This page gives suggestions for alternative providers of broadband and possible ways to improve a slow broadband connection.

Vfast Wireless Broadband

A possible solution for some properties in the parish of Goodnestone is wireless broadband provided by vfast. Vfast does not have transmitters particularly close to the parish, and their wireless solution relies on line-of-sight to the transmitter. However, if you are on higher ground, there is a possibility that vfast will be able to provide wireless to your property. Unfortunately, properties on lower ground or surrounded by trees are unlikely to be able to be able to get a wirelss signal.

Rowling is poorly served by ADSL (broadband over the phone line), but appears to be well served by Vfast broadband. Vfast has a base station at the old Ash radar site between Ash and Woodnesborough, and most properties in Rowling have a good line-of-sight to the Vfast transmitter. At least two properties in Rowling are now using Vfast, and have reported very good speeds (download in excess of 10Mbps), and a service that seems consistent and reliable.

Vfast provides up to 15Mbps for £25/month and a connection fee of £99. Orders can be submitted through their website, and vfast will conduct a survey to see if they are able to serve your property.

ADSL Connections

ADSL (phone line) based connections in the parish are served from the Nonington BT Exchange, with the exception of properties in Rowling which are served from Ash.

The only provider in the Ash exchange is BT. If you have your broadband with Sky, TalkTalk, PlusNet, Zen, or anyone else, they are actually just using BT's equipment.

In the Nonington exchange BT, TalkTalk and Tiscali have their own equipment, but again anyone else will simply provide your broadband connectivity using BT's equipment.

The length of the phone line between your house and the exchange is the main thing that influences the speed of your broadband connection. Chillenden and Knowlton, being closer to Nonington will generally have faster connections. Connections in Goodnestone village are a little slower, with the lowest speeds experienced in Claypits.

You should expect around 2Mbps or better in Chillenden, 1-3Mbps in Goodnestone, and 0.5-1Mbps in Claypits. If the speed you are getting is substantially slower than this, it may be worth you following the suggestions in the section below.

The link from the exchange to your internet service provider's (ISP) own network is not generally a signficant bottleneck. However some ISPs have more capacity in their infrastructure than others. If you have a cheaper package with a cheaper ISP, you may see a slow-down at busy times, particularly in the evening. Moving to a more expensive package or another ISP may improve this situation. ISP's like Zen and Andrews & Arnold are a little more expensive, but have ample capacity in their own networks and will usually offer more consistent performance. These particular ISP are also rated highly for customer service.

Wiring Quality

Broadband through a phoneline is prone to interference. If a slow down occurs when certain electrical appliances are used it is probably caused by interference to the broadband signal. Lights, TV's, fridges and other appliances can all have an effect. However, your ISP can also be the cause of slow downs at busy times. There are a number of things you can do to reduce interference which may give you a faster, more consistent, and/or more reliable broadband service.

The first thing to try is to plug your ADSL modem or router into the BT master socket in your house rather than an extension socket. The master socket can be identified because it has a slot across the middle of the socket. Extension sockets come in one piece.

The next thing to try is a BT iPlate otherwise known as a BT Broadband Accelerator. These are a type of filter that can improve the speed and/or reliability of the broadband signal. They cost around £5 and are easily fitted to a BT master socket.

The microfilters supplied with your ADSL modem or router, or supplied when you order a broadband connection are often cheap and nasty. The quality of the microfilters in your house can also affect the speed of your broadband connection. You should have one plugged into every socket in the house that is being used for either a telephone or a broadband modem (or both). Just search for "high quality microfilter" online. Top quality filters cost around £7.

Finally, the cable between you ADSL modem and the microfilter may be of poor quality. Replacing this with a better quality cable can also sometimes help. £4 will buy you a top quality cable.

So it's worth ordering an BT Broadband Accelerator (iPlate), high quality modem cable, and high quality microfilters (as many as you need). Don't expect miracles, and while it's possible this won't make a difference, for £20 or so, you may find you have a more reliable and higher speed connection.

Online sellers of this type of equipment include Tamar Telecommunications and Broadband Buyer.