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Are they good?

I am thinking about moving ISP. This looks good is it?
 
Yes!

I have been with them for over a year, no problems, great contact via email and phone, very helpful, best of all, I know that even though it is pay and go, I have a very reasonable maximum each month!

Nice isp imho!

Chris
 
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Be aware that they are now part of PlusNet.

Hopefully PlusNet will keep things *exactly* as they are. However, I'm pretty sure they'll bugger it all up and when that happens me, and I suspect loads of others will be off elsewhere.

If anyone from PlusNet is reading..please don't change anything at Metronet. The reason Metronet are so popular is that they offer a basic but reliable service at a decent price. Keep things the same and the business will grow; change things and all that'll happen is customers will walk.
 
sponix said:
Be aware that they are now part of PlusNet.

Hopefully PlusNet will keep things *exactly* as they are.

They will not, that is for certain. Time for heavy users to start looking around methinks..:nod:
 
Inactive said:
They will not, that is for certain. Time for heavy users to start looking around methinks..:nod:
Possibly not only heavy users. When they start to merge the networks, probably in the spring, I would not be terribly surprised if it all goes very seriously pear shaped and the existing support staff will have the choice of redundancy or move from London to Sheffield. I forecast choppy seas ahead.....
 
Announcement Metronet was purchased by PlusNet at the end of November 2005; support was moved to Sheffield at Christmas. Currently most of us are still on the old Metronet network for probably 2 or 3 more months, then we will be merged onto the Plusnet network; I can report no speed or network issues recently. Although I read that around 600 customers out of 16,000 had their account log in changed in error and some have had speed issues and MN are looking into this although it is taking longer than I would have thought reasonable. I the past I have seen far worse problems eg GIO about a year ago.

I was surprised to read the recent Customer Reviews on Metronet with people giving 1 out of 10 for all four categories. The problem is Metronet have a number of vocal customers, some who moved to them from PlusNet and are unhappy about the idea of being back with Plusnet. My experience so far, is I don't like the PN spin machine, they are a bit disorganised especially billing people who are leaving and have announced changes to the terms and conditions which include traffic management and controls on large downloads at peak times this in general means users over 15GB a month. Customer Service is not as personal as MN but OK. Also PN have a PR problem which may or may not be justified

So to answer the question Are they good? been with them 30 months and very happy; unsure the affect the Plusnet takeover will have; but have reviewed the market (including looking at Newnet) and decided to stay for now. I think MN will still suit low and medium usage levels but is now unsuitable for heavy usage.
 
Last edited:
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...


Dear Customer,

On the 4th January we sent you an email to let you know of the changes
that will be occurring over the next few months. These include our
support telephone numbers being changed and some new features during
2006, like being able to pay by Direct Debit and experience higher
speed broadband.

We also advised you that we will be implementing network management
policies to ensure that we continue to offer the highest quality of
service to all our customers. The two key network management
techniques are Traffic Prioritisation and Traffic Shaping.

We are sending you this email as we have noted that during November
and/or December you used more bandwidth than is included with your
account type. You are therefore more likely than most customers to
experience the effects of network management at peak times, and we
want these effects to be clear to you.

Network management techniques will be introduced from the end of
January and will mean at peak times heavy usage by a minority of
customers will not detrimentally affect the service for all of our
customers.

Traffic prioritisation
----------------------
We give different protocols different priority levels according to
time sensitivity and type of application. For example, time sensitive
applications such as web page viewing and VoIP telephone calls are
given a higher priority over non time critical applications such as
music downloads. This means at peak time gaming, VoIP and web pages
won't slow down but P2P downloads will. We prioritise traffic into
Titanium, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Traffic shaping
---------------
We will allocate specific amounts of bandwidth to different protocols
according to their priority. For example, we allocate a greater level
of bandwidth for Gold traffic over Bronze during peak hours. By
limiting the amount of bandwidth available for low priority traffic,
we ensure that web traffic for example, is not affected by people who
are using a large amount of bandwidth for P2P.

You could easily ask why we need to consider implementing these
things. The answer is fairly simple. This is because an unlimited
broadband service is no longer sustainable in today's market. This was
the predominant reason why Metronet was sold to PlusNet.

We will also use traffic shaping to ensure that customer's usage is
spread across the day and across the month in a reasonable manner in
line with our product designs. As with any ISP, we have a finite
amount of bandwidth available to our customers at any one time. Even
with traffic prioritisation, if all our customers are downloading
files at the same time, then the service will be slower for
everyone. On the other hand, if the usage is spread relatively evenly
across the month, the level of service for all will be higher as a
result.

Ideally, all heavy usage downloads would take place outside of peak
hours. Right now there are around 300 customers who download all of
their included bandwidth at peak times. By encouraging these customers
to change their behaviour and schedule large downloads outside of peak
hours we can maintain a high quality service for the majority of
customers.

To complement these network management policies we also plan to
simplify our product portfolio for new customers so that we do not
attract very heavy usage customers. This will not involve any changes
for existing customers.

How will this affect me?
------------------------
I imagine that you are wondering how this will affect you. Traffic
shaping will only be evident during peak hours (4pm-midnight) once you
have gone over the price ceiling on your account during a month. If
you do not reach your price ceiling, you will not experience traffic
shaping provided your usage is spread evenly across the month. For
example:

PayGo500

Usage per month Cost Management
0-400MB 11.75 Normal contention*
400-5080MB 11.75 - 22.75 Normal contention*
5080MB+ 22.75 Connection rate-limited

*Provided that total usage is spread reasonably across the month and
heavy downloading is scheduled to off-peak times.

What can I do?
--------------
It is not sustainable to regularly download large amounts at peak
times. We would recommend you schedule large downloads to off peak
times i.e. anytime after midnight and up to 4pm.

In the next few days, as mentioned previously, we'll be sending you
another email to let you know of our new terms and conditions and
acceptable usage policy (AUP).

We'll also be adding information to www.metronet.co.uk about network
management and you'll be able to either adjust your usage to meet our
product design, or you'll be able to request your MAC key, free of
charge, and migrate to another ISP.

Many thanks for your continued custom.
 
So, if you are below the price ceiling, you won't be affected "Provided that total usage is spread reasonably across the month"

That is the bit that has made me decide that when I move home shortly I won't be taking Metronet with me, as it is far too vague.

It opens up the *possibility* of a light user like me, well under my price ceiling so still paying the full whack for what I use above the included amount, having my speed crippled for having a blitz when a web site that normally requires payment has a freebie on, resulting in a total monthly use of 3GB, but having used 1.5GB of that in one week. 3GB per month is not a lot - but is using half the amount in one week a "reasonable" spread of usage? If the ISP decides that it is not, I wouldn't have a leg to stand on, would I?

I don't mind restrictions, but I like to know exactly where I stand. Given PlusNet's habit of moving the goalposts first, then telling you that they've moved them some time later but still not telling you exactly where the goalposts now are, I'm afraid I wouldn't trust any reassurances from them that I wouldn't see any problems with my level of usage.
 
Very good value!

I have been using MetroNet 'PayGo500' 512kbps since August 2003 with no problems. The connection has been immediate and fast 99% of the time and my monthly bill averages around £12.00 or just over. As I have never had to use their support I can't comment on it but the automated status page seems to be kept up to date. I did have a slight problem connecting around the time of the PlusNet take-over but it's fine again now and I think even that might have been a modem problem which I have now changed (£4.70 on eBay!). Speaking to friends who use other ISP's they ALL seem to have problems now and again. I originally chose MetroNet as it was by far the best value product for me and still is. Incidentally my Sister-in Law has been using PlusNet for a similar period and has never had any problem either and she is now getting a 2Mb service for £14.99 a month! I have a free e-mail account from AIM that works with Outlook Express or Mozilla and includes 2GB storage and there are plenty of other free e-mail accounts and web space available so no need to pay extra for that!
 
It such ashame that Metronet had brought out by Plusnet but Metronet is suit to all customers of Metronet must remain what they had signed the agreement on payasyougo but I am sure that every customers who felt that Plusnet is taken over Metronet and in charge and Plusnet do what they want and not cares about the customers. I should think that every Metronet customers should contract ex-Metronet managing director to fight against Plusnet and why changed and spoiled it all.

I do agreed that if Plusnet don't care about Metronet customers, then Plusnet will losing more customers each days but it not just Metronet, it also including Plusnet customers too.

I don't think that Plusnet will be there much longer now as I believe they will shutdown sooner or later when they lose alots of customers and can't figure the profits they are getting.

Plusnet used to be very good until the management take over and changed everything pretty quickest and kept changing terms and conditions, traffic management, traffic shaping, off peak times, peak times, FUP, SUP, Usages level, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and so on that make alots of custo,ers in angry and confused.

If Plusnet staff or management are reading this .... I would advise to think twices before losing more customers each days. I would think and best interest in both Metronet and Plusnet customers is to scrap FUP, SUP, Traffic Shaping and Traffic Management to be replaced such as usages level for peak times and off peak times so everyones will know and understand better.

Come on PN, don't ruined it or you will lose your business one day, pretty sooner if you don't act.
 
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bulldog said:
I don't think that Plusnet will be there much longer now as I believe they will shutdown sooner or later when they lose alots of customers and can't figure the profits they are getting.
Plusnet have more customers than you think and what few that have migrated out there are still enough left at plusnet to make it profitable.

from ISPr news
PlusNet's latest trading update has spotlighted the ISP's broadband customer total of 176,000, which has helped to increase turnover by 27%. MetroNet’s (MN) takeover has played a part in plusnet's improvement, although a growing number of MN's users are complaining about problems since the acquisition.

Wednesday January 18, 2006
That was only a few weeks ago so n ot looking like a company that will close soon.
 
Indeed, I would think all the FUP, SUP, Traffic Shaping and Traffic Management and even losing some of their customers, providing they are predominently unprofitable, heavy users will do no harm to their profits at all.
Far from shutting down, I expect they'll be buying up other small ISPs :(
 
Re KIA -Very Good Value I am on Metronet 1Mb service and it normally costs me £13.75 unless I use more than 2Gb a month. Other companies such as NewNet are cheaper £12.95 for 512, 1Mb or 2Mb but if you use more than 2Gb an extra £3.50 is charged for evey 2Gb or part of whereas Metronet charge 0.235p per Mb over 2Gb for their 1Mb line. We are changing one of our ADSL lines at work to NewNet on Tuesday £18.97 for 512, 1Mb or 2Mb for upto 25Gb a month; I will report back if they are any good.

Reliability Metronet outgoing email was down for 8 hours last Monday and incoming for 30 hours; however this is the first significant downtime I know of in 30 months of use.

As for the affect of Plusnet and trafic management we will find out when we are moved over to their network. I think reliability will not be a problem but could be slower from the posts I have read; but think for my light usage it my not be a problem for me; lets home so. :confused:
 
What Mel had just say:
Indeed, I would think all the FUP, SUP, Traffic Shaping and Traffic Management and even losing some of their customers, providing they are predominently unprofitable, heavy users will do no harm to their profits at all.
Far from shutting down, I expect they'll be buying up other small ISPs

I wouldn't be too surprise if Plusnet will buy out small isp sooner, hope it not my next isp NDO or NAMESCO but you don't know what it had plan in the future like Plusnet buy out Metronet and other isp's buy out few isp's.

I hope that NDO and NAMESCO will rejected Plusnet offer of take over in the future if they do have interest in them !
 
I joined NDO because I like their packages and understand more clearly. 10GB a month in both peak and off peak hours but do not count on uploading without no traffic shaping, and if over 10GB pay £1 per GB - that's even better understand and fair policy.

Why can't Plusnet do the same?? I doubt they will.
 
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bulldog said:
It such ashame that Metronet had brought out by Plusnet but Metronet is suit to all customers of Metronet must remain what they had signed the agreement on payasyougo but I am sure that every customers who felt that Plusnet is taken over Metronet and in charge and Plusnet do what they want and not cares about the customers.

Hi there,

This couldn't be further from the truth! Of course we care about our customers. I'm unsure if you are or have ever been a Metronet customer but prior to introducing any changes all existing Metronet customers have been emailed and asked to agree to new terms and conditions. Admittedly, this does mean certain changes will be made to the existing product set but there will be a wealth of benefits to be had. It isn't all about traffic management.

What you need to ask yourself is what led to the acquisition of Metronet? The fact is that their business model allowed products to be used excessively above and beyond their intended design. As more customers join the brand, profit margins were less likely to be met and ultimately it was a matter of time before this would negatively impact the end user if significant changes weren't made.

We have spent a massive amount of resources training existing support staff to ensure that there is no lapse to the high levels of customer service support expected by the Metronet user. Seamless network amalgamation, communications and being open and honest has been priority from day one and I can confidently say that on the whole this has been done very well.

We do not 'do what we want' with no regard to customers as that is no way to run a business and certainly wouldn't work in our favour. What you need to understand is that managment of the network is almost a requisite. Any ISP reselling BT Wholesale's service needs to understand this and, although we were one of the first, you are seeing and will continue to see others following suit. Unfortunately, offering unlimited non-shaped ADSL does not work. Of course you can over provide but you will inevitably lose money and a business cannot operate like that. Our model allows us to continue offering some of the best, value for money ADSL products at the forefront of the market.

I do agreed that if Plusnet don't care about Metronet customers, then Plusnet will losing more customers each days but it not just Metronet, it also including Plusnet customers too.

I don't think that Plusnet will be there much longer now as I believe they will shutdown sooner or later when they lose alots of customers and can't figure the profits they are getting.

If anyone is interested in how we are doing financially then have a look here. I think there is a misconception that the masses are all jumping ship but it's simply not true. The disgruntled few are normally the most vocal and a few posts across certain forums are not representative of the remainder of the customer base. Whilst I can't disclose figures I can say that I am privvy to customer numbers and have daily visability of the number of Metronet signups, migrations and ceases and relatively speaking we are not losing alot of customers so we must be doing something right ;)

Plusnet used to be very good until the management take over and changed everything pretty quickest and kept changing terms and conditions, traffic management, traffic shaping, off peak times, peak times, FUP, SUP, Usages level, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and so on that make alots of custo,ers in angry and confused.

I take it you're referring to the stock market float and the transition from a LTD to PLC? I will agree that their has been an air of confusion surrounding some of our policies in the past but we have always tried to make things as fair as we can. We also make efforts to ensure customers are kept informed and have access to all the relevant information. I know of no other ISP that shares the level of information with its customers that we do. Moving forwards we will soon be automating the managment of our network. This will allow customers to be dynamically managed dependent on their individual usage instead of us having to apply 'blanket policies' across the board. This is a very innovative project and allows us to distinguish and manage customers on a traffic by traffic, customer by customer basis ensuring the quality of service is maintained for all. This will be future proof and paves the way nicely for the introduction of the higher speed services and newer ADSL technologies on the horizon.

If Plusnet staff or management are reading this .... I would advise to think twices before losing more customers each days. I would think and best interest in both Metronet and Plusnet customers is to scrap FUP, SUP, Traffic Shaping and Traffic Management to be replaced such as usages level for peak times and off peak times so everyones will know and understand better.

See above. The dynamic automation is a much more sensible solution than a hard cap. It ensures we don't penalise users too heavily by applying onhe rule across thousands of customers who all have different surfing habits.

Kind Regards,
 
bulldog said:
I joined NDO because I like their packages and understand more clearly. 10GB a month in both peak and off peak hours but do not count on uploading without no traffic shaping, and if over 10GB pay £1 per GB - that's even better understand and fair policy.

Why can't Plusnet do the same?? I doubt they will.

We have just launched a special offer PAYG account for just £19.99 that gives you:-
- 10Gb of broadband usage.
- Free PlusTalk (VOIP) Evenings & Weekends calls.
You can pay per GB for anything you use above this.

Broadband Pay As You Go is designed for customers who want to enjoy high-speeds at all times of the day. As such, our Pay As You Go service is prioritised on our network at all times, for all types of traffic. I don't know how much your NDO account costs but this offering of ours doesn't seem to different as far as features goes?

Regards,
 
bpullen said:
We have just launched a special offer PAYG account for just £19.99 that gives you:-
- 10Gb of broadband usage.
- Free PlusTalk (VOIP) Evenings & Weekends calls.
You can pay per GB for anything you use above this.

Broadband Pay As You Go is designed for customers who want to enjoy high-speeds at all times of the day. As such, our Pay As You Go service is prioritised on our network at all times, for all types of traffic. I don't know how much your NDO account costs but this offering of ours doesn't seem to different as far as features goes?

Regards,

I think there may have been some confusion on bulldog's part over the 10GB allowance, see his post here:-
http://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/showpost.php?p=152296&postcount=6
 
bpullen said:
We have just launched a special offer PAYG account for just £19.99 that gives you:-
- 10Gb of broadband usage.
- Free PlusTalk (VOIP) Evenings & Weekends calls.
You can pay per GB for anything you use above this.



Regards,


Nice to see you in here Bob.

A question please?

I am on Plusnet Premier, monthly contract, wires only.

Would a change over to the PAYG £19.99 offer package incur an upgrade charge?.. I understand it is technically a downgrade, but if I used say 14GB in a month, then arguably it would a be a sort of upgrade.

Oh and don't be shy, pop in here more often, so much nicer here than that other place... ;)

Regards

Inactive.
 
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