Hi

[#1]

Hi I am looking at maybe joining PlusNet but there is a couple of things playing on my mind that I'm not sure about.

I currently have SogEA with a different ISP on Openreach backhaul and my ISP have said if I were to move ISP there would be a cancelation fee of £45 to cease the line which I think I read was legit.

FTTP has only just become available in my area and after checking Openreach and PlusNet site it shows i can order FTTP today.

So this would mean I will need a new install , but how will it work ? Can I order a new install now with PlusNet and not inform my current ISP until after FTTP is installed and working ?

I just not sure how to go around it, my main worry is will I loose internet when applying for a new install/line.

Any advice would really be a big help thanks.

[#2]

@Mon1e26 

How long have you to go on your current contract?

The £45 exit fee sounds like an early termination charge.

Brian

[#3]

 I was told the following 

( If switching today, there would be 1 month + £45 for us to cease the current SoGEA service )

[#4]

@Mon1e26 

Generally speaking an exit fee will relate to the number of months left on a contract. Do you have a note of when your contract actually ends? If it's a few months time then the exit fee will sound reasonable.

Brian

[#5]

The exit fee is not really a worry, what i really want to know is how the switch to a new install will work. Will I loose internet from current ISP when they see I've opt to switch.  If I was switching from fttc to fttc it would be simple switch but I'm not sure how switching from fttc to fttp works.

[#6]

@Mon1e26 

If you're not worried about exit fees then to all intents and purposes the switch is the same as for FTTC to FTTC.

Whether you use the OneTouch switching system or contact PN direct you place an order for FTTP. You're given a provisional install date to be confirmed by OpenReach.

Whatever you do do not tell your current ISP of the move - the ganing provider (in this case PN) handles that.

All things being well internet may be down for a couple of hours as the install is in progress.

Another way of doing things is as you've already suggested. Order a completely new service from PN making sure PN understand it's a new account and not a takeover of an existing service. Once it's up and running you cancel your current SOGEA service from your ISP. If you choose this way I would contact PN by phone to place the order.

Have a look at the following Checker. Where it says WBC FTTP what does it say to the right? Below the results window will be a narrative about the FTTP install - what does this say? This will tell you if any problems are expected with the FF install.

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

Brian

[#7]

WBC FTTP Up to 1000 Up to 220 -- Available 1 

WBC FTTP Up to 1000 Up to 220 -- Available 1 Stage

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises, Single Dwelling Unit Residential OH Feed with no anticipated issues.

FTTP is available and a new ONT may be ordered.

The exchange is not in a current fibre priority programme

As a WLR withdrawal exchange, product restrictions apply

SOADSL is not restricted at the exchange.

[#8]

@Mon1e26

Thanks for the information.

It's tells me no problems are expected on a Full Fibre install. There's a certain leeway as to where the external CSP and the internal ONT go but you speak to the installer on the day to agree things.

Brian

[#9]

Service cease charges?

ETCs are one thing, but a cease (disconnection?) charge akin to a connection fee is nearly unheard of … except (IIRC) Sky and TT when returning ADSL lines back to BT.

ISPs are only permitted to pass on real costs, which must not be hidden penalties for leaving.  Who is the ISP?  This might be worth raising with Ofcom.

[#10]

Its a small ISP that is all id like to say on that, I'm going to read my terms to double check. 

What I post about the cease fee is only what they replied to me in my support ticket also got an email of it.

I am not really here to put any ISP down I was mostly wanting to know if switching from one ISP to another FTTC to FTTP was easy and would there be any downtime.

[#11]

After looking it seams the £45 is charged if I cancel before the end of my contract, which i was not planning to do anyways as I will be out of contract very soon, sorry if I have mislead you.

[#12]

Do not worry - T&Cs details can be unclear and it’s not unusual for support agents to be mistaken.  ETCs plus a disconnection fee is virtually unheard of.

As for switching between suppliers, the from and to make a deal if difference as to how it works.  FTTC to SoGEA both over the BT network will have next to no down time.  It’s all delivered over the same circuit.

Switching to FTTP or to SoGEA from an alt net provider needs a new circuit installing.  That needs to be planned to coincide with the end of your contract.  Be warned thought, if the install process finds any issues (blocked duct) the installation could be delayed, especially if it needs works on public areas.

[#13]

I would be doing fttc to fttp and its overhead cable, would it be best to speak to plusnet and have a new install ? and once installed then cancel current fttc ?

Thank you for your advice btw @Townman and @bmc 

[#14]

FTTP is a totally different technology / infrastructure to FTTC / SoGEA.  If you order it, it will be a new installation.

If you upgrade with Plusnet, they will arrange the account switch when the FTTP service is ready.  If you want to keep your existing voice number you’ll need to arrange for a VoIP service to be set up.

[#15]

Ok no problem thanks for the heads up! Voice comms are not used its all for internet here.