"It's time to go broadband only" - email from PlusNet

[#1]

I am on FTTC and my current package is "Unlimited Fibre inc. Line rental". I just got this email:

The UK is upgrading to a digital network, replacing older landline technology. Your current broadband and home phone service won’t work after The Digital Switchover, so it’s time to make the move to one that will. We’ll guide you through your options to stay connected.

If your home phone isn't getting much use, we can keep you connected by switching you over to our latest Fibre broadband. Fibre is landline-free and uses a more reliable digital connection, so if like most people in the UK you don't use your home phone, it might make sense to part ways with it. Plus, with Fibre, you'll get the fastest available speed at your home

What happens if I don't take action?
If you choose not to switch to a Plusnet broadband only service, we’ll keep you connected by moving your services to a broadband and Digital Home Phone package with EE. We’ll get back in touch to guide you through this process.

I do not use or need a phone line/number BUT I am near the end of my current deal lock-in and I presume PN are going to try and use any change to start a new contract with themselves or EE wor 12/18/24 months. Are they allowed to, or can I hold them to the contract? If I try to get out of the contract early they will bill me!

After some advice and any thoughts from others who are in the same situation. Thanks.

[#2]

@MisterPlusBoy If you do not use your landline phone, and you are near (how near?) the end of your contract, you could move to a SOGEA (broadband only) connection with PN - probably the easiest move, as it merely removes the voice component on your connection by  the flick of an electronic switch. It will, however result in a new fixed term contract, which is cheaper than going to an out-of-contract price.

You could of course move away to a new provider entirely, but again, that would be on a new fixed-term contract.

[#3]

@MisterPlusBoy 

Can you share an image from the following after hiding your details. Include the narrative below the results window. This will tell us what your options are with PN.

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

As already stated you are free to move to anyone you want at the end of your contract.

Brian

[#4]

The issue is I don't want to get locked into PN again. I am expecting FTTP to arrive soon - but not via OpenReach. 

My concern is that they might not let me have the last 6 months on my contract before the switchover, and strongarm me into picking something. I don't care if I'm on ADSL or SOGEA - if it's just 'flicking a switch' why can't they do that within my current contract - I am still getting the service they promised me.

[#5]

If you have still got 6 months to go, and your alternative provider will be available at the end of your contract - just ignore that email. Basically, it is just the BT/PN  way of advising - opaquely - of the demise of the PSTN, and trying to lock you in to the BT ecosystem.

[#6]

[#7]

"If your home phone isn't getting much use, we can keep you connected by switching you over to our latest Fibre broadband."

No such thing as "Fibre broadband"! 😎

If you've got (Full) Fibre, you haven't got "broadband".
If you've got broadband you haven't got (Full) "Fibre".

Should have called (FTTC) "Fibre" 'Broadband from the cabinet'?
Should have called "Fibre broadband" (DFN) 'Digital Fibre Network'?

🤔

[#8]

Small point, @pvmb FTTC is Fibre To The Cabinet and copper between it and the users premises.

[#9]

@MisterPlusBoy 

As I understand contract law, if you sit on your hands and Plusnet advise that they can no longer provide the contracted services they will be obliged to release you from the contract penalty free due to their inability to supply.

The down side is that this could happen in less than 6 months and leave you without a connection. 
If the Altnet will be able to provide within the next 12 months and an Internet connection is important to you, I would recommend giving up the home phone and moving to a new 12 month SoGEA deal now. Every month that goes by will reduce any termination charges.

[#10]

Thanks @Baldrick1 - this would actually be a good option for me as I have a StarLink in standby mode, I originally got it virtually free as a backup/test since I was having really bad issues at the time, OpenReach found a big fault on the line to my house and since that I've not needed the StarLink but kept it there ready. 

If I was ever to lose service I can reactivate this month-to-month with no contract so I'm happy to have PlusNet end my service, but I figure they will not want to do that and I might need to push them a bit?

[#11]

@MisterPlusBoy 

Thanks for the information. It confirms you'd be moved to a SOGEA connection with speeds of between 47.4 & 27.5.

Full fibre isn't available. Have you checked OpenReach to see if they have any plans for your area.

www.openreach.co.uk

You don't get cut off at the end of your contract - you simply get charged the non contract price (which isn't cheap). This might work untill such time as either the AltNet installs or the PSTN service is withdrawn. If the latter happens before the AltNet install then you've got problems.

Brian

[#12]

@MisterPlusBoy If you want to end the PN service now - and obviously pay the 6months of ETC's, you can do so - it is your right.

[#13]

It's kind of the opposite, my worry was they would be looking to force me off my current service using the switchover as a justification "you have to start a new contract when we switch you" but they ahven't actually said WHEN theis switch is happening. If it's longer than the 6 months left on my current deal, I will just wait until that ends and then re-evaluate.

[#14]

I would call the Customer options Team on 0800 013 2632 and see how much it would cost you to cancel the contract early. If the cost is manageable, do that and use Starlink on a monthly basis until the altnet can connect you for FTTP.

[#15]

Also, check if the altnet provides an incentive of buying out the ETF. Mine did.