Moving off free hosting provider

Is there a reason other than cost that you are running the forum on a free hosting provider?

There are plenty of paid (read. not expensive) options without the ads etc.

Are you able to export the current phpBB database from the current provider for a cost? or are you locked in?

It's something to consider because if the community grows you will be at the mercy of the free provider who has all your information locked up (all too common!)

We are more than aware of this, but the provider is somewhat difficult and we don't actually have access to the database. That makes it a huge pain in the megablocks to do anyting with it. Although until ANZFOL has enough traffic to pay for itself, we're pretty happy with the free provider.