Comparing Fibre Optic Broadband services

Blitzwing85

I'm getting fibre optic broadband in November once my current deal ends and just want others opinions on providers.

I get only 2 Meg and on standard broadband where I live this is the absolute maximum. However, the fibre optics box is about 15 ft from my front door so I can get the maximum 57 Meg via this.

Considering my usage includes downloading games and updates from PC, PS3, 360 and Vita, streaming Netflix and Youtube from those 4 devices and the usual downloading, gaming and browsing etc then 2 Meg makes me scream at times. Can't even stream 2 HD videos at the same time!!! I often watch live events online like SCII via my PC/TV and it struggles even to stream that with partner online on the Laptop.
So in light of that, i'm not comparing cost - only quality.




So far, the 2 options I seen to have are Plusnet and BT.

Can anyone who used fibre optic broadband from either of these providers give me some feedback on the following:

-Connection Stability
-Connection Quality / Reliability (drop outs etc)
-Customer Service (I understand BT are poor here, but not sure about Plusnet)
-Anything else worth mentioning good or bad


Plusnet is cheaper than BT but I have zero experience with either company so more than price, I need a good quality line and service. O2 have been great for line quality and reliability and I don't want to go for fast speeds if it hardly ever works properly.

Any info greatly appretiated

penrhyn

Plusnet is a BT company. However they are managed separately to BT retail.

All the ISPs use BT's FTTC infrastructure.
, unless you live in Hull or are on cable.

Blitzwing85

Figures. So I really don't have a choice as it's the same either way.

Then I guess PlusNet is a better option. BT force you to go through them for line rental as you can't opt out when getting their Infinity package.


I live up in Northumberland so don't have access to cable.

I just need to find out how good /bad this service is then with regards to reliability

Jamie_Carter

Have you searched your post code on: http://store.virginmedia.com/?buspart=Portal_HP_c_topnav_1_1

Blitzwing85

I have yes. Can't offer anything in my area.
I've tried all the providers and only ones that came up for me were BT and Plusnet - which now makes sense based on what penrhyn said

As far as I can see from looking various things up online, this is the only fast service that will be available to me for at least 6 months, more likely up to 12 months or more.

So my plan is to switch, unless I hear horrible, horrible things then once contract ends someone like O2 should offer what I want. Been with them since I got first house in 2009 and only had 1 issue.

Jamie_Carter

If BT have fibre installed, then any provider except Virgin Media should be able to supply you with high speed broadband, as they all use BT's network. It may be that they haven't updated their system yet.

getoffgrid

I've considered fibre, but was surpised to see VM mention a 'phone line'

This offer is for new customers who take a Virgin Phone line for £13.90 a month. £49.95 installation fee to pay.

Is that a POTS line, or just the cost of the phone service down the fibre?

Blitzwing85

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

If BT have fibre installed, then any provider except Virgin Media should be able to supply you with high speed broadband, as they all use BT's network. It may be that they haven't updated their system yet.

I think other providers may well be looking to install their own fibre network and get away from going through BT. O2/BE stated to me that they have no plans to roll out this service in the near future, but are currently testing their own fibre network in certain parts of London.
They said their tests suffered a major hitch and so the roll out for the UK was delayed massively. Was meant to be around now, but may not even see it in 2013.

Sky just state that they do not, and have no immediate plans to roll out this service in my area. As do Virgin.


None give me much details of why, but that's where I can only assume they are trying to move away from BT or something?


It's been in service since April in my area yet still only BT/Plusnet are the ones offering it. Others don't even say they 'will' offer it

GunJack

if youre on bt line currently, then you should look at ISPs like Zen

Blitzwing85

Plusnet offer the broadband without line rental, but then you have to pay £50 activation charge. By taking on the line rental with them and paying upfront, then the difference to the cheapest line rental of Primus is then less than £50.

Total con really


Just checked Zen and they charge quite a lot for high usage. I'd need the 250GB minimum which is what Plusnet offer but not even sure I should go for that in case I go over.

My usage right now is 80-100GB a month and that's on 2Meg broadband...
Mind you, i'm more than happy to pay any price really as the amount i'll save in electricity will make up for it!!!!!

My PC is running overnight countless times - will never need to again with fibre. More like running while I have my tea then done.


So i won't rule it out. I'll find out what it's like quality wise