I started web-life with Demon around 1991, before there was a windows version, and have kept the basis of my address since then. Various changes of owner have caused service fluctuation but after building up a range of business and personal contacts I felt it was too tedious to change address, so stayed on.

Near the centre of London where I lived 15 years ago I was getting a splendidly fast ADSL service but moving 60 miles away also meant further from exchange &c so slower speeds - a bit less than paid for as opposed to about 50% more in London.

Telephone support was 24*7 so I used to feel smug about this when talking to others but of course it now varies rather more in quality and accessibility. Fortunately I have not needed it and in at least one case they were able to track down line-drops to internal wiring in this older house. The main issue locally is that nobody gets top speeds on ADSL.

Given my history with the company I was somewhat surprised when, soon after Vodaphone took over from the previous owner, a friend said she had been told that they were no longer offering "free email". Since my contract was originally a business account I supposed that was why I was still OK. Imagine then my surprise and outrage when given 30 days before my email disappeared. Oh, I could keep my address if I sign up the special arrangement with Namesco - at , of course, an additional annual fee!!!

This does not seem tome like a business that cares about its customers.