A Good Back Up ISP (nationwide.co.uk)

Member Name: nimrodimc

Product:	nationwide.co.uk
Date:	10/12/00 (71 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reliable, Good Helpline

Disadvantages: Although a "free" service, fairly costly for heavy useage.

If, like me you surf the net quite a lot (over 20 hrs/week). You will probably use ono of the cheap unmetered ISPs. I use RedHotAnt (RHA) and suffer the conseqences of an unreliable service to which you cannot be sure of a connection.

I have used the Nationwide ISP service as a back-up for about 9 months now, so that I can connect to the net or get my emails even when I can't use RHA. I have always found the Nationwide service to be very reliable. I have also made the dial-up number my "best friend" under BTs Friend & Family package which reduces the online costs a bit when I do have to use this service.

I have only needed to contact the helpline once and found them to be easy to get hold of and very helpful.

In summary, whilst I would not use Nationwide as a primary ISP because of the online costs. I find they are a very reliable backup and will continue to use them in this way.

Postscript: Since writing this opinion I have been informed by Nationwide ISP that the service will switch to BT Internet with effect from 10 January 2001. There are 3 options available for former Nationwide ISP customers and they are offering 3 complimentary CDs if you make the switch. I'll give it a whirl and write another opinion after I try it out!

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