topic Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do in Plusnet Feedback

Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

henbane — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 12:15:47 GMT

New Years suggestion:
Just wondered if PlusNet have considered teaming up with Fon as BT have been doing for some years. Would give plusnet broadband users access to a wide WiFi network not just in the UK but also abroad.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

orbrey — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 13:38:45 GMT

Hi, we did offer Openzone access a couple of years back (I forget how long) but it didn't really take off unfortunately so isn't really something we'll rush back to. If there's more interest shown though then it might well be given more serious consideration.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

gswindale — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:15:00 GMT

Hi Matt,
This is a good suggestion - particularly with the fact that more people now have WIFI enabled smart phones/tablets etc than they did when the Openzone access was available (I was still working in the town I live in then which dates it back 7+ years now!).

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

Apprentice — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:24:07 GMT

+3
I agree that it is a good suggestion as there are now far more portable devices available that can make use of Wi-Fi

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

HairyMcbiker — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:41:19 GMT

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

Finguz — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 19:36:42 GMT

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

quelquod — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 19:53:24 GMT

And another vote.
Like most other folk I have several portable wireless devices nowadays and I always have at least 1 with me when I'm out.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

w23 — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 19:55:04 GMT

I also generally like this idea.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

Mayfly — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 20:08:14 GMT

and me.....

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

DaveyH — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 20:12:31 GMT

-1
Don't need or want it.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

TORPC — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:47:09 GMT

Heres my +10 vote
This is a great idea and hope many a person on PN will see the benefits of

Quote from: Matt
Hi, we did offer Openzone access a couple of years back (I forget how long) but it didn't really take off unfortunately so isn't really something we'll rush back to. If there's more interest shown though then it might well be given more serious consideration.

Lets hope this will take off and go viral

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

pint — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 00:09:34 GMT

I bought a Fonera a a few years ago, and its probably the best thing that appears to do nothing that I have bought, highlights so far include:
Being able to use a broadband wifi connection as a backup when some BT openreach people made a mess of a phone cabinet, breaking the door and fixing it with plastic bags whilst instaling some new fibre cabinets this resulted in a noisy line and unusuable broadband especialy after it rained ( see attached image)
Whilst being abroad being able to connect to Fon via a mobile and use skype /internet without roaming costs
being elsewhere and avoiding data charges.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

jmcgarrigle — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 06:15:22 GMT

Add at least 3 votes from me and other colleagues on Plusnet! The one thing we miss since moving from BT...

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

itsme — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 06:58:01 GMT

Quote from: Matt
Hi, we did offer Openzone access a couple of years back (I forget how long) but it didn't really take off unfortunately so isn't really something we'll rush back to. If there's more interest shown though then it might well be given more serious consideration.

There is one major difference Openzone offered by Plusnet was either a subscription or pay as you go. Fon/BTFON is free for BT or Fon users. I also have a Fonera for many years and I use Fon hotspots nearly on a daily basis and was using them in France over the Christmas period.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

pjmarsh — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 08:33:38 GMT

itsme, Openzone was free with broadband accounts. This gets my vote as I used Openzone quite a bit when it was offered.
Phil

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

ffox — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 09:52:11 GMT

2 more votes from this household.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

glloyd — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 10:14:25 GMT

And another

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

Jaggies — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 10:16:02 GMT

I would certainly use it if it became available, although a number of places I frequent nowadays do free WiFi.

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

PeeGee — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 11:36:09 GMT

+1 ... because:
I would probably use it, if available, but it's not a "must have" and would it mean using a "Plusnet" router or purchasing a Fonera (to share your connexion) to get access? If the latter, what's the benefit over getting a Fonera Simpl (or it's "not yet available" replacement)?
I have looked at the facility, but haven't found an App that doesn't require a BT login (though FON imply it can be done) and it's not usually available where I holiday abroad (the more likely usage area).

Re: Have PlusNet considered teaming up with Fon like BT do

orbrey — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 12:57:42 GMT

We've not looked into it enough to be able to advise on hardware I'm afraid.