Plusnet vs BT confused!!

pernes

Hi just signed up to Plusnet still within my 14 days cooling off period. Currently BT customer, leaving due to price.

Being told that Plusnet "traffic Manage" broadband whereas BT don't?, I am confused as I need a good speed and connection.

Can anyone advise me?
Anyone else a Plusnet user who can advise me of there experience with company?

JJ_Egan

Plusnet FAQS
http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/speed_guide/traffic_management.shtml

http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/speed_guide/abnormal_load.shtml

Never noticed any difference Plusnet or BT .

What do you mean you need a good speed for what ??

pernes

Thanks for your reply. I work form home at twice a week so need reliable connection and speed. I just want a reliable provider and service at an affordable price, but getting confused with all the saleman chat!

I assume that you are or have been a customer of both companies in the past or currently?

Timalay

pernes wrote: »

Being told that Plusnet "traffic Manage" broadband whereas BT don't?, I am confused as I need a good speed and connection.

Yes they do in way. They prioritize you connection as to where it's needed. So say if you where streaming something online, and then somebody else in the house using Peer to peer. Then then the internet speed would preliminary go to the streaming, and slow down Peer to peer.

parttimeskint

BTs current traffic management policy is here


http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/47278/c/346/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNDE2NDExMzgwL3NpZC9ybDQtVlA3bQ%3D%3D

quoit

Whatever the differences between the two in terms of traffic management policy, the price differential is just too vast to be ignored.

I'm currently with BT but my 12 month contract ends on 31st December. I paid £141 upfront for 12 months line rental plus £16 a month for broadband and anytime calls (including a £7 per month discount), plus an extra £3 a month for BT Sport in HD. Throw in £6 for the BT homehub and that was an annual outlay of £375 at £31.25 per month.

According to my calculations, renewing that contract for another 12 months taking into account the huge price increases would result in an annual outlay of approximately £500 for the same, which is a 33% price increase overall. And if I don't sign up to another 12 month contract, there will be additional costs of £6.75 per month for BT Sport which BT have laughingly named the Loyalty Discount Rate! That would increase my annual bill to approximately £580 or 55% price increase.

Plusnet are currently offering annual line rental for £155.88, broadband for £2.50 per month, anytime calls for an extra £5 per month, router for £6 and BT Sport in HD for £7.49 per month for an annual total outlay of £341.76. Throw in £70 cashback and that's down to £271.76 or £22.65 per month. That's over £100 cheaper than what I've paid this year for exactly the same and £230 and possibly over £300 cheaper than what BT are about to charge me.

It appears a no brainer to me but, unless someone can provide me with some seriously negative feedback about Plusnet and the services they offer, then I'm on the verge of switching to them next month for both broadband and phone.

LazyTyper

pernes wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. I work form home at twice a week so need reliable connection and speed. I just want a reliable provider and service at an affordable price, but getting confused with all the saleman chat!

With Plusnet all support is UK-based who actually know (mostly) what the internet is, unlike our other favourite consumer broadband providers.

Since you mention you work from home often, it's worth noting Plusnet offer a static IP address for a one-off charge of £5. This might be useful for accessing your company's VPN from home.

The other big 3 don't offer this.

pernes wrote: »

I assume that you are or have been a customer of both companies in the past or currently?

I have been a customer of Plusnet several times, and have recently joined them again. Definitely recommended.

pernes

Thanks, I will give them ago!

flashg67

Homeworker here with Plusnet. ADSL was a bit hit and miss as you need consistent quality and ping times for VOIP, but that may not be ISP dependent anyway. Just gone to fibre, and it's been rock solid for several weeks (famous last words!).

Not looked at the static IP option, will check it out.

If you're on standard ADSL. Plusnet have a £5 p/m 'plus' option that is supposed to prioritize VPN traffic

quoit

Update to my earlier post above, I have just phoned BT to request a MAC code as it was my intention to switch to a much cheaper Plusnet deal for new customers.

My current12 month contract with BT was...
Line Rental Saver £11.75 (£141 upfront)
Broadband Unlimited + Anytime Calls £16.00 (£192 annual)
BT Sport in HD £3.00 (£36 annual)
Router £6.00

---

ANNUAL COST = £375 (£31.25 per month)
============================
As my discounted contract above (which included a £7 per month discount on anytime calls) was due to end next month, I was facing a price increase of over 30% with an annual bill of around £500 or over £40 per month.

The current 12 month Plusnet deal for new customers is...
Line Rental Saver £12.99 (£155.88 upfront)
Broadband Unlimited £2.50 (£30 annual)
Anytime calls £5.00 (£60 annual)
BT Sport in HD £7.49 (£89.88 annual)
Router £6.00
Cashback £70

---

ANNUAL COST = £271.76 (£22.65 per month)
============================

However, having requested a MAC code, I've just been offered the following deal by BT in order to stay which I've decided to accept. Plusnet's £70 cashback deal makes them the cheaper overall but I can do without the hassle of switching providers.

New BT offer - 12 month contract...
Line Rental Saver £13.32 (£159.84 upfront)
Broadband Unlimited £5.65 (£67.80 annual)
Anytime Calls £5.00 (£60 annual)
BT Sport HD free for 3 months - £3.00 after (£27 annual)
BT Privacy with Caller Display free for 12 months

---

ANNUAL COST = £314.64 (26.22 per month)
============================
I've still managed to reduce my annual bill by around 16% from £375 for unlimited broadband, anytime calls and BT Sport (which I watch via Sky+ HD box) to just shy of £315.

I'll settle for that :beer:

MoneyMate

Don't forget the option of signing up through Cash Back Sites ? :beer: