Terms & Conditions for Broadband Phone Services prior to May 1st 2008

These Conditions apply to customers signing up for the Broadband Phone service.

32 Provision of Service

32.1.1 The Service is currently only available to customers of Plusnet’s broadband services. These include but are not limited to Broadband PAYG; Broadband Plus; Broadband Home Premier; Broadband EasyStart, ADSL Home, Teleworker, Small Business, Business, ADSL Netstart and Biz Surf.

32.1.2 Customers must agree to our Standard Terms and Conditions.

32.1.3 Occasionally Plusnet may give the Customer instructions which it believes are necessary for reasons of health, safety, security or the quality of any telecommunications service provided by Plusnet to the Customer or any other customer;

1.2 Connection of Equipment to the Service

32.2.1 In order to use the Service customers must download the recommended software available from the Broadband Phone portal or use recommended SIP-enabled connection hardware where available from the Plusnet website.

32.2.2 In order to use the Service, Customers will need the appropriate equipment such as a headset, speakers and a microphone, or a SIP-compatible device with a compatible handset or headset. Equipment is not provided with the Service by Plusnet.

32.2.3 The customer must ensure that any equipment:

32.2.3.1 connected to or used with the Service is connected and used in accordance with any applicable instructions, safety and security procedures; and

32.2.3.2 attached (directly or indirectly) to the Service is compliant with any relevant legislation.

1.3 Use of the Service

32.3.1 The Service is intended for sending and receiving voice transmissions over the Internet. Customers understand that:

32.3.1.1 The service will allow calls between SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) enabled devices and between PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) fixed or mobile telephone networks in the UK or abroad. These calls will be charged at the rates published on our website here. The service is designed to function with other SIP networks. A list of SIP Service Partners is available here. Changes will be notified in advance via the Broadband Phone member area and Announcements areas of our website and we will endeavour to provide at least 5 days notice before changes take effect

32.3.1.2 The service is designed to function with other SIP networks. A list of SIP Service Partners is available at here

32.3.1.3 The service is not intended to replace normal PSTN telephone service.

32.3.1.4 Customers must retain a BT telephone line in order to use the Service.

32.3.1.5 Plusnet makes no guarantees as to the availability or functionality of the Service.

32.3.1.6 The service cannot currently be used to make emergency calls including 999 calls.

32.3.1.7 The service will not function if your broadband service is lost.

32.3.1.8 The service will not function in the event of loss of power at your premises.

32.3.1.9 To make and receive calls the service requires either a PC (personal computer) or SIP-enabled equipment to be active and connected to the broadband line.

32.3.1.10 In order to maximise service availability for all Customers, Plusnet operates ‘idle time-outs’ on its Broadband Phone service. This works by automatically disconnecting calls which have been inactive for more than five minutes. You will be able to reconnect straight away if you wish.

32.3.1.11 In order to maximise service availability for all Customers, the maximum call duration is 60 minutes for a single call. If you reach this duration, your call will disconnect automatically and you will be able to reconnect immediately.

32.3.2 The Service must not be used in any way that:

32.3.2.1 does not comply with the terms of any legislation or any licence applicable to the Customer or that is in any way unlawful;

32.3.2.2 does not comply with any instructions given under paragraphs 1.3 and 2.1 of these terms or any other public telecommunications operator or other competent authority, in any country where the Service is provided.

32.3.2.3 is deemed to cause offence, loss, harm, damage or worry to Us or our customers or our SIP Partners' Customers.

32.3.3 The Service is intended to give you continuous connection, however there may be occasions which are not within our control where the service is not available or there is a degradation in quality of voice calls. Such occasions include, but are not limited to: ailability of your broadband connection due to service faults, mistakes with customer configuration, computer viruses, availability or quality of connections with our suppliers to the telephone network, power disruptions or weather conditions.