broadband installation query

JamesN

Hi everyone,

Just looking into getting broadband installed as i'm due to move into a new property. Now the property itself has a bt openzone phone line in it (i've seen a socket with that faceplate on).

However, I don't know the number for the house, nor do I know if the line is active.

Does this mean I need to pay my new broadband provider a fee to set up a new line?

I was looking at getting plusnet (broadband and phone line) who want about £50 for installing a phone line.

Is this necessary? how would I go about finding the home number out if existing landlord doesn't know?

Many thanks!

iniltous

Its probably BT/Openreach not Openzone on the socket...in most new builds BT supply sockets and pay the builder to install them, so the very first use is charged for, subsequent activations of the socket can be charged the same as a brand new install if the line that existed was ceased rather than just stopped, but with a stopped line it should be able to get a 'start' (cheaper than a install)
Generally if the socket has no dialtone then it will be a full install, but many providers offer a reduced install fee for a longer minimum term contract...if there is dailtone, dial 17070 and it should report the number, you could also try dialing 100 or 150 and see if a customer service rep answers (which will give the company the line is connected to)
If no dialtone just pick the company you want to use and contact them, obviously the install charge they will raise needs to be taken into account when deciding what company(s) to use, you should compare the total charges for a 12/18 month period, install and rental charge when comparing companys, not just who charges the least to install the line

JamesN

Many thanks.

It's not a new build and previous tenants had adsl broadband so it went through the phoneline.

So if it reports a number I should just provide that when booking online?

No idea where i got openzone from! I'm pretty tired!

Thanks for your help

Gordon_Hose

You don't need to give any number when setting up a new account with any provider. The old tenant should have cancelled their service at the residence when they left, I don't know anyone who would move house and keep their service active at the old place.

As you are a new customer there are generally set-up fees associated with setting up your line. BT Openreach will do all the work at the exchange/your house (if required), and their time is billable to the company you choose service with, some providers pass this charge onto their customers, others don't.