Broadband Renewal Process - Book Installation Slot ??

[barnescollins]

Hi,

I am due to renew my broadband and phone package, first time doing so with EE. The renewal process and options seem relatively straightforward, until I click the continue button to which I am then asked to select an installation booking slot for an engineer (see photo below). It makes no difference if I wish to take up an offer of a slightly faster speed or remain on the package I am currently on. There is no way round it.

PlusNet switched me over to EE approx 2 months ago, and I was supplied with a Smart Hub Plus. I had no engineer visit or installation set up then, pretty much had to follow the instructions that were provided, with no problem. 

Some insight please? I know I will probably have to pick a slot so I can get the renewal process over with, but will I get an engineer following up with the appointment? As far as I know, if I were to renew my current package I shouldn't require new equipment. 

Thanks

[JimM11]

@barnescollins When you joined EE did they keep you on the remainder off the PN contract to run it out, or give you a 24Month one straight away. What connection type do you have currently is it FTTC copper with DV Digital Voice for your landline connection. If so you connect up to the OR Master Phone socket.

Next are you currently in a FTTP FF Full Fibre area, where EE are prepared to now have OR upgrade you, if so then have a look at the BTW site to see what you can get. Number and postcode for the address checker will show you. The EE Hub SH31B is good on copper/fibre and to the FF900 package, so good chance it will not be replaced at all but going FF they would be sending you an Ethernet cable if one not already in the box. Your posted pictures has to be cleared for general viewing so currently no one can see it apart from you!

BT Broadband

Take a look at the linked post below, shows my connection and now on a FF connection.

Re: Hot and cold messages from EE/openreach is this usual? - The EE Community

[barnescollins]

Thank you for replying.

EE kept me on the remainder of the PN contract. 

The model EE supplied me is indeed a Smart Hub SH31B and it looks like I am currently on an FTTC connection as it connects to the double master socket. My phone connected to the double master socket until the switch over, it now connects to the back of the Smart Hub, as Digital Voice.

The broadband checker confirms FTTP is available in my area. So if required at all, the appointment slot is more likely to do with the connection type rather than the equipment itself. Doh! 🤔😅

That makes more sense now.

[JimM11 · Accepted solution]

@barnescollins Yes if your are in a FTTP area, then when you renew EE may have no choice depending on OR to do a full Upgrade for the connection type, that will involve new cable and connection for an ONT all to be installed, so depending on what is required can be a one hit over done and off you go or multiple visit's, but do get it done FF is way better than the old copper cable, not going to say much about the Landline operation on it, that verdict is still out currently.

The OR on the day video linked if you need to take the look see.

What to expect during your Full Fibre installation | Openreach

[rossdorf]

My elderly Dad is in a similar situation - he had to switch from PlusNet to EE to keep his home phone. His PlusNet contract moved to EE with only a few months to run and is now due for renewal, and the only option offered is full fibre. He found the switch to EE rather traumatic as his phone line was out of action for several weeks due to technical issues, so the last thing he wants is an engineer visit and further changes.

Isn't it possible to stay on part fibre? He barely uses the internet so changing to full fibre brings him no benefit.

[JimM11]

@rossdorf The answer all depends on the OR side, if FTTP is available and the Exchange is priority now then NO choice, FTTP has to be the way forward now he is up for contract renewal. 

Mine went relative smoothly with a slight extra 21 day delay because of the MJ Quinn Engineer assigned to the Install and I disagreeing about it all, OR came 21 day's later no issue done and dusted 1hr later. 

The phone side again may have a slight blip of 24-48Hrs to change over Copper/Fibre side, it's just the way....

If EE - PN is a change, then you need to look at what EE is doing, the contract never expires but the charge may just go sky high, been some fudging going on with the PN - EE changeovers so look at what was done out the starting gate with the PN-emails that were sent before it all kicked off.

Have been on a FF connection now since Mid Oct2024, has not blipped once and that is through 2 ISP transitions EE - Sky - Vodafone, VF messed the Landline side up so have now moved that to a VOIP provider who knows what they are doing, so far touch wood it's still working fine....

[XRaySpeX]

@rossdorf : What is the actual wording of this renewal offer? Show us a pix of it obscuring your personal details.

You should be able to do nowt & stay on your existing FTTC plan, possibly with a price increase.

[rossdorf]

I don't have access to the renewal offer at the moment, but it was basically a range of full fibre packages at different speeds, with no part fibre options listed.

His contract ends at the start of November, so I guess I can wait to see what the out-of-contract price is then decide whether to stick with that or move to a full fibre contract.

[XRaySpeX]

@rossdorf : These BB contracts don't just end, just the min. term expires. They are not fixed term contracts. After the min. term they just carry on at the non-discounted price on a rolling 30-days' notice basis until you explicitly migrate, cancel or upgrade.

[JimM11]

@rossdorf Since you have no real need for BB or speed, then lowest speed offer with DV included is what you want with the lowest priced option if EE is supplying that in the offer. Just watch out for the Landline cost's if not taking a DV Phone package with it all. In is free, out is quite costly.... Updated Pic attached when cleared you should be able to see, and what to look at with your Dad's home address.

Latest BTW for my address and already on a FF500 connection.