ADSL2+ FAQ

1. What is ADSL2+?

ADSL2+ is the latest generation of broadband, offering speeds 'up to' 20Mb, as opposed to the 'up to' 8Mbit speeds of Max DSL.

2. So, how does it work?

Without getting too technical, what ADSL2+ does is deliver faster speeds by more than doubling the capacity of Max DSL broadband. This potentially means download speeds up to 20Mb and upload speeds anything up to 2.5Mb. (Note: these are maximum theoretical speeds. It would be unlikely to receive speeds this high, even under the very best conditions. Below you can find out why).

3. What does it mean for me?

It's great news for all of us. It means you are able to download files more quickly and stream better-quality movies and music. If you've received lower broadband speeds in the past (e.g. if you live a long way from your local telephone exchange) you may get a faster service, as the new technology can improve the speeds available over longer telephone lines.

Even though ADSL2+ will deliver faster speeds, it's unlikely that you'd receive the very maximum speed available (Up to 20Mb). As with Up to 8Mb this is because of a number of factors which affect high-speed broadband.

If you're buying or moving onto one of our ADSL2+ products (Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Extra) we'll show you ADSL2+ speed estimates if your telephone exchange already supports it. We'll show you speed estimates for Max DSL if ADSL2+ has yet to reach your telephone exchange.

4. Will it speed up the things I do online everyday?

Yes, but it's not only about making the online applications we use now even faster. It's all about planning for the future too. Thanks to the new technology we'll see lots of new and exciting services being introduced, which all need a super-fast connection to run on.

Perhaps you've used BBC's iPlayer and been impressed with the service? It's certainly proved very popular since it was launched in December 2007. Well, imagine iPlayer programmes in even better quality, plus other media services, such as IPTV.

5. Do ADSL2+ speeds go up and down like Up to 8Mb broadband speeds?

Yes. Because of the way high-speed broadband technology works, the same things that affect Up to 8Mb broadband speeds will also affect ADSL2+ speeds. These include:

• Distance from the local telephone exchange/length of the copper wire from your address to the exchange
• Quality of the copper phone line
• Demand at peak times
• Bad weather
• Electrical interference from outside sources

Just like Up to 8Mb broadband, there will be a 'training' period for Up to 20Mb once this has been activated on a phone line. This is a time when BT run tests on the line, helping to make sure the service is stable and delivering reliable speeds. The training period will happen during the first 7-10 days after broadband is activated (or your line is upgraded) - you can read a little more about this in our About High-Speed Broadband guide.

6. Is ADSL2+ already available on my telephone exchange?

Many UK telephone exchanges have already been upgraded by BT to deliver higher speeds. This has allowed us and other selected ISPs, to run trials on the service, which we've now completed.

Now we're happy with the results of the trial and the stability of the service, we're able to offer this to our customers, where it's available.

If you're an existing customer and your exchange is ADSL2+ enabled, you can receive 'up to' 20Mb speeds by changing to one of our current products, either Plusnet Pro or Plusnet Extra.

You can check the status of your exchange (including finding out when it is due to be upgraded if it hasn't happened yet) at http://usertools.plus.net/exchanges. You can also keep bang up-to-date with ADSL2+ news by heading over to the Community Site. We'll be posting regular blogs about the progress there.

7. Is my router/modem OK to use with ADSL2+, or do I need a new one?

Your router/modem may already be compatible with ADSL2+, however we reckon it's worth checking with the manufacturer to see if it'll work. Many manufacturers will be able to tell you how to upgrade the firmware (software) of an older router/modem to make it work with ADSL2+, so you might not need to buy a new one. You'll find that a router/modem that's built specifically for ADSL2+, or upgraded to be used with ADSL2+ will give you the best possible broadband speeds and experience.

If you're an existing customer and you change product to take advantage of ADSL2+, we'll give you the option of getting new, compatible hardware.

Plusnet supplied routers/modems which will work with ADSL2+

There's a more extensive list in the Community Library which also includes hardware not supplied by us.

This page last updated 12th April 2010