Internet Package Help

bigtel_2

Hi,

I've just moved in to a new flat and I would like an Internet package and maybe a TV package if it works out worthwhile.

There are already phone, satellite and tv outputs in the room.

For the internet can I just ring O2 and order their package or do I need to have a BT line?

If I do need a BT line then it may work out cheaper getting the line and broadband from them.

What I'm basically asking is do I need to pay BT for their line rental if I choose a different supplier for the internet.

Thanks, this is all new to me!

macman

To get any internet service other than VM cable, you need an active BT line-do you have one?
O2 do not currently do home phones, but may do from May.
You can pay BT for calls and line rental, and use another ISP for broadband, or take a package with one company. But first you need to get a working line.
The best deals will depend on what is available on your exchange. Go to:
ww.samknows.com, then exchange search. Look for your available LLU options, these will be the best deals.

mk-donald

To get ADSL broadband over a landline then you need to pay someone to (a) install/enable the line (b) rental (c) calls.
Then either that provider OR someone else for the broadband.
You MAY find BT are good for a new line as IF you take out a 12m or 18m commitment to A line rental package they won't charge you extra for setting it up - ie just pay 12 or 18 of say c£13/m for evening/weekends package.
If you are in an area served by o2 home broadband LLU packages THEN you could pay them (NOT by phoning them as best to go via a £back referal site that woud pay you £50 currently!) for the ADSL. Have a look through my other postings as I've repeated the info/inks a lot about the various deals with o2, and also with the siste product "Be Value" which IF you were okay with a 40GB monthly cap AND don't want/need an o2 mobile c/be excellent value at £7.50/m (with £40 cashback!).
There is a section in the MAIN MSE site (ie not the forums) all about Homephone lines and the various options available see the Utilities/Phones banner across all these pages.
MKD

dylanuk

bigtel wrote: »

If I do need a BT line then it may work out cheaper getting the line and broadband from them.

Nope - nearly all broadband is cheaper away from BT! You can often get cheaper deals if you get your "BT" line rental from another provider, e.g. Plusnet or TalkTalk. It might be worthwhile checking out your availability and the different prices / services - this page has an availability check against the different packages available http://www.chooseisp.co.uk/compare/broadband.asp

O2's home phone service is going to be £9.50 for the evening & weekend call plan option (the cheapest one). Unfortunately, as macman says it's not available for a while.

Do you have a ringing tone on your phone line? If so, then activating the line should fairly painless and without additional cost.

How much do you use the Internet? If you want digital TV and have a satellite point, then the basic of basic Sky TV, phone + broadband packages is £18 a month + line rental (£11.54 from BT or you can get it from Sky for £11 but bear in mind you'd then have to switch back to BT if you ever wanted to leave Sky).

bigtel_2

I'm not sure if I have an active line. Is there any way to check apart from ringing BT?

If I do need to activate the line is it costly?

If so it might be worthwhile doing what you say mk-donald as I'm in a rented property so don't want to pay a high connection fee if I can go with BT and get it reduced.

I'll look at the utilities page now.

Thanks a lot for all the help

bigtel_2

dylanuk wrote: »

Nope - nearly all broadband is cheaper away from BT! You can often get cheaper deals if you get your "BT" line rental from another provider, e.g. Plusnet or TalkTalk. It might be worthwhile checking out your availability and the different prices / services - this page has an availability check against the different packages available http://www.chooseisp.co.uk/compare/broadband.asp

O2's home phone service is going to be £9.50 for the evening & weekend call plan option (the cheapest one). Unfortunately, as macman says it's not available for a while.

Do you have a ringing tone on your phone line? If so, then activating the line should fairly painless and without additional cost.

How much do you use the Internet? If you want digital TV and have a satellite point, then the basic of basic Sky TV, phone + broadband packages is £18 a month + line rental (£11.54 from BT or you can get it from Sky for £11 but bear in mind you'd then have to switch back to BT if you ever wanted to leave Sky).

Thanks.

As of yet I haven't tried a phone in it as I don't have one! I'll get one tomorrow and try it.

I use the internet quite a lot for laptop use and gaming.

I looked at the Sky TV option but as the flat I'm in has a shared dish I read that it's £140 to connect to the dish and was put off by this.

bigtel_2

Called BT about the line and I'm happy there was no charge to set the line up. Get my landline number on Wednesday and then I can start to set up O2 Broadband

Thanks again for all the help.

bigtel_2

Is there anyway I can find out the maximum download speed for PR7 7AQ ?

I want to get either the 8mb or 20mb package with O2 but don't want to pay for the 20mb if I'm only getting about 10mb anyway!

Thanks

macman

bigtel wrote: »

Is there anyway I can find out the maximum download speed for PR7 7AQ ?

I want to get either the 8mb or 20mb package with O2 but don't want to pay for the 20mb if I'm only getting about 10mb anyway!

Thanks

Start with the 8Mbps Home service, if you find you can get near the max then you can always upgrade to Premium at any time.
The 02 line checker should tell you approx what the max is that your line can support.

miketurtle81

I too am in the same boat regarding moving into a new flat. Is it cost-effective to avoid installing a BT line and to opt for the Virgin Media cable service or would it be better to purchase a complete phone/broadband package with someone like O2?

bigtel_2

Good idea that macman. Many Thanks!