Aol

[Theodoric]

I was reading an AOL advert in the paper recently and noticed that it implied that AOL had no cap. However, remembering ntl bending the English language to breaking point on this topic, I have just been browsing the AOL site, but am none the wiser. It mentions being connected permanently which, as we all know, is not the same as being allowed to download all the time. So, what is the position?

Also, as I read it, you can get get a 512Kbps AOL connection via ntl cable. Is my interpretation correct? If so, is it worthwhile considering shifting to AOL and is it easy to change over? I seem to be always coming across comments saying that AOL has its own peculiar way of doing things, which can make life difficult on occasions.

[danielf]

Is the cap a concern for you? Or is there another reason for wanting to move?

[Theodoric]

Is the cap a concern for you? Or is there another reason for wanting to move?
No, the cap isn't a problem; I'm just curious - after reading about it here for over a year now you tend to develop a general interest in all matters to do with caps!

Regarding shifting to AOL, again no particular plans; I just want to know if it is something worth considering and keeping at the back of my mind. Until I looked at the AOL site this evening, I didn't even realise that I could possibly use an ntl cable connection; the adverts always seem to just mention needing a BT line (which the AOL site says you do need for the 256 Kbps service).

[Shaun]

There is not cap on AOL, but if you switch then you will have to use there software to connect, this can cause problems with networks and stuff. :(

[danielf]

I just had a quick look, and the AOL 512k package is £24.99. NTLs 600k (soon to 750) is the same price.

And, from my reading of the website you will be locked into minimum 12 month contract. I'd say it is probably not worth it considering you're getting a slower service over the same network and a new 12 motnh contract.

[punky]

Knowing AOL (unfortunatly I was stuck in Uni dorms with a NTL phone, and couldn't get a NTLWorld CD), so I was stuck on AOL. They never saied the had a cap, but I got reprimanded twice fot overuse. Although broadband is always on and time doesn't come into it, i'm sure AOL would say: "There is no download cap", but complain whenever you go over their own limits.

As much as people complain about NTL's cap, at lwast they are upfront about it.

[MovedGoalPosts]

I doubt AOL would wish to impose any sort of capping, although ultimately they might not have a choice over ntl BB if there were performance issues, and their T&Cs do allow for it.

When AOL launched over ntl cable in July 2004 they did say to Anticap
In an ideal world we believe that unmetered and always on should mean what they imply. The best experience online comes from having an uncapped connection, otherwise it creates confusion and complexity for the customer. That said, it is never possible to rule it out entirely. The Internet moves so fast that new phenomena - such as Napster a few years back for example - can force you to take unusual measures.

That caveat aside, however, we will work very hard not to bring in capping on either narrowband or broadband and certainly have no plans to cap any services. As you say, our whole aim is to promote content and all the benefits of broadband, which do not mix so well with a capped service Although that is now some time ago, I suspect AOL would not wish to do a complete U turn and now impose a cap. Undoubtedly thoough their T&Cs could be used, as indicated in an earlier post, against anyone with exceptional use patterns.

The real question though is why would you want to be locked into the use of AOLs specific software browsers, email and all, rather than have the flexibility of your own software that you as a user can adapt to your own needs.

[Paul]

AOL are advertising an uncapped service on our local radio. The advert goes to great pains to point this out.

[Bill C]

AOL are advertising an uncapped service on our local radio. The advert goes to great pains to point this out.




Well all i can say is i am totaly shocked by this. :Yikes:

[seaneeboy]

They're primarily selling it through ADSL though, but if they're applying the same T&Cs to the poeple that can buy AOL over the NTL network, aren't NTL mighty peeved? and even if they're passing on extra costs for network usage through the bulk leasing (which I suspect they're not), isn't that going to end with NTL customers getting a worse service that the people leased through AOL onto the same network?

[scrotnig]

I have heard a rumour that the new AOL 9 allows customers to opt out of using the AOL software and use their own, eg Outlook Express, etc.

Can anyone confirm this? If so it will open up AOL as a potential service for lots more people.

[SMHarman]

It does except there are very few instances of NTL taking action for breaches of the bandwidth guidance limits (aka Cap).

If NTL have sent you a letter, then maybe this is an option, if they have not then carry on regardless.

Oh and the AOL-NTL service gives 600k not 512. Something else they do not advertise.

[Florence]

Is the cap a concern for you? Or is there another reason for wanting to move?

I may not use enough to end up on the hit list but I signed up to uncapped internet and it was changed without notification yes I do have concerns about the cap more so if AOL are not being capped.


I doubt AOL would wish to impose any sort of capping, although ultimately they might not have a choice over ntl BB if there were performance issues, and their T&Cs do allow for it.

Exactly but kowing NTLs love of making big blunders have they slipped up here and not written in any cap for this service ( me thinks its time NTL checked the small print and legal angles incase they have cocked up big time)


When AOL launched over ntl cable in July 2004 they did say to Anticap
Although that is now some time ago, I suspect AOL would not wish to do a complete U turn and now impose a cap. Undoubtedly thoough their T&Cs could be used, as indicated in an earlier post, against anyone with exceptional use patterns.

I wonder when they actually signed the contract before the cap or after it?


The real question though is why would you want to be locked into the use of AOLs specific software browsers, email and all, rather than have the flexibility of your own software that you as a user can adapt to your own needs.
The software is easy to by pass on broadband but is it going to stay at 512K on AOL or will that also be increased like NTLs customers?


AOL are advertising an uncapped service on our local radio. The advert goes to great pains to point this out.

We need a recording of this advert on these forums so others can hear it and perhaps NTL might answer a few questions.

[SMHarman]

The software is easy to by pass on broadband but is it going to stay at 512K on AOL or will that also be increased like NTLs customers?


Chances are it will increase. NTL BB seems only able to cope with 3 levels of service Bronze Silver and Gold, 150(300), 600(750) and 1000(1500) respectivly.

This means AOL users are on Silver and the upgrade to the silver config file would apply to them to increasing their speeds.

[ian@huth]

The software is easy to by pass on broadband but is it going to stay at 512K on AOL or will that also be increased like NTLs customers?


The AOL Gold service is 512k via ADSL and 600k via NTL.

http://www.aol.co.uk/products/broadband/faqs.html?promo=228937

[danielf]

I may not use enough to end up on the hit list but I signed up to uncapped internet and it was changed without notification yes I do have concerns about the cap more so if AOL are not being capped.


Easy mate. I asked Theodoric a question. From his posting on here, I did not have the impression the cap was a problem for him. There's no need to act like I suggested people in general shouldn't have concerns about the cap.

[Florence]

Easy mate. I asked Theodoric a question. From his posting on here, I did not have the impression the cap was a problem for him. There's no need to act like I suggested people in general shouldn't have concerns about the cap.

I didn't danielf and if you took it that I had then I am sorry I just selected yours to show I had issues with the cap. Always had even though I am below it most of the time. :handshake

[danielf]

I didn't danielf and if you took it that I had then I am sorry I just selected yours to show I had issues with the cap. Always had even though I am below it most of the time. :handshake

Cheers, no problem. :)

[MadGamer]

I have just recieved a disc in the post and i have set it up but i cannot seem to create an account. I have a broadband moden installed and when i try to enter the reg number and password (located on the back of the disc) I get an error.

We're sorry. We are experiencing system problems. Please select "New User" from the drop-down listbox on the AOL Sign On Screen and try registering again later. Now surely i must be able to create a new account without that error message appearing. btw im using an existing broadband connection which ends on the 7th of July

[Paul K]

Might be the AOL servers or it might be something blocking it, have you got any firewall/ pop up stoppers running? Will check the aol site for info in a min :)

[Paul K]

Can you not try registering for a free trial on the aol site? It seems to be hit a nd miss but I got onto the registration server from there
http://www.aol.co.uk/

[MadGamer]

Can you not try registering for a free trial on the aol site? It seems to be hit a nd miss but I got onto the registration server from there
http://www.aol.co.uk/ My dads sorted it now. He spoke to a women at AOL and sorted it all out.

[Paul K]

Cool, hope it works for you :)

[Maggy]

When I used AOL in the past I had the AOL software but didn't use it except to connect.I closed it down to the taskbar and opened up IE instead. ;)

[Paul K]

When I used AOL in the past I had the AOL software but didn't use it except to connect.I closed it down to the taskbar and opened up IE instead. ;)
Yep I know that trick LOL AOL software was always a bit of a nightmare and un-installing it was a pain in the backside. Hope they improved it since I used it last :)

[MadGamer]

With AOL's email can i filter so that my Cableforum emails go into a Cableforum folder? and so on

[Stu038]

Yep I know that trick LOL AOL software was always a bit of a nightmare and un-installing it was a pain in the backside. Hope they improved it since I used it last :)

I've had an AOL account for years which I use just for the email addy and in case the BB goes t**s up, so I've used all versions of the software from 4 up-wards and it has to be said that while the interface gets prettier it also gets more insidious with each upgrade, version 9 managed to install an additional version of Quicktime and an auto connect routine that sit in the sys tray and were a real pain to get rid of. When the annual format c:\ comes up in a few months time I'll be putting version 8 back on instead.

At least it doesn't hijack explorer anymore like it used to in the early days :mad:

[seaneeboy]

I saw a billboard today saying "AOL: If you're up to your limit with your current provider" which made me snigger quite a lot :)

[MadGamer]

Sometimes when i visit the site using the AOL software and click on a thread to view it. The software freezes. Any ideas?