Guide to Low Cost Areas

1. Introduction

Back in May 2008 Ofcom announced the deregulation of 70% of the UK's broadband market. This meant that the rules which controlled the price of BT Wholesale services could be removed.

Telephone exchanges are now categorised according to the number of broadband providers available and the amount of properties they serve.

These categories are called Markets. There are 4 Market categories - Market 1, Market 2, Market 3 and Hull area.

Use the Plusnet Usertools Exchange Checker to find out the category your exchange is in.

2. What's a Low Cost Area?

Market 3 exchanges are classed as Low Cost Areas.

The increased competition in Market 3 exchanges allows us to offer better prices on our broadband packages in these areas.

3. Which category is your exchange in?

Enter your number in the Plusnet Usertools Exchange Checker.

Your Market Area is shown in the top right-hand corner (as shown in the picture below).

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4. How much is Broadband in each Market Area?

The below you can see the prices for our broadband products in each Market Area.

When signing up we'll confirm the price you'll pay after we've checked your telephone number.

Residential broadband products

Residential product prices include VAT.

* Existing Plusnet Pro customers:

• In Market 3 areas- will have their subscription price reduced from £19.99 to £16.49 per month.
• In Market 1/2 areas - will continue to pay £19.99 per month.

Business broadband products

Business product prices exclude VAT.

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5. What if I move to a different Market Area?

Residential Customers

Your monthly bill will change to match the price for your new Market Area on your next billing date.

Business Customers

Your monthly bill will remain the same until the end of your current contract. Once your contract expires your bill will change to match the contracted price for your Market Area.

6. Ofcom Market Area information

You can find out more information about the Market Areas and the deregulation of the UK broadband market by reading Ofcom's PDF statement.

This page last updated 22nd April 2010