Tag: #BTBasic

Quick fixes to speeding up your broadband during lockdown.

Dorset Community Action have published the following information: Quick fixes to speeding up your broadband during lockdown.

Trying to work or school from home can be a nightmare if you have slow broadband, however, help could be at hand. Digital Dorset is highlighting potential quick fixes to speed up your broadband.

In the first instance check if you can get an upgrade. Some areas in Dorset have received full fibre but the improvement in speed is not automatic – you have to sign up for an upgrade. To see if you can upgrade click HERE.

If your broadband speeds are less than 10 Mbps you could be entitled to help from BT/OFCOM’S Universal Service Obligation (USO). The USO either offers you a 4G Home Hub solution or subsidy towards full fibre if you live in a 4G blackspot. The 4G Home Hub is the quickest solution as fibre can take a while to be installed. For more information on the USO – Click HERE.

You can still get a 4G Home Hub even if your speeds are greater than 10 Mbps from a range of providers.

What is 4G home broadband?

This is a portable, and sometimes more affordable, alternative to regular broadband 4G broadband, is just like the regular broadband found in most homes – you receive a steady internet connection, you can connect all your devices and you pay a monthly fee. However, unlike regular internet which runs through cables and Wi-Fi signals, 4G broadband works in the same way as your phone, operating through a SIM card and mobile signals. This means you don’t need a phone line; you don’t need to pay set-up fees and you can take it on the go. You should also be able to receive it relatively quickly.

If you live in a poor mobile connectivity area the 4G solution may not work. However, don’t just go by your current mobile phone deal as some mobile providers have a better network than others. Find a list of 4G home broadband providers HERE.

Satellite broadband

If 4G is no good for your property, then satellite broadband could be another option. It uses a satellite dish to provide two-way access to broadband services but speeds which used to be lower, have improved with download speeds of up to 30 Mbps available.

The main advantage of satellite broadband is that it can be provided virtually anywhere in the world, so long as you have a clear line of sight to the south generally. There are satellite broadband providers in Dorset and several local companies who fit it.

Broadband too expensive?

If the cost of broadband is out of your reach, help could be available. People receiving means tested benefits can apply for the BT Basic service, which provides a phone line and broadband for around £10 per month. More information available on BT Basic HERE.
Virgin Media also offers a £15 month deal for those on Universal Credit register for essential broadband – Click HERE for more information.
Virgin Media Mobile phone operators have also been launching unlimited data SIM card deals via schools for children in receipt of free school meals. The applications are generally done via the schools. If you think you could be entitled to help contact your school office and ask them about unlimited SIM-card deals. Find out more on How to Get Free Data for Home Schooling During Lockdown – Click HERE.

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#2021,#DCA,#DigitalDorset,#Broadband,#BTBasic,#VirginMedia,#4G,#StayAtHome,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

BT Basic

BT vans are always driving around our village.  We have many elderly residents in our village too who could greatly benefit from the BT Basic package:

BT Basic is a low-cost telephone service for people on specific means-tested benefits. It gives you peace of mind by helping you to budget.  It is not advertised by BT and you have to contact them to receive an application form which you send in with your evidence that you meet their requirements.

You must be getting one of the following means-tested benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pensions Credit (Guaranteed Credit)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (Income related)
  • Universal Credit (and are on zero earnings)

Costs are significantly cheaper:

The monthly line rental only costs £5.16 (including VAT) a month. As well as getting free weekend calls (up to sixty minutes duration) to 0845 and 0870 numbers, it comes with a call allowance of £1.50 and a £10 monthly price cap.

If you would like to add Broadband to a BT Basic line, the total cost of this is £10.07.

With the price cap, it means no matter how many calls you make the most you’ll pay each month is £15.16 or £20.07 with broadband, if you keep with the eligible calls included within the price cap. If you make fewer calls it will be less. This applies to UK numbers starting with 01, 02, 03 and 08 as well as UK mobile numbers starting with 07 – so UK mobiles are included too!

You can choose to have either monthly or quarterly bills.

If you’re the named account holder, you can get a BT Basic application form by calling 0800 800 864 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).

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