunteer the information!

ADSL Checker

"Your exchange is ADSL enabled, and our initial check on your postcode indicates that your line should be able to have an ADSL broadband service that provides a fixed line rate up to 2Mbps.
Our check also indicates that your line currently supports a potential ADSL Max broadband line rate of 6.5Mbps or greater.
Your exchange is planned to have ADSL2+ by 31st March 2009. Our check also indicates that your line currently supports a potential ADSL2+ broadband line rate of 9Mbps or greater.
The actual stable ADSL line rate supportable will be determined during the first 10 days of use. This rate may change over time, to ensure line stability is maintained. If you decide to place an order, a further test will be performed to confirm if your line is suitable for the service you wish to purchase."

[kmount]

Hi there,

Yes, Bicester exchange supports several LLU players including Tiscali. Information can be found on samknows by clicking here.

From your linestats, I don't see a sync speed but with 9dB downstream I doubt you're going to get too much more unless your line is very stable (with little fluctuation).

Best bet? Virgin in my opinion.

[Antonio_f2s]

Originally Posted by richtrash

Can anyone tell me if the Bicester exchange is already capable of supporting 8Mbs or is there some way of finding out when it is likely to be upgraded.

The Bicester exchange is enable for ADSL2+ (has been for the last 16 months).

Originally Posted by richtrash

Noise Margin: 9.0 dB
Output Power: 20.0 dBm
Attenuation: 43.5 dB

I have seen lines with similar stats running at +5 Mb with no problems, but saying that, every line is different...

If you PM me your ADSL number I can check theTiscali systems for you and have a look at your connection.

[kmount]

On ADSL2+ sure, but on traditional ADSL the chance of getting much more isn't high with that level of SNR and the Attenuation being over the "old" limit for 2mbit.

[richtrash]

Thanks for all the replies, Tiscali say they cannot provide speeds greater than 2Mbs because the DSLAM hasn't been upgraded yet, are there any Tiscali users getting more than 2Mbs.

[Antonio_f2s]

Originally Posted by richtrash

Tiscali say they cannot provide speeds greater than 2Mbs because the DSLAM hasn't been upgraded yet

uhm..... I had a look in the tiscali website for a Bicester number (mine ) and I got the message below for their normal Max product (up to 8 Mb):

Tiscali Max up to 8Mb Broadband.
Congratulations you can get great value Tiscali Unlimited Broadband.
We estimate your maximum download speed to be 8Mb.

As I said, you best bet is to PM me your adsl number and I can check your line and see exactly what you are getting and what you could get. Then you can get back to Tiscali with that info.

[kmount]

Another good post from Antonio, wish they were all as proactive and helpful as he is.

[richtrash]

After a few calls to Tiscali I have now managed to get my line speed sorted out, basically I have had to upgrade my package to 8Mbs anytime calls but I will still be paying the same £19.99 monthly fee I am paying now. The downside is that I am now tied into another 12 month contract but I do get the next 3 months free which is worth almost £60 so all in all I'm now on a 8Mbs service for a total cost of minus £60!

I seem to be getting just over 4Mbs now so my download speed should be double now, sorry about the formatting, the forum software just strips out spaces.

Interleave Fast Interleave Fast
Speed (kbps): 4384 0 32 0
Cells: 2849004 0 3524781 0
Reed-Solomon EC: 44248 0 5 4
CRC Errors: 208 0 4 2
Header Errors: 189 0 2 4
Bit Errors: 0 0
BER Valid sec: 0 0
BER Invalid sec: 0 0

Thanks for all the advice and help.

[kmount]

I think that's ridiculous that you've had to sign for an additional punt with them.

I hope it's quicker for you.