Length of contract

[#1]

That is not correct - all the competitors have a notice period, usually 30 days, and that is exactly the same as Plusnet after the initial 12/18 month contract.

[#2]

I've had enough of 18month contracts. Its too long.
I was looking at the unlimited product as I am now using my Pro account for streaming a lot more as I have gotten rid of the TV in the lounge. Unfortunately the 18month contract is a deal breaker. 12month and I would have switched already.
15GB is now very little when looking at streaming HD TV programs.

[#3]

Hi,
As an existing customer you would be entitled to a 12 month contract rather than 18.

[#4]

Then it's about time this was changed
http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/products/faqs_and_guides/change_broadband.shtml#4

Quote

4. Does changing my product affect my contract length? In most cases yes - it depends on the change you're wanting to make. If you're on Plusnet Value, Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Unlimited If you're on one of our current products (Plusnet Value, Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Unlimited) then you'll start a new contract if you downgrade your product, and keep your current contract if you upgrade.     * Plusnet Value: 18 month contract     * Plusnet Unlimited: 18 month contract     * Plusnet Pro: 12 month contract Changing to Plusnet Value from Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Unlimited is a downgrade. Changing to Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Unlimited from Plusnet Value is an upgrade. Changing to Plusnet Pro from Plusnet Unlimited is a downgrade. Changing to Plusnet Unlimited from Plusnet Pro is an upgrade.

[#5]

So if I am on a monthly contract now I can upgrade to Unlimited without my current contract changing?

Quote

http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/products/faqs_and_guides/change_broadband.shtml#4 If you're on one of our current products (Plusnet Value, Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Unlimited) then you'll start a new contract if you downgrade your product, and keep your current contract if you upgrade.

[#6]

I'm afraid not.
If you change to Unlimited, you will need to commit to a 12 or 18 month contract, depending on whether or not you'd want a free router and/or house move.

[#7]

Quote from: Oldjim

That is not correct - all the competitors have a notice period, usually 30 days, and that is exactly the same as Plusnet after the initial 12/18 month contract.

Sorry for the delay, been on hols.
I have to say, in my book there is a difference between 30 days notice and a 1 month contract.
My understanding is, (correct me if wrong)  Plusnet's 30 day cancellation notice will start from the next bill invoice, so if a cancellation was requested with 25 days to go to next bill, that is 55 days in all.
From my personal experience with another provider  when "Out of contract" and wished to cancel, I requested a MAC code and the transfer took place 30 days from that date irrespective of the billing date.
I would like to know the reason for all these contracts, why a 12 or 18 month? Can they not keep customers otherwise?.
Surely if PN offered the rolling one month deal as I have "PlusNet Broadband Your Way Option 1 (Monthly Contract)" but with a decent amount of useage for the same price as their 18 month deal,  (providing they could maintain a quality of service) they would sweep the board.
Whilst asking questions,
In the unlikely event that I decide to take up a new contract, why should I have to pay £6 a month more after 3 months than somebody on the same package living in an area with high competition for customers, especially when they can get many times more than my measley 1mb?

[#8]

Quote from: Diamond

I have to say, in my book there is a difference between 30 days notice and a 1 month contract. My understanding is, (correct me if wrong)  Plusnet's 30 day cancellation notice will start from the next bill invoice, so if a cancellation was requested with 25 days to go to next bill, that is 55 days in all.

You are wrong - after the 12 month tie in the 30 day period starts from when you request your MAC.
If a payment comes due in that period it is taken but assuming you use the MAC a refund is made for the unused portion of the payment after the 30 day period

[#9]

because BT Wholesale set that rate to all ISP who take a service from them, PN pass on the reduced rate to us

[#10]

In which case  you are better informed than I was, which means that when the tie in period has expired, it is in fact "out of contract" as with the other ISPs.
Any comments on my other questions?

[#11]

Quote

Whilst asking questions, In the unlikely event that I decide to take up a new contract, why should I have to pay £6 a month more after 3 months than somebody on the same package living in an area with high competition for customers, especially when they can get many times more than my measley 1mb?

You may not like the answer but it all due to Ofcom rules - if an exchange is not deemed to have sufficient competition then BT Wholesale have the amount they can charge the various ISP's set at a value which would allow the LLU operators to move in and make a healthy profit. Where there is already deemed to be sufficient competition then the amount they are told to charge is drastically reduced. This is why on a Market 3 exchange Plusnet can offer a lower price permanently but can't on the Market 1 and 2 exchanges.
I think it is stupid also and certainly doesn't benefit the customer but of course the great mantra is " competition is good so we will keep the prices high to allow competition" and sod the customer.
Regarding the 12 and 18 month contracts I agree it is a stupid idea. If a customer is prepared to not have free router, free activation and house move there should be no need for the extended lock in specially for existing customers who are out of contract.

[#12]

It's so they can charge more for rural lines.
They wouldn't get with it for voice.

[#13]

I've just in the last 5 minutes changed our company's broadband for one of the new business options.
I looked at the two Option 3s a 12 month contract or a 24 month contract and chose the more expensive 12 month contract option.
The reasoning behind that decision is that our owners are planning to move us to a new factory which could be within the next 12 months.

[#14]

Jameseh, you say I have to start a new contract yet the 'Changing your Plusnet broadband product' page says If you're on one of our current products (Plusnet Value, Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Unlimited) then you'll start a new contract if you downgrade your product, and keep your current contract if you upgrade.
Changing to Plusnet Unlimited from Plusnet Pro is an upgrade.
I am currently on Plusnet Pro, but I'm not sure when I changed to this service. If I am still part way through it then I can I not just upgrade to Unlimited as per previous upgrades without starting a new contract?
As an aside, the page also states

Quote

If you want to move to Plusnet Pro the contract will always be 12 months with included hardware and one house move.

I didn't receive any hardware when I upgraded...

[#15]

Apologies - I thought you were referring to moving from one of our legacy products to unlimited.
You would have needed to have requested the router - if you still want one, I'm happy to send one out with a P&P charge of £6.99.