Downgrading from FTTC/Fibre to ADSL

luci

[FONT=&quot]I switched from Sky ADSL (8-9Mbps) to BT Superfast Fibre at the end of May after being tempted by an offer I saw on MSE. I am only getting 23Mbps according to the Smart Hub, instead of the Guaranteed Minimum of 45Mbps. An engineer visited last week and found that most of the connection from the box to the property is aluminium. BT have agreed I can leave my contract, but that just seems to be start of my problems rather than the end. I believe it should be possible to switch back from Fibre / FTTC to ADSL, but the only posts I’ve found via Google are from a few years ago. I would appreciate any help, suggestions or advice on where to go from here.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]If I put my postcode into any comparison site and choose ADSL, BT, Sky, Plusnet and NowTV are among the options available. However when I go to the provider’s website and enter my details, only fibre options show as available due to the existing line now being fibre.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Even before I switched to fibre, I tried to get the Plusnet offer that often pops up in the MSE email. Despite being available to “99% of the population”, it was not available for my postcode, despite living in a large town and not a rural area. Neither Plusnet nor BB Unbundled could explain why.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I would like to take advantage of cashback from TCB or Quidco, but can’t do that if I have to phone the provider. The discounted rate I had with Sky wasn’t brilliant, but it may have been better than anything I seem to be able to get now.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Sky, Talk Talk and Vodafone LLU are available at my exchange.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I am envisaging problems trying to persuade a new provider to switch me back from fibre to ADSL. I don’t want to be stuck in an expensive ADSL contract with BT if they switch me back.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I would appreciate any help as I feel as if I am going round in circles.[/FONT]

Neil_Jones

It can be done but you probably wont be able to do it online.

A lot of line speeds (ADSL and Fibre) are dependent on external factors such as between your home and the exchange. There may not be a lot that can be done regardless of the provider because they all use the same infrastructure.

If Virgin's available in your area that will probably give you a major boost but it may be more expensive.

luci

Neil_Jones wrote: »

It can be done but you probably wont be able to do it online.

A lot of line speeds (ADSL and Fibre) are dependent on external factors such as between your home and the exchange. There may not be a lot that can be done regardless of the provider because they all use the same infrastructure.

If Virgin's available in your area that will probably give you a major boost but it may be more expensive.

Thanks for your reply.

As I mentioned in my post, most of the line from the cabinet to the property is aluminium, which severely impacts the speed. For this reason, I might as well be on ADSL. Virgin is not available in my area.

I guess I am trying to find the best way to go back to ADSL and also get a good deal on it. It's bad enough having to accept slow speeds, but a double blow not to be able to take advantage of offers available to others and pay full price for it.

Takmon

luci wrote: »

Thanks for your reply.

As I mentioned in my post, most of the line from the cabinet to the property is aluminium, which severely impacts the speed. For this reason, I might as well be on ADSL. Virgin is not available in my area.

I guess I am trying to find the best way to go back to ADSL and also get a good deal on it. It's bad enough having to accept slow speeds, but a double blow not to be able to take advantage of offers available to others and pay full price for it.

But your still getting double the speed on Fibre compared to ADSL, plus even on an aluminium line the Fibre connection to the cabinet will mean a lower latency and generally a more reliable connection.

The difference between 8 Mbps and 23 Mbps will also mean a much better streaming experience if you use services like that.

If you actually find the best Fibre deals they arn't actually much more expensive than ADSL (only a couple of pounds per month). So i think you should look at getting the best deal rather than going back to ADSL.

luci

Takmon wrote: »

But your still getting double the speed on Fibre compared to ADSL, plus even on an aluminium line the Fibre connection to the cabinet will mean a lower latency and generally a more reliable connection.

The difference between 8 Mbps and 23 Mbps will also mean a much better streaming experience if you use services like that.

If you actually find the best Fibre deals they arn't actually much more expensive than ADSL (only a couple of pounds per month). So i think you should look at getting the best deal rather than going back to ADSL.

Thanks for your reply.

I don't actually notice any difference in the speed as it is only used for general browsing and the occasional YouTube video. It is definitely not a more reliable connection. There are frequent drop outs on all devices including a mobile in the same room as the hub. Drop outs on ADSL were very, very rare.

Yes I have seen there is minimal difference in the cost of ADSL v Fibre. I was hoping to get one of the deals I often see for ADSL of £11/month or less, as that seems a more realistic price for the speed I can get compared to the deals that others get. That is looking unlikely if I am unable to switch online and need to call the ISPs.

JJ_Egan

Mobile drop outs are wifi problem usually .

luci

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Mobile drop outs are wifi problem usually .

Would that be a problem with the actual Smart Hub?

The drop outs are on all devices, including a desktop that is hardwired to the hub.

[Deleted User]

I moved from Plusnet Fibre to Sky ADSL a few years back. I just signed up to Sky ADSL online and it went smoothly. It might be worth checking which options Sky and Now Broadband offer during the signup process (not necessarily signing up).

luci

anactuary wrote: »

I moved from Plusnet Fibre to Sky ADSL a few years back. I just signed up to Sky ADSL online and it went smoothly. It might be worth checking which options Sky and Now Broadband offer during the signup process (not necessarily signing up).

I have been trying the Sky website for the past few days, but regardless of whether I am signed in or not signed in, I get an error message asking me to call them. That is not even at the order stage, but as soon as I click "Get Started".

Sorry but we are having technical difficulties

[FONT=&quot]Unfortunately, we have not been able to proceed with your order. Please try again or call 0333 759 5184.
[/FONT]

luci

I also tried NowTV, and despite selecting Brilliant Broadband (ADSL), when I enter my postcode the only results are for Fab Fibre and Super Fibre. At the left where the Brilliant BB should be it says "Unavailable".

[Deleted User]

Have a look at the Samknows broadband availability checker at https://availability.samknows.com/broadband/broadband_checker

It tells you what services are available at your exchange. Post the results if it helps (remove any personal info).