Activation date - WFH concerns

[#1]

Hi all,

I have just signed up to Plusnet and have my activation date set as this coming Wednesday, however, I’ve had the email saying that it could be anytime up to midnight for the activation to occur.

Does this mean I will likely have time without Broadband, or would the switch between providers be managed in such a way that one would fail and the other pick up? (I could run both routers if that was the case).

I WFH a fair bit, so wondered if anyone had knowledge of how smooth the process runs on the day and/or if I’d be better booking it in for a day when I’m in the office or on leave? (To avoid stress…!)

[#2]

Hey @TwoFingerTyper welcome to the forums!

"Does this mean I will likely have time without Broadband, or would the switch between providers be managed in such a way that one would fail and the other pick up? (I could run both routers if that was the case)."

Typically, when we take over a line from another company, your account with them will close once our order is complete. This means there will be little downtime between setting up the router. We advise you to wait until you receive confirmation that your account is live before setting up our router.

I completely understand your concerns about the process. However, the switchover is quite straightforward. I hope this helps!
 

[#3]

Brilliant - thank you. 

So for the change over day I should continue with my existing connection, and then when I get a message from you I should set up the new router to complete the 'switch'? 

Appreciate that there may be some down time, I am just trying to make sure it has as little impact as possible! 

[#4]

@TwoFingerTyper 

Again, welcome.

The changeover is a combination of activities involving both Openreach and Plusnet. Hopefully all will go smoothly for you but just be aware that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

[#5]

I have just signed up to Plusnet and have my activation date set as this coming Wednesday, 

@TwoFingerTyper I'm guessing from that, that its a migration from an existing FTTP connection , is that correct ?

[#6]

Sorry it’s FTTC (fibre to cabinet, not direct to property - that’s only just starting to reach my location and isn’t tried and tested yet).

[#7]

That lead time sounds a bit too quick for an FTTC migration or install ?.

If its a migration from another ISP then there's a mandatory 10 day anti-slamming period. If its a new install then it will need an Openreach engineer appt which will likely be at least 10 days...

That's why I thought it was an FTTP install where there was an existing ONT. That would be a remote activation requiring no engineer

Have you been given a committed date or is it just an estimated/requested date ?

[#8]

Maybe I’m confusing my terminology…

Basically I have an existing connection and I am switching ISP and using the same connection technology. I’ve had the comms from PlusNet around the date asked but not sure if that means it’s fully confirmed or not.

[#9]

Have you had a 'sorry you are leaving' from your current ISP ?

[#10]

Yes - I think it’s all fairly finalised, which is why I was surprised when you referenced a 10 day period.

[#11]

Maybe I'm out-of-date and the new OTS (One touch switching) does away with the anti-slamming delay.

Lets hope everything goes smoothly for you.

[#12]

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@TwoFingerTyper wrote:
Sorry it’s FTTC (fibre to cabinet, not direct to property - that’s only just starting to reach my location and isn’t tried and tested yet).

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Full Fibre is most certainly "tried and tested". I've been on it since early 2018.

If you're interested in it then PN will upgrade your connection at any time - the cost being a new contract. Using the Checker you'd be looking for WBC FTTP in the left hand window and Available over to the right. There will also be a narrative below the results window about the install.

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

Brian

[#13]

Sorry! For full fibre I meant in my location, where it’s currently being rolled out (with teething issues) by one provider only.

I’ve had it in other places, but it’s new technology to these more rural lands…

[#14]

My most recent migration in completed at 7am. When I migrated in a couple of years previously, my Sky connection went down at 8am, my PN connection didn't go live until 10.30pm. So the letter is right in that it can go live at any time. You may need to tether from your mobile if you are reliant on the connection.

Mark

[#15]

@TwoFingerTyper 

Is it OpenReach doing the install or one of the AltNets?

If the latter you'd need to leave PN to get the service (or run 2 internet accounts).

Brian