Around Montmorillon

Hi. Just wanted to share our experience of trying to get broadband out in the countryside. I checked it out before moving to our 15 year vacant house on a website. The website said simply that we were too far from the lines to get normal broadband and that we would need satelite broadband. After much comparing in the UK we got here with a rough idea of prices. A company called ozone put a flyer through our door at a competitive price. I asked at the Marie if it was a known company and they said it was. With three teenagers in the house we went for the unlimited broadband, telephone (voip) with uk calls included and tv. This was in June 2013. After much help badgering the company from neighbours we finally got broadband in the November. As it stands now in February, we still have no phone (they say it was an installation error) and no tv. But they are taking 79€ a month from the bank.
We took advice two weeks ago from Isobel at continental horizons, and now know the only reason we couldn't have broadband was that they couldn't find a phone number for the old connection. By Isobel calling free.fr. and giving the name of the property along the road from us they could find the old cable and we shall be getting broadband, phone and tv for 33€ a month. I expected to get burnt a little when moving to a new country but I don't know what I would have done if a hadn't found Isobel as I couldn't see any alternatives.
To sum up.if like us your buying a bit of a wreck or previous holiday home, if there is an old phone line, however long ago it was in use it is possible that you can get internet via the normal route, saving huge amounts of time, money and heartache. A little advice at the start will save you in every way. Also don't touch ozone with a barge pole.

I have had a few people tell me not to go for Satellite not only the company you mention but others too. We are stuck with broadband but moving soon, I've been asking about options on the thread that may be of interest. Internet connection advice Also https://www.degrouptest.com/ will tell you what's available for you.

Can I ask who is quoting 33€ a month and does that include the line rental?
I'm thinking of going with Orange at €45.80 all in but your one could be worth a look.

Oh and never believe what the Marie tells you, he was probably meaning yes he knows the company but wouldn't recommend them.

I'm with Fred here. Postively quivering with excitement awaiting your reply. Several people have told me recently that the Orange/France Telecom package is the way to go. Despite being warned off Orange when we first arrived in France. Funny old world.

Thanks Sheridan for posting that warning. We
are also looking at all our options for WiFi etc
Internet, also mobile phone, currently just to
get started we got a contract free data plan with
La Poste, this may not be ideal, does anyone have
any recommendations?
Sorry could you give us Isobel number again she
sounds invaluable! We will make an appt
to see her.
Thanks for all your advice!
Cheers Rosie and Huw

Hi sorry for the delay.
We are going to go with Free broadband. We have had recommendations from both Isobel and another British lady we met. The package includes tv fast broadband (but don't know of speeds etc) and telephone for free calls to French landlines and mobiles and free landline calls to many countries including the UK. Isobel said that when it's set up it you can also get a mobile for 2€ a month. Don't know of any details yet.
Isobel can be contacted at 05 49 84 17 73 or 06 20 10 34 49. Or e-mail [email protected]. I really wished we had found her sooner as we wouldn't be having so many problems to sort out now.
It was also free that found our phone line. Hope this helps.
Sheridan[/align]

Thanks Sheridan that has been an amazing help for us!
We will be in contact with Isobel!
Spent the day at massive DIY place out past Poitiers
Today and whew really need need a glass of
wine to recover! We too have found people incredibly friendly and patient
with us and makes us sure this is the right decision
for us!
Best wishes and thanks again
Rosie and Huw

(Sat-22-02-2014, 12:11 PM)the marleys Wrote: [ -> ]We are going to go with Free broadband.

Can you keep me updated once you have it in place, and do you know if you still have to pay Orange for your line or is it included in the Free quote of €33 ?

Thank You.

Fred.

I will do. Not sure about line rental yet. I will let you know but assume that's on top of price. I was also offered a blue Ray something? from free for an extra 5€s a month. No idea what this is but decided against it as we are on a tight budget. I will see what I can find out

To the Marleys
Thanks again for referring Isobel. We have
emailed and sent a message a few days ago but
have heard nothing back from her. Would
you happen to know if she is away?
Thanks
Rosie and Huw

Hi Rosie. I was thinking of heading over there this morning anyway, so I will see if she's about and tell her that you have sent her an e-mail. I will let you know of any news.
Hope all's going well,
Sheridan