PS To Previous Entry - UK journals

You might find this of interest.

It shows a significant number have had major problems and delays, especially with broadband, yet they're still in the minority.  Most have either had it totally problem-free or initial delays, but it's problem-free now.  

It's important to understand that when it comes to broadband, name almost any provider and someone has a bad story, especially when switching from one provider to another.  Often the switch-over slowness is due to the old company; and it's mooted that it may be deliberate to discourage switching.  Yet this doesn't mean TalkTalk isn't culpable, it's admitted over-demand has caused problems, and it's without doubt guilty of mismanaging the situation. 

Overall my summary is that if you want a guaranteed hassle-free speedy broadband connection, don't use TalkTalk.  Yet as it's hugely price competitive, if cost is your priority and you can cope with the risk of some delay - go for it.

Not everyone can get it.  It’s only available to 70% of the UK population (mainly urban areas) where TalkTalk currently has, or plans to have, it’s own equipment in the telephone exchange.  So ensureyou check before signing up.  Those outside this area need to pay an additional £10/month.   

An 18 month contract.  This is longer than the usual 12 month broadband contract (some have no lock-in) and you’re fined up to £70 for leaving, so if a cheaper tariff is launched elsewhere or you’re unhappy with the service, hard luck. Yet this needs to be balanced against TalkTalk’s cheaper service now.

Possible over-demand.  Massive publicity will test TalkTalk.  The 30-day queue for its broadband is growing, yet you’ll start paying £10/month when the phone’s connected, which takes only a fortnight.  Currently it’s worth moving, before the queue builds, but check the length of the broadband delay. 
It is currently taking five weeks to get switched over (from my own research). The above extract was taken from the site:

Home Phones: The UKs Cheapest Calls Provider | MoneySavingExpert.com

Guido has mentioned inhis comment to my previous entry that TalkTalk featured on Watchdog recently. They have a poor customer service record.

I am only posting this to try and keep you all informed.  It is not for me to sway you one way or the other. I shall make my own decision next year depending on what happens.  However,  this is a decision that is going to be facing all UK journallers, in fact all current UK aol members in the New Year whether we like it or not.  As for the International3, I do not make phone calls abroad so it will not benefit me in any way. I just want a decently run service with as few problems as possible and be able to keep up my journal and comment on my friends' journals. I am not trying to score points off AOL although I am greatly dissatisfied with the service we are getting at present,  nor I am saying that TalkTalk is necessarily worse than any other provider.  I am just supplying the information so that you are all forewarned when the time comes.

P.S. I am not getting any alerts right now, well I have only had a couple.  So, I am sorry if I do not know if you have posted.