Kitz Forum

Broadband Related => ISPs => Topic started by: adamskiodp on March 13, 2020, 05:33:52 PM

Title: Return to Zen?
Post by: adamskiodp on March 13, 2020, 05:33:52 PM
Hi folks,

My BT contract is coming up for renewal and I’m looking to save a few pounds, and like BT, Zen will let me pay the monthly bill when I want to (before the due date of course) rather than have a direct debit.

It seems that according to this and other forums, Zen have had a few connection/speed issues over the last year.

Have these issues resolved?

I used to be with Zen before moving to BT for FTTC, and the customer support was always very good.

I’m currently using an Openreach HG 612 modem and an Apple Time Capsule router, will I be able to continue using these with Zen?

If not, I’m happy to use the supplied Fritzbox if necessary. What I can’t find, is a dual band (2.4 and 5GHz) wifi mesh extender, only 2.4GHz. Do AVM make them? Also, can you get Fritz wifi extenders for UK plugs, or do you have to have a plug adapter?

Many thanks,
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: Jon21 on March 14, 2020, 12:44:00 AM
Would be interested to know if they have been resolved as well. Did try switching to Zen but the ordering system seems broken at the moment. Whenever I try, I can't seem to get past the "Order setup" page to actually "Confirm & pay". Could call but not in any real rush.
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on March 14, 2020, 03:35:43 AM
What issues are you referring to?  I do remember talk of a single-thread speed issue a while back, but isn't that like a year ago?  I don't recall ever seeing it manifest myself.

No ISP is perfect, but I had to move my VPN clients off my Plusnet line onto Zen because some days it was dropping connections due to so much packet loss.
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: adamskiodp on March 14, 2020, 05:22:49 PM
Just a few complaints on Thinkbroadband and ISPreview forums. Nothing major. I know that the vast majority of users that are happy will never complain. Just wanted to check before I sign up
For 12 months.

Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: skyeci on March 14, 2020, 05:45:49 PM
Moved to zen after years on Sky. Been about a month now. Same speed and working ipv6. Skys broke some time ago for me.
More than happy at the moment. Found out I am getting FTTP in the next few months which has been a surprise and will be glad to see the back of my ECI cab lol...
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: N0STIE on March 15, 2020, 12:50:51 AM
I switched to zen back in february and since then I am having nothing but issues. Jitter shooting up to 120ms in the evening. Single threaded speed is terrible and multi threaded seems ok but only before 7pm. They CS is also slow, replying once a day even if messaged at 10am in the morning. Been with PN for past year and 0 issues.

I would avoid.
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on March 15, 2020, 05:06:34 AM
I switched to zen back in february and since then I am having nothing but issues. Jitter shooting up to 120ms in the evening. Single threaded speed is terrible and multi threaded seems ok but only before 7pm. They CS is also slow, replying once a day even if messaged at 10am in the morning. Been with PN for past year and 0 issues.

I would avoid.


Your issues MUST be regional because its definitely not the typical experience.  Plenty of us use Zen and find them fantastic.

At the end of the day, any ISP is a lottery to some extent, as regional issues can happen.  Personally, I can't recommend Zen highly enough and plan to stay with them once FTTP rolls out here.
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: adamskiodp on April 01, 2020, 12:04:49 PM
Just an update.

We had a seamless migration fro BT to Zen on Monday morning. All up and running by 7.30am!
So far no problems although speeds slightly slower than with BT, but will give it a few days to settle.

The supplied Fritz!Box 7530 works well and is easy to setup with a decent interface. Only downside is that Apples Time machine backup won’t work with an attached USB drive  :(

Having used an Apple Time Capsule with BT, I could not take advantage of IPv6, as Apples Airport system didn’t want to play  >:(

Is it worth using Zen’s IPv6 service for a home setup, or is IPv4 perfectly ok? We have 1 desktop, 2 laptops and various tablets and smartphones.


Kind regards,
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: Starman on April 01, 2020, 03:52:21 PM
I ported from PN to Zen last week - my connection reset and gradually its working back to where it was. I have been re-syncing approximately every 48 hours.
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: jaydub on April 01, 2020, 04:31:49 PM
Hi Adam / Starman,

I would be really interested to see TBB Speedtest graphs for your connections once your lines have settled.

Zen would save me money compared to my IDNet connection.  I have stayed away from them because of their almost BT-like call costs, but we hardly use our land line anymore so may be worth considering again.

Just want to see some confirmation that their single thread speeds match the multithread speeds before considering jumping.
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: g3uiss on April 01, 2020, 07:31:11 PM
Always have had excellent service from call centre and stable line, although that’s not all due to Zen.
Title: Re: Return to Zen?
Post by: Jon21 on April 02, 2020, 12:33:15 PM
Would be interested to know if they have been resolved as well. Did try switching to Zen but the ordering system seems broken at the moment. Whenever I try, I can't seem to get past the "Order setup" page to actually "Confirm & pay". Could call but not in any real rush.

Got this sorted in the end. Had to do it via email but order is now progressing.