the contract i agreed to with tiscali (the 8mbs "unlimted" one) says that if you use the internet heavily during peak hours then action will be taken, but there is no such mention of restrictions until you're deamed a heavy user (whatever that actually means).

what you're suggesting is that their policy states that they block, regardless of amount of use, during peak hours. that's not what they say. also they say the opposite: tiscali have stated in writing a number of times to me that they do not block certain types of traffic. this is their explanation for me not being able to use p2p during a significant amount (many, many more hours than their designated peak hours):
is there any chance they don't actually block p2p and that the reason i'm unable to use p2p software is down to heavy amounts of internet traffic? at the same time i'm unable to use p2p web pages work fine for example.

is there any proof that can be obtained to display blocking of certain ports? if so i would really like to hear about it.

when people say tiscali block p2p use, what proof is there? bearing in mind they're putting it down to just lots of people using the net what concrete information can be pointed to that says that tiscali are blocking certain types of traffic?

the "we always advise our customers not to use any peer to peer programs" part, they've said that to me on the phone as well. seeing as that "recommendation" is not part of their agreement (i.e. we don't receive that recommendation until after having signed the year contract) it's moot imo. they'd need to include that in their promotional and sign up literature for it to have any meaning, which they don't, so it doesn't.

how/what proof?

Of course Tiscali say that they don't block ports! Yet anecdotal evidence would suggest that their bandwidth management (FUP) is somehow effecting many peoples ability to connect at all during peak hours (and outside of peak hours in some cases). Others are seeing very slow download speeds, regardless of the plan they're on.

If you use the forum search to look for Tiscali, you'll find heaps of threads about this. Just for example:
Tiscali blocking Limewire
can't connect between 5pm-11pm
Tiscali & Limewire
Connection Problem - with Tiscali.co.uk

You might also find some info if you search the Tiscali forum.
Tiscali Forums - powered by vBulletin

It's true, it's currently 1pm and Limewire works fine. However, I'd also like to use it in peak time! I don't understand where I put in these port numbers. I looked through options, but no success. Can someone give me a clue?

Are you Mac or PC?

I had a problem just, where limewire ran ok all day long, but iTunes got blocked at peak times! A lot of people complained to tiscali about that, and now they've put it back again - so I just get limewire off peak like before.

I think with tiscali there is no way round this, it's their policy and if we stay with them we have to put up with it. I guess.

How to use Manual Port faward

Universal Plug and Play may not be working properly Due to this update. "Security Update for Windows XP (KB931261)"
Removing this update is not Recomended & could make your computer vonarable to attack.

If this update is installed on your computer & UPnP is in use in Limewire,
Try switching to Manual Port faward, using port numbers between 45000 To 65000
Both Manual Port faward No, & Listerning port should be set at the same number
In LimeWire, GO to Tools/Options/Advanced/Firewall Config & use Manual Port faward.

If you are using a router to connect, that will also need configuring.
Find your router listed here, Use this blue link. & dont forget to create a static IP first, & click apply after changing each setting.
PortForward.com - Free Help Setting up Your Router or Firewall
Your Servant,
Peace.

__________________
mickjapa108

Tiscali --- Don't even Go there, they will make you want to damage someone, or CRY uncontrollably ( blocks P2P 6pm to 11pm) that is proved, I beileve
Its really, 9am to 11pm. cant prove that yet.

AOL + & - Problematic for many, some say ok if you are not a heavy user.

BT + & - P2P shaping from 6pm to 12pm, reasonable at other times of day.

Talk Talk -- as bad as tiscali P2P shaping, Worse they block P2P from 9am to 12pm

NTL/Virgin ++ I have 4meg £24monthly & its very good speed, (All times of day) But there is Questions about the cheaper combo packages, TV,Phone,n Free internet.
I'm guessing, but What do you think you would get for nothing ?
A FREE LUNCH. LOL.

Bulldog ++ Good once its up n running, 3 to 8 weeks wait for install.

bethere.co.uk +++ not available everywhere, But the best if you can get it.

__________________
mickjapa108

You can add Homecall/Pipex to the list. Wish I'd read these forums before signing up.

Dear All,
I have just read the day/evening arguments. I have run LW and it works. It is 10:30 am.
Maybe they are blocking evening traffic.
I am on Homecall.
Regards,
The Baron

I have posted loads on these threads,YES TISCALI/PIPEX/HOMECALL are throttling heavy users of p2p,so are many other ISP's,you will NOT get a straight answer from the ISP's,phone or write you will get nowhere! change ISP and or get LWire pro latest version,the encryption built in will let you connect at anytime,this was a brilliant move by LWire, only problem is,that now ISP's are changing tack slightly,for me anyway,if i am using lwire,i now cannot connect to anything else!! ie google,email,updates or anything! hence not posting for a while,can't connect to forums when using LWire at all!
They are fighting back it seems!
Anyone out there have an idea about this?
N2

__________________
''Kindness is the hardest thing to give away,it keeps coming back''

Can you give us a little more info, How they are shaping P2P & what they said
when you rang them ?
Are you in England ?
What speed is your connection ?
Thanks.

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mickjapa108