Setting up an adsl connection with Pipex

[Zero]

I'm thinking about setting up an adsl internet connection with Pipex. Do they just set up the connection or are they the ISP also. Do I need to pay an additional fee to have an ISP set up or will pipex deal with all of this. They have a good deal at the moment, but just not sure if there is a hidden cost as far as setting up the ISP. Any advice on this greatly appreciated as I have not set this sort of thing up before. Thanx.. Zero

[badgerxx]

Never dealt with Pipex, but the general way to do things is when you have asked the provider for an ADSL account, they will check your line for compatibility, arrange for a BT engineer to install a modem on your line in the exchange and that will be it for a basic provision. Depending on the deal, they might provide you with an ADSL modem or router to attach between your pc and telephone line, along with the signal splitters so you can use the telephone at the same time.

Some people offering ADSL are not actually the provider themselves, they are selling the service on to you on behalf of a provider. Such as Tesco offering broadband - Tesco do not actually maintain the servers (I believe NTL do for Tesco). However with such a deal you will get what you need to connect - Pipex in this instance will provide you with a username and password. If you buy a router/modem from them, they should offer advice on how to set that up too, but if you buy your own you will be on your own with regard to setting it up to receive the ADSL signal.

Costs are normally like this:

Connection of ADSL modem at exchange (normally about �70, but some ISPs waive the fee if you sign up to certain deals, but check that the monthly charges aren't over the top, or you could end up paying through the nose for the so-called "free" connection

Modem/router in your house (as well as microfilters for each telephone socket). With routers you get what you pay for - try not to get a USB modem, go for an ethernet router if possible. Guide price �50 to �80 for a decent one. Cheaper ones are often the cause of connection problems.

Monthly connection charge and or usage charge. Check to see if the amount of information you download/upload is metered or unmetered. If it is metered, you will be charged for what you use (normally above a certain threshold).

[badgerxx]

Try the following websites for more info. The second link contains info from Zen on all aspects of broadband connection in a no-nonsense way as does the adsl guide. Good luck!

http://www.broadbandchecker.co.uk/

http://www.zenadsl.com/

http://www.adslguide.org.uk/