Finding and choosing an ISP for Mac users

What a nightmare? At first glance it seems that none of the Internet Service Providers (I.S.P.s) in the UK cater for owners and users of Apple mac computers. I guess that because Mac users are relatively small in numbers – when compared to PC users – that the bigger broadband providers have forgoten about them; Mac users have quite different service and support needs to the PC community.

Almost all ISPs provide Mac compatible broadband but not all are Mac friendly. You can use any ISP’s broadband on an Apple mac computer or laptop but, not all ISPs will provide you with guidance on how to run the modem or router installation nor offer you helpful mac support. Result – As a Mac user you are pretty much left to your own devices; sorry mac owners, when it comes to setting up and using your broadband connection the big broadband providers are generally found wanting.

However there is hope! The following broadband providers are making efforts to support Mac users and make their broadband – mac compatible :

ISP for mac computers

• BT broadband – they are a big player that appeals to the family-PC market but they are now making efforts to provide mac compatible broadband and support.
• Madasafish broadband – Madasafish have been mac friendly for a while now. They not only offer great service and support, but also are set-up to provide high bandwidth connections to power users. When Madasafish say ‘unlimited’ downloads they mean just that… e.g. no ‘download limits are subject to our fair usage policy.’
  Update: As of August 2007, Madasafish broadband are now owned by BT broadband. Service levels should remain high but watch this post & website for updates.
• AOL broadband- Another major broadband player, now owned and operated by the Carphone Warehouse. AOLs broadband service has suffered over the years but they are a good safe bet if you want the re-assurance of a big broadband ISP but don’t want to use BT broadband.
• Pipex broadband – This broadband ISP has recently been taken over by Tiscali broadband (yet another big ISP but this time, German owned). With David Hassolhoff featured on their advertising, they must be onto a winner.
• TalkTalk broadband -Another broadband ISP on the Carphone Warehouse roster. TalkTalk have been in trouble for their ‘free broadband for life’ advertising; it almost caused their internal system and customer services to fall-over, when they received an unprecedented response to their FREE broadband offer. However, TalkTalk are recovering from their initial over-enthusiasm to gain new customers and, their service levels are returning.

Are we missing a mac compatible ISP?

If you think we are missing a Mac compatible ISP or there is one you use that you think is simply GREAT then – Please fill-out the comments form below with who you would recommend we review on this website and we will get on the case.

Moreover, if you have any particularly strong feelings about the broadband ISPs featured above (good or bad experiences) then drop us a message in the comments section and we’ll post them up for all to see (no swearing though ).