Our Guide to Plusnet broadband Deals, Speeds, Reviews, and Full Fibre

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The UK broadband market has long been dominated by a few major brands – such as Sky, BT, and Virgin Media. But in recent years, some smaller providers have risen to the challenge of connecting customers across the country to fibre broadband – and often, they’ve offered some attractive prices while doing so. One of these smaller, more affordable providers is Plusnet, which launched in 1997 and was purchased by BT ten years later.

Although BT owns Plusnet, and both providers share the Openreach network, you’ll find that Plusnet offers a slimmed-down, budget-friendly range of Plusnet broadband deals. Whether you want a basic phone line-based Wi-Fi connection or highly reliable, superfast Internet, you’ll find a deal with Plusnet – and without breaking the bank.
Last updated in: November 2022

However, it’s important to consider all aspects of Plusnet broadband before deciding. That’s why we’re covering everything you need to know about Plusnet broadband deals, speeds, reviews, and more!


What does Plusnet broadband offer?

With Plusnet broadband, you can expect a straightforward, no-nonsense Wi-Fi and/or landline connection. Plusnet doesn’t boast all of the bells and whistles you might find elsewhere – such as expansive TV packages or gigafast speeds – but it never advertises itself as a premium supplier! The provider has branded itself as “good, honest broadband from Yorkshire”, and despite its increased popularity across the UK, Plusnet largely delivers on its humble values. This is partly down to its award-winning customer service, which won a Gold ‘Most Reliable’ award from ExpertReviews in 2022. What’s more, Ofcom found that Plusnet broadband had an 81% customer satisfaction rating in 2021 – which is rather high.

In terms of broadband speeds, Plusnet offers basic ADSL packages with average download speeds of 10Mbps. It also provides superfast speeds of 36Mbps or 66Mbps depending on your package – so it’s a pretty standard yet affordable fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband provider. And, although it’s a little late to the party, Plusnet now offers Full Fibre coverage too – with download speeds averaging around 500Mbps.

Don’t expect much from Plusnet in terms of TV, besides the option to add a BT Sport subscription to your deal. However, if you’re happy to get your TV or streaming entertainment elsewhere, you’ll likely be satisfied with Plusnet’s range of affordable broadband packages.

What is Plusnet’s coverage like in the UK?

Like most of its competitors, Plusnet uses the Openreach network, which widely spans across the UK. 99% of UK homes and businesses are able to access an Internet connection via this network – so you’re very likely to be able to get a standard ADSL Plusnet deal wherever you are.

Openreach’s network offers superfast coverage to 96% of the UK population, so the chances are that you can access Plusnet’s standard Unlimited Fibre broadband at your address. Rural areas may be limited to ADSL Plusnet broadband, however.

Plusnet began selling Full Fibre broadband deals in August 2022, with the provider gradually expanding its fibre to the premises (FTTP) infrastructure. However, its availability is currently rather limited.

Is Plusnet broadband available in my area?

This depends on where you live, as Plusnet’s three connection types (ADSL, FTTC, and FTTP) aren’t all available across the UK. As Plusnet broadband relies on the Openreach network, you’ll likely be able to access a Standard or Unlimited Fibre connection in your area – but the availability of Plusnet Full Fibre broadband is still quite limited.

The best option is to enter your postcode into Plusnet’s online broadband availability checker, which will tell you what connection types you can choose from.

What broadband speeds does Plusnet have?

Each Plusnet broadband deal comes with a different average download speed – and the faster the speed, the higher your monthly bill will be. Your expected Plusnet broadband speed also depends on the type of Internet connection at your property.

Here are the broadband speeds you can expect from each Plusnet deal:


Plusnet Broadband Speeds
Deal/package Average download speed Connection type
Unlimited Standard 10Mbps ADSL
Unlimited Fibre 36Mbps FTTC
Unlimited Fibre Extra 66Mbps FTTC
Full Fibre 74 74Mbps FTTP
Full Fibre 145 145Mbps FTTP
Full Fibre 500 500Mbps FTTP


Is Plusnet a good broadband provider? The pros and cons

Plusnet is certainly a popular and budget-friendly provider, but it’s important to look beyond the surface level when considering broadband suppliers. There are plenty of important factors to think about before you commit to Plusnet broadband – so here are the pros and cons.


Pros Cons
Cheap prices and straightforward packages No gigafast broadband available
Choice of ADSL, superfast, and now Full Fibre broadband Free router isn’t as powerful or impressive as other providers’ routers
Option for 12-month contracts, which involves relatively little commitment No TV packages – just the option to add BT Sport
Free cybersecurity and parental controls features Extras and bonuses are quite minimal


Did you know...

Plusnet’s growth strategy is centred on its customers recommending people within their social circle to Plusnet. By 2007 30% of Plusnet’s new customers joined Plusnet as a result of a referral.

Man excited about internet connectivity


 

Plusnet broadband deals

Like its competitors, Plusnet broadband deals can come at many different price points, with each contract option featuring different Internet speeds. It’s important to find the right package for your household’s budget and needs – and thankfully, Plusnet offers quite a few choices.

Plusnet Unlimited Broadband deals

The cheapest broadband you can get from Plusnet comes with a basic ADSL connection. This relies on copper phone lines to deliver an Internet connection. It’s best for households with one or two people who use the Internet for simple activities such as checking emails, browsing social media, or online shopping.

Here are Plusnet’s best standard broadband deals:


Plusnet´s Best Standard Deals
Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Unlimited Broadband Monthly: £22.99
One-off: £5
12 10Mbps ADSL Yes
Unlimited Broadband Monthly: £23.99
One-off: –
18 10Mbps ADSL Yes
Unlimited Broadband + Unlimited UK Landline and Mobile Calls Monthly: £34.27
One-off: –
18 10Mbps ADSL Yes, with unlimited UK calls


Plusnet Unlimited Fibre Broadband Deals

Plusnet offers a variety of fibre broadband speeds, ranging from superfast to ultrafast. The most basic fibre broadband you can get from Plusnet is its Unlimited Fibre connection. Although faster speeds are available, these Unlimited Fibre deals should suffice for households of three to four people – and it can handle streaming or video calling too.

These are Plusnet’s best Unlimited Fibre deals:


Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Unlimited Fibre Broadband Monthly: £22.99
One-off: –
18 36Mbps FTTC Yes, with pay-as-you-go (PAYG) calls
Unlimited Fibre + Evening and Weekend Calls Monthly: £28.70
One-off: –
18 36Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive evening and weekend calls
Unlimited Fibre + Unlimited UK Landline and Mobile Calls Monthly: £33.27
One-off: –
18 36Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive anytime calls


Plusnet Unlimited Fibre Extra broadband deals

If you’re looking for faster Internet speeds, it may be worth considering Plusnet’s best superfast option – Unlimited Fibre Extra. With average download speeds of 66Mbps, this connection can comfortably support larger households with many Internet-enabled devices. It’s ideal for streaming and online gaming, too.

Here are the best Plusnet Unlimited Fibre Extra deals:


Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Unlimited Fibre Extra Monthly: £25.99
One-off: –
18 66Mbps FTTC Yes, with PAYG calls
Unlimited Fibre Extra + Evening, Weekend, and Mobile Calls Monthly: £31.70
One-off: –
18 66Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive evening, weekend, and mobile calls
Unlimited Fibre Extra + Unlimited UK Landline and Mobile Calls Monthly: £36.27
One-off: –
18 66Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive anytime calls


Plusnet Full Fibre 74 broadband deal

Although it’s a bit late to the party, Plusnet now offers Full Fibre broadband deals, which involve a fibre-optic line running directly into your home. The most basic Full Fibre deal from Plusnet is its Full Fibre 74 option, which can support larger households of heavy Internet users. It’s also a very affordable way to enjoy a reliable FTTP connection. However, as with all Plusnet Full Fibre deals, you can’t get a landline phone connection with a Full Fibre 74 deal.

Here is what you can expect Plusnet Full Fibre 74:


Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Full Fibre 74 Monthly: £25.99
One-off: –
24 74Mbps FTTP No


Plusnet Full Fibre 145 broadband deal

If you’re looking for a faster Full Fibre connection, you may wish to choose Full Fibre 145 – which is almost twice as fast as the basic Full Fibre 74 deal. With average speeds of 145Mbps, this connection can easily handle HD streaming and lag-free online gaming – even in the busiest of households.

This is what to expect from Full Fibre 145:


Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Full Fibre 145 Monthly: £30.99
One-off: –
24 145Mbps FTTP No


Plusnet Full Fibre 500 broadband deal

As the ultimate Plusnet broadband deal, Full Fibre 500 boasts a very fast and highly reliable Internet connection. With average download speeds of 500Mbps, this connection is ultrafast and can power homes with many devices, including smart home technology. It’s safe to say that this impressive FTTP connection can easily support remote working, HD or 4K streaming, and online gaming.

Here is what you’ll get from Full Fibre 500:


Plusnet Full Fibre 500 Broadband Deal
Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Full Fibre 500 Monthly: £40.99
One-off: –
24 500Mbps FTTP No



 

Plusnet broadband packages

Unlike BT, Sky, and Virgin Media, Plusnet doesn’t offer much in terms of dedicated packages or bundles. Its TV offerings are limited to BT Sport, which you can access at a good price if you’ve got Plusnet broadband – but this is hardly a TV bundle. However, it is possible to receive broadband and phone services from Plusnet as one single package.

Plusnet broadband and TV packages

Plusnet doesn’t bundle these two services together, but you can enjoy Plusnet broadband with BT Sport if you purchase them separately. To give you an idea of how much both services would cost, here are some examples of Plusnet broadband deals with a BT Sport subscription:


Plusnet Broadband with BT Sports
Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Unlimited Broadband and BT Sport Monthly: £40.14 (£22.99 for broadband and £17.15 for BT Sport)
One-off: £5
12 10Mbps ADSL Yes
Unlimited Fibre Extra and BT Sport Monthly: £43.14 (£25.99 for broadband and £17.15 for BT Sport)
One-off: –
18 66Mbps FTTC Yes, with PAYG calls
Full Fibre 145 and BT Sport HD Monthly: £51 (£30.99 for broadband and £20.01 for BT Sport HD)
One-off: –
24 145Mbps FTTP No


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Plusnet broadband and phone packages

Plusnet offers landline services with its ADSL and superfast packages. Receiving broadband and phone services from just one provider is cheaper and more straightforward than dealing with two providers. If you’d like access to a landline with your Plusnet broadband deal, remember that you can’t get a phone line with a Full Fibre connection.

Here are Plusnet’s best broadband and phone packages:


Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Unlimited Fibre + Unlimited UK Landline and Mobile Calls Monthly: £33.27
One-off: –
18 36Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive anytime calls
Unlimited Broadband + Unlimited UK Landline and Mobile Calls Monthly: £34.27
One-off: –
18 10Mbps ADSL Yes, with unlimited UK calls
Unlimited Fibre Extra + Unlimited UK Landline and Mobile Calls Monthly: £36.27
One-off: –
18 66Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive anytime calls


Plusnet broadband, TV, and phone packages

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to receive all three services (Wi-Fi, TV, and landline) as part of a bundle, but you can purchase them all from Plusnet anyway. Broadband often comes bundled with phone services, and you can choose to get a BT Sport subscription through Plusnet if you like – but you won’t be able to watch anything besides sport.

To give you an idea of how much all three services would cost, here are some options for combining Plusnet’s broadband, TV, and phone services:


Deal Breakdown of costs Contract length in months Average download speed Broadband type Phone line included?
Unlimited Broadband and BT Sport Monthly: £40.14 (£22.99 for broadband and £17.15 for BT Sport)
One-off: £5
12 10Mbps ADSL Yes
Unlimited Fibre + Evening and Weekend Calls with BT Sport Monthly: £45.85 (£28.70 for broadband and £17.15 for BT Sport)
One-off: –
18 36Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive evening and weekend calls
Unlimited Fibre Extra + Unlimited UK Landline and Mobile Calls with BT Sport HD Monthly: £56.28 (£36.27 for broadband and £20.01 for BT Sport HD)
One-off: –
18 66Mbps FTTC Yes, with inclusive anytime calls



 

Plusnet broadband customer service

Before choosing a broadband provider, it’s important to check out the state of its customer service – as you’ll depend on expert help if your Wi-Fi fails.

How do I contact Plusnet customer service?

If you need to contact Plusnet’s customer service team, you can start by calling 0800 432 0200 and explaining your issue.

Plusnet also offers a British Sign Language customer support service. You can access this by visiting StarLeaf’s website, where you can use the InterpretersLive! Service to access support via a video call.

Plusnet customer reviews

Plusnet scores 1.9/5 stars on Trustpilot – which is considered ‘Poor’. This suggests that customers are largely unsatisfied by Plusnet’s customer service.

Here is an example of a five-star review left by a satisfied customer:

Here is an example of a five-star review left by a satisfied customer:

“Issue was rectified within a week or so after Plusnet arranged an Openreach visit. I’m happy with the support for this issue.” – Jamie Culligan

But most feedback is less glowing, as shown by this one-star review:

But most feedback is less glowing, as shown by this one-star review:

Just hopelessly unreliable. It’s fine when it works, but the connection is down for hours at a time every day.” – Annie Hackens

However, Plusnet’s customer satisfaction rating for 2021 was 81%, according to Ofcom’s annual report – so your experience may be more positive than reviews may suggest.

What is the installation process like for Plusnet broadband?

Plusnet´s ADSL and superfast fibre deals connections are easy to set up. You won’t need an engineer’s help if your property already has a phone line on the Openreach network – all you need to do is plug in your router on the activation date provided by Plusnet. However, you’ll need an engineer’s help if you’re switching from another network, such as Virgin Media, as this involves rewiring your connection.

You’ll definitely need an engineer’s visit if you’re choosing Plusnet Full Fibre broadband – unless you’ve previously had a FTTP connection via an Openreach provider. The engineer will drill a small hole in your external wall, run a fibre cable through it, and install a new Full Fibre box in your home. If you’re renting, ensure you get permission from your landlord before the engineer starts drilling.

How do I cancel my Plusnet plan?

If you’d like to switch to terminate your Plusnet broadband services, there are a few steps to follow:

  1. Check whether you’ve completed the minimum period of your contract. If not, you’ll face early cancellation fees for the remaining months of your contract.
  2. Choose a new provider and find a deal that suits your budget and needs.
  3. Sign up with your new provider.
  4. If your new supplier uses the Openreach network, it’ll cancel your Plusnet plan for you. However, if you’re switching networks (e.g. joining Virgin Media), you’ll need to call Plusnet on0808 169 2448 and give 14 days’ notice.

Should I switch to Plusnet?

If you’re unhappy with your current provider, Plusnet broadband may be ideal for you. It’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of joining Plusnet first, however:

Benefits:

  • cheap broadband deals of all kinds, now including Full Fibre
  • UK-wide availability via the Openreach network
  • customer service scores highly in Ofcom’s reviews.


Drawbacks:

  • no TV deals beyond BT Sport
  • gigafast speeds aren’t available with Plusnet.

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FAQ

🤨 Does Plusnet offer broadband-only options?

Yes – Plusnet’s superfast deals technically include line rental, but they are available with PAYG plans, so you’ll just pay for broadband services. Plusnet’s Full Fibre deals don’t come with a phone line at all, so they’re also broadband-only.

🤑 Who owns Plusnet broadband?

Plusnet broadband is owned by BT, which is Plusnet’s parent company. However, the two providers offer entirely different deals.

📶 Does Plusnet offer Full Fibre?

Yes – Plusnet launched its Full Fibre deals in 2022, and it offers three options, each with different speeds:

💸 How much is Plusnet broadband?

Prices can vary between Plusnet broadband deals, but overall, it’s a rather affordable provider. Plusnet’s cheapest broadband deal is its basic ADSL option, which costs £22.99 per month.

Updated on 14 Oct, 2022

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kathryn

Broadband Specialist & Copywriter