Plusnet 'what if?' Question

Capyboppy

We have been with Plusnet just over a year and been very happy with them and the service. Our deal of £5 for Broadband plus line rental is now over and with the hike in September to come plus the internet going up to double, we have been thinking again. After phoning them they are willing to do our current package for just under £22 if we sign up for a further 2 years. This isn't too bad at £2 more than what we are paying now. However should we be fortunate to emigrate; as well as the £30 cessation charge that we know about, the operator told me for every month remaining of the contract it would be £9.99p I think it was to be paid. So if for example after being on the new contract 6 months in we were able to say, 'Goodbye England', then we would have to pay £180 plus the £30 cessation fee. I thought there was a standard £50 early termination fee. Is this normal for all providers or is it just a Plusnet thing? I have looked at other providers but they are either too expensive or have poor reviews.

flashg67

Pretty normal for most providers I think. I'd have thought you'd likely have to pay the line rental to the end of contract too? If you're looking at emigrating, I'd avoid signing up for a lengthy contract with anyone.

kwikbreaks

Why not stick with Plusnet until you know what the emigration situation is. No good having half price BB if you have to pay 24months of it for 6 months service.

macman

No, it's not a Plusnet thing, and there is no standard £50 ETC. The ETC is anything up to the value remaining on the minimum term contract that you agreed to, but some providers will charge less than this.
You are looking at £5 a month extra plus the line rental increase, so just sit on your existing contract until you know if you are staying or not.

Capyboppy

Kwikbreaks: It IS Plusnet that is offering the further 'nearly half price' deal. Therefore it is with them I would be sticking with for 2 years if I accept.

flashg67: Similar thing for your comment. Although lengthy it is still considerably cheaper than any of the others that are reliable. Yes, I could go to Talk Talk (Tiscali by another name NO, NO, NO), or Primus Saver. But they don't have very good reviews.

macman: Thanks for that info. I think unless anyone can suggest a decent provider at around £20 a month for BB and line rental I will probably have to stay and go for it. I had a 'ticket' by email confirming the offer should I take it. It actually works out only a £1 more than I was paying for the BB section. The rest is made up of the line rental inclusive of the increase to be.

All: The emigration thing would be totally reliant on finances to change. Although hypothetically if we went after hubby turned 65 next March, we would get a 'financial basket' for a period of time. However, even with hubby's state pension we would barely break even, then when the 'help' finishes we would really be stuck. Currently it is very unlikely. As someone once said, should we win the lottery to that sort of tune, paying off the contract wouldn't be that much of a worry. Saying that, once a miser, oops! I mean 'careful with money' person, always that way I reckon :T

Capyboppy

Just to let you all know, today I persuaded Plusnet to renew my contract for 18 months instead of 24 months. Additionally, she reduced the 5.99p for the BB to £5 to help compensate against the line rental going up on the 23rd September. So it is definitely worth persevering:T Not only that; have done a bit of 'playing off one another' and have cut my household contents insurance by nearly half (was already pretty reasonable) to £80 a year no claims protected:rotfl:

Thanks for your replies.