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Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 21:37:48 GMT

Hi,

I currently have BT Halo 1 fibre package with average speeds of 67mbps. My contract is due to end soon and in theory I can apply for the BT essentials billing.

Having had a look through the info it says I can expect a minimum of 46mbps on the essentials tariff, I couldn't see an average speed given. My current minimum speed stated for Halo 1 is 60mbps.

My question is essentially by moving to a social tariff, and therefore cheaper, will my speeds be throttled/compromised or can I expect the same speeds and service as I currently achieve?

Thanks!

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

gg30340 — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 22:43:41 GMT

@slinkymalinki wrote:

My question is essentially by moving to a social tariff, and therefore cheaper, will my speeds be throttled/compromised or can I expect the same speeds and service as I currently achieve?

Thanks!

No they do not throttle and Yes you will get the same speed.

See links and in particular

Home Essentials – Unlimited
Fibre plan
• Fibre broadband with
average speeds of 67Mbps.
Ideal for browsing the
internet, gaming, and
streaming TV.
• Unlimited minutes a month
talk time to all UK landlines
and mobiles.
• Costs £20 a month.

Home Essentials from BT

BT Home Essentials Broadband | Universal Credit Broadband

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

imjolly — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 22:28:24 GMT

You can look at essential packages here but speed for fibre packages same as whether essential or not

https://www.bt.com/exp/broadband/home-essentials?s_cid=con_bt_dg-home_awin_aff_vidAJM_110483-Editorial+Content&vendorid=AJM&utm_source=Affwin&utm_medium=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Fexp%2Fbroadband%2Fhome-essentials&utm_campaign=110483&awc=3041_1645094835_8db5e34aa3189a1e2d1144312948112e

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

Scott1210s — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:37:16 GMT

Hmm, this is intresting. And also is with you specifically mentioning a minimum speed of 46.

I have my own recent forum thread regarding this.

Because in theory no, the Home Essentials packages as advertised do not lower the speed. But we've just recently switched over to it at the start of this month, and even though for us it personally advertised it as 66-73mbps speed (guarantee of 60), my mother was actually told over the phone it would be 49-50 (with a minimum of 46) and because she didn't know any better, that's what we was put on.

Until I then knew that wasn't correct, so I got it changed to what it should actually be.

So from the fact you know you can get speeds in the 60's, then I'd say just be cautious that there's a chance you may actually be put on the wrong lower speed like we was. (iv also seen another thread with someone else having had the same thing happen to them.)

So if you order over the phone, and they say you'l only get a minimum of 49, then challenge them on it. Or if you order online and end up getting a minimum speed of 49, then you'l have to contact them to try and get it increased like I did.

The only thing they might use to deny you is from the fact you've said they've actually advertised it for you at a minimum of 49, so they might stick by that. Although of course you could argue that you are actually capable of a higher speed though.

Even though we got put on a speed of 50, it was advertised as 66-73 for us personally, so it certainly couldn't be denied in that respect.

So seeing as iv seen this situation occuring with being put on a lower speed, I dunno if it's sometimes a genuine system error, or how often it happens, or if it is BT purposely doing it.

But yeah, it's a great deal, but just keep your eye out to make sure you get the package that you're supposed to get.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

gg30340 — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:46:53 GMT

There are two Home Essential packages as per the link I previously posted

Home Essentials from BT

One at £15 a month with average speeds of 36mbps and another package at £20 a month with average speeds of 67mbps.

When it states average speeds it means just that. It is an average so some people will have faster and some slower depending on what your line can support.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

-Richie- — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:05:32 GMT

@gg30340wrote:
There are two Home Essential packages as per the link I previously posted
Home Essentials from BT
One at £15 a month with average speeds of 36mbps and another package at £20 a month with average speeds of 67mbps.
When it states average speeds it means just that. It is an average so some people will have faster and some slower depending on what your line can support.

^ This ^
£15 is provisioned with the 40/10 SLT - upto 40 down and 10 up
£20 is provisioned with the 80/20 SLT - upto 80 down and 20 up

Phone services remain the same regardless.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:17:36 GMT

Thank you, that's a very interesting response. I'll certainly query it before changing any plans.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:19:34 GMT

Thank you, I was talking about the faster plan. I just wondered if you were somehow given a poorer guaranteed speed (essentials 46mbps - Halo 60mbps) because you were paying less. I'd rather make cut backs elsewhere if that was the case.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

imjolly — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:26:16 GMT

@slinkymalinki

you will get the same speed that your line can handle regardless whether you are on essentials or standard fibre package - there is no reduction for essentials

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:24:29 GMT

I'm just interested if BT offer a lower guaranteed speed (46mbps as opposed to my current 60mbps) because it's a social tariff?

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

licquorice — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:28:34 GMT

Don't get hung up about guaranteed speeds, they are just estimates. As you have been told multiple times, you will get whatever speed your line is capable of up to the 2 price caps, 40 or 80

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

gg30340 — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:07:39 GMT

@slinkymalinki wrote:
I'm just interested if BT offer a lower guaranteed speed (46mbps as opposed to my current 60mbps) because it's a social tariff?

No! It is the average speed for lines in your area. It is not specific for your line. As has been pointed out you will get what you have now. The only change to your package is an administrative billing issue not a change of line, speed or equipment.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:16:38 GMT

I do understand exactly what you are saying, was just seeking clarification on the guarantees given. Seems quite a difference and as said above I'd rather cut back on other areas if the service is not as good as regular tariffs.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

gg30340 — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:19:07 GMT

Have you ever needed the guarantee before now? If there is a fault with your line BT will fix it regardless of the "guarantee".

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:41:48 GMT

Yes, I've had multiple problems with speed drop outs. The guarantee has definitely helped get solutions, especially when we have 2 home workers.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

gg30340 — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:55:33 GMT

And how exactly did the minimum speed guarantee help. Did BT only fix the fault once the speed had dropped below your guaranteed speed for 30 days or did they fix it before then as they would in any event?

"If your speeds aren't back to normal after 30 days, we'll give you £20 back. You can also choose to exit your contract without paying a charge for cancelling it early".

What is BT's Stay Fast Guarantee? | BT Help

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:19:32 GMT

We went through the ombudsman in the end. Our speeds did not match the guarantee.

I think you are missing the point slightly on what I'm asking. I understand what you are saying - the line speed will be whatever it has been. Yes.
However, I want to guarantee that I will continue to get 60+ mbps. If I take the essentials package I am only guaranteed 46mbps and I don't want that. I would rather pay extra for a guaranteed higher speed. In this case it appears you get what you pay for. Someone who has already moved to this tariff and understood my query answered my question which was what I long suspected.

Thanks for your help.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

gg30340 — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:34:30 GMT

Do a check to see what you would get as a guaranteed minimum speed if you were to take out a new "normal" package. You may find that it will be the same as what you have been quoted with the Essentials package.

Make sure you are comparing like for like as per the packages shown in message 6.

In any event, I'm sure you will do what you think is best for you.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

licquorice — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:37:15 GMT

You are missing the point, your 'guaranteed' speed will be exactly the same whatever package you take up. It is only changing because you are changing package, it doesn't matter what that package is it will be the same. It is not a question of 'getting what you pay for'

BTW, the only things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes.

Re: Do BT downgrade fibre speeds if you move to BT essentials package?

slinkymalinki — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:27:47 GMT

So tell me why do they even bother advertising it then? Marketing ploy?

You are wrong, there are many certainties in life. It's a shame that you focus solely on the negatives.