Plusnet Broadband
Plusnet bills its broadband as “fast, cheap, reliable”.
As a consumer, what more could you possibly want from a broadband package?
As part of the BT Group since 2007 and having been brought under the BT Consumer umbrella in 2018, Plusnet continues to operate as a separate business while enjoying the benefits and support that BT’s significant infrastructure provides.
While Plusnet has benefitted from engaging and memorable advertising campaigns through the years, they are still one of the smaller providers in the United Kingdom in terms of market share, with just 3% of households being Plusnet customers according to 2019 data.
In this guide, we’re going to look at the different offers, deals, packages, and much more in relation to Plusnet to help you decide whether they’re the right broadband provider for you.
While Plusnet are often billed as a “budget” home broadband solution, is this reflected in it’s packages?
We’ll take our look at the qualities of Plusnet, starting with the question, does Plusnet offer fast internet?
What Internet Speeds Do Plusnet Broadband Offer?
Today, with broadband internet being standard across the UK, people tend to look at a combination of both available speeds and price before choosing a provider, unless they simply take the internet offered by their TV/Cable subscription provider, as it’s likely many Sky and Virgin Media customers do.
Plusnet advertises deals offering speeds of 10MB, 36MB, and 66MB, across packages called “Unlimited Broadband” and “Unlimited Fibre Extra”.
Plusnet Broadband Download Speeds
Due to a ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority that came into effect in May 2018, internet service providers (ISP’s) in the United Kingdom are now required to advertise average speeds on the basis of what at least half of their customers can receive at peak times. Prior to this ruling, ISP’s could advertise higher headline speeds, so long as only 10% of customers were being provided with such a speed.
Although this ruling means the advertised speeds you see when looking for your ideal broadband package are more accurate, the speed you can receive, and use, depends on several variables. Use a broadband speed checker to get an even more accurate idea of the internet speeds you can expect to receive, from Plusnet or any other provider.
The tables below highlight the most recent data based on Ofcom’s home broadband performance research, comparing Plusnet to other popular providers against the advertised speeds they offer. This research took place in November 2018 and was published in May 2019.
Plusnet 10MB Broadband Comparison
| Advertised average speed | Performance range over a 24-hour period | Performance range at peak times (8pm – 10pm, weekdays) | |
| BT | 10MB | 9.7MB – 12.1MB | 9.7MB – 12.1MB |
| Plusnet | 10MB | 10.7MB – 13MB | 10.6MB – 12.9MB |
| Sky | 11MB | 10.8MB – 12.8MB | 10.7MB – 12.7MB |
| TalkTalk | 11MB | 8.9MB – 11.1MB | 8.8MB – 11.0MB |
In this speed range, Plusnet compares favourably to other providers, offering the highest possible download speed both at peak and over 24-hours, while outperforming even its own advertised speed.
Plusnet 36MB Fibre Broadband Comparison
| Advertised average speed | Performance range over a 24-hour period | Performance range at peak times (8pm – 10pm, weekdays) | |
| Plusnet | 36MB | 31.4MB – 33.1MB | 31.0MB – 32.8MB |
| EE | 36MB | 32.5MB – 34.8MB | 32.2MB – 34.5MB |
| Sky | 36MB | 32.3MB – 34.2MB | 32.0MB – 34.0MB |
| BT | 36MB | 26.6MB – 29.2MB | 26.5MB – 29.0MB |
| TalkTalk | 38MB | 31.6MB – 33.6MB | 31.4MB – 33.4MB |
| BT | 50MB | 45.6MB – 47.2MB | 45.2MB – 46.9MB |
| Virgin Media | 54MB | 54.0MB – 54.5MB | 53.5MB – 54.3MB |
Plusnet again compares well to other providers in this speed range, and while they’re not among the best providers overall, they do comfortably outperform BT.
Plusnet 66MB Fibre Broadband Comparison
| Advertised average speed | Performance range over a 24-hour period | Performance range at peak times (8pm – 10pm, weekdays) | |
| Sky | 59MB | 56.3MB – 61.0MB | 55.9MB – 60.7MB |
| Plusnet | 66MB | 58.0MB – 61.4MB | 57.6MB – 61.0MB |
| BT | 67MB | 62.4MB – 64.6MB | 62.1MB – 64.3MB |
| TalkTalk | 67MB | 61.0MB – 64.5MB | 60.5MB – 64.1MB |
| EE | 67MB | 60.0MB – 64.9MB | 59.4MB – 64.5MB |
In this speed range, Plusnet’s broadband sits firmly in the middle of the other providers.
Plusnet Download Performance Summary
Overall, Plusnet performs well against other UK ISP’s, particularly if you’re looking for a standard home broadband package as they’re clearly the best provider in the 10MB range.
Plusnet does not perform as strongly when it comes to faster internet, nor does it offer any broadband packages beyond 66MB, although only EE and Virgin Media in the UK market currently advertise broadband packages with a quicker speed. Virgin Media advertises packages offering up to a staggering 512MB!
Plusnet Broadband Upload Speeds
Do upload speeds matter to consumers? Many won’t even give them a second look, but if you’re a user of cloud storage or ever get around to making your YouTube debut, you’ll notice if they’re slow!
The tables below are from the same Ofcom research mentioned earlier, published in May 2019.
As with download speeds, Plusnet compares favourably against its competitors for upload speeds, offering the best maximum speeds for standard broadband packages.
Plusnet performs much the same with its mid-level broadband package for uploads and downloads, comfortably sitting in mid-table while being noticeably better than both BT and Virgin Media.
For its fastest fibre broadband packages, Plusnet again sits in the middle of the pack.
Plusnet Broadband Speeds
When it comes to broadband speed, Plusnet offers what they say they do.
Plusnet comfortably outperforms other UK ISP’s for download and upload speeds for its standard broadband packages, backing up its reputation as a provider of exceptional lower level or “budget” internet.
For faster packages, Plusnet sits in the middle of the pack both for downloads and uploads, and while Ofcom’s research saw Plusnet fail to hit its average advertised speed for both its 36MB and 66MB fibre broadband packages, this was true of all providers with the exception of Virgin Media’s 54MB package and Sky’s 59MB package.
Plusnet Broadband Deals
New customer incentives are nothing new. It’s why we all call up our current provider telling them we’re going to cancel unless they give us a reason to continue with them!
Plusnet is currently offering the below special offers for new customers. Remember to lookout for Plusnet’s “Online Only” badge on certain deals, and that you may not get the same prices or incentives if you go via Uswitch or another comparison site.
| Plusnet Deal | Contract Terms |
|---|---|
| £75 cashback with Plusnet Unlimited broadband for just £19.99/mth | 18-month minimum term. No set up cost. £30.98/mth after 18 months. Costs may vary depending on location. |
| £75 cashback with Plusnet Unlimited Fibre broadband for just £22.99/mth | 18-month minimum term. No set up cost. £39.48/mth after 18 months. Costs may vary depending on location. |
| £75 cashback with Plusnet Unlimited Fibre Extra broadband for just £26.99/mth | 18-month minimum term. No set up cost. £49.48/mth after 18 months. Costs may vary depending on location. |
Plusnet Broadband Packages
Plusnet customers previously had the option to take out a broadband package without paying Plusnet for line rental.
Line rental is now included as standard in Plusnet’s broadband packages, and as you progress through the buying process on the Plusnet website you will see how this is factored into your overall monthly cost.
While it is not necessary to add a call plan when you take out Plusnet broadband, depending on your existing telephone provider it may be necessary to change to a Plusnet line so that you’re able to receive broadband from them. Essentially, you will need a line with a BT company (BT or EE) in order to be able to get Plusnet broadband.
The table below highlights Plusnet’s current packages across 12 and 18-month contracts. Plusnet’s 18-month contracts are typical of others offered in the broadband market, in that you’ll get a cheaper monthly price, but you’re locked in for longer meaning that if a better deal comes on the market in the meantime you’ll need to pay up your contract to leave.
| Package | Advertised Average Speed | Contract Terms | Upfront Payment | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 10MB | 12 months | Free | £19.99 for 18 months, then £30.98 |
| Unlimited Fibre | 36MB | 18 months | Free | £22.99 for 18 months, then £39.48 |
| Unlimited Fibre Extra | 66MB | 18 months | Free | £26.99 for 18 months, then £40.98 |
How do Plusnet’s broadband prices compare like for like with other UK ISP’s?
Plusnet 10MB Broadband Price Comparison
| ISP | Package | Average Advertised Speed | Contract Terms | Upfront Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plusnet | Unlimited | 10MB | 18 months | Free | £19.99 for 18 months, then £30.98 |
| BT | Broadband | 10MB | 24 months | £29.99 | £26.99 for 24 months, then £32.99 |
| Sky | Broadband Essential | 11MB | 18 months | Free | £20 for 18 months, then £25 |
| TalkTalk | Fast Broadband | 11MB | 18 months | Free | £19.95 for 18 months, then £30 |
As we can see from the table, Plusnet prices for its basic broadband package compares favourably to competitors.
Plusnet 36MB Broadband Price Comparison
| ISP | Package | Average Advertised Speed | Contract Terms | Upfront Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plusnet | Unlimited Fibre | 36MB | 18 months | Free | £22.99 for 18 months, then £39.48 |
| TalkTalk | Faster Fibre | 38MB | 18 months | Free | £22.45 for 18 months, then £36 |
| Sky | Broadband Superfast | 59MB | 18 months | £19.95 | £27 for 18 months, then £32 |
| EE | Fibre | 36MB | 18 months | Free | £24 for 18 months, then £37 |
| BT | Superfast Fibre | 50MB | 24 months | £9.99 | £28.99 for 24 months, then £36.99 |
| Virgin Media | M100 Fibre Broadband + Talk Weekends | 108MB | 12 months | Free | £33 for 12 months, then £49 |
As we can see from the table, Plusnet prices for its mid-range broadband package is comparable against those that offer similar speeds, however for a little more per month significantly faster options are available.
Sky, BT, and Virgin Media do not offer direct like for like comparisons due to differences in the packages they offer, so keep this in mind when comparing what Plusnet offers to these providers.
Plusnet 66MB Broadband Price Comparison
| ISP | Package | Average Advertised Speed | Contract Terms | Upfront Payment | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plusnet | Unlimited Fibre Extra + Line only | 66MB | 18 months | Free | £26.99 for 18 months, then £40.98 |
| TalkTalk | Superfast Fibre | 67MB | 18 months | Free | £24.95 for 18 months, then £41 |
| Sky | Broadband Superfast | 59MB | 18 months | £19.95 | £27 for 18 months, then £32 |
| EE | Fibre Plus | 67MB | 18 months | Free | £28 for 18 months, then £42 |
| BT | Superfast Fibre 2 | 67MB | 24 months | £9.99 | £34.99 for 24 months, then £47.99 |
| Virgin Media | M100 Fibre Broadband + Talk Weekends | 108MB | 12 months | Free | £33 for 12 months, then £49 |
As we can see from the table, Plusnet prices for its basic broadband package compares favourably to competitors.
Again, Sky, BT, and Virgin Media do not offer direct like for like comparisons due to differences in the packages they offer, so keep this in mind when comparing what Plusnet offers to these providers.
How Does Plusnet’s Pricing Compare Overall?
While there are differences between pricing as ISP’s understandably compete in an increasingly crowded market, Plusnet’s pricing is generally favourable in comparison to others in the UK.
Plusnet also guarantees no price increases for the duration of customer contracts, so the price you see when you sign up will be the price you pay for the full 12 or 18 months.
Plusnet also commits to regularly reviewing your usage against your contract to ensure that you’re always on the best deal for your circumstances. Whether there’s an opportunity to reduce your outgoings or you need extra muscle in your package, Plusnet will keep you right.
Plusnet Contract Commitments
While the 12 and 18-month contracts offered by Plusnet are standard for the industry, with some providers offering 24-month deals, Plusnet are currently the only mainstream provider offering no fixed term, rolling monthly broadband contracts.
While you will typically pay an activation fee and other upfront costs (these are removed from all of Plusnet’s 12 and 18-month packages as an incentive), this can be a useful solution if you’re waiting for different home entertainment contracts to end in order to bring everything together or equalise the time when your packages expire.
Monthly contracts may also be useful if you’re a student and will only need an internet package intermittently throughout the year and this isn’t offered as part of your rental, or for workers who
move around regularly and require short-term tenancies and services as a result.
Will the Price of Plusnet Broadband Depend on Where I Live?
It might do.
Plusnet uses a geographical pricing model. This means that sometimes, the price will change for different users based on their location. Typically, this translates into a slightly increased price for those in rural areas, and while this may not be any more than a couple of pounds a month, over the course of a contract this could make Plusnet a more expensive option than another ISP.
When you start the process of signing up for Plusnet, you are asked for your postcode, which will determine the price you are given.
If the price you are offered having put in your postcode is significantly higher than those stated on the website, John Lewis Broadband is delivered via Plusnet, meaning the speed comparisons will be the same, but they don’t use geographical pricing. John Lewis Broadband therefore may work out cheaper than Plusnet, depending on where you live and the price Plusnet gives you, but will enable you to enjoy all the benefits of being on Plusnet broadband.
If the price offered by Plusnet when you go through their website is the same as the one on the website, you will already be on the cheapest deal.
Plusnet Customer Service Performance
Plusnet have historically always been strong on customer service. While Plusnet customer reviews from various sources online are mixed, this is no different to the majority of other ISP’s.
In the same Ofcom research mentioned previously, Plusnet scored better than the industry average for overall satisfaction, while finishing second to EE on this metric.
While the research highlighted high call waiting times and a high number of complaints made to Ofcom, it is worth noting this is from around the time that Plusnet was experiencing issues with a new billing system implementation and unlikely to be a true long-term representation of Plusnet’s level of service.
The table from Ofcom’s research is below.
When you need to access Plusnet’s customer service, you have several options available to you.
- @plusnethelp on Twitter.
- The Plusnet website, where you will be directed to resolved FAQ’s, live chat, an online ticket system, or provided with a telephone number to contact for urgent enquiries or if you’re already a Plusnet customer and are thinking of changing provider.
Summing Up Plusnet Broadband
Does Plusnet live up to it’s “fast, cheap, reliable” promise?
If you’re looking for a broadband solution at the cheaper end of the market, then Plusnet’s broadband is clearly the best in class and well worth a look.
While Plusnet’s pricing may be favourable as you look at higher end packages and deals, the bottom line is that if you’re a very heavy internet user then you might be getting a better overall deal from looking elsewhere, especially among providers that advertise and can offer demonstrably higher speeds.
Overall, Plusnet’s 10MB package is an excellent solution for anyone who needs standard internet for day-to-day use without a need to stream content to multiple devices or download media or other content quickly.
