What are the modern internet options?

[hellkat]

BT cancelled my phone cos I didnt pay the bill in time (for a particular reason)

This, of course, meant that the broadband (Sky) stopped working as well.

So I ended up paying it (on Friday), and BT said they would put the phone back on (on Monday).

I only use the phone for the [Sky] broadband and to call my mum in NZ, who is one of only three people who have/use the landline number.

So ... all the messages came through from BT, we're putting it back on etc etc.

I get home today, and think ok, have already paid Sky subscription, so just re-boot broadband thingie and it will be back up and running.

But no.
BT apparently cancelled my contract with Sky (I didn't know they could do that...?) because apparently only one company can provide a phone/broadband service at one number nowadays.

I had specifically told BT that I was happy with my current provider and did not require BT broadband (I didn't tell them it was because I thought it was shite)

But they cut it off anyway.

BT didn't actually TELL Sky they were going to cancel it, they just did it, apparently they are supposed to give them 14 days notice.

So Sky think I have cancelled, and despite taking last month's money, they were apparently on the verge of refunding the bulk of it because they think I cancelled it myself.

So I am still in the 14 day cool-off period from BT, and Sky are suggesting I bring my whole self over to them (for "a reasonable sum" and a 14 day wait ...) but I am tempted to say "Fuck the lot of you" and go with a more modern digital option.

But ... I don't know what that is.

Advice about what other modern options are used nowadays, shall be most gratefully received.

I was very happy with BT landline and Sky broadband. It worked fine for me, even though I was probably paying through the nose.

I am assuming that I could go just with "data" as I rarely use all the data I have on my SIM-only contract with O2.

My work iPhone (EE, not paid by me, and I only use it to ring patients) has a hotspot which I am using at the moment to access the internet to tak to you guys ... but I don't think I can use it to remotely log on to the work server.

So I need a Modern Solution.
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Chutzpah]

Not 100% what has happened.

Openreach needed a live line to provide the broadband over the top of.

BT ceasing the landline has auto-ceased the broadband.

Openreach can act on a cease request for a phone line pretty quickly. The line provider doesn't need to give the broadband provider 14 days notice (it sounds like you're thinking of switching suppliers?).

However, now the line is back up there should be nothing stopping Sky placing an order to reactivate the broadband - have they not given you that option?

The alternative is as they suggest, you switch the line to them also (but you don't have to do that)

To be clear, none of this is Sky's fault.

(no vested interest, I used to work at an ISP but don't any more as of about 10 months ago, and none of the ones mentioned here)

You may struggle to get a mobile broadband deal that matches a fixed connection.

[hellkat]

[Chutzpah]

In case you want to switch...

https://broadband.moneysavingexpert.com/

Plug your details into here.

The only reason I didn't bring that up earlier was I couldn't work out if you are in a contract with Sky. Originally I assumed you were, but then after I posted realised you said they were going to refund last months so you probably aren't.

[Chutzpah]

[hellkat]

Okay, that is helpful, thanks.
I will put on my politest bullying voice and ask to speak to their supervisor
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[hellkat]

[Chutzpah]

Just checked with an old friend, as my mind was hazy on the emergency restore process. I knew there was one in place for slamming (where another provider takes over your broadband without your consent) but wasn't convinced 100% it was in place for your scenario. He confirmed what I think, there isn't.

Your best bet is choose carefully now which broadband provider you want to live with for a while - is that sky or someone else? Then just place the order with them. Everyone will give you the same lead time for activation of your broadband (the exact date will come down to engineer availability in your area)

[Easy-X]

There are quite a few options whereby a service provider will take over both the phone line and the broadband. U Switch is another comparison site. I don't think any of them will be particularly quick in the swap over.

The other physical alternatives might be either Virgin if you have it in your area and 4G/5G mobile broadband - basically a standalone version of the iPhone tether you're using. Either of these will be up and running much quicker, the latter being instantaneous.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Ste]

Remember to get free cashback when you change ISP.

https://www.topcashback.co.uk/category/broadband-isp/

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[Ste]

£25 per month for 63Mbps fibre.

£100 cashback.

12 month contract.

https://www.topcashback.co.uk/now-broadband/

[xX-Alex-Xx]

You could always opt for one of these? About the same price as regular broadband (will definitely be cheaper than BT's offerings), and no need for a landline. Just check your coverage first?

https://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Devices/Huawei/HomeFi?memory=0&colour=Black
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DILLIGAF

[kawakid]

A work colleague, who doesn't have broadband.

Surprised me when he said he has unlimited data on his contract.

I showed him how to tether and he is perfectly happy.

Alternatively i've direct experience of these and have purchased about 10 and they work fine.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TL-MR6400-Unlocked-Configuration-Required-External/dp/B016ZWXYXG
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I've a twin and a 4.

[Polarbear]

I have unlimited mobile broadband on my boat, £22 a month from 3 including router thingy.

It works fine. I can stream Amazon Prime, netflix etc. I'm not sure how it would stand with multiple devices on it but it works fine with streaming and internet.

I'm not saying it would be suitable for what you require, but it's cheap and doesn't need a landline.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition