Does this sound 'safe' to swap?

sparrer

This may sound confusing so I apologise for not being a technical old bird. Fed up with Virgin constantly increasing prices I'm looking into alternatives for broadband, landline and television.

I'm interested in Freeview television and happy with the channels it offers, I've been assured I don't need an outdoor aerial and a Bush indoor one has been recommended. This would cost me £43 for total set-up fees then nothing more to pay.

I'm also looking at John Lewis 10mb broadband and phone at a monthly cost of under £17 with free evening/weekend calls. I use the internet for emails, writing/sending newsletters, social media etc.

I've been paying Virgin £73 for broadband, weekend only calls and 'fun' television package. I called them to cancel, they've called me back and offered £55 for the same package.

I'm just not sure that the companies I'm looking at are as secure as any can be, I don't want to make a very expensive mistake. I'd be very grateful for any words of wisdom/warning about the above.
Thank you for reading

[Deleted User]

sparrer wrote: »

This may sound confusing so I apologise for not being a technical old bird. Fed up with Virgin constantly increasing prices I'm looking into alternatives for broadband, landline and television.

I'm interested in Freeview television and happy with the channels it offers, I've been assured I don't need an outdoor aerial and a Bush indoor one has been recommended. This would cost me £43 for total set-up fees then nothing more to pay.

I'm also looking at John Lewis 10mb broadband and phone at a monthly cost of under £17 with free evening/weekend calls. I use the internet for emails, writing/sending newsletters, social media etc.

I've been paying Virgin £73 for broadband, weekend only calls and 'fun' television package. I called them to cancel, they've called me back and offered £55 for the same package.

I'm just not sure that the companies I'm looking at are as secure as any can be, I don't want to make a very expensive mistake. I'd be very grateful for any words of wisdom/warning about the above.
Thank you for reading

I'm just not sure that the companies I'm looking at are as secure as any can be

What does the above actually mean?

You would need to be very fortunate in your location to use an indoor aerial and to get full (or even any) reception on Freeview. Have a look at the following and check the coverage checker, it'll give you an idea of what you need.

http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/operations/about_the_coverage_checker

John Lewis have a poor reputation for customer care but of course if everything works as it should you'll never need them. Do you know if what speed you'll get on ADSL?

[Deleted User]

If ADSL is fast enough for you then I'd consider using NowTV at £18 a month with free Any Time Calls. (no cashback or vouchers to chase up, just a straight £18). Their fibre is £25 a month with the same calls package.

JJ_Egan

<I'm just not sure that the companies I'm looking at are as secure as any can be,.>


What does that mean ??


JL broadband is resold Plusnet .

sparrer

'I'm just not sure that the companies I'm looking at are as secure as any can be' - as I'd not heard of John Lewis with regard to broadband and phone I was wondering if others had and what experience they had of them. I have heard of Plusnet but know nothing about them.

I've a couple of friends in my town who have indoor aerials with Freeview and seem to be very happy with the reception. Rather than having to pay for an outdoor aerial I plan to try the indoor one first. If it doesn't get a good reception at least I've tried to save a few pennies.

Thank you for your replies.

almillar

I'm interested in Freeview television and happy with the channels it offers, I've been assured I don't need an outdoor aerial and a Bush indoor one has been recommended. This would cost me £43 for total set-up fees then nothing more to pay.

'Friends in town' mightn't be good enough. If it's a neighbour, they're likely right.

sparrer

almillar wrote: »

'Friends in town' mightn't be good enough. If it's a neighbour, they're likely right.

almillar I do understand that, but as money is a consideration I can only try before I pay out for an outdoor aerial.
Thank you for your reply.

JJ_Egan

Still dont understand SECURE You must have heard of John Lewis .


However JL sells Plusnet BB under the JL brand . Two steps for problems as JL will pass to Plusnet.


Plusnet are part of BT group .
Sky are the other major provider .


VM is only supplied via VM own pipeline infrastucture .
Other ISPs use the BT Open Reach pipeline .

Rodders53

sparrer wrote: »

I'm interested in Freeview television and happy with the channels it offers, I've been assured I don't need an outdoor aerial and a Bush indoor one has been recommended. This would cost me £43 for total set-up fees then nothing more to pay.

Assured by whom? The UK UHF TV transmitter is designed around the use of external, directional, aerials at 10 metres above the ground.

Not many can get away with room aerials, and fewer still on the ground floor.

https://www.aerialsandtv.com/set-top-aerials.html
and
https://www.aerialsandtv.com/atvschoiceofaerials.html
are worth reading.

Simple enough to borrow a friends set top aerial to use in your home for a bit though?

If you buy an aerial why not get one that could be located in the loft or outside in the end... e.g. a small log periodic. Then the money isn't necessarily wasted.

sparrer

JJ Egan Indeed I have heard of John Lewis, but my query was as follows -

[I'd not heard of John Lewis with regard to broadband and phone]

Rodders53 The indoor aerial is due to arrive tomorrow, I'll give it a try and if it's not good I'll look into the one you suggested. Thank you for the tip.

JJ_Egan

You are with VM if out of contract tell them you are leaving and wait for offers .