What does Internet safety mean?
Internet safety or online safety is more important than ever. It’s about being aware of possible threats and protecting yourself from malicious software, hackers, data leaks and harmful or illegal content.
Our guide can help you stay safe online when using digital technologies.
Why use antivirus software?
It's important to use antivirus software as it can protect you from online threats, including spyware, malicious software, phishing and viruses.
Phishing is where scammers use an official-looking website or email that mimics well-known brands into tricking you to giving your personal information, passwords and credit card numbers. It’s really important to keep your antivirus software up to date so you’re protected at all times.
Be prepared and check if a website is legit and use our tips to shop safely online.
Antivirus software is there to help you and we’ve got you covered with Plusnet Protect powered by Norton™ which is provided free for 24 months with Full Fibre and part Fibre packages.
What is malware?
Malware is an umbrella term that describes malicious software that’s designed to worm its way onto your devices. Once inside, malware can access your personal information, banking details, the files on your computer, and do all manner of nasty stuff.
Here are a few types of common malware:
- Trojan horse
- Ransomware
- Spyware
- Virus
What is a Trojan horse?
Named after the famous Greek legend, Trojan horse viruses enter your computer under the guise of an ordinary download. The virus is then unleashed after the file has finished downloading, causing significant damage. Attackers are able to:
- Access your device
- Install more viruses
- Access your personal information
- Steal, change or delete your data
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is another common type of Trojan horse virus. Once the virus has taken hold and an external user has control of your computer, it holds important functions 'to ransom' until a fee has been paid. It may be hidden in:
- Adverts
- Fake or unusual desktop software upgrades
- Email attachments
- Websites or links
What is spyware?
Spyware is a virus that can track what you type and the websites you access usually without your consent or knowledge. It can compromise your personal information plus:
- Your payment information
- Use adware to update advertisers or even cybercriminals
- Keylogging which is software that logs your online activity
What is a virus?
A virus is attached to files you download from the Internet, disguised as video clips, image files and documents. So if a stranger sends you what they assure you is a funny video, think twice about opening it! It’s called a virus because it spreads quickly, infecting networks and systems with unknown software on your device.
Your device, data and files may be:
- Corrupted
- Deleted
- Encrypted
- Affected by slow performance
Why are strong passwords important?
Complex or strong passwords are the last line of defence against hackers and malicious software. Complex passwords don't use real words but a random selection of letters and numbers which are stronger than common phrases. Using a password generator can also help keep your accounts secure.
Weak passwords can leave your confidential information vulnerable. Hackers can then use your personal data to commit identity and financial fraud in your name.
For more help, stay safe with online security and parental controls.
What is a password generator and a password manager?
A password generator is a software tool that’s used to create unique strong passwords by randomly combining upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. This helps to protect your accounts from hackers and cybercriminals.
A password manager usually includes a password generator and is a digital vault to store all your passwords. You can create, save and manage all your passwords here.
You don’t need to remember all of them except your master password which then gives you access to all your credentials. That’s a plus!
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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.
Line rental is included in all our broadband packages, apart from our Full Fibre and Fibre packages. The standard line rental price is £28.63 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 £58.69 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 £51.54 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 £44.35 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 £32.37 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.
12 month contracts are not available online, but they are available through our contact centre. Please call us on 0330 1239 123 and we will be happy to help.
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 - £37.03, Full Fibre 145 - £43.20, Full Fibre 300 - £49.38, Full Fibre 500 - £58.02, Full Fibre 900 - £67.89. 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.
12 month contracts are not available online, but they are available through our contact centre. Please call us on 0330 1239 123 and we will be happy to help.
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 £44.35 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, WiFi 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, WiFi 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, WiFi 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.
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. Access for 24 months included with Fibre and Full Fibre packages. After 24 months the service will end unless you opt to take a chargeable service with Norton directly. 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.
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.
EE SIM plan: 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. Essentials SIM: Includes speeds capped at 100Mbps, Data Gifting and Stay Connected Data.
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 your standard plan 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.;
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.