How does fibre optic broadband work?
Fibre optic broadband uses a network of fibre optic cables that are capable of delivering high-speed data over long distances. This data travels down the fibre optic cables at the speed of light meaning you get a more reliable connection to the internet and faster download speeds.
Fibre optic broadband and phone packages
Most standard broadband and fibre optic packages use traditional technology, which means a working phone line is needed to set up your connection. A landline is how we get broadband to your home. It takes the signal from the street side cabinet (the large green box on or near your road) through to your router. This ensures you can get online.
Standard broadband uses an older technology called Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). This type of connection only uses copper cables to carry the signals, so provides essential speeds. It's a no-frills package, perfect for everyday online activities like browsing, shopping and sharing.
Standard fibre optic broadband is provided as Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC). It differs from standard broadband and is sometimes described as part-fibre, as it uses a combination of fibre and copper cables to get you connected. Fibre optic cables from the BT Exchange carry signals to your street cabinet, and then copper cables are used to carry the signals to connect to your home using a landline.
Fibre cables can handle much larger amounts of data which means these packages are much quicker than standard broadband. As they provide faster speeds, they're great for streaming, downloading and gaming on multiple devices.
Find out more about our standard fibre broadband and phone packages.
Full Fibre optic broadband is sometimes called Fibre To The Premises (FTTP). It's the UK's latest, fastest and most reliable fibre optic broadband. Using next generation technology Full Fibre connects straight to your home meaning you don't need a phone line.
This game changing connection is completely fibre optic, meaning you can get, ultrafast, reliable speeds up to 900Mb++. This kind of broadband is made to power busy online homes, supporting Smart Home tech, working from home, streaming, and HD gaming.
Find out more about our Full Fibre broadband only packages.
What’s the difference between Full Fibre and standard fibre broadband?
Standard fibre optic broadband is only part- fibre. It uses fibre cables to your street cabinet, then copper cables carry the signal the rest of the way to your house. This type of broadband uses a landline to set up your connection.
The full bit in Full Fibre is that your connection uses 100% full fibre optic cables straight to the heart of your home. This means you don’t need a phone line. That’s why it’s game-changing and is the UK’s fastest and most reliable fibre optic broadband.
What fibre optic broadband packages can I get with Plusnet?
Standard fibre optic packages
We offer two standard or part-fibre optic packages; Unlimited Fibre and Unlimited Fibre Extra – both of which come with great value line rental and home phone call plans.
Unlimited Fibre has average download speeds of 36Mb† and is great for streaming and online gaming.
Unlimited Fibre Extra provides extra download speeds up to 66Mb† so is ideal for households with multiple devices.
Full Fibre packages
Plusnet Full Fibre is a broadband only package, so you don't need to pay for line rental.
Our Full Fibre packages are all unlimited usage with the following ultrafast speeds:
- Full Fibre 74 – estimated download speed 74Mb++
- Full Fibre 145 -– estimated download speed 145Mb++
- Full Fibre 500 -– estimated download speed 500Mb++
- Full Fibre 900 – estimated download speed 900Mb++
These packages are made for busy homes always online on different devices in different rooms all at the same time.
Full Fibre is new, so it's not available everywhere just yet. We're working as fast as we can to roll this out across the UK though. If it's not reached you we'll let you know when it does and you can upgrade at any time.
To check which fibre optic broadband you can get at your address, just enter your details into our broadband postcode checker.
†++Broadband speeds
Average speeds based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Your actual speed will depend on your location and phone line (for standard broadband and fibre products) and your home wiring, Wi-Fi connection and time of day (for all products). We'll provide you with a speed estimate when you check availability of our products. Find out why speeds vary.
How long does fibre broadband take to install?
Standard Fibre Installation
Setting up your standard fibre broadband service usually takes 5 to 10 working days. If you're switching over from another provider, there's a 10-working-day minimum period and you'll be able to choose a setup date as part of your order.
On the day we get you set up, your broadband and landline telephone will be disrupted for a very short time while an engineer connects your service at the roadside cabinet. We'll email or text you to let know when everything's up and running, so you can set up your router and get online.
Full Fibre Installation
If you already have a Full Fibre connection and are just switching providers we can do this remotely, this usually only takes 3 working days. We'll confirm this once you're signed up and let you know if we need any further information.
If you're new to Full Fibre we'll need to install a new Full Fibre connection. This will require a visit to your property from one of our engineers. They can get you set up and activated on the same day and we can usually book you in within 3 to 10 working days. We'll take care of everything so you can sit back and enjoy a good old Yorkshire brew!
Why is Full Fibre and standard fibre broadband only available in some areas?
For standard fibre or Fibre to The Cabinet to be available, a fibre optic cable must have been laid from the exchange to the cabinet nearest your home.
Full Fibre is the UK’s latest broadband technology. It’s so new it’s still being rolled out across the country so it’s not available everywhere just yet.
Openreach are continually adding new areas for Full Fibre and standard fibre so always keep checking what’s available where you live.
To check which broadband services you can get at your address, just enter your details into our broadband postcode checker.
Here’s the legal bit
You can see our full residential terms and conditions here.
* The price for broadband, line rental, call plans and call charges will be increased each March from 2022 by the Consumer Price Index rate of inflation published by the Office for National Statistics in January of that year plus 3.9%. Other prices, content and terms may also change during your contract. See our CPI Plus 3.9% Guide.
Line rental is included in all our broadband packages, apart from our Full Fibre and Fibre packages. The standard line rental price is £26.53 a month and the standard line rental price, or where applicable the discounted line rental price, is included in the package price.
Unlimited Fibre Extra (18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £54.39 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Unlimited Fibre (18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £47.76 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Unlimited Broadband (18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £41.10 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Fibre (12, 18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 12, 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Price from month 13, 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £30 per month. Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Full Fibre Broadband (12, 18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 12, 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Price from month 13,19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently: Full Fibre 74 - £34.32, Full Fibre 145 - £40.04, Full Fibre 300 - £45.76, Full Fibre 500 - £53.77, Full Fibre 900 - £62.92. Compatible line required. Otherwise an installation is required. We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Openreach Survey: In some cases Openreach have to carry out a survey before they can connect a home to Full Fibre. To do this they may need access to your property. If they do we'll contact you 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. Our team of specialists will contact you to confirm what additional work is needed and how long this will take, usually within four weeks from the date your order was placed. If you don't want to proceed with your upgrade based on this, you will be able to cancel your order and no charges will be applied to your account.
Unlimited Broadband (no contract)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for a 30-day rolling contract. Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 13 currently £43.11 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. You may terminate your services at any time without having to pay an early termination charge. Outside your 14 day cancellation period, you'll have to give at least 14 days' notice.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Existing customers
Please see our price guide, log into your account in the Member Centre or call us on 0800 073 1120 to discuss your contract.
Speeds
Φ Broadband speed is described as 'average download speed of 10Mb', as it is based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Your actual speed will be dependent on your location, broadband line, home wiring, Wi-Fi connection and time of day. Find out why speeds vary. Check your speed and products available at your location via 'check availability' on our home page.
† Fibre broadband speed is described as 'average download speed of 66Mb' and 'average upload speed of 18Mb' on Unlimited Fibre Extra. 'Average download speed of 36Mb' and 'average upload speed of 9Mb' on Unlimited Fibre and 'average download speed of 50Mb' and 'average upload speed of 9Mb' on Fibre. It is based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Your actual speed will be dependent on your location, broadband line, home wiring, Wi-Fi connection and time of day. Find out why speeds vary. Check your speed and products available at your location via 'check availability' on our home page.
Ө Up to 6x faster: based on a comparison between the average Unlimited Fibre Extra download speeds with the average Unlimited Broadband speeds. The actual speed you'll get depends on your location, broadband line, home wiring, Wi-Fi connection and time of day. Find out why speeds vary. Check your speed and products available at your location via 'check availability' on our home page.
** Plusnet Reward Card
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.
Your Plusnet Reward Card is issued by GVS Prepaid Ltd, an Electronic Money Institution authorised in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority with Firm Reference number 900230; pursuant to license from Mastercard International. Mastercard ® is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Inc. GVS Prepaid Ltd's company registration number is 09193070 and its registered office is at Westside, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD. See Plusnet Reward Card terms.
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.
Evening & Weekend UK & Mobile calls:
Evening & Weekend calls: Calls of up to an hour to UK landlines beginning with 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers made Monday-Friday 7pm to 7am and any time Saturday or Sunday (except calls to indirect access numbers (which include calling cards) and dial-up internet access). Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 150 calls or 1000 minutes a month (whichever is reached first) applies to calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions).
Mobile calls: Calls to UK mobiles and 070 personal numbering services made Monday-Friday 7pm to 7am and any time Saturday or Sunday. Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 1000 minutes a month applies (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions). Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged. Some 07 numbers do not constitute mobile numbers and may not be included as part of an inclusive mobile package.
Unlimited UK & Mobile calls:
Anytime calls: Calls of up to an hour to UK landlines beginning with 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers at any time (except calls to indirect access numbers (which include calling cards) and dial-up internet access). Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 150 calls or 1000 minutes a month (whichever is reached first) applies to calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions).
Mobile calls: Calls to UK mobiles and 070 personal numbering services made at any time. Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 2000 minutes a month applies (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions). Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged. Some 07 numbers do not constitute mobile numbers and may not be included as part of an inclusive mobile package.
Anytime International 300:
Anytime calls: Calls of up to an hour to UK landlines beginning with 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers at any time (except calls to indirect access numbers (which include calling cards) and dial-up internet access). Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 150 calls or 1000 minutes a month (whichever is reached first) applies to calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions).
25% discount to top 35 international destinations: (Anytime International 300) Get a 25% discount on chargeable calls to all countries listed in our top 35 international destinations. For more information see our tariffs guide.
300 Anytime minutes: (Anytime International 300) Means 300 inclusive minutes to USA mobiles, Canada mobiles and all landlines listed in our top 35 international destinations. Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged.
Other call information:
Mobile minutes: Are available to Line Only and the Anytime International 300 call plan and adds 100 inclusive minutes to UK mobile numbers and 070 personal numbering services at any time. Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged. Some 07 numbers do not constitute mobile numbers and may not be included as part of an inclusive mobile package.
Service calls outside of your inclusive minutes: The charge for calls to service numbers beginning 084, 087, 09 and 118 consists of a 9.58p per minute access charge from Plusnet, plus a service charge set by the company you called. For more information visit www.plus.net/ukcalling.
Calls to Plusnet Support and other Plusnet line rental customers are included in all line rental packages. Calls to other Plusnet phone customers are included for the first hour. Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged.
For more information on our landline tariffs, see our guide here.
For more information on call rates for service numbers, see our guide here.
Phone Line Extras
Voicemail
1571 Voicemail: Included as standard, our answer phone-style feature takes messages when you can't get to the phone.
Voicemail Extra: This advanced voicemail service lets you record your own greeting, store up to 30 messages and listen to them when you're not at home. Voicemail Extra costs £3 a month. Further information about Voicemail Extra can be found here.
Caller Display
See the number of the person who is calling you (you'll need a phone that supports this service). Further information about Caller Display can be found here. Subject to availability.
Plusnet Call Protect
Included in all line rental packages, this blocks nuisance calls on your landline and sends them straight into your junk voicemail. Further information about Plusnet Call Protect can be found here. Subject to availability.
BT Sport from Plusnet on the Sky Digital Satellite Platform
BT Sport is available to existing UK Plusnet residential broadband customers with a Sky satellite receiver box, a satellite dish installed and an active viewing card. No access to any online content is made available by BT via www.bt.com/sport/ or via the BT Sport App. Excludes Multi-room. There is a minimum term of one month starting from your next billing date following sign up.
† BT Sport HD requires a Sky HD satellite receiver box, HD cabling and an HD-ready television to view the HD channels.
You don't need a Sky viewing card to order, but if you already have one you'll need to give us the viewing card number.
BT Sport App from Plusnet
BT Sport App from Plusnet is available to existing UK Plusnet residential broadband customers. There is a minimum one month term starting from your next billing date following sign-up. Monthly rolling contract.
You can access BT Sport online or via the BT Sport App in the UK and in over 25 European destinations. Requires minimum 400Kbps line speed or good Wi-Fi/3G/4G signal and a compatible device. Maximum of two devices may be used simultaneously. Must be aged 17 or over. TV licence required. Terms apply.