
I decided to get rid of the line and replace it with NTL broadband over cable. I'm now paying 40 euro per month for a 20Mbit connection :)

Result! So far the NTL\UPC connection has been very reliable and despite the high latency indicated in the Speedtest, I'm getting very good ping times to Irish servers.
Check out www.speedtest.net to rate your actual broadband speed, post your results here.
CJ
PS. apologies to anyone out in the sticks stuck on dialup or a satellite link, I appreciate that this thread may be difficult to stomach!