Switching from Virgin Media to Plusnet

[#1]

I’m going to switch my broadband provider from VM to Plusnet, I tried to register online but when I went through all steps until payment, there’s no choice of “starting date” for me to pick at Plusnet (only can choose a date for open reach engineer to visit). I then paused the registration…
I received warning from VM that they may charge me breaching of contract as my contract will be expired on 30 June.

I will call VM to terminate the contract 30 days before as required at the same time.
However, how can I assign the starting date after 30 June for Plusnet to avoid being charged by VM?
Thank you.

[#2]

Don't in any way contact Virgin Media.

If you want to move to any other ISP just sign up with the new ISP (Plusnet or whoever), let the "one touch switching service" work and when (say) Plusnet install and make your service live they will cancel with Virgin Media for you.

I would suggest you order about now as if there is any fibre install required for Plusnet (this would be done by Openreach) it could take some time.

If the only service available is delivered on the existing phone line it could be quicker (but will be a slower service than your current Virgin broadband).

Leave the Virgin direct debit in place and you will eventually get some sort of refund for the part month (probably).  

[#3]

@Mingchan2026  Welcome to the Plusnet Community Fora.

As advised, do not tell Virgin that you are leaving, the One Touch System should handle the change of supplier. Assuming Virgin operates the same as other ISPs you pay for your broadband in advance. Consequently, if you change over any time between your payment at the end of this month and the 30th June, any Virgin termination charges will be in the form of a reduction in the rebate you will be due from Virgin for the days between when you leave and the 30th June.

The Plusnet service will go live the same day as Openreach finish the installation. Note that requested dates can change due to Openreach installer availability. Using OTS will avoid the risk of you being left with no service.

[#4]

VM do offer OTS, but keep hold of evidence that you used OTS in case of a later dispute over when the VM A/C s to be terminated. 

We also have VM internet and we all know VM can be exceedingly evasive when it comes to terminations, it is almost as if closing a customer a/c is sacking offence.

[#5]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Broadband to My Order

[#6]

Hi just to clarify I have just registyered to switch from Virgin to Plusnet fibre using the OTS, howere on the final page I got this msg from Plusnet where it states to contact Virgin !

so slightly confused how this OTS works.

Thanks

RIk

"Your engineer appointment date

Tuesday 18 August at 8am - 1pm

Notes to engineer:

This is a provisional appointment. We'll carry out a few checks at your property to see what work may be needed to get your Full Fibre service set up.

Once this work's complete we'll aim to confirm your installation appointment in next 10 working days.

If we need to do lots of external work it may take longer than 10 days to confirm your installation date. We'll always keep you informed if there's any delays and aim to get you connected as soon as we can.

Virgin or cable?

Don't forget if you're with a cable provider like Virgin or another provider not using the Openreach network you’ll need to let them know you’re switching to us."

[#7]

@trikster That 'contact Virgin' comment should not apply - the auto reply you received was composed in the early days - when Virgin (and other altnets) whee not part of the OTS system - these days they are, so it should not apply. However, they are still a bit lax, so it is a good idea to make sure they cancel your account when your PN  connection has gone live.

[#8]

This is a grey area.  OTS has had its foibles, especially with non-BT networks.

Coming into Plusnet, you will not be transferring the phone number, so one of the key triggers of the losing provider being notified of the transfer point will not apply here.

The other trigger is the transfer of BT Openreach assets between ISPs - given you’re on VM’s assets, that trigger will not work either.  Transferring away from VM has always been hit and miss.  I’ve not seen direct evidence that OTS has fixed those issues - as some have said, it should work … so keep an eye on things nearer the time.

There should NEVER be a fixed advance date for closing an existing service.  At best it just creates significant issues placing orders for the new supplier, at worst you’ll be without broadband if issues are encountered with the new connection from BT Openreach.