advice re changing to O2 or Plusnet

salthepal

I have been with Freenetname/Madasafish for several years now and need to change to get a more affordable and faster download limit. Currently it is only 5GB at £14.99 for standalone broadband and according to tests, I should be able to get a faster speed at a better price. I shall probably also go for an inclusive phone package since BT is not cheap. I don't need a router since I have recently bought a very good one.
Plusnet seems very good value but I have read many criticisms of throttled speeds - but presumably I have been experiencing these throttled speeds with my current provider?
Could you also tell me what happens to my email address when I change - can I keep it?
Also how long do you have to have had an account with O2 in order to qualify for the reduced cost and how much do you have to spend each month to qualify for it?
Thanks very much. I expect these questions have been answered before but I can't find them having done searches.
Sally

Winema

My current home connection is Plusnet and I've never experienced throttled speeds. They've always had excellent customer service - but they do not offer new customers unlimited bandwidth and that is a real must these days - I am lucky enough I've been with them a long time. I think if you're an O2 customer at any stage you would receive reduced costs - this is the case for Orange anyhow. I would imagine you need to be with them on contract and not just Pay as You Go.

steveE2

Check your exchange here to see what is available to you
SamKnows - Telephone Exchange Search

Plusnet:
You can see how the connection will be throttled dependent on package and time of day here
http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/speed_guide/download_speeds.shtml

O2:
Doesn't matter how long you've had an account
If it's PAYG Phone minimum of £10 every 3 months needs to be applied to receive discount.

I do hope its not O2 Access you're considering as that's as bad as Sky Connect,anyway post the link from Samknows and we can see what's available to you.
Could you also post the stats from your router as this will show how fast your line should be capable of.

salthepal

Thanks to you both.
This is what Samknows http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange/STBISHW
Don't know what O2 "Access" is.
How do I find out router stats?
I apologise for being rather PC illiterate!

steveE2

Ok O2 or BE are available to you on LLU which is fine
O2 Access is there basic pack which is available where there is no LLU or it is full

You can find your router here with instructions on how to get stats
http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/frogstats.php

If you decide on Plusnet you are eligible for all the cheaper prices shown

macman

Your other LLU options are Sky or TT. Sky or 02 are the obvious choices.
Since 02 are LLU on your exchange, you won't be able to select Access as an option anyway (not that you'd want to).

54druids

i am with plusnet for my broadband using about 19gb a month for 11.49 - bargain and only ever offline 1ce in 18months. About to change my homephone as just realised it is in with the price for weekends and evening. Looked at sky and bt and this seemed the best deal. With the money i will save i can then afford to buy a freeview plus to record my programmes:)

sjb2016

Although Plus don't offer unlimited and they throttle, they provide a good service IMO. Also, they get points for being open about bandwidth limits and throttling. This info is easily found on their website. No mysterious fair use policies.

jb66

Why are folk still reccomending O2 with there heavy throttling

pineapple

I checked the samknows link with my postcode and it is not 100%. It yes to cable. But that's not true where I live. It says no to wireless - and my neighbour is on wireless.

macman

pineapple wrote: »

I checked the samknows link with my postcode and it is not 100%. It yes to cable. But that's not true where I live. It says no to wireless - and my neighbour is on wireless.

Postcode checks cannot be 100% reliable,, as they do not determine exact location. Some of the area served by your exchange will have cable service.
And 'wireless' on samknows refers to wireless delivery of broadband-not an ADSL landline service using a wireless router in the home-which is what your neighbour has.
Any property can use wireless within the home.