Tiscali + Mac

[Peekay]

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere - couldn't find any threads dealing with this problem...

I've been using Tiscali "Max" "8mbps" for the last couple of months, and I'm pretty unimpressed. When I signed up they told me that 5mbps would be the most I could get from the local exchange. Fine, I said - but seeing as it takes a 2 minute YouTube video about eight minutes to load up, I'm not convinced. Has anyone got any tips for optimising Tiscali on a Mac - or is it just a **** connection? Compare this to Israel where I was late last year - 16mbps as standard! For a supposedly world-leading nation sometimes the UK seems pretty backward.

[CMcK]

Are you using a router or a Tisacli supplied ADSL modem?

Shouldn't really matter either way. ADSL speeds vary depending on how close you are to the exchange. 5mbps from your local exhange would be under optimal conditions.
Ask them to increase the gain on your line. Check you have filters plugged in at all the phone points you use. Ask Tiscali what the rate of contention is in your area.
Are you using any Tiscali supplied software?
I don't think it will be a problem on the Mac.
Also take into account traffic on the websites you are trying to download from.

[Peekay]

Cheers, I'll give them a ring now and ask for the gain to be increased. Should get through to them by April or so...