The Broadband Olympics
At a time when ISPs seem hell bent on alienating customers with false promises, restricted services and hidden charges, it’s so refreshing to see a progressive and forward thinking ISP putting their customers first for a change.
Building on a respectable second place in the Broadband Choices Spring/Summer speed test awards (with an average speed delivery of 4.86 Mbps), O2 have been awarded the two most coveted prizes at the Top 10 Broadband awards.
Claiming gongs for fastest broadband and customer satisfaction, O2’s exemplary customer service and delivery on its promises were cited as the driving force behind the awarding of these prizes.
Additional accolades were handed out to the following:
Best Mobile Broadband Provider: 3 Mobile
Best Wireless Broadband: BT
Small ISP Award: Plusnet
Best Short Contract Provider: AOL
Best Value: TalkTalk
Best Bundle: Virgin Media
Best Gaming Broadband: Be Broadband
Best Student Broadband: Vodafone
While I’d agree with most of these, there are a few winners and categories I take exception to.
First up, I don’t think Plusnet can still be referred to as a ‘small ISP’. Having celebrated its 11th birthday this year and being steered ‘hands on’ by BT, this no longer constitutes a ‘small ISP’ in my eyes. The prize should have gone to either Zen or Karoo, with Plusnet rightfully pitched against the big boys.
Secondly, how can AOL, with typical minimum contract lengths of 18 to 24 months, be considered a genuine contender for best short contract provider? The marketing team up at AOL must be delighted, and more than just a little surprised. Short-term contracts are where Plusnet comes into its own, and I think this should have been recognised.
Finally, in the student broadband category, O2 were unlucky to miss out on a third gong. Their policy of rewarding existing mobile phone customers with discounted premium broadband packages is an attractive prospect to students, particularly those in shared households where broadband connections are heavily strained and compromised.
One last thought, what happened to Sky and Tiscali?
