Broadband ISP - BT vs. Tiscali vs. Virgin?

[JeremyD]

I want a 2mb home broadband service.
I want it cheap, with free kit & set up, etc. (I don't want to have to buy modem or filters).
Don't want wireless.
Via my BT line (no Cable where I live)
I'll only use it at weekends and evenings.
I will mainly use it to listen to internet radio (c.50 hrs p/mth max I reckon) plus some surfing. Tend to do my Emailing at work.
Also will do some music downloading.
No gaming, no watching video / tv.

I have checked out some websites for views and recommendations re Broadband ISPs today and the larger ISPs generally seem to get panned for either support or capping or both.

So, I have settled on the followinf three and I'd appreciate your views / comments on these:
1. BT - 'cos my Email id is already with BT Yahoo. I used BT before for dial up.

2. Tiscali - cos I, personally, have had good experience with them (but most other people don't seem to!)

3. Virgin - 'cos I am (a) attracted by them not tieing you in to a 12 month contract (I live in a rented flat), and (b) I am a very happy Virgin Mobile customer.

So, any thoughts / comments, bearing in mind my spec.? Note: I have been put off smaller, recommended ISPs by the costs.

[CheekyChops]

I have the Tiscali 2mb broadband and have had no problems with it whatsoever, and I got the modem/filters etc free. I've heard that it is their Customer Services Dept that provide the terrible service but I've never had the need to call them!

[jason1980]

I would say stick with BT like I have and they give you the modem and phone filters too. Its easy with direct debit but BT comes with that BT help thing if you have problems and because its a BT line Im sure you'd have a better service - and BT yahoo is what you know already like me.

[spacechimp]

Pipex is good. Never had any problems with them.

[cas49]

I have been with Tiscali for a couple of years now.True I have had a couple of problems but they have been ironed out.They have helpful forums if you have a problem,and I have used these rather than phone the Helpline,as I cannot usually understand what is being said !!!

[lady_p_gold]

I have been with BT for over four years it might not be the mega cheapest but I have never had a problem and only ever been offline for about two hours in all that time and they even called me back in the morning to see if everything was ok. And I have lived in three different counties in that time and cannot fault it.

[stevie21]

I've heard lots of people complain about Tiscali so I personally wouldn't use them
BT have an image of being pricey and chargning more for the same product/service that you can get cheaper elsewhere.

Virgin don't charge you a �50 activation fee up front (as everyone else I've encountered do) but charge an analogous �50 fee if you leave them before 12 months elapse. Still, you're no worse off this way and aren't tied to a 12 month deal.

I'd think that every ISP will give you the filters and broadband modem free. Of the ones you've mentioned, alone, I'd use Virgin. Ultimately, I'm delighted with my own ISP : freedom2surf. I think they're brilliant.
Even if I didn't get a "recommed a friend" fee (hint hint), I'd still heartily recommend them