What is streaming?
Streaming delivers content over the Internet direct to your connected devices. You can listen and boogie on down to your top tunes or watch your favourite TV shows and movies all online without having to download any data or files. When you stream, the media file such as a song or movie is stored remotely on a server, not on your smart TV, laptop, smartphone or tablet. As streaming content is online, you can watch or listen in real time or on demand.
What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth is simply how fast a device can transfer data over a network or Internet connection. The more devices using your connection the smaller the share of bandwidth being divided between them. The slower your connection, the quicker you’ll see the effect of this. Think of it like a motorway. You can have a really fast car, but if the motorway is really busy you can only go as the fast as the traffic will allow.
What broadband speed do I need for streaming?
If you love bingeing on boxsets, sports, movies, and music, you’re probably signed up to the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Get the most from your broadband for streaming with our tips on the speeds you’ll need.
TV and video
The best broadband for streaming depends on which format you like to stream your content. Streaming in a higher resolution will use more bandwidth. The choices for video streaming are:
- Standard definition or SD needs a minimum speed of 3Mb
- High definition or HD needs a minimum speed of 5Mb
- 4K or ultra-high definition or UHD needs a minimum speed of 25Mb
Music
Streaming music is lightweight compared to streaming videos. The minimum internet speed needed to stream music on platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music is 0.96Mb. Our packages are perfect for streaming all your tunes on lots of different devices.
Video calls
Video calls are now part of our work and social lives these days, so having a superfast broadband service that makes this as buffer-free as possible is really important. For Zoom and Skype calls the minimum download speed is 2.5Mb and recommended upload speed is 3Mb.
Live streaming e.g. Twitch
Want to share your adventures with the gaming world? If you’re looking to stream your own videos on Twitch, you’ll need an upload speed of 3-6Mb. Find out more in our guide to broadband for gamers.
Make buffering a thing of the past
Sick of your videos stuttering as you wait for them to load? Make this a thing of the past with our ultrafast Full Fibre broadband packages.
Stream the sport you love
Engrossed in Football, Tennis, Rugby, Boxing or WWE? Never miss any of the action with ultrafast Full Fibre our best broadband for live streaming sport and get speeds up to 900Mb.
Our best broadband for streaming
With a strong reliable Internet connection and all the speeds you need, we’ve got your broadband for streaming sorted. Get Ultrafast Full Fibre our fastest ever packages with download speeds up to 900Mb. Stream what you like when you like, no bother.
With our part Fibre broadband package you’ll get the fastest speed your home can get, making the choice easy for you. With superfast download speeds of up to 66Mb. All you need to do is decide what you’re going stream and watch.
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Here’s the legal bit
You can see our full residential terms and conditions here.
On 31 March each year the monthly plan price will increase by £3 for Broadband and out of bundle charges will increase 5%. See About annual price changes for details. Please note the cost of other services you take from us may increase or decrease while you are a Plusnet customer.
Line rental is included in all our broadband packages, apart from our Full Fibre and Fibre packages. The standard line rental price is £28.63 a month and the standard line rental price, or where applicable the discounted line rental price, is included in the package price.
Unlimited Fibre Extra (18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £58.69 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Unlimited Fibre (18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £51.54 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Unlimited Broadband (18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £44.35 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Fibre (12, 18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 12, 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Price from month 13, 19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently £32.37 per month. Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
12 month contracts are not available online, but they are available through our contact centre. Please call us on 0330 1239 123 and we will be happy to help.
Full Fibre Broadband (12, 18 and 24 month contracts)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for 12, 18 or 24 months (as appropriate). Price from month 13,19 or 25 (as appropriate) currently: Full Fibre 74 - £37.03, Full Fibre 145 - £43.20, Full Fibre 300 - £49.38, Full Fibre 500 - £58.02, Full Fibre 900 - £67.89. Compatible line required. Otherwise an installation is required. We'll include a wireless router. Outside of your 14 day cancellation period, if you choose to end your service within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination charge.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Openreach Survey: In some cases Openreach have to carry out a survey before they can connect a home to Full Fibre. To do this they may need access to your property. If they do we'll contact you to arrange a suitable time. If additional work is required, this may take longer than the initial set-up time provided and there could be additional costs. Our team of specialists will contact you to confirm what additional work is needed and how long this will take, usually within four weeks from the date your order was placed. If you don't want to proceed with your upgrade based on this, you will be able to cancel your order and no charges will be applied to your account.
12 month contracts are not available online, but they are available through our contact centre. Please call us on 0330 1239 123 and we will be happy to help.
Unlimited Broadband (no contract)
Prices and terms are subject to change during your contract.
For new Plusnet customers that sign up for a 30-day rolling contract. Line rental is included in the price (line only, no calls included). Price from month 13 currently £44.35 a month (incl. line rental). Compatible line required otherwise a £49.99 installation charge may apply (excluding any external construction charges). We'll include a wireless router. You may terminate your services at any time without having to pay an early termination charge. Outside your 14 day cancellation period, you'll have to give at least 14 days' notice.
The date your broadband and line rental activates, or where your services do not activate at the same time, the service that activates first, will be used as your monthly billing date. If your broadband or line rental service are not activated at the same time, for the service that is activated at a later date, charges will be pro rated for the first month and any applicable discounts for that service will apply once the service starts.
Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Exclusions and terms apply.
Existing customers
Please see our price guide, log into your account in the Member Centre or call us on 0800 073 1120 to discuss your contract.
Speeds
Φ Broadband speed is described as 'average download speed of 10Mb', as it is based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Your actual speed will be dependent on your location, broadband line, home wiring, WiFi connection and time of day. Find out why speeds vary. Check your speed and products available at your location via 'check availability' on our home page.
† Fibre broadband speed is described as 'average download speed of 66Mb' and 'average upload speed of 18Mb' on Unlimited Fibre Extra. 'Average download speed of 36Mb' and 'average upload speed of 9Mb' on Unlimited Fibre and 'average download speed of 50Mb' and 'average upload speed of 9Mb' on Fibre. It is based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Your actual speed will be dependent on your location, broadband line, home wiring, WiFi connection and time of day. Find out why speeds vary. Check your speed and products available at your location via 'check availability' on our home page.
Ө Up to 6x faster: based on a comparison between the average Unlimited Fibre Extra download speeds with the average Unlimited Broadband speeds. The actual speed you'll get depends on your location, broadband line, home wiring, WiFi connection and time of day. Find out why speeds vary. Check your speed and products available at your location via 'check availability' on our home page.
Broadband Extras
Plusnet Safeguard
Included with all of our broadband packages, Plusnet Safeguard filters inappropriate web content for your household. Further information can be found here.
Plusnet Protect powered by Norton™
Our security package protects you from online threats. Access for 24 months included with Fibre and Full Fibre packages. After 24 months the service will end unless you opt to take a chargeable service with Norton directly. Further information can be found here.
Software Support for Plusnet's Broadband Devices
For further information on Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI), software support and how to report software vulnerabilities please refer to Software Support and Reporting Security Issues.
Evening & Weekend UK & Mobile calls:
Evening & Weekend calls: Calls of up to an hour to UK landlines beginning with 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers made Monday-Friday 7pm to 7am and any time Saturday or Sunday (except calls to indirect access numbers (which include calling cards) and dial-up internet access). Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 150 calls or 1000 minutes a month (whichever is reached first) applies to calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions).
Mobile calls: Calls to UK mobiles and 070 personal numbering services made Monday-Friday 7pm to 7am and any time Saturday or Sunday. Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 1000 minutes a month applies (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions). Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged. Some 07 numbers do not constitute mobile numbers and may not be included as part of an inclusive mobile package.
Unlimited UK & Mobile calls:
Anytime calls: Calls of up to an hour to UK landlines beginning with 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers at any time (except calls to indirect access numbers (which include calling cards) and dial-up internet access). Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 150 calls or 1000 minutes a month (whichever is reached first) applies to calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions).
Mobile calls: Calls to UK mobiles and 070 personal numbering services made at any time. Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 2000 minutes a month applies (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions). Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged. Some 07 numbers do not constitute mobile numbers and may not be included as part of an inclusive mobile package.
Anytime International 300:
Anytime calls: Calls of up to an hour to UK landlines beginning with 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 numbers at any time (except calls to indirect access numbers (which include calling cards) and dial-up internet access). Calls must be started and finished within these times to be inclusive (non-chargeable). A fair usage limit of 150 calls or 1000 minutes a month (whichever is reached first) applies to calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (if you exceed this limit, we have the right to charge you for further calls made, suspend and/or terminate your service in accordance with our terms and conditions).
25% discount to top 35 international destinations: (Anytime International 300) Get a 25% discount on chargeable calls to all countries listed in our top 35 international destinations. For more information see our tariffs guide.
300 Anytime minutes: (Anytime International 300) Means 300 inclusive minutes to USA mobiles, Canada mobiles and all landlines listed in our top 35 international destinations. Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged.
Other call information:
Mobile minutes: Are available to Line Only and the Anytime International 300 call plan and adds 100 inclusive minutes to UK mobile numbers and 070 personal numbering services at any time. Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged. Some 07 numbers do not constitute mobile numbers and may not be included as part of an inclusive mobile package.
Service calls outside of your inclusive minutes: The charge for calls to service numbers beginning 084, 087, 09 and 118 consists of a 9.58p per minute access charge from Plusnet, plus a service charge set by the company you called. For more information visit www.plus.net/ukcalling.
Calls to Plusnet Support and other Plusnet line rental customers are included in all line rental packages. Calls to other Plusnet phone customers are included for the first hour. Hang up and re-dial before 60 minutes and you won't be charged.
For more information on our landline tariffs, see our guide here.
For more information on call rates for service numbers, see our guide here.
Phone Line Extras
Voicemail
1571 Voicemail: Included as standard, our answer phone-style feature takes messages when you can't get to the phone.
Voicemail Extra: This advanced voicemail service lets you record your own greeting, store up to 30 messages and listen to them when you're not at home. Voicemail Extra costs £3 a month. Further information about Voicemail Extra can be found here.
Caller Display
See the number of the person who is calling you (you'll need a phone that supports this service). Further information about Caller Display can be found here. Subject to availability.
Plusnet Call Protect
Included in all line rental packages, this blocks nuisance calls on your landline and sends them straight into your junk voicemail. Further information about Plusnet Call Protect can be found here. Subject to availability.
EE SIM plan: 30 day minimum term. Subject to terms and credit check. Monthly charges assume online billing. You will not get 5G speeds using a 4G phone. Allowances for use in UK (excluding Jersey, Guernsey & Isle of Man) and Republic of Ireland. A daily charge applies to use allowances in the EU/EEA unless you have an add-on or Inclusive Extra that includes EU Roaming. See roaming costs page for countries and details. 50GB data fair use policy applies outside the UK. See ee.co.uk/terms for countries and details. Deposit needed for roaming in limited circumstances. Use your allowance to call/text UK mobiles, and landlines starting 01, 02 and 03 when in UK & Republic of Ireland. Some numbers aren’t included: calls to 070 numbers cost up to 5p/min and calls to 084, 087, 09 & 118 cost 83p/min plus the applicable service charge. See ee.co.uk/prices for the EE Price Guide for a detailed list of service charges and other charges outside of your allowance. Personal use only. Essentials SIM: Includes speeds capped at 100Mbps, Data Gifting and Stay Connected Data.
Stay Connected Data: If you have a capped data allowance (i.e. not an unlimited data plan) once you have used up your monthly data allowance your speed will be capped at 0.5Mbps. You will regain access to your standard plan speeds upon (1) renewal of your monthly plan allowance, (2) by buying one of our data add-ons, or (3) if you are gifted data by someone else in your family account. Once the data add-on or gifted data runs out, you will return to the capped speed until your monthly plan allowance has renewed. Not available with No Frills plans.;
Data gifting: Account holder only can gift between pay monthly plans on the same account in increments of 500MB. Unlimited data plans can gift up to 100GB. Data usage on an unlimited data plan will be deducted from giftable allowance. No gifting to/from Smart Watches, 4G Home, 5G Home or 30-day 4G WiFi or 5G WiFi plans. Data not used in a month does not roll over, allowances are set back to zero at the start of each month. If you are outside your price plans standard countries when your monthly allowances refresh on your bill date the main account holder will not be able to gift data until you return to the UK/EU. Data can only be used in accordance with the plan terms applicable to the receiving line.