Trying to get broadband - who do I believe?

Hi!

I have had 2 abortive attempts to get broadband.

The first failed due to 'distance from the enabled exchange'

Then I tried to get onto the extended range trial. This failed because
BT would not accept people who already had ISDN.

Now back from an overseas trip I have been checking on availability
again by entering my number into an online check. Here are some
conflicting answers.

BT Openworld.
============
Your telephone exchange is xxxxx. Broadband is not yet available in
your area.


We're sorry that even though broadband (ADSL) is available at this
exchange, you're too far away from the exchange for us to provide the
service.

ADSL is distance dependent technology and can only be provided on a
combined underground cable and telephone distance of approximately
6km.

BT
==
Your exchange has ADSL broadband. However, the length of the telephone
line between you and the exchange is too long for ADSL broadband.

Bulldog
======
Congratulations! Our records indicate that xxxxxxxxxx is connected to
the xxxxx exchange.

Based on the availability checker data, you should be able to get
Bulldog’s ADSL broadband products and services.*

Good news! Your exchange has broadband ADSL, and our initial test
indicates that it should be possible to provide broadband ADSL on this
telephone line
If you decide to place an order, a further test will be performed to
confirm if your line is suitable, and if so for what speed of service.

Bulldog broadband services are wires-only and do not include an email
account. You can either source or retain** your own email account or
purchase one as part of a value added package from Bulldog

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Who do I believe?
2. How do I ensure that a *physical* line check is made instead of
folk relying on dodgy online databases?

TIA

Phil

"Phil" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message

> 1. Who do I believe?

None of the above.

> 2. How do I ensure that a *physical* line check is made instead of
> folk relying on dodgy online databases?

Raise a manual order with an ISP who'll process one, like Plusnet or Zen.

Jc.

On 29/10/03 10:11 am, in article (E-Mail Removed),
"Phil" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>
> 1. Who do I believe?

Bulldog as it suits your need ! Order a HH to ADSL conversion from them
(assuming they can do that) and see what happens. If the line test fails,
then you'll be back to HH at no cost.

> 2. How do I ensure that a *physical* line check is made instead of
> folk relying on dodgy online databases?

An order will do that - they will disconnect the HH unit at the exchange
after putting the home box out of service, then actually test the line
properly.