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Chat => Entertainment & Technology => Topic started by: Eagle on October 21, 2009, 23:15:42 PM

Title: PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 21, 2009, 23:15:42 PM
Is it normal for bb speed to drop right down if your modem has been off for a month or so?  Will it pick up again?
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on October 21, 2009, 23:24:37 PM
Not really.
Has your sync rate changed?
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 21, 2009, 23:26:24 PM
Thanks

How do I find that out?

Ive actually changed to a wireless modem but the slow-down was evident before I did that.  Back down to 0.2 Mb/s Feckin so-called broadband...  :disappointed:
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Beaker on October 22, 2009, 01:21:13 AM
Check your microfilters.  Seriously, if youve been off for a month, and the cable unplugged the connection may be gummed.  
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Serious on October 22, 2009, 02:37:51 AM
Open the main BT box and plug directly into the service socket, this will ensure there is as little as possible between the modem and the line. Try at least two filters.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 22, 2009, 08:57:28 AM
The main connection is direct into the service socket and all filters in use are new.
Title: Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Maldonado on October 22, 2009, 13:38:59 PM
http://portal.plus.net/supportpages.html?a=2&support_action=messages&ispservice_id=broadbandnetwo

21/10/2009 @ 17:26      Deployment of additional broadband capacity
We are pleased to announce that we have added another 155Mbps segment of central bandwidth to our network. Broadband customers connecting to this new segment will access the Internet through the gateway known as thn-ag01.

Weve activated this extra capacity in line with the current budget and our projected growth in customer numbers.

Kind Regards,

Bob Pullen
Customer Support
21/10/2009 @ 17:06    Broadband Network Capacity (285660) - UPDATE
This is an update to the announcement we made last week about performance problems and speed issues for some customers during peak times when the network is busy.

We are still aware that there are a number of customers are reporting slower than expected speeds during the late afternoon and early evenings, and we would like to apologise to those still experiencing difficulties.

We have experienced a number of problems recently, most notably issues concerning network balance and a problem that affected our traffic management switches last week. These issues have been further compounded and made harder to identify due to the growth in traffic on the network following Microsofts recently released security updates - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8302286.stm

We lit another segment of central capacity on Monday, however the benefits of this have been somewhat eclipsed by the fact that a problem on the network yesterday evening resulted in close to 30,000 customers being briefly disconnected from the Internet. This is very unfortunate as it has resulted in further imbalance across our broadband platform which will not be helping the current situation - http://www.plus.net/support/service/problems/problem.php?intProblemId=58763

We have more central bandwidth scheduled to be lit over the coming weeks and were continuing to monitor the network in case weve overlooked anything else that may be contributing to these problems.

Customers on certain account types will continue to see slower speeds than they are used to during peak times, particularly traffic that falls into our download sites/servers classification or traffic that is rate limited during peak hours - http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/quality_broadband/download_servers.shtml
http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/quality_broadband/speed.shtml

Customers on our Broadband Pro product are less likely to notice these problems as all of their Internet traffic is prioritised regardless as to the time of day.

Service Status remains at Amber and the network is still in Plan B operation - http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/quality_broadband/load.shtml

Sorry for the continued inconvenience, and thanks for your patience whilst we work to resolve these issues.

Kind Regards,

Bob Pullen
Customer Support
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 22, 2009, 14:06:15 PM
Thanks but its not that.  My speed is hammered permanently - not just at peak times. :(

Replied to your PM. :)
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Serious on October 22, 2009, 15:21:36 PM
Quote from: EagleThe main connection is direct into the service socket and all filters in use are new.

Idea is to limit it to one filter and no other items on the line to eliminate them from the equation. A new filter can be duff on arrival
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 22, 2009, 15:53:30 PM
The line is direct into the box with no filter (as recommended).  I have filters on other kit (as recommended).
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 23, 2009, 12:12:46 PM
48hrs and still nothing from Plusnet... :(
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: shofty on October 23, 2009, 13:18:58 PM
Quote from: EagleThe line is direct into the box with no filter (as recommended).  I have filters on other kit (as recommended).

first time ive ever heard that. 100% sure thats right? not got spurs off before the face plate at all have you?

Matt
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 23, 2009, 18:07:35 PM
Its one of those BT dedicated internet connection thingies. :)
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Mark on October 23, 2009, 23:59:16 PM
If its an NTE2000 face plate, you dont need microfilters anywhere else.

Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on October 29, 2009, 17:43:49 PM
[size=24]FINALLY[/size], Ive got someone to look into this and theyve confirmed its a BT line fault as suspected.  Hopefully itll get sorted now.

FFS, what does it take? Customer service isnt rocket science...  :disappointed:

.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Mongoose on November 10, 2009, 13:10:10 PM
BT have to be treated like an alchoholic who doesnt want to go to meetings. The first hurdle is getting them to admit that they have a problem.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on November 10, 2009, 18:33:09 PM
When I was at PN, the process was....


1) You convince us that there is a problem,

2) We convince BT theres a problem

3) BT try and convince us there wasnt a problem

Repeate 2 - 3 ad infinitum.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Cypher on November 14, 2009, 19:06:55 PM
Dealing with BT usually leads me to drinking the following evening.

You try convincing your client its out of your hands when BT wont admit fault and youve tested and replaced everything possible.

Seriously, does no one ever want to take responsibility and just fix it.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 15, 2009, 22:30:40 PM
PlusNet keep saying theres nothing that we can do.

However, BT have said theres a line fault.  Line faults can be fixed, no?

PN asked me to plug my connection into the test socket while they "ran some checks".  :rofl:

...a day later I was still waiting.  My landline wouldnt dial out or receive calls so I had to take it back out again.

....  :disappointed:
Title: Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Sweenster on November 16, 2009, 00:30:49 AM
BT dont want all these companies to be using their exchanges and lines. Most of the companies I have dealt with DSL have had the same problem of BT arsing them around with everything basically to ensure that the service isnt upto scratch and I think they even got called up on it recently by ofcom (slap on the wrists and told not to do it again).

The thing is, BT themselves arent even providing a good service for their customers to give an insentive for people to move to them.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 16, 2009, 01:55:40 AM
I was considering a move to BT... so I guess Im f**ked if PN dont get them to fix their LINE FAULT?
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Maldonado on November 16, 2009, 09:50:57 AM
Move your router back to the test socket and plug your phone into the same filter. As Ive previously told you, so long as youre happy to stump up £140+VAT if theres no fault, Ill have a BT engineer out in 24-48 hours.

Until then, stop moaning imo.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 16, 2009, 20:53:43 PM
Quote from: MaldonadoMove your router back to the test socket and plug your phone into the same filter.
The phone doesnt go anywhere near it.

QuoteAs Ive previously told you, so long as youre happy to stump up £140+VAT if theres no fault, Ill have a BT engineer out in 24-48 hours.

Until then, stop moaning imo.
Youve been helpful in the past mate but your attitude seems to be changing (along with PN policy?...)

After a good while of insisting there wasnt, PlusNet [size=18]confirmed[/size] there [size=18]is[/size] a fault on the line - so there is a fault on the line (which can be fixed).

Ive agreed several times (on the helpdesk) that a BT engineer is called out but Im ignored at every turn.  Wonder why Im "moaning"?...

.
Title: Re:Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Maldonado on November 17, 2009, 09:49:32 AM
When do you want the engineer then?
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 17, 2009, 17:08:35 PM
Cheers.  Pretty much any time is convenient but will just need some notice due to work etc. :)  Can you arrange via the Support Ticket?

:)
Title: PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Maldonado on November 18, 2009, 17:22:13 PM
As per my update on the ticket, Ive re-raised, well push it through to awaiting appointment. Please reply to the ticket stating that youve tested alternate router + filter into the test socket and accept charges if the engineer finds no fault.

As per the update, the engineer is likely to advise that we cease the service.

Edit:
Engineers do morning slots 8am - 1pm or afternoon 1pm - 6pm
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 18, 2009, 21:27:42 PM
Cheers.  Ticket updated.

Im rather puzzled though, why PlusNet keep banging on about me accepting charges when there is a confirmed line fault.

Quote***** ******* Training/Comms 1:41pm, Thursday 29th October 2009
Dear ******,
Sorry for the delay in coming back to you. A line test has indeed shown a fault present on the line, Ill get this raised up to BT for you. As soon as theres any more information well update the ticket.

I have stated in the ticket that I will not accept charges for the above reason.

Out of interest, can you also explain why BT would recommend ceasing a connection that, whilst not perfect, does actually connect?  To me, that doesnt make any financial/business sense whatsoever on PlusNets part.

.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on November 18, 2009, 21:39:14 PM
Check your PMs Eagle....
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Maldonado on November 19, 2009, 13:31:40 PM
QuoteI have stated in the ticket that I will not accept charges for the above reason.

You wont get an engineer then, sorry. We identified a fault on your line, but have no idea where it lies - your equipment, internal or external wiring or exchange equipment. You do our tests, we take your word on the basis that you accept charges if you havent bothered to do the tests, or didnt do them properly and the engineer subsequently proves that something of your responsibility is to blame. This is your fundamental misunderstanding of the situation. As I (and numerous other Plusnet staff) have advised, do the checks and you have no risk of charges.

QuoteOut of interest, can you also explain why BT would recommend ceasing a connection that, whilst not perfect, does actually connect?

Because the line is too long to sustain a workable service, nevermind whether it connects sometimes or not.

QuoteTo me, that doesnt make any financial/business sense whatsoever on PlusNets part.

The profit margin on your account is tiny, as soon as support staff get involved then were in the red. With the number of times your faults ticket has been touched, well never make any profit from you.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 19, 2009, 17:19:50 PM
Quote from: MaldonadoYou wont get an engineer then, sorry. We identified a fault on your line, but have no idea where it lies - your equipment, internal or external wiring or exchange equipment. You do our tests, we take your word on the basis that you accept charges if you havent bothered to do the tests, or didnt do them properly and the engineer subsequently proves that something of your responsibility is to blame. This is your fundamental misunderstanding of the situation. As I (and numerous other Plusnet staff) have advised, do the checks and you have no risk of charges.
Great, Im expecting no charges.

Quote
QuoteOut of interest, can you also explain why BT would recommend ceasing a connection that, whilst not perfect, does actually connect?

Because the line is too long to sustain a workable service, nevermind whether it connects sometimes or not.
Please explain then how I managed to get a stable 1.5Mb connection over the past year?  Evidently, the line is not too long.


Quote
QuoteTo me, that doesnt make any financial/business sense whatsoever on PlusNets part.
The profit margin on your account is tiny, as soon as support staff get involved then were in the red. With the number of times your faults ticket has been touched, well never make any profit from you.
Really?  I think your marketing people need to get a grip on B2C reality.  The value of a [satisfied] customer can be worth many times, in terms of referrals, what the individual pays monthly.  I know of at least seven people who switched their BB to PlusNet on my recommendation alone this year.  I guess that wont be happening anymore.

Anyhoo.  Lets get this resolved. :)
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 19, 2009, 17:20:37 PM
Ticket updated.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 23, 2009, 14:28:29 PM
Does anyone know if I could get Bonded ADSL?  Would that improve things?
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 25, 2009, 08:08:00 AM
Six days later; no BT engineer booked and ticket closed.  Appalling, quite frankly.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on November 25, 2009, 11:43:12 AM
Personally, Id let PN fix it then move.
You wont have to convince another ISP of the problems then.
Title: PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Maldonado on November 25, 2009, 17:26:49 PM
Your engineers due tomorrow morning with instructions to improve the quality of the line.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on November 25, 2009, 18:27:13 PM
\o\\o//o/
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: zpyder on November 25, 2009, 18:35:58 PM
Id say believe it when you see it given the impression one gets when reading this thread ;)
Title: PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 25, 2009, 21:53:58 PM
Quote from: MaldonadoYour engineers due tomorrow morning with instructions to improve the quality of the line.
Cheers. :)
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on November 26, 2009, 16:09:38 PM
Well??
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 26, 2009, 18:48:21 PM
He managed to decrease the line noise by 2Db!  :nana:








...  its now 74dB  :disappointed:

Not sure how the line deteriorated so much (down from 1.5Mb/s) in the space of four weeks but there you go.

Never mind, at least its been tried (which was all I wanted).  Now switching to Royal Mail for my comms. ;)

I now need to look at alternatives.  My 3G dongle thingy kicks out around 800kb - 1.5Mb but its not all that stable and my limit is 5Gb/month.  Need to find an attenuator/aerial thingy.  Any suggestions?

.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on November 27, 2009, 13:42:48 PM
(http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/carrier_pigeon.jpg)
Title: PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: White Giant on November 28, 2009, 00:31:18 AM
Put my dad on PN a few months ago, I do hope it wasnt a bad choice.

Craps all over my own Sky connection mind.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: soopahfly on November 28, 2009, 13:12:36 PM
Things like this arent PNs fault.  They cant help if you get absolute monkeys for BT engineers.
That said, Some of the staff are like that too.  When I was there, I was on Bens team and they are a team that cares.

Try and make sure you get through to Team A if you have any problems, and if you get through to a "Steve" mention extension cables for a list of clarksonesque metaphors :D
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on November 28, 2009, 19:05:20 PM
Quote from: soopahflyThings like this arent PNs fault.
Fully understand that, hence why my beef wasnt with them over the line fault.  What does grip my sh*t though is the reluctance to help and that Im considered not economically viable as a customer.

Beyond caring now...

Does anyone use one of those attenuator thingies for their 3G dongle?




.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Serious on December 02, 2009, 16:11:25 PM
It should be easy enough to put a cheap signal booster or repeater on long lines.

Really though these are the ones that would most gain from upgrading to fibre.
Title: PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: DeltaZero on December 02, 2009, 16:26:28 PM
Dude just move house already.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on December 02, 2009, 23:23:07 PM
Quote from: SeriousIt should be easy enough to put a cheap signal booster or repeater on long lines.

Really though these are the ones that would most gain from upgrading to fibre.
No, Im talking 3G - USB thingy...

Its probably not going to happen anyway as I cant get any more than 7Gb / month allowance.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Serious on December 04, 2009, 19:42:10 PM
I was talking about BT, not you ;)
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on January 28, 2010, 15:06:29 PM
Latest:

PN tweaked something yesterday and Im up to around 70-90KB/s on average now.  BT engineer coming out again shortly...
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: BigSoy on January 29, 2010, 00:12:29 AM
Quote from: EagleLatest:

PN tweaked something yesterday and Im up to around 70-90KB/s on average now.  BT engineer coming out again shortly...

Can I politely suggest taking the barsteward hostage until hes fixed the bloody thing? Ive heard its against ones human rights to only be connected to humanity by a saggy piece of wet string in the modern age.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on January 29, 2010, 06:05:59 AM
Im just pretty disappointed they didnt do this tweak when the ticket was first raised... 3 months ago...  :disappointed:

Still, things are looking promising now.  Just hope the BT guy doesnt f**k it up.

.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on January 29, 2010, 13:11:21 PM
Guess what...
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: BigSoy on January 29, 2010, 18:51:21 PM
Quote from: EagleGuess what...

You accidentally beat him to death before he tweaked rather than afterwards?
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Ceathreamhnan on January 29, 2010, 22:47:45 PM
Its worse than it was before? :lol:
My Plusnet connection is half the speed it was when I moved in 4 years ago :/
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on January 30, 2010, 17:47:00 PM
Nah, for the second time, he didnt turn up.  Im no longer pissed - Im just laughing at the lameness of it all!  :rofl:
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on February 02, 2010, 01:09:59 AM
Finally arrived and said nothing can be done.  Much like the first one.  Im not sure why PlusNet insisted they call another engr out but there you go.

Im now looking at renting a number of lines as Im told its possible.  Anyone had any experience of this?

http://uk.sharedband.com/ ?

http://www.samknows.com/broadband/news/1mb-on-a-12km-line-bt-says-you-can-bet-on-it-882.html

.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Beaker on February 02, 2010, 01:17:36 AM
Quote from: EagleFinally arrived and said nothing can be done.  Much like the first one.  Im not sure why PlusNet insisted they call another engr out but there you go.

Im now looking at renting a number of lines as Im told its possible.  Anyone had any experience of this?

http://uk.sharedband.com/ ?

.

you could take out something like O2 or whoever is offering a 30 or 50 day "see if it works" option?
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on February 02, 2010, 01:19:42 AM
Its not the ISP, its the line length.
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: shofty on February 02, 2010, 10:36:37 AM
Quote from: EagleIts not the ISP, its the line length.

sounds similar to what sky told me. your line is too long. why then did BE manage to provide me a service at twice the speed?

Matt

Title: PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Maldonado on February 03, 2010, 00:16:49 AM
Have we tried you on a fixed rate 512mb service yet?
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: knighty on February 03, 2010, 01:02:03 AM
Quote from: EagleIm now looking at renting a number of lines as Im told its possible.  Anyone had any experience of this?
http://uk.sharedband.com/ ?

looks good.... but an extra £20 per line, per month ?   (£10 for the 250gig option)


by the time you have 3 lines @£15 a month each, then that setup.... youre looking at £105 a month on BB.....


not really worth it unless you really need it for work etc...



is a satalite not cheaper ?  iirc mark used to use one ?  you use the sataline for d/l and your tel/dsl line for the upload ?
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on February 04, 2010, 13:58:32 PM
Im in the same boat as Eagle and havnt seen any cost effective solutions, the only reasonable one I found was NTL Business Cable but sadly they refused my application as I have no credit rating on my business. Part of my solution is to move next year, I dont really see a better option, my line speed is pathetic and drops completely quite often.

It might be worth you checking them out Eagle:
http://www.ntltelewestbusiness.co.uk/products__solutions/broadband__internet_services/business_broadband.aspx?view=glance
Title: Re:PlusNet Broadband speed drop-off?
Post by: Eagle on February 06, 2010, 20:50:26 PM
Spoke to a few companies and theyve said its just not possible.... :(