Different Phone and ISP Providers

[#1]

I have a relative whose internet (ADSL) is with Plusnet and phone service is with BT. He's not been moved to BT Digital Voice.

The question is, will BT automatically move him to their digital voice product and leave his internet with Plusnet?

If not, what is the best way to resolve this? He would want to keep his existing landline number.

I think changing his broadband (with Plusnet) to SoGEA, would cancel his landline number. If so, could we ask A&A to take over his ceased landline number? I am assuming he would need to be out of any landline contract with BT to do this.

Thanks for your help.

[#2]

You’ve got a good summary of the situation.

BT doing a forced move if the voice service to Digital Voice will cease the Plusnet broadband and close the account. That could give rise to ETC costs and the loss of email services.

The alternative to keep control of matters would be to switch to SOGEA which will also terminate the voice service. The phone number is then quarantined for 30 days during which it can be ported to any VoIP provider. That strategy avoids ETCs and keeps any email services associated with the account.

[#3]

@Schiehallion 

Has your relative checked recently what's available at their address.

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

It's not SOGEA they'll go onto (unless FTTC is available). I think the product is called SOADSL.

Brian

[#4]

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@Townman wrote:
You’ve got a good summary of the situation.

BT doing a forced move if the voice service to Digital Voice will cease the Plusnet broadband and close the account. That could give rise to ETC costs and the loss of email services.

The alternative to keep control of matters would be to switch to SOGEA which will also terminate the voice service. The phone number is then quarantined for 30 days during which it can be ported to any VoIP provider. That strategy avoids ETCs and keeps any email services associated with the account.

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@Townman 

Thanks. He doesn't use Plusnet email. I'll need to see what he wants to do. I'll need to see if he's still in contract with BT for his landline, that could be an issue.

Is it an option to phone Plusnet to get them to move him to BT for internet, so he could get BT Digital Voice? Or is that likely to horribly wrong?

Thanks.

[#5]

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@bmc wrote:

@Schiehallion 

Has your relative checked recently what's available at their address.

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

It's not SOGEA they'll go onto (unless FTTC is available). I think the product is called SOADSL.

Brian

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@bmc 

FTTC is available (FTTP isn't). Would make sense to go for SoGEA at this point.

Thanks.

[#6]

If BT (or EE) broadband and Digital Voice is an acceptable option, initiating that via Plusnet (NOT direct) will move everything (except email etc) over to them without the penalty of ETCs.

[#7]

@Schiehallion your relative is exactly where I was earlier this year, though I was "out of contract" with both BT and PlusNet.

In the end (as documented several times on this forum) with no FTTP available now or in the near future I chose to:

1. Install a brand new SOGEA FTTC line (with PlusNet). New master socket in a better location.

2. Open an account with A&A with a temporary/additional local (same exchange) number. Acquired and set up suitable phones.

3. Once the new FTTC line was working reliably I cancelled my PlusNet ADSL contract then transferred my BT phone number to A&A.

4. That transfer was quick and easy and terminated my BT line and contract, though it still has dial tone (and a different non-working number).

[#8]

Is it an option to phone Plusnet to get them to move him to BT for internet, so he could get BT Digital Voice?

BT (retail) are now being positioned as a business supplier only. If you ask Plusnet, they will almost certainly offer a move to EE for broadband and digital voice. Since the line is currently with BT that, I suspect, will add some complexity to the transfer.

[#9]

@Schiehallion 

If you change the product you have no choice but to go to SOGEA - nothing else will be offered.

Brian

[#10]

@Schiehallion, I don't suppose your relative is eligible for a social tariff? If they are then they could swap broadband to BT with Digital Voice and save money too. I moved a relative to a BT social tariff and that has worked out well for them.