Pipex

Pipex have been around for years, they were one of the earliest ISP's in the UK and have always been the most reliable. They don't waste as much money on media coverage as other providers but offer a much better service.

There's no connection charge on residential accounts and they even provide free ADSL equipment (2 free microfilters, an Alcatel Speedtouch 330 USB ADSL modem, and data cable). As for the modem itself, the installation was flawless and operation has been very reliable. It comes with two applications, one aimed at less experienced users which will analyse any connection error and give you a simple, easy to understand explanation; the other application (the connection monitor) being designed for technical users giving details of the underlying network infrastructure.

Pipex allow you to pay monthly, quarterly and anually - allowing you to have your phone and ADSL bills fall on the same week.. The minimum contract is only a month, unlike some other providers, allowing you to sample their service and drop it at any time (or change to a higher or lower speed package).

The 1.1Mbps package I have subscribed to is ample enough for even the heaviest of users (I, myself, being a computer network professional). At only £34 with no download restrictions it's great value for money. Don't let the price scare you off, they do offer much cheaper services for users with lower requirements and you still get free connection and equipment.

Conversion of your phone line to ADSL (and delivery of the equipment) is said to take up to 10 business days (or 24 if you listen to BT) but both myself and my friend were connected and online within 4 working days.

I cannot comment on the other features (such as 12 mailboxes, etc) as I stick to my old providers for everything else, but if they are even half as good as the connectivity services of Pipex then they may well be worth moving to! Also the buyout of Host-Europe by Pipex means there will be expansive web hosting, domain and data-centre services appearing under the Pipex brand in the next few months so it's definetly a company to watch.

Anyone looking for a fast, hassle free, and cheap internet service need look no further.