BT Total Broadband - Review

BT are one of the major suppliers of broadband connections in the UK and offer several service levels catering or casual to heavy use. They also offer many add-on services like BT vision , Personal vault etc.

The Options

BT offer four options Options 1 to Option 3 and BY Anywhere.
The main differences between the four options besides the price are

• Monthly Usage- It is very difficult to determining the monthly usage unless you are an existing Broadband user and have existing usage stats. So I tend to prefer to start with the minimum and upgrade as necessary.In fairness to BT they are flexible with the usage and will only contact you if you persistently go above your agreed limit.
• Equipment Included- All options include a wireless router/hub. The more expensive options come with additional equipment like a hub phone and the anywhere option comes with a mobile phone (smart phone) so you can access the Internet from anywhere.
  It is possible to purchase the equipment separately for additional costs, but it is a one off cost as opposed to a monthly recurring cost.

All Options Include

Free Calls

This refers to calls made over the broadband connection not over your normal BT landline. It also refers to calls made between PC and another PC (using BT talk). Calls between PC and normal phones may carry a charge.

To make calls over the broadband connection you will need a VOIP phone. (comes with option 3 and above).

Free WI-FI minutes

This is very useful if you travel with your laptop and need to connect to the Internet via public WI-FI Hotspots. BT also have a WI-FI network (openZone) consisting of other BT customers who open part their BT connection to other users so tha you don’t need to be in starbucks to access via WI-FI. They are also part of the FON WI-FI network so that access is worldwide.

The number of free minutes depends on you account but the basic option 1 comes with 250 free minutes and the most expensive has unlimited.

Digital Vault

This is secure online storgae that you can use to backup and share fies/photos etc. You get 5GBytes free with all packages. You can upgrade the package as it is sold as an add-on service.

BT Vision

This is on demand TV and freeview. You need to be a BT total broadband user to order but currently (dec 2007) they are offering it for just £30 setup. I’ve just received it myself and will be trying out for Xmas.

12 or 18 Month Contract

You have an option of committing yourself to a 12 or 18 month contract. If you decide on the 18 month option then the reduced cost period is increased.

For example :

Option3 costs £22.99 per month for 3 months after which it reverts to £24.99 with the 12 month contract.

For the 18 month contract it costs £18.99 per month for 6 months after which it reverts to £24.99

BT Vision (TV on Demand)

This is on demand TV and free view. You need to be a BT total broadband user to order. The box comes free with the viewing packages but Iwasn’t impressed with the packages and cancelled mine.

You can buy the box separately for around £30 with a £30 set up fee. You may need to crunch the numbers and see if it is better to get the package and then cancel at the end of the minimum period.

Personal Rating

I have been a BT broadband user (option 2) for over 3 years now and have no complaints with the service and consider it offers good value for money. It is the one I recommend to family and friends.

Links:

• BT Total Broadband