There were network problems for NTL users one day last week, I forget which. Virgin Broadband also uses NTL apparently. Some sites (e.g. Google) were accessible and some (e.g. eBay & Hotmail) were not. Perhaps that had something to do with it?
Another thing can slow down internet access: computer virus/spyware.
If you don't already have antivirus, there is a free one available on the web now (if you need details let me know).
