Always a problem when there are multiple issues and topics, and I know some of these have been brought up previously but trawling through the posts I see that some of the threads have not been posted on for a while, so perhaps i am the only one left...

I moved to the AYCE plan (yes, i know) because we are a household of 7 and have multiple data needs. Streaming, browsing, Skype, downloads etc and i was regularly burning through my cap. 

All worked fine for about 4 or 5 months, but in the last 3 months, the problem has been unpredictable Download Speeds.

I'm metres from a cabinet. My modem always connects at around 13Mb but I get on average 4Mb, with speed test varying wildly from < 2Mb to approx 11 Mb within 2 minute periods. There is no consistency or predictability at all, and this problem exists throughout the day.

On-line streaming is virtually impossible due to the constant buffering. Even watching a 2 minute trailer requires three or four interruptions to allowing buffering to take place. Accessing a site with graphics is like the days of dial-up in watching an image to appear bit by bit.

Now, I have fair number of devices in my house. Some connected by wireless and some connected physically to my router, so here's what i did...

Disconnected everything. One device, physically connected to one router. Even disconnected the one phone from the line to avoid complications of a noisy filter. Same result. approx 2Mb download speeds.

Then, just incase it was either the router or the device connected to the router, I've changed them both. New router, different PC connected to it. Same thing.

So, for FIVE days I've been trying to get Slingshot to help with this. First person tried to get me to change to a capped plan as they didn't understand the problem wasn't with traffic shaping. (Interestingly, the person also didn't seem to realise that should I move to capped plan, I would have to enter a new 24 month contract with Slingshot should i wish to move back to AYCE. Quite worrying that the support team can unintentionally mis-direct in that way). The biggest problem i had was convincing someone that the 13mb connection speed does not dictate the minimum download speeds you'll receive. Again, slightly worrying from a support point of view.

So after providing results of ping tests and traceroutes and screenshots of speed tests etc, they have agreed to get a Chorus technician to come have a look, at some point within the next 3 days. 

My concern is that the should the Chorus technician be able to resolve the problem (I have no doubt they will find one). The amount of effort and time it has taken to convince Slingshot that this it is their problem, not mine is just confirming my belief that they are not equipped to manage such a service and it comes across in limited customer service.

I may have signed a contract, but think I may end up trying to slip out of this one without additional cost and on to a different provider.

I'm not really asking for anything, but just sharing my Christmas frustration.