Queries About Landline Digital Uprgrades

[#1]

Hi, Can anyone explain to me what will happen when our landline is upgraded to digital ?

Will we still be able to use plusnet for our broadband and landline connection similar to what we do now, or will we have to switch to BT ?

We need to keep the landline, and we'd like to keep plusnet if possible.

Any advice will be appreciated as long as it's not too complicated for a dunce like me to understand LOL

John

[#2]

@John218 

When PSTN finally happens or PN pull the plug on phone services your internet connection will be switched to a SOGEA line (assuming FTTC) and your phone stops working.

To keep a landline service and stay with PN you need to port your number to a VOIP provider within 30 days. You can probably do this ahead of time if you so choose (by renewing your contract).

Your other choice is to move to a provider who does both internet and phone - though the phone service will be digital.

Can you post a screen image of the results of the following - hiding your personal details.

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

Brian

[#3]

Any product or supplier change now will mean you lose your "conventional" landline.

Some suppliers (BT and a few others) do a "one box" solution where you can plug a phone into the router.

Plusnet do not offer this product.

There are other ways of retaining your landline but BT is the (relatively) simple solution.

If you retain your current Plusnet product (and do any contract renewals by phone) you can keep the current arrangement for a year or two.

[#4]

You won't be able to keep the landline service as it is, with PlusNet or anyone else, after the change. To keep the landline number, you'll have to switch to VoIP. Unfortunately PlusNet aren't providing VoIP, so to stay with PlusNet, you'd have to buy an ATA (analogue telephone adapter) and go with someone else just for the VoIP part - lots here speak well of A&A, a few speak well of (and no ill) voipfone. The ATA is a box you plug your exisiting phone(s) into, which you then connect to your router, and for most practical purposes it will behave as before. (Except during a power cut.)

If you go to BT for both broadband and VoIP, you don't need to buy the ATA, as BT's router has one built in - you just move the 'phone from the 'phone socket to their router. (I don't know if that applies to other companies offering both services.)

You can also avoid buying the ATA by either buying a VoIP-compatible 'phone instead, or using just software (which limits you to making calls via your computer); I think it _may_ also be possible to configure some smartphones to use it.

[#5]

I think it _may_ also be possible to configure some smartphones to use it.

It is, you download an app such as Zoiper https://www.zoiper.com/ and configure it with your chosen voip suppliers details.

[#6]

Thanks for all of the replies from everyone, they're very much appreciated.

Can you please clarify a few points, please forgive any questions that might be obvious to you all :-

1. I've just taken out an 18 month contract with plusnet, can I stay as am until the 18 months is up ?

2. I'm currently using my phone line for my broadband, will the new digital line give me more speed either with BT or PN ?

3. At the moment I'm using plusnet for both the landline and broadband. When I go digital, can I just use BT for the landline (which seems the easiest option), and keep plusnet for broadband ?

4. If I switch both the landline and broadband to BT, is it possible to keep using my plusnet email account ? It's the email account I'd like to hang onto because it's my main account for everything I do on the internet.

Thanks in advance for your time.

John

[#7]

1. I've just taken out an 18 month contract with plusnet, can I stay as am until the 18 months is up ?

It depends what Openreach do about the PSTN switch-off date. Its currently been pushed back to 2027 so currently, the answer is yes.

2. I'm currently using my phone line for my broadband, will the new digital line give me more speed either with BT or PN ?

No, its the same physical line, unless you have FTTP (Full fibre) available.

3. At the moment I'm using plusnet for both the landline and broadband. When I go digital, can I just use BT for the landline (which seems the easiest option), and keep plusnet for broadband ?

No

4. If I switch both the landline and broadband to BT, is it possible to keep using my plusnet email account ? It's the email account I'd like to hang onto because it's my main account for everything I do on the internet.

No, if you switch to BT, your Plusnet account will be closed and your email account will be lost.

[#8]

As you will lose your email if you switch from Plusnet, perhaps the next 18 months can be used to create a 'cloud' or own domain email account and slowly update all of your contacts with the new address.

[#9]

@John218 

An image of the Checker results would help with the advice given.

You can continue as you are until either OR pull the plug on PSTN or PN pull the plug on their phone offering.

Assuming you're on FTTC the internet is supplied by fibre optic cable to a cabinet near your phone cabinet. It then uses the copper cable to complete your circuit. The same copper is used for your phone service.

I don't think any of the major suppliers do a phone only option - certainly not on PSTN. If they do it'll be digital.

If you leave PN you lose e-mail and any other add ons your have.

Brian

[#10]

Many thanks to everyone who replied to my queries, it's much appreciated.

John