SKY broadband v AOL

[Misty77]

I'm thinking of ditching AOL and moving to the Sky see/speak/surf package. I don't do a lot of downloading and thought I'd go for the 2mb or 8mb package. I just wondered what their broadband is like, how easy it is to install, any problems with them ?

[Cakeboy]

Hey Misty

We switched to Sky about 6 months ago and it has been plain sailing so far. No connection issues, fast connections - we're on the 16MB package and regularly get around 10MB although it does slow down a bit sometimes around peak times, but I only know this because I have an applet that constantly tells me the speed of my connection.

In terms on installation, there is nothing to do. You plug in the router they send you, then configure your wireless device or connect your PC via an Ethernet cable and you're away. There's no need to install any software. They do send you a CD with McAfee and some other rubbish on it, but ignore it is my advice.

They will come out and do it for you, but it'll cost �50 if I remember correctly and the instructions they give you are easy to understand. Your technical help and customer service call centres are in Scotland so at least you can understand what they're saying - just :).

I would happily recommend them to anyone especially as the price is so reasonable if you're taking the TV package as well. I'd go for the 8MB package as the download limit on the free package is restrictive

[Mattk]

good luck leaving aol!

[Misty77]

I've heard horror stories about trying to leave AOL - people have money debited from their bank when they've cancelled their accounts. Not good eh ?

[Bazza2764]

Hi , we left aol just over a year ago, it took us 6 weeks to get a Mac Code (migration authorisation code) this is needed to give to your new internet provider, they just wouldnt give us one as they say that as we cancelled the account they are unable to give anyone the mac code, i finally got one after refusing to hang up till i spoke to someone whowould give me one, and had threatened to contact ofcom. AOL will not let customers go easy, but new regs under ofcom rules state they have to give you the mac code within 5 days. this rule came in after we tried but i think because they knew i knew what i was talking about and refused to hang up they had to give in.
i wouldnt advise anyone in the world to use aol, apparently its even worse since carphone warehouse took over as they didnt purchase the software side of aol, so cant offer proper support for it. we are with Bt at the moment, i have found it ok, sometimes connections with their own servers when you use their software but normally it still works through internet explorer. we are thinking of going with sky, but waiting till we complete our house move before closing the bt account.