Safeguarding static IP during upgrade from FTTC

[#1]

Hi all,

I am a newbie to the forum, but a long term PN customer dating back to the Force9 days. The long-anticipated day when FTTP is available to me has finally come 😍 and the only thing that worries me about making the move is the thought of possibly losing my static IP, which has also been with me a long time.

I've done some homework on here and I can see that, all being well, the static IP should stay with me, but I'm a bit nervous about it, considering that I wouldn't be able to ask for a new one any more. Anyone had any trouble with this? Is it worth calling and asking them to note the static IP when I order the upgrade, or am I just being paranoid?

My current setup: FTTC connected using a Pfsense box and a Draytek modem. Since it's already a PPPoE connection, am I right in thinking I don't need to make any setup changes at my side, just ditch the Draytek and plug into the new endpoint instead?

One more thing (sorry about the multiple questions): Considering the timing, is it worth waiting a few more days until after March 31st and thus avoid the £3 monthly increase, or is the new contract price likely to rise by that same amount anyway?

[#2 · Accepted solution]

@BarnsleyChop (1) the chance of losing your static IP on the move is close to zero - I appreciate there have been a very limited number of instances where things appear yo have gone pear-shaped, but there have been many, many more which have gone without a hitch. The static is allocated to your account, so unless something causes you to have to get a new account, you are safe.

(2) On change-over you would merely plug the Pfsense into the ONT via Ethernet.

(3) The March 31 price rise is already factored in to your contract price - which considering you are a long-time customer, you should be able to negotiate. When you are ready to make the move, do so by contacting the Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632, not via online.

[#3]

@BarnsleyChop 

As I understand it in the unlikely situation of a problem PN will look at it adn, if they can't restore your original IP they will give you a new one.

You could phone  PlusNet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 and ask for confirmation.

Brian

[#4]

Thanks for (almost) backing up my reply, @bmc .

[#5]

@jab1 & @bmc Thank you both for the quick replies and for assuaging my fears.

I'm going to order the upgrade, as soon as I've negotiated the delicate matter of surrendering the PN phone. The mother-in-law is vehemently opposed to mobiles but she can still, for the time being, reach my wife FOC using her landline because we're both on PN - awkward! Might end up waiting until PN landlines cease to exist in order to keep the peace lol.

[#6]

@BarnsleyChop When you switch to FTTP, you lose the landline. You then have 30 days to transfer your number to a VOIP supplier of your choice - plenty of advice/recommendations on the forum.

[#7]

@BarnsleyChop Before someone jumps in - do not attempt to switch you landline number to a VOIP supplier until you receive confirmation from PN that the service has gone live - in writing, as doing so could cancel your service.

i know this sounds crazy, but crazy things happen in PN Towers, 😃

[#8]

@jab1 Thanks, I am aware of that option but, unfortunately, the in-laws will still lose the ability to call us for free because we will no longer be fellow plusnet landline customers. Frustratingly, we don't actually need a landline ourselves, but we do need some sort of contact number that's cheap to call from another landline. This is all because my mother-in-law refuses point-blank to use a mobile.

Thanks also for the tip about customer options: I had to renew my contract about a month ago, before FTTP went live here, so my negotiating power is limited, to say the least. Think I'll probably just click the option as I would still get better than double my current speed for no extra cost and exponetially faster for a few quid more.

[#9]

Gotcha, @BarnsleyChop , unfortunately, I can't think of an answer to that - unless - how often does you m-i-l call? Often enough for them to take out a call-plan with PN? I don't know how much they are these days, but it could be an option?

[#10]

Thanks also for the tip about customer options: I had to renew my contract about a month ago, before FTTP went live here, so my negotiating power is limited, to say the least. Think I'll probably just click the option as I would still get better than double my current speed for no extra cost and exponetially faster for a few quid more.

OK, if you are happy with the prices, then do it that way - I understand COT aren't as 'flexible' as they used to be, anyway.

[#11]

@jab1 my wife and mother-in-law are very close so it adds up to a fair bit of usage. Good person and we get along well but also technophobic and somewhat stubborn.
I think the unlimited call package for plusnet landlines is relatively expensive. Best suggestion I've come up with so far is to do 3 rings on my wife's mobile and let her call back, which will no doubt go down like a lead balloon!

[#12]

@BarnsleyChop 

If you don't need a landline yourselves have a look at A&A for VOIP.

https://www.aa.net.uk/voice-and-mobile/voip-information/

Some work might be needed to get your phone to work with VOIP and it doesn't work in power cuts but it would allow you to receive incoming calls. Apart from the porting fee (if you want your current number) it's £1.44 a month.

I have no experience of VOIP but I gather there are Apps which allow your smart phone to receive VOIP calls. Don't know the costs involved but it would save you having to set up your current phones. Others may jump in to explain this in more detail.

As stated, you don't do anything until after your FTTP product is confirmed as up and running.

Brian

[#13]

@BarnsleyChop 

Is your MiL in receipt of any benefits such as Pension Credit?  If so she might qualify for BTs 'Home Essentials' which is priced very low and includes Internet and free calls.  If she does qualify, PN would allow her to move to BT before the end of her contract with no early termination charges.

[#14]

Thanks @RobPN, they're not struggling to pay the bills or anything and they're not on benefits. It's just that my father-in-law has been subscribed to PN for several years now and I expect he'll want to keep it that way. I have pointed out that they won't be able to use a landline phone with PN for much longer but I don't see them making any changes until forced. I'm not sure they believe me! 😂

[#15]

Order placed!
Did it over the phone and got a small discount on the monthly fee, combined with a £75 voucher, and there's no price increase until next year, so it's roughly an equivalent deal to what a new customer gets at the moment.

Now I'm just hoping and praying for ducting! We're in a relatively new build (2011) with underground line and block paving over the top. Fingers crossed for a straightforward job.

Thank you all very much for your advice.