For my new house in a village a long way from the local exchange the options are:-

BT (or other ISP) 1.5mbps max flaky broadband which is right on the limit due to the distance from the exchange. this won't improve in the foreseeable future

or

Satellite broadband 10mbps but with high ping times up to 6-800ms - not good for gaming (not bothered) but should be fine for mail, browsing downloading films etc allowing for a second or two of delay before the web page or film downloads

or

2mbps HSDPA mobile broadband - I have verified this speed at the house and it might be possible to use a roof mounted antenna to improve on this to up to 5.6mbps. The network may be improved beyond this in the future.

which to choose?

Cheers

Mooky

I've gone for landline... cos it's dependable.

Never tried a sat connection, but I've read that it's V expensive.

the locals in the village give a mixed view of how dependable the Land line is - the satellite is certainly more expensive but within reason (as I need it for business) the cost won't be the deciding factor

Isnt there targets to get nationwide 10meg in the next few years? surely its only a matter of time till bet replace the copper with fibre nationwide? In the mean time go for the cheapest as none seem that great!

BT Landline with Plusnet Broadband but keep a PAYG cellular broadband USB key as backup, My reason for recommending Plusnet is they put real effort get thing fixed when they go wrong.

[Edited on 20/5/12 by britishtrident]

Plusnet for me too
The speed is'nt great, but that's the BT line where I am. But they're nice (and Northern) to talk to

Probably shouldn't say this, but what the hell.

I'm currently on 2.5Mb/s ADSL because of distance from the exchange.

The cabinet in my street is now enabled with FTTC.

Projected speed with BT is 69.6Mb/s

Do they not have a duty to make this available to all fairly soon ?

quote:

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Originally posted by zilspeed
Probably shouldn't say this, but what the hell.

I'm currently on 2.5Mb/s ADSL because of distance from the exchange.

The cabinet in my street is now enabled with FTTC.

Projected speed with BT is 69.6Mb/s

Do they not have a duty to make this available to all fairly soon ?

---

I suggest, go the 'mobile' hsdpa route to start with, but avoid a long contract,
also if placing said device remotely, 'tis worth considering a mifi unit
http://store.three.co.uk/Mobile_Broadband/MiFi?id=1298

note, even if you have tested it a 2mbit, thats just one mobile provider, others may/will differ so test with them before any commitment

Ali typed 2 paragraph's of reply then the internet dropped out, so I am trying now - who knows if it will work!! We live in a little village between Penrith and Alston in Cumbria. Land line doesn't work, mobile broadband works after a fashion, we are now using an aerial booster. This works better, but still drops out. This is the real world, not a city or large town - I moved from a city with cable broadband!
Checked all networks and phone providers and there are NO plans to upgrade the service in this area.
If money is no object satellite may be your best option. Mobile broadbands biggest issue is download limits. You can't get unlimited (well not that we've found).
I am awaiting delivery of a MiFi to try it on 14 day return policy - will post results. Ali has T-mobile currently, I have 3 - interestingly vodaphone worked well. NONE of them should work when you check the website info.

I have received and set up my MiFi from 3 - I have had to place it in the upstairs loft window - it connected with a strong signal (downstairs it was weak to none existent) So I have now left it working and moved laptop downstairs - WOW it works. Still getting a strong signal! I am amazed and delighted. Next is to connect another laptop.

This is actually working - whereas the landline Ali's brother has a few doors down is slow and struggles to send attachments.

I hope you get a successful solution. Living out of the way with a beautiful view has its downsides...

Thanks for the suggestions chaps (and Lady?)

1st Mobile
2nd Land line adsl
3rd Sat

Mobile Would be my pref with decent mast.

Cheers

R