Split phone number (move to VoIP) from broadband

[#1]

I have poured through many threads, but still have some confusion :)!

Phone and FTTC broadband package renewal is due early Feb (not mine, but elderly mother-in-law), but I want to take this opportunity to separate the phone - not least because PN won't offer phone packages in future. PN have offered an upgrade to FTTP, or could probably stick with FTTC (to avoid BT OpenReach visiting the MIL).

So, if I renew a broadband package only, will that automatically release the phone line/number for me to port in to a VoIP provider, or must I change her connection to fibre to release the LL number?

[#2]

@aks100 

Have a look at the following for your MIL's address (use Address version if you don't know the number).

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

Is VDSL shown with SOGEA to the right? If uncertain post a screen image of the results (after hiding details) including the narrative below the window and Members can advise.

Brian

[#3]

Deleted - @bmc replied with a better answer.

[#4]

Here is the info:

[#5]

@aks100 

Thanks for the information.

It appears your MIL can transfer onto a SOGEA line which is internet only. If this option is chosen then you would look to port the number out after the change (you have 30 days to do so but it's better done sooner rather than later).

Couple of things about FFTP from the results. The Exchange isn't a Priority Exchange which allows the transfer to SOGEA. If FTTP is ever chosen there's a possible line of sight issue on the O/H line.

Brian

[#6]

Thanks Brian, would SoGEA be automatic if I renew for BB only, or do I risk it not being SoGEA?

The renal system is recommending switching to Full Fibre, which might be my safest option, even if they can't complete it somehow, so long as I can extract the number.

[#7]

@aks100 

Are you an authorised person on her account? If not PN won't speak to you.

I think your MIL (with you present if possible) should phone the PlusNet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 to confirm what's available. It may be SOGEA is only available by phone.

Brian

[#8]

@aks100  Old fashioned FTTC with phone is no longer available as shown in the checker so you would definitely get SOGEA.

[#9]

@RealAleMadrid 

It is showing on the Checker (see post #4) - it's the PN website that won't show it.

Brian

[#10]

Thanks, yes I am authorised on her account - but I can also do a 3-way call from my mobile if necessary.

To be honest, I'm wondering if starting a brand new full fibre broadband connection (in parallel) would allow her to benefit from the new customer bonus (£50 reward) 😀?

[#11]

It's what she has today, so I assume (maybe incorrectly) a simple renewal minus her current unlimited call package would not change anything about her connection, hence my concern.

[#12]

A 'renewal' is likely to be a continuation of the existing FTTC (VDSL + landline phone)

whereas an 'upgrade' or 'product change' would convert the FTTC to SoGEA (without phone)

[#13]

@aks100 

As you are authorised on the account I would speak to COT to see what the options are and get prices. You could -

Renew as is (internet & phone) to buy time.

Change to a SOGEA line with immediate move to VOIP afterwards

Set up a new account and order FTTP

Does your MIL use PN email or have any other add ons on her account? These would be lost by going down the new route. When ordering FTTP on a new account I believe there io an option to keep existing connection. This must be selected.

You can set a VOIP account up in advance to see that it works (with a temporary number I believe). As soon as FTTP is installed you can port the telephone number on the old account which will "cease" the account. She'd be paying two bills for a while. If I remember she's close to the end of her contract so little fall out from the account closure.

Brian

[#14]

---

@bmc wrote:

You can set a VOIP account up in advance to see that it works (with a temporary number I believe).

When I ported my landline number to A&A VoIP, I wasn't offered a temporary phone number (while I waited two weeks for the landline number port), however immediately following A&A verifying my bank details, I was emailed my account login, and VoIP internet connection details.  Within minutes I had my Gigaset VoIP DECT base configured, and it was obvious from the Gigaset status, and from the A&A equivalent of the "Member Centre" status, that my VoIP connection and equipment was registered and working (without having a phone number assigned).

I guess if you wanted to experiment with a temporary number to test that VoIP works BEFORE attempting to port your landline number, then you could pay the couple of pounds for one month use of a real number.

If you are already on FTTC or FTTP, I'm not sure that it is worth the extra step of pre-testing whether VoIP works before doing a number port, as the configuration is pretty straight forward (unless you are technophobic).  It probably is worth pre-testing VoIP if your ongoing broadband connection is ADSL (<0.7Mbps upload speed), or using mobile data in a poor reception area,  but even then I didn't have any troubles with using Plusnet (Gradwell) VoIP from 2013 to 2015, when my ADSL connection was as slow as 6.8/0.7Mbps and using QoS VoIP traffic prioritisation on my router.

[#15]

Thanks both, I already orgered a Gigaset N300A and handset package, which arrived today. I tested on my own 'Sipgate' account (that's an old free one, no longer available), and everything works fine - including adding existing Panasonic DECT phones to the N300A base. So far, so good.

Next I need to tackle the broadband change, which I'll attempt today. I'm inclined to start a new account/package for FTTP, and then port her existing LL number to A&A once that's up and running. Of course, she'll gave a bit of phone downtime, but hopefully this is a once and final change.

No other services are used or required from PN, i.e. no email with PN.