UB, I recall the problems you had with your line prior to origin and even back before O2.
The probability of the BT dlm restricting your speeds is going to be a strong possibility with which ever Btw based ISP you choose. That includes the likes of plusnet or zen.
I too miss BE/O2 because I loved their (non)DLM and how on be you could confirm your own settings. I wasn't going to stay and go sky, because I'm not enamoured with the service around here, nor do I think much of their DLM, which works backwards, this type of dlm isn't good on long lines as it keeps speeds low.. It may keep them stable, but it caps my parents line at around 1.7mbps... But it should be capable of so much more. Dad has given up on their support, and it just makes mum upset, so its easiest to just leave things be atm as he only uses it for mail and occasional browsing. I feel they are being ripped off, they did get it for free so didn't really bother but my nieces using their iPads from there to stream some movies at Xmas meant they went over the 2gb and now they've no option but to pay for unlimited.
I know you will be hesitant when I mention talktalk, I know they don't have the best reputation, but support via their forums isn't too bad and they are now about the only ISP where you have a chance of not being clobbered by a DLM. The likes of Eric and bcat will be able to tell you more about this, both of whom have had their dlm switched off.
As far as btw based then zen would probably be best for support, but I know they are out of our price league, so plusnet is going to be about your best bet there. Just be warned that they've grown an awful lot over the past year or so. I used to practically know all their staff on first names once upon a time, now there's well over 1000. Their training is better tHan most ISPs, but be warned, they are about to take on a shed load more new staff and open another call center in Leeds. A whole load if new staff at once means there will be the inevitable boob, but at least there is still a decent COMS team behind them, who should be able to help.
Like you I've always kept my phone separate and loyal to bt, but when I left BE, I made quite a saving by combining my adsl and phone line into one package. It something I thought I'd never do, but at the end of the day it made financial sense.
