Proxy server definition
A proxy server is a computer system that sits between your device and the Internet. Without a proxy, when you browse the Internet, you connect directly to a website. When you use a proxy server it acts as a filter or firewall and protects your device from malware.
How does a proxy server work?
When you want to see amazing Plusnet broadband deals, a request is received to go to our website. We’ll explain how this works with or without a proxy server.
With proxy server
- The proxy server receives this request.
- Then the proxy changes this request to a different IP address.
- The request is then forwarded to the website and its server.
- Data from the website is returned back to the proxy server.
- The proxy server sends this data back to your computer.
- You can now see and browse the website.
Why use a proxy server?
The main benefit of a proxy server is safety. As a proxy acts as a halfway house between your computer and the Internet it makes it more difficult for hackers or malicious programs to access or attack your machine.
Benefits of a proxy server
- Enhanced security
It masks your IP address, protecting your device and or network. - Privacy
Your site browsing is kept anonymous. - Location specific content
Allows you to access another country’s content that otherwise wouldn’t be available, giving you a local IP address. - Content filtering
Organisations can block and censor inappropriate or social media content and sites.
Different types of proxy server
There are two types of proxy server:
- Forward proxy sits in front of your Internet connection and most commonly used to block unauthorised sites and filter inappropriate content.
- Reverse proxies sit in front of a web server ready to receive your requests and send them to their backend servers.
The most common forward proxies are:
- Transparent proxies, good for content filtering as they can’t mask a computer’s IP address.
- Anonymous proxies, good for hiding your IP address but still identified as a proxy server.
- High anonymity proxies, give you the highest level of anonymity, hiding the fact that you’re using one too.
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Here’s the legal bit
You can see our full residential terms and conditions here.
On 31 March each year the monthly plan price will increase by £3 for Broadband and out of bundle charges will increase 5%. See About annual price changes for details. Please note the cost of other services you take from us may increase or decrease while you are a Plusnet customer.
Broadband without a landline
- Your home phone will be disconnected and will no longer work.
- You will lose your home phone number and will not be able to get it back. You'll have to get a brand new number if you decide you need a home phone in the future.
- You won't be able to make or receive calls, including to emergency services.
- Healthcare alarms, medical pendants, security systems and any other services which are connected to your home phone will no longer work.
1. Broadband Packages
- Broadband packages are subject to 24 month contract and availability.
- Payment by direct debit.
- Your pre contract information and contract summary sets out your speed estimates, total monthly costs, total upfront costs and the amount you will pay once your minimum term ends. This is available at checkout.
- Please see our price guide for all broadband charges.
1.1 Fibre and Full Fibre packages
- Subject to availability, geographic location, computer specifications and a line check. The exchange list and dates are subject to change.
- Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term.
- Openreach may have to carry out a survey before they can connect your home to Full Fibre. If they do, they may need access to your property, but we’ll contact you first to arrange a suitable time.
- If additional work is required, this may take longer than the initial set up time provided and there could be additional costs, we’ll contact you to confirm what additional work is needed and how long this will take, usually within four weeks from the date you placed your order.
- If you do not want to proceed with your upgrade based on this, you’ll be able to cancel your order without being charged.
2. Existing Customers
- Please see our price guide for all broadband and home phone charges, log into your account in the Member Centre or call us on 0330 1239 123 to discuss your contract.
- Please note Plusnet no longer provides email, domain or webpace accounts from 15th April 2025.
3. Speeds
- Please see our guide to Broadband speeds for more information about what speeds mean and what package is best for you.
4. EE Sim Plan
4.1 SIM Plans
30 day minimum term. Subject to terms and credit check. Monthly charges assume online billing. You will not get 5G speeds using a 4G phone. Allowances for use in UK (excluding Jersey, Guernsey & Isle of Man) and Republic of Ireland. A daily charge applies to use allowances in the EU/EEA unless you have an add-on or Inclusive Extra that includes EU Roaming. See roaming costs page for countries and details. 50GB data fair use policy applies outside the UK. See ee.co.uk/terms for countries and details. Deposit needed for roaming in limited circumstances. Use your allowance to call/text UK mobiles, and landlines starting 01, 02 and 03 when in UK & Republic of Ireland. Some numbers aren’t included: calls to 070 numbers cost up to 5p/min and calls to 084, 087, 09 & 118 cost 83p/min plus the applicable service charge. See ee.co.uk/prices for the EE Price Guide for a detailed list of service charges and other charges outside of your allowance. Personal use only.
4.2 Essentials SIM
Includes speeds capped at 100Mbps, Data Gifting and Stay Connected Data
4.3 Stay Connected Data
If you have a capped data allowance (i.e. not an unlimited data plan) once you have used up your monthly data allowance your speed will be capped at 0.5Mbps. You will regain access to our fastest speeds upon (1) renewal of your monthly plan allowance, (2) by buying one of our data add-ons, or (3) If you are gifted data by someone else in your family account. Once the data add-on or gifted data runs out, you will return to the capped speed until your monthly plan allowance has renewed. Not available with No Frills plans.
4.4 Data Gifting
Account holder only can gift between pay monthly plans on the same account in increments of 500MB. Unlimited data plans can gift up to 100GB. Data usage on an unlimited data plan will be deducted from giftable allowance. No gifting to/from Smart Watches, 4G Home, 5G Home or 30-day 4G WiFi or 5G WiFi plans. Data not used in a month does not roll over, allowances are set back to zero at the start of each month. If you are outside your price plans standard countries when your monthly allowances refresh on your bill date the main account holder will not be able to gift data until you return to the UK/EU. Data can only be used in accordance with the plan terms applicable to the receiving line.
5. Broadband Extras
Plusnet Safeguard
Included with all of our broadband packages, Plusnet Safeguard filters inappropriate web content for your household. Further information can be found here.
Plusnet Protect powered by Norton™
Our security package protects you from online threats. Charges apply for Unlimited Fibre broadband customers. Further information can be found here.
Software Support for Plusnet's Broadband Devices
For further information on Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI), software support and how to report software vulnerabilities please refer to Software Support and Reporting Security Issues.
Available with relevant promotions and products, as displayed on the product card or in basket.
Once your broadband and line rental are activated you will be issued claim information via email. Follow the instructions in this email to be issued with your Plusnet Reward Card. You must submit your claim within two months of the email being issued. The card must be activated within three months of it being issued.
This card is issued by GVS Prepaid Limited, an Electronic Money Institution authorised in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority with Firm Reference number 900230; pursuant to licence from Mastercard International. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. See Plusnet Reward Card terms.
£75 Plusnet Reward Card with Fibre
£75 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 2 July 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Fibre on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.
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