Comparing Plusnet with Sky Broadband, distinct differences emerge, each suiting various consumer needs. Here’s a closer look.
Pricing tiers often serve as a decisive factor when purchasing broadband. With such a complex set of options, this is one way to make it easy. Plusnet’s tiered pricing structure caters to a wide range of needs and budgets.
At the top of the range of Plusnet’s offerings is the Full Fibre 900 package, priced at £41.99 per month. This premium tier provides an exceptional average download speed of 900Mb, making it an ideal choice for heavy internet users such as large families or tech-savvy consumers. The package includes a substantial £100.00 Reward Card and boasts a minimum guaranteed speed of 500Mb, along with a 115Mb estimated upload speed. The high-tier packages are designed for those who demand the utmost in speed and reliability.
Occupying the middle ground, the Full Fibre 145 and Full Fibre 300 packages are priced at £26.99 and £29.99 per month, respectively. These options strike a balance between affordability and performance, suitable for average-sized households or moderate internet users. The Full Fibre 145 offers an average download speed of 145Mb, an 80Mb minimum guaranteed speed, and a £50.00 Reward Card. The Full Fibre 300, on the other hand, ramps up to a 300Mb average download speed and a £60.00 Reward Card, catering to users seeking higher speeds without venturing into the premium tier.
For those who prioritise affordability, the entry level option Full Fibre 74, priced at £24.99 per month is great value for money and it stacks up well against the likes of Sky, BT and several other providers. While it offers a more modest average download speed of 74Mb, it remains a competent choice for individuals or small households with basic internet needs. This tier also includes a £50 Reward Card and promises a 40Mb minimum guaranteed speed.
Across all tiers, Plusnet maintains a consistent policy of no activation fees (previously £20) and includes the Hub Two router, Plusnet SafeGuard, and Plusnet Protect powered by Norton. This uniformity in supplementary features across tiers ensures that all customers, regardless of their chosen package, receive a comprehensive service.
Promotions and discounts have always been effective tools in attracting and retaining customers in the competitive broadband market. Plusnet’s strategy in offering January specials, various discounts, and reward card offers is a testament to this approach. This section provides an analysis of these offers and discusses their impact on customer choice and value.
January, often seen as a time for new beginnings, is strategically chosen by Plusnet for introducing special offers. These promotions are particularly appealing to customers looking to switch providers or upgrade their existing packages at the start of the year. For instance, Plusnet’s waiver of the £20 activation fee across all tiers is a significant saving for new customers. This gesture not only reduces the initial financial barrier for potential customers but also portrays Plusnet as a cost-conscious option.
Reward cards are a great little incentive from Plusnet, offering additional value to customers. Reward cards range from £50 to £100 depending on the package tier, and they effectively serve as a cashback, thereby reducing the overall cost of the service. For the Full Fibre 74, a £50 Reward Card is included, while the highest tier, Full Fibre 900, it comes with a £100 Reward Card. These little incentives are not be sniffed at. They are particularly appealing to those cost-sensitive who see the cards as a way to offset the monthly expense of their broadband service.
When considering a broadband service, understanding the contract terms and fees is crucial. Plusnet’s approach in these areas significantly influences its appeal to potential customers.
Plusnet’s broadband packages come with a 24-month contract. This duration is relatively standard in the broadband industry and serves a dual purpose. For Plusnet, it ensures a stable, long-term customer base, contributing to consistent revenue streams. For you as a customer, it offers the advantage of price certainty over two years, protecting you from any immediate price hikes. However, this also means committing to Plusnet for a longer period, which might be a factor to consider if you anticipate changes in your living situation or internet usage needs.
A great feature in Plusnet’s offering is its approach to activation fees. Usually, an activation fee – which was £20 – is charged to cover the costs of setting up a new broadband service. Plusnet, however, frequently waives this fee, particularly during promotional periods. This waiver can be a significant benefit for you, especially if you are transitioning from another provider or are mindful of initial setup costs. The absence of an activation fee reduces your upfront expenditure, making Plusnet an attractive option compared to other providers who might charge these additional fees.
When subscribing to Plusnet’s broadband services, it’s important to be aware of the key legal terms and conditions. These include the contractual agreement, which typically involves a 24-month commitment, and specific terms related to the service usage and limitations. An important aspect of Plusnet’s terms is the annual price increase policy.
Prices for broadband and related services are subject to an increase each March, calculated based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation published in January of that year, plus an additional 3.9%. This adjustment ensures that the pricing remains aligned with economic trends and inflation rates. Customers are advised to review the full terms and conditions available on Plusnet’s website for detailed information and any specific legal stipulations that may apply to their chosen package.
Plusnet offers a range of broadband packages, including Full Fibre options with advertised speeds varying from 74Mbps to 900Mbps. These speeds cater to different user needs, from basic internet usage to intensive online activities like high-definition streaming and gaming.
Full Fibre 300, for example, advertises an average speed of 300Mbps, while Full Fibre 500 and Full Fibre 900 advertise average speeds of 500Mbps and 900Mbps respectively. Plusnet’s strategy includes competitive pricing, with offers such as no setup fees and exclusive discounts for customers. These offers, combined with the advertised speeds, make Plusnet a strong option in the broadband market, especially for those seeking a balance between cost and performance.
However, it’s important to note that actual speeds can vary based on several factors, including location and network capacity. The availability of Full Fibre options depends on the coverage of the Openreach FTTP network, which, as of the time of writing, covers approximately 40% of UK premises. For those without access to Full Fibre, Plusnet also offers standard ADSL and part-fibre plans with lower speeds, suitable for customers with limited options or lower internet usage requirements.
Plusnet’s commitment to minimum guaranteed speeds is a cornerstone of its reliability promise. For instance, the Full Fibre 74 guarantees a minimum speed of 40Mb, ensuring that even at the entry level, the service remains functional for essential internet tasks. As the tiers increase, so do these minimum speeds, aligning with the escalating needs of the users. This guarantee is crucial as it provides a baseline of service quality, ensuring that customers receive a consistent and reliable internet experience
The installation and setup process for Plusnet broadband, facilitated by Openreach, involves a few key steps and requirements. Once you’ve selected a Plusnet broadband package, an Openreach engineer will be scheduled to visit your home for the installation. This is especially the case with Full Fibre connections, where more complex setup is needed.
During the installation, the engineer will set up two essential components: an outside box and an inside box, known as the Optical Network Terminal (ONT). The ONT is a small device that needs to be installed close to the router and requires a power outlet. The installation process includes drilling through the wall to connect the external and internal boxes. This process typically takes a couple of hours and requires someone over 18 to be present at home.
The time frame for setting up your service generally ranges from 3-10 working days from the day of order confirmation. Plusnet and Openreach aim to complete the setup as swiftly as possible, and you will be informed of the installation date once it’s scheduled. After installation, the engineer will conduct a final check using your preferred device to ensure everything is working correctly.
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