All of these commercial services offer a contention ratio of 20:1 - in other words, you will be 'sharing' the local bandwidth with a maximum of 20 other users (this is actually pretty good).  We also offer a 'SoHo' service, supporting 512k download with a 50:1 contention - which should be fine for home workers or small offices.

Each service comes with a free dial-up account for use if the ADSL network is down or you're working away and need to connect via a laptop modem.
Reliability is fairly good too, however, obviously as this is still a fairly new product range, partly in the hands of BT, things do occasionally go wrong and we need to reset our systems.  Having said that, it still represents a significant advantage over modems.

Can I use my existing modem or ISDN device?
No.  ADSL is a totally different type of technology. You will need an ADSL modem, or a router.  We provide and install these as a part of our 'fully managed' service.

You will also need what is known as a Microfilter (similar to a 2 into 1 telephone adapter) for each analogue device, like telephone or fax machine, which is to be used on the line which has ADSL enabled.  These cost less than 10 Pounds each.

Will I have to change all of my system settings?
No.  Changing your connection to ADSL only takes a couple of small changes and we can talk you through this in less than 5 minutes  Nothing else will change, your email address(es) stay the same and the only difference you'll notice is that it's all somewhat faster.

Can other users in my office (or at home) share the connection?
Yes.  Although you'll find this easier if you have an 'ADSL router'.  Obviously all local machines should be networked together with a wired or WiFi (wireless) network.

I currently have ISDN, or 'Highway', can I get ADSL?
Yes, but this involves a visit by a BT engineer to convert your ISDN or Business Highway/Home Highway box back to a standard BT analogue line.  Upon conversion you will only have one telephone number, whereas at present with your 'Highway' service, you have two.  Otherwise nothing will change and the conversion is fairly straightforward.

Are the internet "calls" cheaper?
Yes.  They're actually free (included in the service subscription).  You will still obviously pay BT for the line rental and for any voice or fax calls you make on the line.  

What if I need more than one IP address?
No problem.  We can supply as many as you need (and can demonstrate that you can use - this is to conserve valuable IP space) including upto a whole Class C block of 253 usable IPs if you (really) need them, for an initial additional setup fee of 50 Pounds and 5 Pounds per month thereafter.

What about security?
Having a permanent connection to the internet does obviously create an increased risk of hacking or other security violations.  A simple first line of defence is to use 'NAT', or Network Address Translation.  Effectively you give each local machine a 'private' IP address and let the router translate this for incoming and outgoing data.
A far better solution however is to deploy a 'firewall'.  Some ADSL routers have quite advanced firewall functions or you may wish to look at a seperate device to manage this.  We can supply and configure a full range of ADSL routers and security devices to suit your needs.

And what is this going to cost?
We have two levels of ADSL provision, each with pretty much the same functionality:

Wire Only is fairly straightforward. We provision the process with BT to enable your line, you provide a router or ADSL modem.  (We can still sell you the hardware and configure it ready for you to use if you prefer).

A Fully Managed provision is where we handle everything, including providing a router and an on-site visit to set everything up ready for you to use.

How long am I tied to Solis for ADSL?
The minimum service provision period is three months.

Can I get ADSL in my area?
In general you should now be able to get the 512 service pretty much wherever you are.
Although BT have enabled a lot of their local exchanges, not all are currently able to support ADSL above the 512 service we're afraid.  We can check for you, simply call us on 0114 258 5550.  Please also be aware that sometimes BT say that ADSL will work, but upon conversion of the line, find it fails. If this is the case you will not be charged.  Conversion, once approved, takes between 10 and 15 working days from the time we receive your order.  ISDN or 'Highway' conversions can occasionally take a little longer.

How do I order?
The easiest way is to send us a faxed purchase order.  We need to know the telephone number for the line to which you'd like to add ADSL and the full billing address (on the front of your BT phone bill) - this is so BT can be sure they're activating the correct line.  The fax should also indicate which of our ADSL products you wish to purchase.

You do not need to inform BT - (actually, they'll try to sell you their own broadband if you do contact them), all of the planning, service provision and billing is via us.