Our broadband is hopeless, I mean seriously hopeless with no chance of it ever getting better. No fast fibre or fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) for us. Just a humble 1950’s copper wire snail meandering along very, very slowly.
A few years’ back, we did have a quote for a fibre connection and, I jest you not, the quote was nearly £1,000,000 but the best bit was when they asked us, in all seriousness, when we would like them to start the work!
We did raise this all with our MP and MSP but, despite their best and most valiant efforts, we were told the situation is never going to change.
Last night, I got more than a bit anxious looking at our landline phone bill (£40 per month for mostly spamming calls) and broadband provider (£25 per month for feeding the snail). I realised enough is enough and this was a complete waste of money – we need something better.
So, this morning, after feeding everyone and being very grateful that the storm has finally abated….
…… I grabbed my laptop and went into my shed to create a spreadsheet of all our options so I could see for myself at a glance who is offering what.
I was going quite well, when OH arrived to take the dogs for a walk and Monster wandered up the shed track.
I tried to ignore him but the whining outside only got more persistent and louder.
There was a lot of wandering around an already full table. I was working with two laptops.
Monster was not helpful.
But finally we reached an arrangement which worked for all of us and I went on working out what were the best options in our set-up. I think my conclusion is that I need to do a lot of phoning on Monday and then make a momentous decision to change everything, with the help of Monster, obviously.
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I adore your posts; as a fellow slave, only in my case to six donkeys and 26 stable and barn cats (each having their own opinions, none of which they keep to themselves) but in not-quite -such- grim-winter-conditions as we are only in rural north east Cumbria, your emails are one of the highlights of my evenings.
I usually go along with the cats’ choices (did I mention the additional six “house” cats, all indoors by their own choice or necessity through previous injury or disability)?
Monster looks like the sort of cat who has no intention of doing anything except what he wants to, as he wants to and when he wants to…..
We too have had WiFi pain for as long as I can remember, so I do so appreciate your struggles. When I decided to take the plunge and change providers it felt like a leap in the dark and was nerve wracking for fear we landed up with a huge bill and no improvement. It worked out fairly we eventually but, fingers crossed, it has improved overall. Mostly.
With very best wishes for as pain free internet outcome as possibe
Christena
Thank you. Lovely to have so many cats. Sadly Monster is not a sharer.
I’m sure that you know this because you are saavy, but I live with a computer guru (my husband’s the one who introduced me to your blog) who is committed to everyone getting the best service & deal on all things computer driven. I read your blog to Bill & he votes Starlink. Two things: remember, we are 6757 kilometers away so ,obviously, you have a much better idea of service, affordability, etc. Secondly, obviously, Elon needs no more money, but Bill feels that Starlink might offer the best broadband.
OH will not entertain Elon. We are currently looking at EE or BT home mobile thingamajig.
That seems so unfair and totally not what I would have thought. Would Starlink work for you?
New Zealand at the moment is in an unrelenting pattern of extra severe winds and momentous rainfall. We’re in about the 3 Rd week of the cycle and parts of the country still have no power or are cut off by floods and fallen trees. Where I live we are getting off lightly being in a rain shadow area but still have had our share of winds and rains. The poor spring blossom has no chance and bare stalks of tulips are a sad sight, if they’re still standing that is. Ah, climate change, ah spring. Here’s hoping all our weather improves and the wind and rain move off to somewhere grateful for them. Good luck with spreadsheets and phone calls
OH won’t consider Elon. Ever. I hope your spring soon dries up.
We live in a rural part of Wales and had even slower Broadband over copper. Eventually my son suggested 4G mobile internet, which works a treat. We cut costs by using
MVNO rather than the big names. My son suggests you might look at , 1p Mobile , Giffgaff ,or Asda Mobile , and choose the one with the best signal in your location. Anyway , hope you get something sorted as I understand the frustration.
Thank you – very useful recommendations. Will investigate
When we lived in a rural location all we had for internet was a satellite provider… the service for which was both expensive and unreliable, though, over the years, it got a bit better as they upgraded their satellites. Now, living in a small town, it’s a bit cheaper but we have unlimited, high-speed (some G business in there somewhere that means nothing to me) and my kids thought they’d died and gone to heaven. No more rationing out the data like we used to. All that to say, i feel your pain. I used to think Canada had the most over-priced cell-phone/internet providers in the world, but that million pound estimate rather changes my mind.
Good luck with your researching! And well done to your OH for refusing to fund the Muskrat. 🙂
Have a look at Starlink. I think the cost is around £40 per month.There maybe set up costs but there are always special offers.
Francis, look at “starlink”
They have come out with some new smaller antenna and datad packages. The prices we are seeing here in New Mexico are in line or less than what you seem to be paying.
I am Colleen McNamara’s insignificant other.
Thank you for your recommendation. OH refuses to entertain Elon and Murdoch.
Just a cheer to you for refusing to support Musk and Murdoch. I’d go back to the old 28k dialup first.
Me too. And OH.