Updated Find the cheapest broadband discussion thread

Retro_Bunny

A note on Martin's latest newsletter, which contains details of Plusnet Value package.

Martin states if we sign up through his special link, that we'll avoid the £25 connection charge and get 4 months free (4 x 6.25 = £25) which is all good if you're only taking broadband...

If taking broadband and phone line, sign up through Quidco and get £38 cashback, avoid the £25 connection charge (as taking phone), but lose the 4 months free (-£25) = £13 better off

Just FYI.

FrugalFriend

Yes although I think Martin's deal is still cheaper overall:

PlusNet Phone and Broadband is £17.74 by 12 months = £212.88 minus cashback of £38 is £174.88. Divide by 12 gives £14.57 per month

PlusNet Value Broadband and Primus Saver Line Rental is £4.33 plus £8.99 = £13.32 per month

Both line rental packages offer free UK evening and weekend calls. Although you do get 300 mins of international calls, and calls to 0845 and 0870 included, with the PlusNet line rental. That might be worth the extra £1.25 per month for some people.

PinkPrincess

King wrote: »

Hi Guys,

We have recently moved house from where we had virgin broadband through cable with no phone line, i am looking to get a similar setup in our new place however i have found out cable isnt available.

So my question is, do we have to get a phone line (and pay that every month) and then get a broadband package ontop of that? The reason being we wouldnt use a phone package at all and just want broadband.

I rang o2 up earlier this month and they mentioned hanging on to the end of this month as they will soon be able to provide a phone line if that helps anyone

Thanks

I'm also moving to house in an area where they have no cable lines so not sure whether to stay with Virgin and have 20mb piped down the phone line or to switch broadband provider?! Help from anyone please as I want to get broadband set up in place at my new address before I move! Thanks in advance

greencode

Just be very careful if signing up for plusnet as they appear to cap your speeds. So plusnet is perhaps okay for the occasional surfer but if you're anything like me and download a lot as well as use it for work then it's probably not the best.

At least they're honest about what speeds you can expect. Check them out here.

poppy10_2

I see plusnet are described as 'highly rated' in the latest MSE newsletter. Not sure where this is coming from, the only things plusnet are rated highly for are poor customer service, misleading speed estimates and ridiculously strict bandwidth and throttling policies that leave you unable to use your connection for anything more than light web browsing and email - you can forget gaming or even using youtube in peak hours.

greencode

poppy10 wrote: »

I see plusnet are described as 'highly rated' in the latest MSE newsletter. Not sure where this is coming from, the only things plusnet are rated highly for are poor customer service, misleading speed estimates and ridiculously strict bandwidth and throttling policies that leave you unable to use your connection for anything more than light web browsing and email - you can forget gaming or even using youtube in peak hours.

Yeah, I'm sometimes a bit dubious too about some of the comments in the newsletter. Often they recommend a company and if you then have a good hunt around the web you'll see they're poor. This is just another one of those times.

Perfedd

I wondered how many people are aware of different broadband rates in different areas as I have only just become aware of these.
There are 3 market areas(+ Hull) and an exchange is given a market number depending on how many Broadband suppliers there are in the exchange and to a lesser extent how many users.
So for example with Plusnet offer -:

Market area 3 £ 6.49 for first 3 months and £6.49 thereafter

Market areas 1 and 2 £6.49 first 3 months THEN £12.99/month !

I have no idea what proportion of the country is covered by each area.
Naturally companies advertise their rate for Market 3 area.

greencode

Perfedd wrote: »

I wondered how many people are aware of different broadband rates in different areas as I have only just become aware of these.
There are 3 market areas(+ Hull) and an exchange is given a market number depending on how many Broadband suppliers there are in the exchange and to a lesser extent how many users.
So for example with Plusnet offer -:

Market area 3 £ 6.49 for first 3 months and £6.49 thereafter

Market areas 1 and 2 £6.49 first 3 months THEN £12.99/month !

I have no idea what proportion of the country is covered by each area.
Naturally companies advertise their rate for Market 3 area.

Yep, I'm in the expensive area :sad:

crank_girl

Not sure where to add this comment but here seems close enough...

I'm just taking out a contract with Sky. Was going to move telephone and bb since it was bundled for free. Then checked out reviews of Sky bb and though better of it as it is for business use. Phoned my current service provider, 02 and explained the situation stating I was happy with their service but knew I could switch elsewhere and get cashback and a cheaper monthly cost. They offered me six months for free which works out at £6.25 per month for unlimited usage.

Cheaper than plusnet and better service (from my experience).

jig

have virgin gone tight?? ive been a customer for years and they offered no deal to stay on i have bb, tv and phone with them. I wish to continue with the phone and 50mb bb but they didnt offer me much!!