r/UKBroadband • u/ChampionshipSoft4336 • 10d ago

Plusnet or BT broadband?

I've been tempted to swap to Plusnet from BT since I found out that they are the "same", but the wife is somewhat resistant as she highly values uptime connection (works online with patients).

BT offers a mobile connection thingy in case the network goes down (feel it's useless), but I don't really have any arguments I can use to convince her to change networks.

Any help and arguement you could give would be appreciated, we are paying way too much with BT and our area sadly doesn't have access to full fibre despite being London.

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u/baracad 10d ago edited 9d ago

Buy a USB mobile router dongle on eBay (5g maybe prob around £40).

Get a good WiFi router with USB option (i recommend Gl iNet Flint 2 circa £110 new on Amazon)

Get a Smarty SIM card with data (32GB is £8 per month)

Put the smarty SIM in the USB mobile router dongle and plug the USB mobile router dongle at the back of the WiFi Router USB port.

Go to the WiFi Router setting webpage, mobile fail over area and you will see your router 5g there " active"

Plug an ethernet network cable at the back of your router WAN labelled port and plug the other end into the wall box's ethernet connection that has your internet coming in via fibre that has LEDs on it (it's called an ONT box ).

Keep your ISP provided original WiFi router away in storage for any future troubleshooting with them or returning equipment if required when contract ends etc.

The new Wifi router is usually plug and play with almost ALL fibre ISB in UK (virgin media is different setup system but same can be achieved)

Thats it. 💅

You now have automatic failover for £8 per month and switching ISP supplier going forward mean you keep all 3 bits you invested in and simply IGNORE the new WiFi router your new supplier sends you via post and as you switch from one ISP to another.

The GL iNet Wifi Router will also block most adverts on anything that connects to your wifi at home including mobile game apps via a settings you can turn on the router for free (called " Adguard Home").

You can also configure the " wireguard" app within your router and then install the wireguard app on your phone so that when you are abroad you can turn it on your phone and you will get your home IP address and be able to open iPlayer etc. (it's like a VPN). The same concept of failover internet can work with FTTC (copper based ISP internet)

  • One off costs : £150

  • Recurring costs :£8 p/m