Tag Archives: fibre optic broadband

Plusnet speeds onto screens with new fibre advert

Plusnet, the home phone and broadband provider, has announced the launch of a new TV campaign, bringing to life its new fibre offering, which is eight times faster than copper broadband*. With fast cars and humorous characters, the advert portrays the new fast and affordable fibre broadband product.

The new advert is a cross between the blockbuster movies ‘Cannonball Run’ and ‘Talladega Nights’, and uses a wide range of characters from an ice cream seller and learner driver, to main character Joe and his dad driving vehicles at high-speed. The advert highlights the benefits of superfast fibre optic broadband and that more people can get faster speeds with Plusnet Fibre, without paying the earth for it. This new advert will first appear on ITV during X Factor and the run up, until 23rd November.

Commercial and Marketing Director at Plusnet, Nick Rawlings, said: “This is the first time we have promoted our fibre product above the line and we’re excited to be introducing an up to 76Mb/s broadband product at this market leading price. Plusnet really wants people to get superfast at a super price.”

Creative Director at advertising agency Karmarama, Sam Walker, said: “We wanted to create an action-packed advert in keeping with Plusnet’s light-hearted personality.”

Plusnet has made a host of changes to its fibre broadband products including the introduction of new Plusnet Extra Fibre offering up to 76Mb/s with a 250GB usage allowance while upload speeds have been increased to up to 19.5Mb/s.

Following a successful customer trial, 57 per cent of Plusnet trialists confirmed this improved fibre product made the internet more integral to their lifestyle than it was already. The new look product more than doubles the usage allowance of Plusnet Extra Fibre from 120GB to 250GB, increases speeds but reduces the cost. Additional changes to the fibre suite include increased upload speeds to Fibre Value, now up to 9.5Mb/s. Existing Plusnet Extra Fibre customers can upgrade to the new speeds and usage and take advantage of the lower cost via their online account or by calling 0800 432 0200.

Continuing to win industry awards, Plusnet has won four uSwitch Broadband Awards, Best Fixed Consumer Broadband from ISPA and, for the third-time running, is recommended by Which?.

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Plusnet Reveals Eight Out Of Ten People Are Proud To Be British

Plusnet has revealed that, with the world’s spotlight having shone on the UK this year, 81% of the nation feel proud to be a Brit, with nearly a third claiming they feel more proud than they have for a decade. Plusnet has commissioned a survey, supplemented with focus groups and insights from leading psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall, which has found that:

– Nearly a third of the UK claim they feel the proudest they have for a decade
– 69% are proud of the British sense of humour
– 80% of Brits say family gives them sense of pride
– 50% feel proud of bagging a bargain when it comes to shopping

Jamie Ford, Plusnet CEO, added: “This year Plusnet changed its strapline to ‘We’ll do you proud’ which, by coincidence, has been a rather fitting move given the events of 2012. We’re certainly a proud nation when it comes to our culture, sense of humour and our heritage. However, it is matters closer to home and the everyday actions of family that generates the biggest sense of pride and here at Plusnet, we’re committed to making our customers proud of the products and services we provide every day.”

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Plusnet Staff Take Part In New And Improved Cycling Programme

Plusnet has welcomed the launch of BikeBoost, a revamped cycling programme which aims to encourage more Sheffield workers to cycle to work.

The project – funded by Sheffield City Council through the Local Sustainable Transport fund – is part of a scheme based in the North East of the city and is being delivered jointly by Get Cycling, Pedal Ready and Heeley Development Trust.

The scheme offers the free loan of a top-brand bike and cycle accessories, in order for people to try their hand at cycling without the commitment of purchasing a bike. At the end of the loan period, trialists can return the bike or look to purchase at a heavily discounted cost from the high street.

In addition to the free loan, trialists can also enlist the help and support of cyclist instructors for bespoke road craft training; including accompaniment on the initial journeys to and from work and cycle maintenance.

“We’re aiming to remove the hurdles that stop Sheffielders cycling,” said Graeme Symington, BikeBoost Project Officer. “We know that people don’t want to spend money on a decent bike unless they know they’re going to use it and are often worried about dealing with traffic and bike maintenance and repairs. This scheme addresses all those deterrents and aims to get hundreds more people in the City cycling to work this year.”

Plusnet, a home and business broadband company which employs over 700 people, has recently moved to a new city centre office and has 57 staff taking part in the trial. Mark Dundon, CIO of Plusnet and one of the firm’s employees taking part in the scheme said: “Plusnet is delighted to be the first company in Sheffield taking part in the revamped scheme. Not only does the scheme help staff save money and get fit, it also offers a much more reliable journey into work. I have been cycling for ten years now but the advice of the cycle instructors from BikeBoost has really helped improve my traffic awareness and the tricky issue of tram lines.”

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development at Sheffield City Council said: “BikeBoost is a great example of how we are working with businesses across the city. There has been a fantastic response to the scheme so far from Plusnet staff and I hope this enthusiasm continues across the scheme. We are working with business across the city to help increase travel options and choice.”

BikeBoost is part of Sheffield’s Cycleboost scheme. Sheffield City Council is funding the scheme as part of the 4.9 million pounds, Local Sustainable Transport Fund settlement won earlier this year by South Yorkshire from the Department for Transport.

Cycleboost will run for at least three years and brings together Sheffield based companies Pedal Ready, who provide cycling road craft sessions and Recycle Bikes, who provide maintenance services to new and existing cyclists, along with Yorkshire based Get Cycling, who run the Bikeboost loan scheme.

The scheme will roll out to other companies, organisations and community groups in the North East of the city this summer.

For more information on go to www.bikeboost.org

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Plusnet Reveals Smart Internet Will Help Manage Homes And Lives By 2027

Plusnet, the home phone and broadband specialist, has published a new report revealing that the internet will become ubiquitous in many people’s lives, transforming the way people shop, eat and run their homes.

The award-winning super-fast broadband provider renowned for bringing value to its customers, commissioned the research to celebrate its 15th birthday. The detailed research, which was conducted by globally renowned futurist think tank, Centre for Future Studies, shows that the internet of 15 years’ time will become the internet of services.

Written by a team headed by Dr. Frank Shaw, who has been described by Time Magazine as one of the 10 most influential thinkers in the world, the report unveils that the internet will include everything from smart appliances that talk to each other to clothes that monitor health; from cars that can’t crash to mobile technologies and cloud platforms that run businesses.

However these benefits will not be felt by all of society. There are currently still 8.43 million adults in the UK who have never used the internet and it is estimated that digitally challenged households face £560* of extra costs per year as a result of missing out on online discounts and opportunities.

With people already using the internet for activities including shopping, banking, study, job application and government services, the availability and affordable pricing ofbroadband will be crucial in terms of household finances and also social mobility.

Providing some of the best value home phone and broadband packages available in the UK, Plusnet is committed to enabling people to experience the benefits of being online; something which is going to become increasingly important in the future.

Jamie Ford, CEO of Plusnet, said: “So far, the internet has been all about sharing, communicating and engaging with content online. The next 15 years will see an exciting transformation take place, where we integrate ‘smart devices’ into the home, and the net becomes much more about rich services. Since our launch 15 years ago we’ve moved from dial-up services to wireless connection transmitted through fibre optics at superfast speeds, yet our commitment to providing a reliable service at a competitive price remains the same. We intend to continue this pledge in years
to come.

“Helping people to discover the internet is key to the progress of technology and just by giving an hour of your time to teach the basics of computing and the internet to a friend or family member could completely change their life.”

The research shows that while the internet is the most fundamental life changing event since the Industrial Revolution the public is, incredibly, only predicted to be 15 per cent of the way through it and that future developments will have radical life enhancing benefits, therefore placing even greater importance on providing access to the internet at an affordable price.

The home internet of the future will change the way people run their homes, how they enjoy entertainment, the way they work, the way they shop and the way they communicate and, as a result, place even greater emphasis on the importance of being able to access affordable internet.

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Plusnet to sponsor Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5

Plusnet, the Sheffield-based broadband provider, has announced that it is to sponsor the new series of Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5.

Celebrity Big Brother returns on January 5th for a second run, and Plusnet will sponsor the three week run. Plusnet credits will appear on Celebrity Big Brother and CBB’s Bit On The Side, with additional branding online and on short-form content at the official Facebook site, as well as on mobile and iPad.

Nick Rawlings, Commercial Director at Plusnet added: “We’re delighted to be kicking off 2012 with such a cracking TV sponsorship, bringing our brand to a whole new audience.”

The launch night of 2011 Celebrity Big Brother was Channel 5’s highest rating show of 2011 with audiences peaking at 5.6m.

The deal was brokered between Maxus and Channel 5, and creative is being produced by Karmarama.

Agostino Di Falco, Partnerships Director, Channel 5 said: “Celebrity Big Brother will reach more young adults than any other programme in January. The show kick starts Channel 5’s year, and it’s great to see Plusnet thinking along the same lines in developing this partnership”.

Channel 5 was launched as Britain’s fifth and final terrestrial broadcaster on the 31st March 1997.

Currently well over 30 million UK viewers watch Channel 5 any given week tuning in for programming as diverse as the CSI franchise, Extraordinary People, Fifth Gear, live UEFA Europa League Football, Home and Away and Neighbours.

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Plusnet Reveals Older Generations Are More Tech Savvy Than The Youth

A Plusnet study* has revealed that despite 59%** of UK households owning internet enabled PCs, over a quarter (27%) are not familiar with terms such as bandwidth, Wi-Fi, cursor, router and download.

Dispelling the myth that it is youngsters who are most tech savvy of all, the research by the business broadband provider found it was those over 55 who scored well with jargon-busting, as 72% claim they understand all of the terms perfectly. Exactly 39% of 16-24 year olds did not have a clue about these expressions, which is much more than the national statistic of 27%.

Over a fifth (22%) of those aged over 55 have taken lessons on how to use the internet, compared to only 8% of 16-24 year olds, showing that it is not just the older generations who should make use of such classes. Despite widespread belief that the older generations aren’t too confident with technology, when it comes to the internet, they are on par or even more self-assured than those in the younger age brackets.

Sending emails and shopping online are the stronger areas for those aged over 55, with 96% and 91% claiming confidence with these activities, compared to 94% and 83% amongst 16-24 year olds respectively. Online bingo however is something that the younger generations are big on, much more so than the older generations, with 50% of those aged 16-24 confidently playing online compared to only 24% of those over 55.

Talking about the survey, Jamie Ford, CEO of Plusnet said: “It just goes to show that despite the growing online literacy in the UK, people are still unsure of certain key terms and uses for the Internet. An interesting finding from our research is the increased knowledge of the over 55’s who have perhaps had to go out independently and source online learning through support sessions in their local community.”

“Although youngsters have greater exposure to the internet through their communication habits and means of education, it is the older segment of the audience who are making the effort to get to grips with the net, and therefore learning more about how it all works. Perhaps this Christmas it will be the grandparents’ turn to show the grandkids how to use their new gaming console or e-book.”

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Plusnet And “Go ON Sheffield” Help Hundreds To Get Online

Plusnet volunteers have assisted at a number of events around Sheffield city centre as part of ‘Go ON Sheffield’ which supports a nationwide campaign encouraging UK residents to get online.

A team of Plusnet volunteers have been busy helping out at several events across Sheffield as part of a UK campaign run by Race Online 2012, which aims to help offline residents take their first steps with computers and the Internet. In Sheffield alone, there are an estimated 95,000 residents* without Internet access.

Over 50 events were held throughout the City, at venues including Sheffield Town Hall, The Bankers Draft pub on Market Place, High Storrs School and Sheffield United Football Club, with volunteers from UK online centres, Heeley Development Trust, Plusnet and Sheffield University all assisting at the events.

The events catered for a wide range of people including those looking for work, wanting to get in touch with relatives all across the world or just wanting to learn more about the things they love. Betty Tilbrooke, 78, was one visitor who got online for the first time at the event held at Sheffield Town Hall. She said: “I’m sick of calling myself the invisible person because everything that’s interesting is on ‘www’. If I can do this, I can book my cinema and train tickets, and will even be able to order my groceries online if the bad weather comes again this winter. My daughter and son have been saying “Get online Mum!” for ages. If you don’t learn about computers, you’re going to be left behind.”

Plusnet, the broadband company with headquarters based in Sheffield, had 25 volunteers helping out at various events round the city centre. Katy Lomax, Head of Marketing at Plusnet, volunteered at the session held on Friday at the Bankers Draft in Sheffield City Centre. She said: “Even as someone used to being online, it’s not until you show someone the very basics of the Internet again that you realise how much it has impacted your own life. It’s really important that people who do know how to use it can help those who can’t, because without using the internet there is so much that you can’t do.”

Plusnet has sponsored the ‘Go ON Sheffield’ campaign and donated fifty free broadband packages so some of the new online converts can try their new found skills at home. The fifty packages will be given to those who could benefit the most from getting online at home with the winners being presented with their prizes at a celebration event being held at Sheffield United Football Club. The celebration event will also provide an opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who gave their time during ‘Go ON Sheffield’.

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres said: “‘Go ON Sheffield’ has been a really great way for us to engage with people in the locations they feel comfortable. The people that aren’t currently online are often resistant to formal learning environments so, by bringing the learning to them – in pubs, at football clubs and wherever they feel at home – we can break down these barriers and show them the real benefits being online can bring them.

“We wouldn’t have been able to run a campaign as big as this without the volunteers who came from all over the City, and they really made the campaign what it was. By working with Heeley Development Trust and volunteers from Plusnet, Sheffield University and all over, it really felt like we were bringing the city together for a really positive cause.”

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Plusnet Announces Business Relocation Into The Heart Of Sheffield

Plusnet, the Sheffield-based broadband and home phone supplier, has announced plans to occupy a centrally-based location in the heart of the City next year.

During the spring of 2012, Plusnet will begin moving all operations into grade-A office space at ‘The Balance’ on Pinfold Street, S1. The occupancy will be the biggest office let within Sheffield for the last five years, taking over 53,000 square feet.

Jamie Ford, CEO at Plusnet said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for our business and signals another milestone in our amazing story. With such rapid expansion over the last two years this move will enable all business operations including our customer services, to remain together under one roof. This is something incredibly unique for a telecoms provider in the UK.

“At the same time, the move gives us the space to necessitate further expansion as we continue to grow at pace and cements our commitment to Sheffield for the foreseeable future.”

Plusnet, set to celebrate its 15th birthday in February 2012, currently employs close to 700 staff. Throughout its history it has been based in Sheffield and in 2010 took the decision to move off-shore service teams in South Africa back to the city. Since this time, Plusnet has been one of few business broadband) service providers to operate a UK based 24/7 customer service team and in 2011 alone won six awards and has been highly commended 13 times across the broadband industry*. In September, 2011 Plusnet also became officially Which? Recommended.

Jamie Ford continued: “Our staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve this success and I am delighted that we are in a position to reward them with a state-of-the-art working environment. As we continue to grow, I hope the new building acts as another factor to attract local talent to our business.”

Tim Bottrill, partner at Knight Frank and Plusnet’s Adviser and procurer for this deal said: “This is the biggest office let within Sheffield for the last five years and something that we are proud of at our office in Sheffield. The Balance provides Plusnet with an excellent, new HQ facility in the heart of Sheffield. The building benefits from air-conditioned offices which include better meeting facilities; reception area; 24 hour security; landscaped recreational space; staff restaurant; cafe bar and parking. The building also provides excellent access to Sheffield’s extensive network of public transport trams and buses.”

Plusnet is refurbishing four floors in the building and will neighbour current occupants including HSBC and Hill Dickinson. Currently operating from two sites in the city in Tenter Street and Victoria Quays, Plusnet anticipates the move to be complete by the end of May 2012.

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BT Offers Small Businesses A ‘Kickstart’

BT Business has launched a finance scheme offering start-ups the chance to lease up to £15,000 worth of technology and telecommunications solutions. Under the ‘Kick Start Scheme’, in conjunction with Shire Leasing, new businesses trading for under three years will be eligible for funding subject to credit vetting.

BT’s ‘KickStart Scheme’, available through BT Local Business, aims to help small businesses raise funds in a challenging economic climate and to avoid having to rely on bank loans, overdrafts or credit cards.

‘KickStart’ offers start-ups the opportunity to purchase a range of technology and communications products and services including business telephone systems, business mobiles, handsets, connection charges, software licences and IT equipment such as laptops, as well as small business IT support. The scheme is open to all industry types and has very flexible underwriting, aimed at delivering higher acceptance levels for new-start companies. An average £3,000 loan will cost less than £20 per week and can be added to as the business grows.

Declan McGlone, general manager of BT Finance, BT Business said: “The UK has an average of 270,000 start-up businesses every year. In light of the current economic climate we want to help these businesses access the products and services they need to get their new venture up and running. Our ‘KickStart Scheme’ offers finance over a fixed term, at a fixed rate, making it easier for customers to budget.”

One business that has already benefitted from a similar scheme with Shire Leasing is A.I. Global Media Ltd. The publishing company, established in November 2010, needed funding to purchase a technology and communications solution for its eight staff working on a new corporate finance publication.

Jane Peter, director, A.I. Global Media Ltd, said: “When starting out, it was crucial to launch the business in the most cost effective way possible. We needed to install a BT Versatility phone and broadband system, so that staff could work on the magazine straight away, but couldn’t afford any major spend. The leasing scheme allowed us to get the equipment we needed at a fixed rate and also meant we keep what capital we had in the bank to ensure we had some cash flow. This scheme really helped us get our business off the ground and we now have over 53,000 subscribers to our magazine.”

Karina Knudsen, Head of Business Development at the British Chambers of Commerce also welcomed the launch: “The BCC has long called for more support for small businesses. Financing that specifically helps start and grow new ventures will considerably reduce the current credit difficulties that owners face.”

New and existing BT Business customers will be able to take up the ‘KickStart Scheme’ offers as long as they have been trading for under three years, subject to a credit check. For more information about ‘KickStart’ and other BT products and services, interested parties can contact BT Local Business at www.btlocalbusiness.co.uk.

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