You do not have to move your line rental to Plusnet. If you do, it is still a "BT" line if and when you want to migrate the broadband away. So no big deal.

Only Sky, TalkTalk, C & W and some of the resold TalkTalk packages stop it being a BT line.

If you don't, there is an installation charge. All ISPs have one for FTTC, but it is normally waived if you take their phone line rental. You don't see it on BT Retail because they insist on you having their line rental.

I don't think BT throttle XBox. Only P2P most of the time. Plusnet actively prioritise gaming against browsing and P2P. Have a read of this page. It applies within your connection and across all connections.

Thanks for the help. I am know strongly considering Plusnet now!
Also would I need to obtain a MAC code from my previous ISP? Because according to a live chat person from Plusnet I don't need to!


Zara: Hi, my name is Zara, I'm here to help you with your Plusnet order today.
Nick: hello zara, it just have a quick question about the unlimited fibre product.
Zara: I'll be happy to assist you with this
Nick: if i ordered now how long will it take for an engineer to be booked?
Zara: Your phone line will take around 3 weeks, Plusnet will call you to confirm the engineer appointment. Your broadband will usually be activated on the same day.
Nick: oh ok
Nick: when will the router be sent usually?
Nick: and do i require a mac code when ordering online?
Zara: This is send a few days before the service is activated.
Zara: And you will not need a MAc code to order.
Nick: are you sure? because i am with O2 broadband at the moment
Zara: Yes I am sure.
Zara: You can order without a MAC code.
Nick: will i need to let plusnet know afterwards when i obtain a mac code?
Nick: and when do i need to tell my existing provider that i am leaving them?
Zara: All you need to do is place your order online and call your current provider and give them notice. After the order is placed we will contact them and arrange the dates to do the switch.
Zara: If the MAC code is required this can be added to your order.
Nick: so i dont need to contact them for a mac code? As I am on a rolling contract at the moment anyway
Zara: If a MAC code is needed, you would need to contact them.
Nick: ok thanks for the help.
Zara: You're welcome.
Nick: have a nice day.

Zara contradicted her self.

First she says "You can order without a MAC code"
Then she says "If the MAC code is required this can be added to your order"

What I read this as meaning is that PlusNet's online ordering system will allow you to place an order with them without the MAC but when they realise that there is an existing provider on the line they will ask for a MAC before placing the FTTC order with BT Wholesale.

This is just so they can get as many orders in as quick as possible.

I see. Would I need to phone them after I place an order to provide them with a MAC code, or will do this themselves?

I would suggest neither.

Obtain a MAC from O2 then place the order. The fact they will allow you to place an order without providing a MAC doesn't mean it's the right thing to do - it might cause things to go less smoothly.

The only providers that don't need a MAC when migrating from another ISP are Sky and TalkTalk - as they take over the whole line, they have their own PSTN equipment in the exchange, wheras all other line rental providers like PlusNet still rent BT Wholesale's PSTN equipment - the MAC process is required only when on BT Wholesale's PSTN network.

Ok I see. So you would suggest I phone O2 for a MAC code and then what would I do with it if I dont phone Plusnet after ordering to give it to them?

izools is right, that Plusnet, and every ISP I have ever dealt with, can accept an order without a MAC. That allows you to get deals that expire the next day when you haven't even asked for the MAC. He is also right that the order doesn't get submitted to Openreach until the new ISP gets the MAC from you. The whole point of a MAC is that it goes through you, thus in theory preventing broadband slamming.

I'm not so sure about zara's Simultaneous Provide of the broadband and line. (How did she know you wanted phone as well? It isn't in the transcript). Generally Plusnet get the broadband across first and the line a little later. This is normally regarded as better and safer.

Also the phone change normally has a built-in 2-week delay to allow the losing provider to check with you that you do wish to move, (to prevent phone line slamming), and of course let them offer you a retention deal - so making the broadband wait as well. If you then decide to leave your line where it is, (I'm now guessing), the phone order at Plusnet has to be cancelled, and as it is linked to the broadband that might get cancelled as well. Leaving you back at square one and very frustrated.

Edit - to clarify. A SIM Provide entails a special form of order number (to Openreach) for the phone transfer, which as to be quoted on the broadband order to Openreach, who then tie the two together for the provisioning.

If Openreach are informed by the losing provider that the phone order is to be cancelled, then that SIM Provide including the broadband order I expect dies, as there is no longer a phone order to link the broadband one to. Quite independently of the broadband order from Plusnet to Openreach.

Edited by RobertoS (Sat 19-Jan-13 16:06:34)

Again, as izools says. Get the MAC from O2 first. They also seem to want you not to submit it to the new ISP for seven days. There is currently some discussion about this on the O2 forum, with no definitive statement from O2.

Yes, I forgot to mention to the rep that I only wanted broadband!
So your advise would be to obtain the MAC first from O2 and announce intention to cancel, place an order online with fibre provider, then phone them afterwards with the MAC?

In reply to a post by Nick_C:

Yes, I forgot to mention to the rep that I only wanted broadband!
So your advise would be to obtain the MAC first from O2 and announce intention to cancel, place an order online with fibre provider, then phone them afterwards with the MAC?

Well yes, but I think you will find that you are prompted for the MAC during the order process with Plus Net anyway. It's just an optional field - still best filled in!