Internet

[Melly1]

Hi,

S and I have a BT phone and BT broadband. It's very slow, we often lose connection and we always end up paying a "fine" as we use over the limit each month.

I don't use my phone often, but would like to keep a landline as my mobile is very old and rubbish. I don't use that much either. We only need freeview channels - S only watches regular channels and I don't have time to watch more channels. S watches a lot of Youtube clips, I download info, occasionally listen to spotify and if I had unlimited would probably use BBCiplayer on occasion.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

Minimum disruption to service required. Would rather not change home telephone number.

Melly1

[Pet66]

Melly
I've been with Virgin Media for years. Phone broadband an TV. Admittedly I have extra programmes but you don't have to. The internet is more than adequate for my needs. I'm sure you can keep your BT number. Be aware that prices go up, but I usually negotiate. Will BT give you a deal for staying with them like extra speed on broadband?

[MrsAverage]

We moved from BT to Plusnet with no problems and kept same number. Monthly bill went down from £80 per month to £20. Did give up BT tv as never watched it. we use a freeview recorder for extra channels and recording. Bought that outright.
Paid line rental up front as cheaper in long run.
Always go unlimited with a youngster in house. Works out cheaper than paying when you go over

[Oldham_1901]

If you visit the website BROADBANDCHOICES.CO.UK you can see what's available in your area. Subscriptions with a data limit are a thing of the past, and you can get decent no limit subscriptions now for a decent amount.

There is no excuse for slow speeds these days..though some rural areas are still a big problem.

It's the law that you can take your phone number with you when you move to another service provider if you decide to do so.

Some, like PLUSNET also offer discounts on a mobile phone plan if you already have broadband with them.

If you are using FREEVIEW or FREESAT already you don't need a TV plan in your package.
A stable internet connection is much more important especially for your Youtube user.

==

You can use www.fast.com to check your internet speed (preferably wired! not via WiFi) or www.speedof.me.

If the speed is below what is advertised you should call BT support and get them to check it out.

Broadbandchoices can also show you what speed to expect for your postcode.

Good Luck.

[Melly1]

Thanks everyone, I do need to sort this out.

Pet, virtually everyone in our road uses Virgin and they are always trying to get us to change, but their pushiness has always put me off.

Mrs A we definitely now need unlimited. Did you experience a disruption of service when you swapped? That would cause S distress. DId you have BT email addresses before switching?

Oldham, thanks will check out links. I did contact BT before re problems with continually losing connection, they had difficulty helping as I kept losing my internet connection with them!!

Melly1

[Pet66]

Melly
Martin Lewis has a comparison site for broadband etc. Maybe worth looking?

[MrsAverage]

Mrs A we definitely now need unlimited. Did you experience a disruption of service when you swapped? That would cause S distress. DId you have BT email addresses before switching?

No disruption at all, and they have service based in Yorkshire if you do need help. Easy talk to and to understand
I never used the BT e-mail address they issued. I always use a gmail one
I think Plusnet use BT infrastructure but we did get a new hub and had no problems at all. We run 3 phones 2 tablets and one pc almost constantly