End of broadband contract, no landline

[#1]

My contract is coming to an end so I'll be forced to find a VoIP provider. Anyone have any recommendations for a provider that would let me keep my number? I know there seems to be a lot to choose from but that;s the issue, picking one that's well reasonably priced and has a good reputation for service.

Thanks in advance.

[#2]

@westcoaster 

If you phone PN you can (for the time being) recontract "as is" and keep your phone.

However, as I suspect you know, you will have to move your phone service to VOIP at some point. You can keep your phone number. Whatever you do, don't try moving the phone untail you've sorted your internet out. You need to move to what's called a SOGEA connection (assuming Full Fibre isn't available) and then you have 30 days to port the number.

The choice of VOIP may well depend on your current phone usage. Do you have any house or care alarms connected?

You could also conside moving to an ISP who does both internet and phone (VOIP). Easiest option but you would lose and PN email and other add ons you may have.

Brian

[#3]

@westcoaster 

Unless there's been a very recent policy change you will not be forced to find a VoIP provider. If you ring the Plusnet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 they should offer to renew your current contract, including the phone service. This will be terminated at some time before January 2027, when indeed you will have to move to a VoIP service if you wish to keep your landline telephone number.

Recommendations for a VoIP provider depends on whether or not you want to pay for calls as you go or whether you want an inclusive calls package.

Edit

@bmc types faster than me.

[#4]

Thanks @bmc and @Baldrick1. I don't have any alarms or anything on the phone line and I would want an all inclusive package (well, my wife does).
I thought I may as well move to VoIP when I need to do it sometime anyway and get it over with.
I thought there would be better deals than moving broadband and VoIP to BT.

[#5]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Broadband to My Account / Billing

[#6]

@westcoaster 

Do you have gtood mobile phone coverage? If you do, many people use their mobile for out going calls and just keep their number for old times sake and the few people who still use it.

I usually recommend having a look at A&A - £15 to port (I believe) and £1.44 a month. However they have no call package and you need to set up your own equipment.

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

Moving to an ISP who does both is the easier solution but you lose PN email and and other add ons you may have. Zen Internet is worth looking at if this is an option.

Finally, remember VOIP doesn't work during power cuts.

Brian

[#7]

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@westcoaster wrote:
. I don't have any alarms or anything on the phone line and I would want an all inclusive package (well, my wife does).

---

As stated, Plusnet are not offering the phone element.
If by all inclusive package you mean internet, VoIP and calls, then do look at Zen. They have no mid contract price rises and you get up to 1000 mins to landlines/mobiles for £6 per month.

When comparing costs with BT/EE total up the overall package.

[#8]

@westcoaster if you're looking for a third-party voip package with included calls, then I've seen at least one reference to Phonely https://www.phonely.co.uk/plans on the forum. I've no experience of them but on paper their plans look reasonable and if you pay annually they'll supply an ATA foc.

[#9]

I'll have a look at phonely and aa and see what packages they have. Unless I'm saving a good few quid, I may just go for BT to make life a lot easier.
Thanks for all the replies, it's given me something to look into.

[#10]

@westcoaster 

Given you'd be moving at the end of your contract I would seriously look at Zen before BT / EE.

As I understand things they have a far better router and, possibly relevent to you, a built in DECT base station.

Brian

[#11]

Will do Brian, I've got a few options now. 👍
I've heard Zen Internet has a good reputation, sounds like a very good option