New FTTP deals not yet on Comparison tool/sites - how to still get the perks?

MonSpendingExpert

FTTP has just become available here, but the options are not currently reflected on this site's comparison tool, the other comparison sites (eg Confused, GoCompare) or the Cashback sites.  How can I get the perks & cashback if I want Ultrafast?  Should I select the best option available on these sites for regular fibre, transact through one of them to secure the perks, and then upgrade to FTTP directly with that provider the next day?

HaroldWren5

MonSpendingExpert said:

FTTP has just become available here, but the options are not currently reflected on this site's comparison tool, the other comparison sites (eg Confused, GoCompare) or the Cashback sites.  How can I get the perks & cashback if I want Ultrafast?  Should I select the best option available on these sites for regular fibre, transact through one of them to secure the perks, and then upgrade to FTTP directly with that provider the next day?

Are you in an Openreach FTTP area? You could try Cuckoo. If in a CityFibre area, then Vodafone have an offer and do an Amazon voucher apparently. BT's cash back scheme doesn't seem worth it for the rumoured £50 gift card (GoCompare) given they're going to increase their price by 10% a month come March and lock people in for 24 months. I don't think the overall comparison/cashback market is as advanced for FTTP as it is for Mobile contracts right now. 

MonSpendingExpert

Thanks for this Harold.  Yes I'm in a rural Openreach FTTP area.  Got the notification that it was ready to go about 2 weeks ago.  I'll take a look at that Cuckoo offer.  Vodafone seem to have great offers when I enter my postcode, their Pro Ultrafast 200 and 500 Mbps are both on for 32 pounds per month (both guarantee 50% of the max download speed).  Since it's the Pro package it includes Intelligent WiFi Hub,Automatic 4G Broadband Back-Up,Dedicated WiFi Xperts,12 Months Free Norton 360 Premium too.  It is a 24 month contract though with a min 3.9% plus CPI increase after 12 months.  They also mention a potential 3 pound per month saving if you are a Vodafone pay monthly customer, which I am.  Agree with you on the comparison / cashback market maturity for FTTP.  

HaroldWren5

MonSpendingExpert said:

Thanks for this Harold.  Yes I'm in a rural Openreach FTTP area.  Got the notification that it was ready to go about 2 weeks ago.  I'll take a look at that Cuckoo offer.  Vodafone seem to have great offers when I enter my postcode, their Pro Ultrafast 200 and 500 Mbps are both on for 32 pounds per month (both guarantee 50% of the max download speed).  Since it's the Pro package it includes Intelligent WiFi Hub,Automatic 4G Broadband Back-Up,Dedicated WiFi Xperts,12 Months Free Norton 360 Premium too.  It is a 24 month contract though with a min 3.9% plus CPI increase after 12 months.  They also mention a potential 3 pound per month saving if you are a Vodafone pay monthly customer, which I am.  Agree with you on the comparison / cashback market maturity for FTTP.  

You're welcome. Oh that's great, so you can get FTTP! I know the happy feeling! I think more players are now entering the Openreach FTTP market so it's getting interesting. I also did think that Vodafone tend to have better offers than BT (both are 24 month contracts), and the Sky and TalkTalk prices aren't too bad with the shorter contract (18 months).

I totally get what you mean about the discount for Vodafone mobile customers. The only thing I would say is that you have the 24 month contract factor and the price increases that you mentioned (probably around 10% a month increase from March/April). I think given it's the same Openreach FTTP service, it's good to focus on customer service, flexibility with a shorter contract (to take advantage of the wholesale Openreach cost going down) and if possible fixed prices. As an example, I recall the quoted FTTP price for the same 500Mbps and 900Mbps packages at BT being considerably higher 12-18 months ago versus now (apparently around £80+ a month at that point!). So you have to consider whether the FTTP price would drop over the next 2 years. 

It's all about seeing whether the £3 discount and combined service on one bill is more advantageous, or if you can get the same FTTP line service and other services for better value and long term flexibility. The advantage of Cuckoo is the 12 month contract for the same FTTP service, and a fixed price for 12 months. Just a quick note - Norton do discounted offers for their 360 Premium service (as do other Security providers) at various times throughout the year. Currently it's £40 for one year for 10 devices. The Wifi satellites from BT (Complete Wifi) and Vodafone (Pro Broadband) as things stand are probably not worth paying a premium for at this point unless they are Triband mesh systems with dedicated backhaul which I don't think they are. They tend to only give a Wifi speed guarantee of 10Mbps. You can probably buy your own Triband Mesh system (e.g. Asus Zen XT8) that works with any provider and achieve a better network speed in your home.  

Hope this helps