Swap from BT to Plusnet FTTP

[#1]

Im just about to swap from BT to Plusnet and almost halved my monthly fee. 

Ive just received the FTTP router which looks exactly the same as the BT router. Can I simply leave the BT router in place so it swaps over service provider seamlessly without the need to change all the WiFi credentials on everything.? 

[#2]

@Segynowycz BT are likely to want their router returned.

If not , then it can be configured to work on a Plusnet connection by changing the PPPoE username & password, see here https://community.plus.net/t5/My-Router/Using-the-BT-Smarthub-6-on-a-Plusnet-Account/m-p/1760435#M20...

Otherwise, reconfigure the Plusnet Hub Wifi settings with the ones from the BT Hub 

[#3]

@Segynowycz How long have you had the BT router? For some time now, these have only been 'on loan' and should be returned when you leave BT.

In any case, when you swap, you will have to change various settings  to connect to to Plusnet.

[#4]

thank you @MisterW - Changing the name and password settings feels a bit easier than reconfiguring. I was just hoping for an easy life. Everything seems to run on WiFi now, Ive got past the youthful excitement of new technology.

Ive got a whole stack of old routers that BT have never asked to be returned. I could have an IT ridout if they send a large enough box. 

[#5]

Changing the name and password settings feels a bit easier than reconfiguring

@Segynowycz changing the wifi settings isn't difficult. You just need a note of the BT wifi network name & password (its on the card at the back if you haven't changed from the default). Then just login to the Plusnet router (ideally via a wired connection) and goto the wireless settings. Change the network name & password to those you noted. 

[#6]

@Segynowycz 

The wireless name is changed here

Hope this helps

[#7]

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@jab1 wrote:

How long have you had the BT router? For some time now, these have only been 'on loan' and should be returned when you leave BT.

The 'loan' of equipment applies to BT customers who started or renewed contracts from 13th December 2019.

If the equipment isn't returned within 60 days of leaving BT, then BT will charge for each outstanding device,

    see  How to return and recycle your BT equipment 

.

[#8]

Thank for the date, @outcast  - I’ll try and remember it for future reference.

[#9]

@jab1 

I would be surprised that there would be any BT customers moving to Plusnet (presumably to save costs) that had been paying out-of-contract rates since 2019,  so remembering that date is almost irrelevant, as the loaned item returns policy probably applies to 99% of such people.

I was surprised that policy started so long ago, I thought it was a more recent change, but the BT document must be right.

.

[#10]

I would agree with you, @outcast , but you would be surprised at the number of individuals who demand 'proof' when you tell them such things.

I was surprised at the date too - thought it was only in the last to or three years.

[#11]

Fortunately, returning ISP supplied equipment will never be an issue for me,

I've been on the internet for over 30 years, and have NEVER used an ISP supplied bit of kit.

Coincidently, the parts for my next router arrived yesterday, as I want to be ready for FTTP

now that Openreach started laying the under-road ducting for the fibre-optic cables on Wednesday,

and the recent need to now run the WAN connections over VPN so as not to appear to be in the UK.

[#12]

thank you @Dan_the_Van , that was most useful. A picture of what the screen looks like is a great idea. I can probably plug it in to a laptop and get ready in advance

[#13]

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@Segynowycz wrote:

 I can probably plug it in to a laptop and get ready in advance

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Just make sure that the laptop is totally disconnected from your BT network. For example, if yout connect the laptop to the hub using Ethernet then switch off the laptop wireless.

The BT and Plusnet hubs use the same Admin SSID IP Address.

[#14]

That's making me feel more like they are exactly the same. I might just leave the BT one in place after the changeover to see if it works. What's the worst that could happen !

[#15]

@Segynowycz 

Which BT hub do you have?

Some newer models the Broadband Username is locked to BT making it impossible to change for your plusnet account details.

I'm a bit confused by this statement "The BT and Plusnet hubs use the same Admin SSID"

Both the BT and Hub Two share the same IP Address, so it is important your laptop is only connected to the Hub Two only using a LAN cable with WiFi turned off.

I would swap the BT Hub for the Hub two and then change the wireless name when you go live with plusnet