Plusnet launches low-cost broadband and phone packages

Internet Service Provider PlusNet has added phone calls to its broadband services.

The new offerings are available to new and exisiting customers, with several options for different levels of internet and phone usage. There is no requirement to live in an area where PlusNet operates equipment in the local BT exchange.

The Broadband PAYG Basic deal from PlusNet includes a tiny 50Mb a month of data transfer for all web surfing and phone call activity, after which there is a charge of less than a quarter of a penny per Mb.

Calls made over the internet are included in this allocation. This works out between just under an hour to four and half hours of chat, depending on call quality, according to Skype.

The Broadband Plus deal is only limited during peak times, which PlusNet describes as between 4pm and midnight. If more than 3Gb is downloaded in this time, customers are asked to upgrade or their connection is slowed until the end of the month.

Plusnet prioritise VoIP calls, web surfing and games on the internet so that there are no quality problems. Activities such as downloading files are given a lower priority, as a change in the speed of the connection is less inconvenient here.

Signing up to the Plus telephone service means line rental through BT is no longer necessary, while there is no need for a new phone or new equipment. The Basic phone deal includes four hours of free calls to landlines per month, while the Plus deal includes all calls to UK landlines. There is a £20 administration fee when leaving the service.

Such deals are becoming increasingly common, especially as companies can offer free calls via VoIP through the internet connection. The Carphone Warehouse and Orange have both launched similar all-inclusive packages.

Both of these deals have a minimum contract of 18 months. The PlusNet packages, however, require only a month's notice period at any time to cancel the service.

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