PlusNet free routers - the catch

[ADSLAddict]

Be a bit careful if you are signing up to PlusNet. Their packages are good, but sometimes you get more than what you bargained for.

You are going to be ok if you do not get their freebies like free routers or wireless modems, but if you avail any of their freebies, please make sure you read the small print. Regardless of what the big print says, there may be penalties to pay if you try and get out of their contracts.

I signed up to PlusNet a couple of years ago, got a free modem with an understanding that it will only be a year's contract. But when I tried to move providers, they charged something like £65, which after being with them for 18 months is a bit unfair.

Their speed and connectivity are ok though.

[hazephase]

Hi thanks for the tip , I have not signed into PlusNet but would be keep it in mind , there are so many fine print that we have to be carefull of

[saubryn]

I was with PlusNet several years ago on a dial up package. They terminated my account without notice because I was one of the top 5% heaviest users. The stupid thing is, they cut me off, wouldn't let me reconnect, THEN emailed me to my PlusNet email address to explain. I only found out what had happened because I had a backup account with another ISP for emergencies.

Since that experience, I refuse to use them, and by the sounds of it, they haven't gotten any better...

[AmanteWop]

HI all,

Firstly, if you sign up to a 12 month contract and continue to pay and use the services after the 12 month period is up, then either side may terminate the contract by giving one month's notice (assuming you pay monthly). This would mean you may pay for the following month but they cannot charge you anything for moving providers unloess you are still within the contract period.

Secondly, they cannot just cut you off for downloading too much unless you did it constantly. Even then, they should infomr you of how much you're downloading before they cut you off.

Something I have found works everytime with these companies is if you terminate the contract and when they try to charge you or cause other problems, infomr them, in writing that you are contacting OFCOM and will make the issues public. Obviously you don;t have to explain what "going public" means to the numpty onthe end of the phoen, but the threat of a customer going to the ombudsman is usually enough to get them to back down quietly without a fight.

Laura