FTTP Trial Ending

[#1]

I have been on the FTTP trial for some years (36Mb/s + Hub 1). I have been perfectly happy with the the existing setup.

I mainly use Vonage VOIP for voice (that costs around £11/month, free calls to UK landlines).

I rarely use my mobile, so I have an ASDA PAYG SIM. It only gets used for 2 factor authentication SMS and the occasional short voice connection when I am away from the house.

Yesterday I received a phone call from Plusnet to tell me the FTTP trial has ended and I have to transition to a 24month contract.

The broadband monthly cost looks about the same as I am paying now. I am told the speed will double to 72Mb/s. I assume I would need to replace the Hub1 with a Hub2 - although that was not mentioned.

I currently have fixed IP. Again that was not mentioned.

The Hub2 has a digital voice socket but Plusnet do not support this. As far as I can tell there are still no plans to offer digital voice in the future.

I was offered the option of switching to EE which does offer digital voice for a similar price. Hopefully I would be able to keep my existing phone number?

If I had digital voice, I could ditch Vonage and save around £11/month. Instead I could change my mobile ASDA PAYG SIM to a contract that includes free voice calls. The broadband digital voice would then only be used as a backup.

Right now I can see little advantage to staying with Plusnet.

[#2]

@briank 

Do your price comparison carefully, especially if you want unlimited digital phone calls

Another way to save money is to move your VoIP service to A & A and make your outgoing calls using your mobile.as suggested.

If leaving Plusnet then consider Zen. They have no mid contract price rises and their digital phone service is £6 for 17 hours per month to landlines and mobiles.

[#3]

@briank 

As @Baldrick1 consider Zen if you think your VOIP use will be more than minimal. Another advantage of Zen is that their router allows you to simply plug in your existing landline phone as the router (Fritz!box 7530AX) has a built in ATA and DECT base station) meaning no need to buy and configure a separate ATA which will also need power. The ATA within the Fritz!box can also be used for other VOIP providers but that would require configuration.

[#4]

There are always options in life.  Plusnet not offering VoIP services (along with the phone port on the Hub Two being non-functional) leaves you in no different situation than you already are - Broadband from Plusnet and voice services from elsewhere.

The fixed IP address is attached to the account so that should remain upon changing the contractual package.  The Hub One will be more than adequate for the slower FTTP services, so a switch to a Hub Two is not essential.

As for moving away or staying, do you use Plusnet's email services?  It is no longer possible to retain the use of Plusnet's email facilities after closing the broadband service.

By the sound of things, for the same price, you'll get double the speed, retain you static IP address, potentially retain use of email, but be committed for 24 months.  That still leaves you with options on changing your VoIP provider - I am certain that there are better deals out there.

EDIT: The others type faster than me!

[#5]

@briank 

All good things must come to an end.

Nothing wil change unless you want it to. I believe the Hub1 will continue to work so you'll not notice anything different apart from the increased speed and the 24 month contract. A Hub2 would be available for £6.99 P&P so is probably worth - even as a backup up.

Do you use PN email - that goes if you move.

As advised, if you're moving then look at other ISP's and check costs carefully.

You could phone PlusNet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 to see if shorter contracts are available.

Brian

[#6]

Plusnet does have good customer support and the community forum is really helpful when you have technical issues, so I will probably stay, despite the lack of a digital voice offering.

I have only experienced one serious outage in all the years I have been on the Plusnet FTTP trial.

That was down to some local network fault in Milton Keynes that also affected many non Plusnet customers.

From my recent investigations, alternative broadband suppliers have tempting reduced prices for new customers but after a year or so, the difference looks minimal. Many also have dubious customer service reviews.