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Which speed do I need?

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  • 16-02-2009 5:16pm
    #1
    inigo
    Registered Users Posts: 647 ✭✭✭


    Now that a little one is on its way I have finally decided to go with fixed broadband but need some help to decide. I would be using it mostly for webcam, Skype and plain browsing. Do I need more than 1Mb download speed? Also, how much traffic I am likely to use?


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    #2
    watty
    Registered Users Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    The upload is the issue for Webcam.
    Chose a package with at least 384Kbps upload. (easier on Cable and Metro). So you may need 3Mbps on DSL to get a decent upload.

    Unless you use BB for P2P and watching TV, the traffic is not an issue.


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    #3
    Magnet: Rory
    Company Representative Posts: 2,107 ✭✭✭Magnet: Rory


    inigo wrote: »
    Now that a little one is on its way I have finally decided to go with fixed broadband but need some help to decide. I would be using it mostly for webcam, Skype and plain browsing. Do I need more than 1Mb download speed? Also, how much traffic I am likely to use?

    where are you living, what options are open to you?


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    #4
    inigo
    Registered Users Posts: 647 ✭✭✭inigo


    watty, thank you!

    Rorser, that was my next question. I'm in Dublin 14, very near Belfield-Dublin 4. After a lot of reading and unless UPC have improved their service (I have heard too many stories of friends loosing holidays waiting for engineers), I have narrowed the search to (please fell free to suggest other options):

    BT Broadband Only Option 2: €32.63 per month, 3 or 6 Mb download, 30 Gb traffic, free connection, free modem

    Digiweb Metro Value: €34.95 per month (incl. line rental), 5 Mb download, 20 Gb traffic, €99 installation fee

    Eircom seem to always stick a bundle with talk minutes, which I don't want or need (or the phone line for that matter).

    I am not looking for the cheapest option only, but a reasonable service (including customer service) at a reasonable price. Can you help me decide who to go with?


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    #5
    Magnet: Rory
    Company Representative Posts: 2,107 ✭✭✭Magnet: Rory


    inigo wrote: »
    watty, thank you!

    Rorser, that was my next question. I'm in Dublin 14, very near Belfield-Dublin 4. After a lot of reading and unless UPC have improved their service (I have heard too many stories of friends loosing holidays waiting for engineers), I have narrowed the search to (please fell free to suggest other options):

    BT Broadband Only Option 2: €32.63 per month, 3 or 6 Mb download, 30 Gb traffic, free connection, free modem

    Digiweb Metro Value: €34.95 per month (incl. line rental), 5 Mb download, 20 Gb traffic, €99 installation fee

    Eircom seem to always stick a bundle with talk minutes, which I don't want or need (or the phone line for that matter).

    I am not looking for the cheapest option only, but a reasonable service (including customer service) at a reasonable price. Can you help me decide who to go with?

    Do you know if you can get uncontended services? Smart/Magnet?


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    #6
    inigo
    Registered Users Posts: 647 ✭✭✭inigo


    To be honest, I've no idea. Are they any good? I can only check availability with a current telephone number I don't actually have... Would I need to rent the line or would they work without it?


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    #7
    Magnet: Rory
    Company Representative Posts: 2,107 ✭✭✭Magnet: Rory


    inigo wrote: »
    To be honest, I've no idea. Are they any good? I can only check availability with a current telephone number I don't actually have... Would I need to rent the line or would they work without it?

    Well where do you live...i can probably tell you straight off.


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    #8
    lukasbasic
    Closed Accounts Posts: 42 ✭lukasbasic


    well 1mbit/s will be enough if your provider can make it
    i personally downgraded my ntl to 10 from 20mbit recently because i hardly got above 3mbit/s in peak hour..., start off with the slowest it's easier to upgrade
    inigo wrote: »
    Now that a little one is on its way I have finally decided to go with fixed broadband but need some help to decide. I would be using it mostly for webcam, Skype and plain browsing. Do I need more than 1Mb download speed? Also, how much traffic I am likely to use?


  • Options
    #9
    inigo
    Registered Users Posts: 647 ✭✭✭inigo


    Ok, to sum up, I am not a demanding internet user and only want broadband, no telephone lines or TV packages. Since UPC seem to be "Winners of two Customer Services awards in 2008" :confused:, I'll include them too:

    BT Broadband Only Option 2: €32.63 p/m, 3 or 6 Mb download, 30 Gb traffic, free connection, free wireless modem

    Digiweb Metro Value: €34.95 p/m, 5 Mb download, 512 Kb upload, 20 Gb traffic, €99 installation fee (total = €43.20 p/m in 1st year)

    UPC Broadband Value: €28.00 p/m, 3 Mb download, 256Kb upload, 20 Gb traffic, free installation, wireless router €49.99 (total = €32.17 p/m in 1st year)

    It looks like BT or UPC... Which one would you choose?


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