Switching Questions

CurlySue2017

I am looking into switching our BB supplier to a cheaper provider but this is all new to me and I have some questions (they may seem pretty basic - apologies in advance)

Currenly with BT out of contract paying an eye-watering sum per month for Fibre BB and a landline:

Am I right in thinking that speeds will be pretty much the same among providers using Openreach?

Is there any down time while the switch takes place? (only an issue as I'm currently working from home)

We pay for fibre, however inside the house, the cable is connected through a little white box that says "ADSL" on it and the landline phone plugs into the same box - is that right?

I'm not worried about losing the landline number, we never use it anyway it is just part of the package

Thanks for any input

littleboo

1) yes broadly the same speeds if using the same product
2) should be minimal downtime, unplug old router, plug in new
3) yes, you have FTTC which is copper between you and the cabinet
Have you tried phoning BT to ask them what they can offer on price?

CurlySue2017

Thank you

I haven't tried phoning them no.  To be honest when I started the contract with them they were atrocious to deal with so as long as everything has been working, I have avoided talking to them at all costs.  Perhaps I will try that though, after all it's been a while so they may have gottten better!

Lets say I did manage to get them to agree a new deal - would the call be enough or is it standard practice to ask them to put the new deal in writing?  I do not trust them, simple as that.  But I am also aware that I am massively out of touch with switching so have no idea what the 'done thing' is.

Neil49

An easy switch would be to Plusnet as they are owned by BT but generally cheaper.

An added bonus is getting cashback from Quidco 

CurlySue2017

It was actually Plusnet that I was looking at switching to so will take a look

I'm also going to call BT to see if there is anything they can offer in terms of a better deal

JJ_Egan

You need to give them a reason . IE xx ISP shows the same sort of deal at ££.

Out of contract will be a silly price .

mac.d

Just tell BT when you phone them you are going to move to Plusnet for either Fibre 36mb at £22.99 or the Fibre Extra at £26.99 a month, and want to see if they can offer you anything similar to that before you switch. Be prepared just to switch away from them though. Sub £30 should be achievable as BT are currently offering new customers £28.99 deals, although they are 24-month contracts while Plusnet's is 18-months. 

CurlySue2017

Yes out of contract is a very silly price!! 

This is what I have done - gone on the comparison sites and found offers elsewhere so that I can call BT and say exactly as mac.d says above.  If I can get it sub £30 that would be great.

To be honest I am prepared to switch if needs be and I'm not too bothered about the length of contract either, my worry with switching at the moment is the fact that I am working from home, so any interruption would be a huge pain.

JJ_Egan

PN  should not be a problem.

Be aware that they may not allow business use .

trickydicky14

I was just about to ring plusnet as my contract ends this month, rang EE my current provider to check contract date and have been given 35mb, weekend calls and 18month contact all for £20 a month.
That made my day.