The message 20050913203606.GF32541@jtkpc.cmp.uea.ac.uk from "Jan T. Kim" jtk@cmp.uea.ac.uk contains these words:
/big snip/
I'm not criticising the snipped portion...
But then again, a nicely working connection to the rest of the Internet may well be worth the additional costs (mainly the setup fee)...
Perhaps, I should come to the pub meeting next month... that should be 13 Oct, right?
You might just have a look at www.zetnet.com - where you will get Linux support.
Zetnet runs Linux servers (mostly) and the Zetgod in charge is a Debian Developer.
They supply broadband, and a ready-configured router/modem thingy with a built-in firewall. Most people who have used it report it's plug-and-play.
There's an in-house Linux support newsgroup, and general help/support groups for more general or differently specific wossnames.
I believe you get a static IP address too. For anyone with kids, there is an 'under 18' account which filters out the worst newsgroups and connects to the Littlehat Server, which is ever-so-puritanical. People are friendly, the newsgroups are generally free from bad language and flaming, and directors and staff come and chat in them. Even the owner appears from time to time.
I've been with them for nearly ten years now.