I am interested to hear of other peoples experiences with broadband providers. There appears to be a general apathy towards professional service in the industry, and I feel that we as users tolerate this.

I have recently attempted to change from Telstra-Clear to Slingshot, to take advantage of their Naked DSL service.
This has been an exercise in frustration and ongoing delays. As per standard practice, the delays have been blamed on Telecom being slow in making the connection.

My connection is scheduled to be completed on 20/3/08, and available to me on 21/3/08. Exactly 10 working days after I ordered it (12 actual days). Also, as I was instructed to disconnect from Telstra-Clear by the person who signed me up, I have had no phone or internet since 11/3.

I recall my previous connection to Telstra-Clear took a long time as well. They also blamed it on Telecom.

* Slingshot quote 5-10 working days to migrate to naked DSL.
    Is this consistant with other providers?
    Do you think this is acceptable?
    Why does it take so long?

* One help-desk person made the comment that Xtra can complete a ADSL connection faster than Slingshot can.
    What is your experience of this?
    Is Xtra really able to do this faster?
    If so, surely this is a case for the commerce commission.

* Slingshot have never called me, or contacted me in any way during the process. This despite me calling them several times as various promises were broken, and requesting to be contacted. I as a customer expect to be kept up to date about what is going on with my purchase.
    Are your expectations the same as mine?
    Do other providers contact you during the connection process?

Are these issues going to magically solve themselves with LLU? It may help eliminate the Telecom problem, but from what I have seen, the providers are not organised enough to avoid tripping over their own feet.