If you are a regular internet user, ADSL (always-on) Broadband is essential for both speed and cost savings. Now that ADSL availability is widespread, ACS are pleased to be able to offer a range of packages to our customers.
You pay a fixed amount per month by direct debit (with the initial payment by credit card).
Packages from just £15.99 + VAT per month (with a £59 + VAT set-up fee)
Our ADSL packages are in association with Enta, a well-established internet company with the backing you need to be satisfied that the service they provide is first class.
What do I get ? Always-On Fast Internet access in exchange for a fixed monthly direct debit payment. Your existing BT telephone line is used and converted at the BT exchange. You maintain your existing telephone line and number, but we provide an ADSL service down the same line. Different packages are available for different users - some have a capped monthly bandwidth allowance, some are at 512Kb, some at 1MB and some at 2MB, and two different contention ratios are available.
We hope that the notes below help you to decide which package is best for you, but if you need any further advice, please give us a call on our support line 0871 223 4840 and we'll be happy to help.
What is a contention ratio ? The network is sized so that a certain number of users access the same access points. The ratio of users to ports is known as the contention ratio. With ADSL, a 50:1 contention ratio is usually sufficient for a home user, with 20:1 being more normal for business users.
What is the cutoff period ? There isn't one with ADSL !
What bandwidth will I need ? This really depends upon what you are going to be doing with the internet connection (and also on what the maximum speed available at your location is). For normal tasks such as browsing the internet, downloading email etc. a 512KB connection will be ample. if you download music or large files, or just want a faster connection, you might want to think about a 1MB or 2MB connection. Our MAX packages provide you with the fastest speed available at your premises for a fixed low price (although these packages are bandwidth capped).
I can't decide between standard ADSL, Capped ADSL or MAX ADSL Standard ADSL has been around for a couple of years now - you pay a fixed amount per month for a fixed bandwidth allowance and no monthly cap. The only real choices are the speed and contention ratio you want to use. Capped ADSL reduces the monthly price, but caps your internet access at 1.5Gb (for Home packages) or 3GB (for business users) per month - these packages are suitable only for the light user. ADSL MAX is a new service, being rolled out by BT throughout the Summer of 2005. ADSL MAX automatically upgrades your package to the fastest speed possible for your address, but also caps you at 1 GB per month Bandwidth. If you go above this bandwidth (you probably will), you are charged per additional GB. Max ADSL packages are not recommended for heavy users as an equivalent standard package will work out cheaper.
How do I know if I can get ADSL ? Not all parts of the country have ADSL availability, but the first part of the sign-up procedure will check availability in your area.
I do not use BT - Can I still get this service ? Not on your existing line, no. We can, if you want, order you a new BT line and then convert it to ADSL (but this means you will also need to pay for the line rental of the standard BT line). Please ask us for details should you wish us to do this on your behalf.
What is the procedure ? Simple - just apply on-line, giving your bank details for direct debit, agreeing to the terms and conditions and making your initial payment by credit card. Your account will typically take around 10 working days to set-up and be engineered at the local BT exchange. Full instructions on how to connect ADSL to your PC will be provided - you will need an ADSL router or modem - please contact ACS on our support line, 0871 223 4840, for more details if you are unsure what to buy from your local electrical store. During the sign-up process, you will be asked to download a direct debit form which you should print out, sign and return to Enta within 7 days.
Do I get a fixed IP Address ? Yes. Unlike some other providers (eg BT), we include a fixed IP address as part of the package. This means that you can use remote access solutions to access your office PC from your laptop whilst travelling, for example. If you need more than one IP address, you can order these during sign-up.
Should I be more concerned about viruses if I'm always going to be connected to the internet ? Yes, definately ! You should make sure that you have up-to-date anti-virus software on your PC, plus other software protection (such as a spy-ware elimination program). If in doubt, please contact us - we sell a full range of software.
What if I keep going over the bandwidth allowed by my package ? If you have chosen a Capped ADSL package, you will not be able to do this (but please contact us for details on how to upgrade) - you will no longer be able to access the internet until the following month's allowance starts. If you have selected a MAX ADSL package, you will be charged per GB over the allowed 1GB. If you have chosen a standard ADSL package, this is not an issue, as there is no cap.
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