Broadband

1. What is ADSL2+?

ADSL2+ is a broadband technology, offering speeds 'up to' 20Mb.

2. So, how does it work?

Without getting too technical, what ADSL2+ does is more than double the capacity of Max DSL broadband. This potentially means download speeds up to 20Mb and upload speeds anything up to 2.5Mb. (Note: these are maximum theoretical speeds. It's unlikely you'd receive speeds this high, even under the very best conditions. Below you can find out why.)

3. What does it mean for me?

It's great news for all of us. It means you are able to download files more quickly and stream better-quality movies and music. If you've received lower broadband speeds in the past (e.g. if you live a long way from your local telephone exchange) you may get a faster service, as the new technology can improve the speeds available over longer telephone lines.

Even though ADSL2+ will deliver faster speeds, it's unlikely that you'd receive the very maximum speed available (20Mb). This is because of a number of factors which affect high-speed broadband.

4. Will it speed up the things I do online everyday?

Yes, but it's not only about making the online applications we use now even faster. It's all about planning for the future too. Thanks to the new technology there are lots of new and exciting services being introduced, which all need a super-fast connection to run on.

Perhaps you've enjoyed using BBC's iPlayer recently? Well, imagine iPlayer programmes in even better quality, plus other media services, such as IPTV. ADSL2+ is able to deliver these and much more besides.

5. Do ADSL2+ speeds go up and down?

Yes. Because of the way high-speed broadband technology works, there are a number things that affect ADSL2+ speeds. These include:

• Distance from the local telephone exchange/length of the copper wire from your address to the exchange
• Quality of the copper phone line
• Demand at peak times
• Bad weather
• Electrical interference from outside sources

There's a broadband 'training' period for up to 20Mb. This is a time when BT run tests on the line, helping to make sure the service is stable and delivering reliable speeds. The training period takes place for 10 days after broadband is activated or upgraded - you can read more about this in Your Broadband Speed - The Basics.

6. Is ADSL2+ available on my telephone exchange?

You can check the status of your exchange (and find out when it is due to be upgraded if it hasn't happened yet) at http://usertools.plus.net/exchanges.

7. When will I get ADSL2+?

If you're signing up as a new customer, you'll get ADSL2+ if it's available and your line can support it.

We're currently in the process of upgrading our existing customers (there's a lot of you so it'll take some time) and we'll be in touch as and when the service is available. Upgrades are available to all residential account types apart from Plusnet Unlimited.

If you don't want to wait, you can request an upgrade via the Help Assistant. It's important to note that if your service moves to the 21CN network (either on the up to 8Mb or the up to 20Mb service) we can't move you back to the older 20CN network later on.

8. Is my router/modem OK to use with ADSL2+, or do I need a new one?

Your router/modem may already be compatible with ADSL2+, however we reckon it's worth checking with the manufacturer to see if it'll work. Many manufacturers will be able to tell you how to upgrade the firmware (software) of an older router/modem to make it work with ADSL2+, so you might not need to buy a new one. You'll find that a router/modem that's built specifically for ADSL2+, or upgraded to be used with ADSL2+ will give you the best possible broadband speeds and experience.

If you're an existing customer and you change product to take advantage of ADSL2+, we'll give you the option of getting new, compatible hardware.

Plusnet supplied routers/modems which will work with ADSL2+

There's a more extensive list in the Community Library which also includes hardware not supplied by us.

9. When we can't provide Up to 20Mb speeds

We can only offer up to 20Mb services if your telephone exchange has been upgraded to support high-speed broadband (ADSL2+ technology). However, in some cases, even if your exchange has been upgraded to support ADSL2+ we may not offer you an up to 20Mb service.

Why is this? Well, if the speed estimate we give you is below 4Mb it means you probably wouldn't see any speed benefits on up to 20Mb. Infact, there's a higher chance that you'd have disconnections and faults. Instead we'll provision you on an up to 8Mb (Max DSL broadband) product. Doing this makes sure you get a more stable service and a much better broadband experience.

This page last updated 1st September 2010