Thinking of changing to Plusnet but...

PeskyBlunder

Currently paying an eye-watering amount to BT for broadband (about 28-30 Mbps download speed) and unlimited phone so I was thinking of changing to Plusnet. However, when I go to the Plusnet website and check what's available I get shown two "Unlimited Fibre" packages for 2 different contract lengths *if* I don't tell them my existing phone number. If I tell them our phone number it just presents me with a single "Unlimited Broadband" package for 2 different contract lengths and a disappointing download speed of 4-9 Mbps. I know I probably need to ring them but is their web site just broken somehow or is our landline really problematic? BT didn't seem very keen on giving me a better offer so I thought if I set the ball rolling of changing providers that might persuade them to make me a better offer but I don't want to cut my nose off to spite my face if I end up with a low download speed.

grumbler

PeskyBlunder said:

Currently paying an eye-watering amount to BT for broadband (about 28-30 Mbps download speed) and unlimited phone ...

Unlimited mobile minutes cost about £5 p.m. I think this is cheaper than the same for landline.

iniltous

It could be the ‘fibre cabinet’ your address is fed from is ‘waiting list’ , that means no currently spare ports in the cabinet , so only exchange based ADSL is available, hence the lower speed 
Check it at 

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL
use your phone number if not on BT Digital Voice , otherwise use your address

PeskyBlunder

iniltous said:

It could be the ‘fibre cabinet’ your address is fed from is ‘waiting list’ , that means no currently spare ports in the cabinet , so only exchange based ADSL is available, hence the lower speed 
Check it at 

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL
use your phone number if not on BT Digital Voice , otherwise use your address

I did have a look at this link previously but had trouble interpreting it to be honest. When I gave it our phone number last night there was no mention of VDSL at the top; I've tried it just now and it suggests that it is available. Can it just change like that?

I've also just tried Plusnet web page and now it suggests I can get "Unlimited Fibre". All very strange IMHO. In any case, I've now just signed up for Plusnet because they quote the minimum speed as being something I can live with.

I've also just had a call from EE (another provider I had looked at) and they confirmed that they could only provide ADSL speeds on our line but couldn't suggest why that might be the case.

(Just to add to the mix, BRSK are currently in our area putting in fibre so it looks like FTTP should be available soon.)

BUFF

when is your changeover date?
Remember that BT/Plusnet prices will shortly be subject to the annual CPI+3.9% (~14%) uplift & it is not impossible that new deals after the price supplement is imposed will be lower than the current deal+14%.

PeskyBlunder

BUFF said:

when is your changeover date?
Remember that BT/Plusnet prices will shortly be subject to the annual CPI+3.9% (~14%) uplift & it is not impossible that new deals after the price supplement is imposed will be lower than the current deal+14%.

It's mid-February - thanks for your concern but I just want to get this done now that I've grasped this nettle after months of procrastination on my part!

MarzipanCrumble

Register with OpenReach expressing interest in FTTP.  OpenReach will email when it has been activated in your area i.e. when you can contact a provider to actually get it.  Also providers will suddenly send snailmail telling you that it is available for you.