AOL Broadband

Top 10 says...

“Ideal for families, AOL Broadband are the sliced bread of broadband. Expect good service, convenience and great support from an established ISP.”

Customer reviews

• Great IP, wow like it so much Tony Kent (Fulham exchange), 15 May 2008

• I've been trying to cancel my AOL Broadband account for the last week. I rang the cancellation dept only to get a recorded message saying "service unavailable please send an email to blah blah". I have received no reply yet after 1 week (BT have an offer on this month wonder if its just a coincedence that no one can cancel?)

  Slow, unreliable, unstable - avoid unless you like being stuck with no escape!

  colin rogers (Crediton exchange), 07 April 2008

• I recently took out an 18 month contract with AOL Broadband to speed up my broadband to 6Mb. Not only has my connection slowed 1Mb less than what I had before, but also the support is pathetic. They constantly appologise, lie and give promises which they have no idea if they can stick to... Be Warned

  Sam (Bowes Park exchange), 03 April 2008

• Like all others, since the CPW has taken over, I am now only receiving 500kbps, having previously been getting over 2Mb which I was quite happy with before.

  Anyway I have got my MAC code and I'm leaving.

  Don't be fooled into signing up to one of AOL Broadband's packages.

  paul, 28 March 2008

• I wholeheartedly agree with the previous posts. AOL Broadband have been having frequent network-wide problems.

  When I tried to leave, they were very reluctant to give me my MAC code and darkly hinted that I would have problems with a switchover. They sent me a new router (Speedtouch, as flimsy as something that falls out of a christmas cracker) instead of the promised Netgear and reduced my price and supposedly upped the speed.

  However we've experienced multiple service losses over the past weeks with not a word of apology or explanation.

  Avoid AOL Broadband like the plague. Honestly. Don't do it.

  Simon (Thames Ditton exchange), 20 March 2008

• AOL Broadband is useless. Sometimes you can't get online at all. When you do get online, it's not for long! The software is slow, clumsy and unreliable. Don't go there!

  We intend to switch providers ASAP.

  Vole (Kneller Hall exchange), 15 March 2008

• An example of AOL Broadband's service. For the last month, I have been getting speeds of 432k. I'm actually paying for up to 8mb. AOL Broadband care only about new customers, offering all kinds of incentives to sign up.

  As soon as I can get out of my contract with them, I'll never go back. I wish I could give them no stars because they don't deserve the minimum 1 star I'm giving them.

  Mike Wilson (Egremont exchange), 11 March 2008

• I have been with a few ISP providers over the years, and AOL Broadband were always very good.... But not anymore. I would challenge anyone to find an ISP provider who was as incompetent, unhelpful and downright useless as AOL Broadband.

  One of the main problems are the promises they make you if you want to cancel your account with them, they will promise you the Earth if you will stay, and tell one lie after another so you don't leave, but be careful because they won't give you what they promise. They still advertise packages with unlimited downloads, but they don't actually do any unlimited download packages anymore. They tell you you can have your old account at a new lower price, then when you get confirmation of the new price you find that your unlimited download account has been changed to 10GB. the list could go on and on.

  Here's a tip for you, if you need to contact their customer support people, don't phone them, use AOL live help this is faster, costs you nothing and you seem to get through to someone who can actually read and write in English.

  But an even better tip is to just keep well away from them, I have given them a 1 star rating, but that is only because there is no option to give them a minus rating

  Foxx (Bradwell Abbey exchange), 09 March 2008

• My problem with AOL Broadband is that if you have been with them for a long time (10 years) you just end up subsidising all the people who get free laptops.

  I pay £29.99 a month - give me something!

  A.J.WATKINSON, 08 March 2008

• The worst customer service I have ever experienced. They have not got a clue what they are talking about.

  The speeds are awful and the constant problems with disconnections is just a joke.

  Stay away from this company. They are also terrible to get away from should you be unfortunate to have an existing contract.

  Dave, 07 March 2008

• I have been a customer with AOL Broadband for over 11 years and like Martin I have had nothing but problems since Carphone Warehouse took over. I pay for up to 4mb but now after a few checks have found I'm getting 938kb which is less than 1mb, but they still take the 4mb money every month, as well as being disconnected quite often, I'm now looking for a refund (some chance) and want to change my provider.

  Michael, 01 March 2008

• AOL Broadband has been terrible this last week, I am suffering from constant lag on the internet. I've tried to play a few games but it is impossible. I suggest AOL Broadband get their thumb out and do something before I switch providers.

  James (Holland On Sea exchange), 29 February 2008

• Agree with Martin, since AOL Broadband joined up with The Carphone Warehouse there speeds have dropped a hell of a lot and the customer service is very poor. It did not help that they changed my password and forgot to tell me!!!

  I am ment to be running 8mb speed. I just tested my speed and it hit a max of 700kb! AOL is going down the pan.

  Damian (Clacton On Sea exchange), 28 February 2008

• I took up the laptop offer through the Carphone Warehouse on AOL. I migrated from Tiscali with the promise that I would have no loss of connection. Well, I had no broadband for 5 days due to errors with usernames and passwords that AOL had given me. It takes ages to get through to internet pages and sometimes I am without any connection for several hours. I never had the problems before with Tiscali or Pipex. 

  Tech support are useless. You have to wait between 30 minutes and 1 hour to get through and then they don't speak very clear English.

  My advice - Stay away from AOL. The service is very poor. Im tied into a 2 year contract which Im trying to get out of, so be careful.

   

  Mark (Windsor exchange), 26 February 2008

• I have been with AOL for over five years and recently signed up for the free laptop offer. Yes it was a good deal. I took the £24.99 a month package with unlimited calls, however, I have had constant problems for several weeks now. Slow speeds and disconnection problems. On one occasion I was unable to connect for two days.

  I made several calls to AOL and each time was left on hold for 40 minutes - so much for the free calls when AOL charge 7p a minute for tech support. AOL should be ashamed, they are letting their customers down and not providing the service they promise.

  jan birtles (Shaw exchange), 19 February 2008

• I have had nothing but problems with AOL. It takes ages to get through to anybody in customer services who can help you and, when you do get through, they can barely understand you due to their poor English.

  Their broadband service is appalling, I suffer constant disconnections and really slow speeds. My contract runs out on Feb 22nd, and I am having problems with them agreeing to cancel it. A total nightmare- never again will I use AOL or recommend it to anybody.

  Sandie, 18 February 2008

• Having been with AOL for more than a year, I recently signed up to the new laptop deal, also got increase in download speed, which, after some teething problems is now excellent. What more can I say - I'm delighted!

  Eddie (Provanmill exchange), 06 February 2008

• Carphone Warehouse are bringing AOL down to their level. Since the network changeover I've suffered constant disconnections, slow speeds and quality of service under 50%.

  Steer clear and try O2, or one of the other cheaper faster and better rated ISP's.

  martin (Berkhamsted exchange), 05 February 2008

• I think that it's disgusting that AOL Broadband treat new customers with free gifts, while faithful AOL Braodband users get nothing but grief, slow speeds and constant conection problems.

  The sooneer my contract runs out the better, I look forward to moving on to greener pastures. Dont choose AOL Broadband, they are a waste of money and time.

  pete (Lymington exchange), 04 February 2008

• I have had trouble trying to get customer services to understand me but all in all AOL service is good and the silver package I'm on is giving me 6.5Mb speeds. I've been with them for about 2 + years.

  AOL ANY DAY FOR ME

  binnie (Bordon exchange), 02 February 2008

• I'm shocked!!! Voted no. 1 - AOL??? Having been a loyal customer for many many years, I have had nothing but trouble with AOL. I can't understand their customer service advisors, I requested my MAC code a total of 14 times and not once did I get it. I asked to leave at the end of my "time" they put me on to a new packeage in which I am now stuck until June this year - I didn't even know this until I rang to request the code yet again in December.

  Absolutly disgused.

  IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING AOL....DON'T!!!!

  Ria (Newtown exchange), 25 January 2008

• I am disgusted that AOL can offer this free laptop to new customers for £19.99 a month with 8MB broadband. I have been a loyal AOL customer for 8 years or more and never missed a payment.I am now paying £29.99 for thier so called "8MB Platinum service" which in all honesty runs so slow sometime's I may as well have Dial-up. I have contacted them (AOL) with my query and they have no sympathy and will not even reduce my monthly payment's.

  All in all AOL are probably the worst ISP out there so steer clear if you can.

  Tony, 24 January 2008

• I'm happy paying AOL £9.99 for a good broadband package. It was a good offer and it works. Customer services were fine when I called them to help me fix a minor setup query. Ignore the moaning, the new deals are great as far as I can see. Nice one AOL.

  Herman G, 11 January 2008

• I totally agree with Kevin, after 7 years paying £24.99 I am leaving. Apparently I have to pay £10 per month extra for a new package as aol doesn't have the right equipement in my area!!!!!!!

  Bye AOL

  Julia (Etwall exchange), 09 January 2008

• Since joining AOL broadband my connection has slowed up dramatically, it is now painfully slow!!! Also why am I paying £24.99/month as an existing long term customer when AOL are offering the same package to attract new customers for £19.99????? Time to look elsewhere I think!

  Kevin Stead (Arbroath exchange), 05 January 2008

• Good , broadband, good customer service well done.

  debbie (Perranporth exchange), 20 December 2007

• good broadband, good laptop. thanks AOL.

  frank jones, 18 December 2007

• I'm off as soon as my contract is up- 1 week left yippee

  bradley turton, 06 December 2007

• What a joke, I signed up for my Broadband/Laptop offer on the 4th of November! I STILL have not heard anything and don't get any answers when I phone up. It could only happen to me. AOL say "You need to phone Carphone Warehouse" CPW say "You need to phone AOL" Arrggghhh!!! makes me want to pull my hair out.

  Tej M, 05 December 2007

• Have today cancelled my contract with aol, they breeched the terms!

   

  I wanted a £150 laptop but the sales rep ordered me the free one! I spent about 8 hours on the phone trying to get it sorted out. All to no avail! They posted out the free one anyway! No good to me!

   

  Customer services is in india, you have to kick up a stink to speak to someone nearer! (Ireland)

   

  Please hold...... Please call this number..... Please hold.... wrong department sir... please redial..... etc etc!

  Phil Mottershead (Norwich City exchange), 29 November 2007

• Never dealt with such an unprofessional company as AOL. Three months I've been waiting to change over - twice we've given a mac code, they've sent umpteen letters, plus when you want to talk to someone they just fob you off or pass you to someone else who does'nt want to know . Today we recived another letter saying switch over date is 30th November when we spoke to someone finally, they said the contract had been canceled, twice this has happened. They dont know what they are doing - very dissapointing. They have told our broadband company we were switching over on the 30th and told us it's cancelled - rubbish.

  y simpson (Ripon exchange), 24 November 2007

• I am very happy with AOL and have been for 7 years. Reccommended by me.

  Herm Harta, 23 November 2007

• I cancelled my broadband with AOL about 6 months ago because they were not good from the beginning.  They called my wife and then they started to take more money from my credit card. I called them and they told me it was because I agreed for AOL Talk - I never did that. They said "it is not problem and is cancelled for you" but that joke cost me £70. I tried to cancel but I have had to pay all year so beware. My advice is if you are happy with your provider keep them.

  cesar el paisa, 22 November 2007

• Stay well clear. The worst customer service ever. Call centre in India... need I say more.

  B Johanson (Loughborough exchange), 21 November 2007

• I signed up to the free laptop and it's great! Good broadband and an excellent Dell laptop. Seems a good option to me. AOL are renowned for good service after all and in my experience it's for good reason.

  J Marden, 19 November 2007

• AOL broadband is the worst ISP next to BT broadband. I have tried almost every ISP on the market and BT and AOL are by far the worst ever.

  t lopez, 18 November 2007

• AOL are a joke, in the last 2 days I have spent over three hours on the phone to member services, speaking to no fewer than 12 different people. Problem still not sorted.

  This free laptop offer will probrably end up costing me the price of a new laptop in phone call charges.

  Representatives are unhelpful and keep you on hold for disgusting amount of time.

  I have been with "AOHELL" for over five years now but I have had enough. Looking to change provider.

  Paul, 17 November 2007

• Brilliant broadband and good value. I got a free laptop and I am very happy with it. Ignore the AOL Broadband haters. I have a perfect experience since signing up.

  sarah kahn, 11 November 2007

• AOL broadband is extremely slow, had a speed test done and it is less than 2 meg. You seem to wait forever for the next page to appear. I would cancel if I could get through on the phone, but they deliberately keep you waiting to rack up the cost. Funny how its a free phone number when you want to join up.

  john lonie, 10 November 2007

• Tried to order free laptop, was told credit rating was not good enough. But both AOL and Carphone Warehouse were willing to offer me other broadband deals - I refused and went back on line and then found out that AOL and Carphone Warehouse were one of the same company.

  DO THESE LAPTOPS EXIST!!!!!!!

  christine Larter (Colne exchange), 07 November 2007

• AOL are the best ISP in the UK - I know - i've been with 3 different ones in the last 7 years! AOL are by far the most reliable and the best value.

  O Pearson, 31 October 2007

• Been with AOL for approximately four years and it never worked 100 percent for much of the time. I lost connection for no apparent reason, technical support can't wait to get you off the phone. I have been cut off recently for the last month at 6Pm - I have spoken to at least 10 different technical advisors who dont listen and I am about to cancel my subsription. I have had enough.

  stephen moroney (Knottingley exchange), 30 October 2007

• AOL are the best UK broadband provider by some way. They offer great value and unbeatable reliability. A great company.

  Graham Ray, 30 October 2007

• Signed up with AOL through CPW on 11th september & gave 30 days notice to NTL. I was thinking that I would be running two broadband providers for a couple of weeks. There was a problem getting my BT line clear so my account was put on hold. 3rd October my BT line was clear and I went to CPW to progress with the order. I thought great as I should just about get my AOL before cable turned off. 17th had not heard or recived anything thing from AOL or CPW so went into store. AOL had nothing about me going into store on 3rd Oct and had cancelled my account on 9th October. I tried to resign in store but they could not get the store's computer to understand that I had not got an account and I was asked to wait 3 days before re-trying. I went into store on 23rd Oct to resign again only to be told that my debit card was rejected as it was not registered at my home address. It is! So I got husband to sign up instead of me. I had been happy with NTL for five years and only went for the AOL offer due to the laptop. I have now been without broadband for 2 weeks. Let's see if next week its all sorted.

  jayne (Great Yarmouth exchange), 30 October 2007

• Very happy with my free laptop and AOL Broadband support seems more than fine. The broadband itself is fast and functional. And the free wireless router has literally changed my life!

  Katie Moore, 29 October 2007

• Signed up for the free laptop offer on Sept 7th and AOL switched off my broadband connection with my previous ISP (BT) on sept 24th.I was told that my new router and installation CD would arrive within three working days. It arrived, after numerous phone calls to India on 24th October. Yes a whole month without broadband just because they kept having "technical problems". So far (2 days) everything seems to be working OK but of course there is no sign of my free laptop although this was also promised within three working days. This has not been a very good start to my two years with AOL and its looking like i will regret leaving BT where I had no problems at all for more than four years.

  Glenn Norman, 26 October 2007

• I recently moved from another bundle provider to AOL, as I figured i wanted a good service from a well established company, and i have not been disappointed, it does exactly what it says on the tin! I am thoroughly impressed with the support i have received and would recommend AOL to anyone - plus the laptop is brilliant!

  Henry Chalkin, 23 October 2007

• After 7 years on Aol think i know it well enough to comment on! Since it was taken over by the carphone warehouse the service has gone down hill. They do all there system upgrade during busy times. They say they have very strong rules but they don't care what is going on. They are over priced. Their customer service is dreadful. In short i am leaving AOL to a much cheeper provider on the next gen adsl line 16 meg for £10.00 a month beat that aol.

  paul smith, 23 October 2007

• I've just signed up to AOL's new offer with the laptop, and I am extremely impressed. the laptop is brilliant, and the service has been perfect so far. If you are looking for wireless broadband and you need another computer look no further. Excellent deal!

  James Chipperfield, 22 October 2007

• My mum has AOL. I came to visit her this weekend. Did I spend any time with her?

  No.

  Why I hear you asking?

  Well, AOL is rubbish. She's determined to stay loyal to them and not change. But all she gets is hassle.

  It won't let her connect properly, add new users, etc. The list is endless. 

  As well as being slower than the Royal Mail, the customer services are also pants. If you love calling Pakistan for nonsense and unhelpful 50 minute calls (at 5p a minute), then AOL is the place to be!

  I would rather poo on my computer than sign up to AOL...

  The spawn of Satan!

  Cora Newman (Swindon exchange), 21 October 2007

• Worst ISP I've ever dealt with. Existing customers treated worse than new ones. Can't wait for my contract to end.

  Bill Starkey (Latchingdon exchange), 20 October 2007

• Having been a loyal customer with AOL for five years I too have been told that I am not allowed to take advantage of the AOL laptop offer.

  It seems that poaching new customers from other ISPs etc means more to AOL/CarphoneWarehouse than the loyalty of their existing customers. I would consider going to Orange and take advantage of their offer with PC World but I understand that offer has ended.

  Mick, 12 October 2007

• What a waste of time applying for a free laptop with AOL! I was told by a customer service agent that 80% of applications are turned down. Me being one of them.

  Darren, 10 October 2007

• Most members who are with AOL dont realise Carphone Warehouse are running the offer so it isnt AOL causing the problem, the credit checks are something they obvisously feel are necessary!

  dave, 07 October 2007

• I am now at the end of my contract and have been refused the laptop offer, I am very disappointed as I have been a customer for 3 years, I am definately leaving and going elsewhere, very disappointing!

  sarah d, 05 October 2007

• Brilliant but it wont let me play games, yet my sister can. Strange as we both use the same web browser!

  BoB, 01 October 2007

• I have been with AOL for about eight years with no problems untill I tried to get the laptop offer. Like alot of others are saying I have to pay the extra because I'm not in their area and even though I wasn't in a contract they can't seem to get that information on to their computers so that I would be eligable. Customer services are lovely to talk to but they don't sort the problem out!

  nicole c (Torrington exchange), 28 September 2007

• I have had a good, happy time with AOL for 2+ years. My broadband is reliable and the price is fair. When contacting customer support, they have been charming and helpful. If only I could take advantage of the free laptop offer!

  J Green (Oldham exchange), 27 September 2007

• I'm in a town where most parts are part of this LLU area they keep going on about, but I've been with AOL for four years and now I'm being told to renew my contract. But it will cost me £39.99 per month! Disgracful as my sister is three miles away and she got the lower price, I've spoken to AOL and they said they are trying to do something about their longstanding customers. It's disgustingly false advertising, £19.99 it says, but it doesnt say anything about being ripped off. AOL have lost my custom as soon as my contract runs out.

  Rebbecc Pritchard (Blaenau Ffestiniog exchange), 27 September 2007

• I think it is disgusting that AOL is now owned by TalkTalk yet I am paying £35.99 - £15.99 per month to AOL and £20 per month to TalkTalk can't wait to change my phone, line and ISP!

  kath edwards, 26 September 2007

• As usual always a catch with these laptop offers, I've been with AOL for 4 years on dial-up, applied for the broadband/laptop offer & was told because I wasnt in the right area {lincolnshire!} the offer didnt apply to me!!!! what a load of rubbish

  steve shell, 24 September 2007

• I have had nothing but good service from AOL for more than five years now. Their broadband is reliable and their prices competitive. I see they want to be known as the "broadband experts" - this is true as they were one of the first companies in the UK to really offer a reliable broadband service. The MD of AOL should be thanking me here for this glowing review!

  Richard Abbot, 19 September 2007

• AOL have extremely bad customer service, I find the people on the other side of the phone very rude and unhelpful! get it sorted AOL or I will be looking elsewhere as soon as my contract runs out!

  louise clarke (Galashiels exchange), 17 September 2007

• After being with AOL for 5 years, I was offered a free laptop if I stayed with AOL through Carphone Warehouse. 6 weeks later when the offer started, it would cost me an extra £13 per month. AOL told me a pack of lies and after phoning to complain, I was told, that was the offer and to take it or leave it. I am currently looking elsewhere for my broadband.

  adam reilly (Newport Chartist exchange), 17 September 2007

• Like others on this page I was persuaded not to take up a free laptop offer with Orange on the promise of a free laptop from AOL, but it will actually double my current braodband cost to have the 'free' laptop. AOL could not give me an adequate response, I feel let down having been a loyal customer for many years.

  Pete Bradbury (Hereford exchange), 17 September 2007

• I have just tried to claim the 'free' laptop only to be told it would cost me £29.95 a month more for the service I currently have at £17.95 a month. I feel cheated - not a good incentive to renew my contract!

  Michael J Tanner (Portland exchange), 16 September 2007

• I'm on aol broadband £14.99 per month, my kids are on aol all time and I was told i would get free laptop but wasn't told it would cost more money, now my kids are disapointed and aol keeps not responding which is very annoying.

  Richards (Cheslyn Hay exchange), 13 September 2007

• My dad already uses AOL, I going to get this offer for my daughter & myself.

  miss t matthews (Chatteris exchange), 13 September 2007

• I have been a loyal AOL customer for six years, but now i am looking elsewhere as they promised me a free laptop if I continue using there service. They told me my monthly charges would remain the same, however it was actualy going to cost me an extra £15 p/m. I am now left feeling misled.

  Neil, 10 September 2007

• Have been with AOL Broadband since 2002. Great back-up and service. Excellent in all respects.

  james lawson, 10 September 2007

• I left AOL to shop around for other internet providers, but i came right back. The support is second to none - and after switching back, I got an even better deal from AOL!

  mike (Borve exchange), 14 August 2007

• I switched to AOL from a different provider, which didn’t take too much effort although it did seem to take a while to change over. I’m paying less than I did before and getting more for my money, which is obviously a good thing.

  Having wireless is a real bonus especially with a toddler running around the house. I feel like I have the freedom to move around–and not having wires hanging down means the kids aren’t temped to pull the laptop off the table.

  The thing I really like is AOL’s Talk Evenings and Weekend package which means I can call my friends once my husband gets home to look after the kids!

  Kirsty, 08 August 2007

• I’d heard of AOL and I went with them mainly on the grounds that they’re a brand name. I was pleasantly surprised by the packages they offer, and went for Platinum as I do a lot of work from home and wanted the service to be as efficient as possible. So far so good, and I find it very reasonable. It would be nice if they opened 24 hours though, as I sometimes work very late and it would be good to know the technical support is there should I need it.

  Stuart, 08 August 2007

• Only having a choice of two packages made it incredibly easy to decide. With the cheapest package I still got a free wireless router and unlimited downloads, plus unlimited time online. With the first month given free, I was sold. I feel like I’ve only just moved into the technological age–and AOL made it so simple to get online. Most of my friends don’t even have wireless yet so I feel like I’m quite ahead of the times. A revelation!

  Adam, 08 August 2007

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