Second Line Query

I recently returned back to my parents house living overseas for a couple of years, only to find they have switched all their broadband etc. over to Talk Talk and they are also tied into a long contract. Which is OK for them, but I've never been a fan, and it looks like I'm going to need to use broadband for work.

The query I have is that up until I went away we always had two lines coming into house, parents had a line and I had a line (on BT with Plusnet BB). If I was to sign up with PlusNet would they be able to provide me with broadband and a new phone number on the second (currently not active) line fairly easily. I understand there would be connection charges etc.

Any info would help, thanks.

Any provider can provide a 2nd line independently of the 1st.

It may be that the 2nd line just needs activating and retains its no., possibly at no or minimal cost.

It's been a while since the line was deactivated.

I assume I would place the order under using the property does not have a current line basis and take it from there. My only concern was in case of any confusion that may arise with there already being a line registered at the same address.

In reply to a post by littlepickle:

I assume I would place the order under using the property does not have a current line basis

Why? You are allowed to have as many lines as you like as long as you can pay for them.

Who's name was the second line in before? I wonder if using the same would make it easier, or there may be no problem anyway. I assume it would be better in your name.

Also, whatever you find out, I believe Plusnet operate the "SIM Provide" system, whereby you can get the line and broadband installed on the same day. So follow that up as well. Means you won't be able to get cashback of course.

I think the cashback deals (eg 30 quid for getting a Primus line on Saver Plus with a rental of 8.25/month or 99/year) and 38 quid for PN Broadband (and an extra 10 quid cost for the line, as Primus charges 59 for a new line, PN 49 for same) don't really compare with the half price broadband on top of line rental that might apply (assuming a simultaneous provide is possible and still gives the user their discounts)... the annual line rental at 9.50/month has to be done online, so it really does make you wonder if PN's system will cope with offering a new line, annual rental in advance, and half price for the BB (or rather, it makes me wonder if it'd work!)

It'd be possible to get a line from Primus with monthly line rental at 8.25/month, installation cost 59 quid (and Quidco offers 30 quid cashback for someone signing up for a monthly prepaid landline, which is what the Primus Saver Plus is, so half the cost of getting the line could be saved, but the broadband from PlusNet, despite a 38 quid cashback, could end up costing more in the first year, but would be less in subsequent years).

I had a call from Plusnet today, after I queried a couple of things with them via the contact form. I'm now sure I'm going to go ahead with the new line (I would have to treat it as a new line rather than a stopped line) and I know that it won't affect the Talk Talk line. In fact Jamie (Plusnet rep) was ready to sign me up there and then! Trouble was I was stuck on the shop floor at work so didn't have any details to hand. I'm now waiting for a call back from Jamie on Tues AM (day off) to get it sorted. I know I could do it online but might as well do it via phone to ensure everything goes through.

Just out of interest, has anyone had experience of time scale for a new line order, the 'handbook' says 1 week. I assume it's mainly a case of getting an Openreach engineer appointment for the install.

Edited by deleted (Fri 05-Oct-12 20:04:28)

If you want, you can pm me the address and i can check if the previous line shows as stopped, timescales for reactivation or new line etc

If its a new line it could take up to 8 weeks at present as openreach are very behind in most areas right now due to bad weather and lack of engineering resource.

Edited by deleted (Fri 05-Oct-12 20:17:52)

Thanks James will PM you info. I'll also take a look at ASDL24 too.

Luckily I'm in Norfolk which I don't think is one of the areas affected by the MBORC delays.

£28 cachback on plusnet for signing up though Quidco.

Edited by deleted (Fri 05-Oct-12 22:30:02)