Eclipse Review | Review of Eclipse Internet Home Lite
- Cheapest 24Mbps broadband
- Excellent customer service
- Brilliant performance at busy times
- Optimise online activities with useful control panel tool
- Free activation (when switching)
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IF you are after the cheapest, fastest broadband deal in the UK, you’ve stumbled across it.
For a price less than what others are paying for a 1 or 2Mbps broadband line, Eclipse Internet Lite offers speeds approaching supersonic – or 24Mbps to be precise.
No other broadband provider offers speeds anything like that for such a low price.
Downsides
There are downsides to this package though.
While you will enjoy free setup with this Eclipse Internet Home Lite package, you will unfortunately have to supply your own ADSL2+ modem or router (note that this is different from a standard router or modem) and if you happen not to live in Eclipse Internet’s unbundled area, you’ll have to pay an additional £3 a month.
But those are mere technicalities.
Only 2GB monthly usage allowance
The real downside to the Eclipse Internet Home Lite package is that you only a 2GB monthly usage allowance.
One does have to question why anyone would opt for such a low allowance when they have one of the fastest broadband connections in the country?
That said, for light users who want their broadband fast this is a great package.
After all, 2GB will still allow you to use the web extensively as well as send emails. You will probably not be able to watch too many catch up shows on iPlayer, not download too many full length movies, but for this price, you can’t really ask for more.
Control the performance of your connection
And don’t forget Eclipse Internet’s ‘Traffic Controller’ tool which allows you to shape your connection according to your web use priorities. So if you mostly watch streaming video for example, you can prioritise your connection for that very task, ensuring a much smoother operation.
12 month contract
This is the only one of the Eclipse Internet’s broadband packages which lock you into a 12 month contract.
Its Eclipse Internet Home Select and Eclipse Internet Home Pro both allow single month rolling contracts.
On the positive side, Eclipse Internet is famous for its customer service and over the years (before they were thrust into the spotlight with their surprise 24Mbps speeds), Eclipse Internet was regularly regarded one of the best broadband providers in the country.
Is Eclipse Internet Home Lite the right package for me?
Yes if you are an infrequent user who still wants the very fastest broadband speeds currently available and who doesn’t want to pay too much each month.
If however you will be using the speed of your broadband connection to its best, you’ll need to upgrade to other the Eclipse Internet Home Select or Eclipse Internet Home Pro which both offer more reasonable usage allowances along with other, additional benefits.
A little more detail
Broadband
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Special Note.. |
Any good? |
| Package Name: |
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Home Lite |
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| Connection Type: |
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ADSL |
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| Max Speed: |
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24Mb |
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| Usage Limit: |
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2GB |
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| Hardware: |
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None provided |
Free with a 12 month contract, otherwise from £25.99 |
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| Anti-virus Protection: |
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Yes |
Includes a spam shield |
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| Firewall: |
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No |
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| E-mail Account: |
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Yes |
Up to 10 email addresses |
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| Webspace Provided: |
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Yes |
50MB of webspace |
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| Domain Included: |
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No |
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| Backup Dialup: |
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Yes |
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| Consoles Supported: |
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All major consoles supported |
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Payment, Installation and Contract
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| Payment Method(s): |
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Direct Debit / Credit Card |
| Activation Fee: |
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Free (if you are switching, otherwise £47) |
| Installation: |
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Free |
| Minimum Contract: |
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18 months |
| Line Rental: |
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BT Line Rental required |
| Support: |
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0845 technical and customer support line |
Actual User Ratings
Independent Reviews & Awards
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Eclipse Internet was voted "Best Consumer ISP" at the 2007 ISPA awards.
ISPA 2007 |
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At a Glance
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Bundle details: |
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Phone: Not included |
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TV: Not included |
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Mobile: Not included |
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It is best suited for: |
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Very light users who don't want to pay too much for a reliable broadband connection |
Customer Reviews
Remember, the customer reviews below are subjective (and are not the opinions of ChooseISP.co.uk).
Disgruntled Customer from Edinburgh writes... 28/11/2008 "I had a good experience with Eclipse until I tried to cancel when I was told I had to give 30 days notice (so paying another month)- fair enough & pay cancellation fee, the women on the phone basically told me tough that they were entitled to both so were"
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