I had numerous problems with Tiscali and moved to Pipex who were very good until they were taken over by Tiscali.

The first thing Tiscali did was to change the customer line to a premium rate line and then change over the server settings so most Pipex user had a problem and had to ring the new number,then wait an age to get an answer. I now have another problem logging onto a Bank account which the Bank say is a Tiscali problem that has not been resolved.

I cannot wait to get away from Tiscali, however even that will not be easywith that lot.

Problems with Pipex continue, I am afraid to say. I was originally with Toucan, who were then absorbed by Pipex and in turn by Tiscali.

My broadband connection went down at Easter. No ADSL signal. Several (very expensive) telephone calls to the helpline resulted in a technician failing to call round one evening and then a week later calling round to confirm I had no ADSL signal. After nearly four weeks and half a dozen telephone calls I was told by the Pipex call centre that the only option was for me to wait in for a morning or an afternoon for another technician to sort out the problem, which was presumed to be at the BT exchange. Well - I have a day job and, in common with a large proportion of the population, live by myself, so that was not possible.

Instead I moved my account to PlusNet who restored my ADSL signal on the promised day without fuss, and provided a telephone line with free weekend and evening calls for just over half the monthly cost of the Pipex package. No brainer.

Pipex/Tiscali give the impression of a struggling company. Their rates and service are not competitive any more.