Do i need to set up the EE smart hub when old BT hub is working fine

[cowman89]

Hi i was a customer of BT and have moved to EE. I have broadband only fibre  and first 3 months are free. I only moved to EE because i was out of contract and BT were charging me a lot more than a contract. I wasnt unhappy with BT service internet has always worked well.

I now have received the EE smart hub but I still have the BT halo hub connected and the internet seems to be working the same as before the switch no problems. BT said I didnt need to return the halo hub because it is quite old. I live by myself and my usage is quite simple I just have a desktop computer with ethernet and internet and dont need or want anything else like wireless or apps. Internet has always worked well and seems fast.

So my idea at the moment is to keep the EE smart hub as a back up and carry on using the original BT hub. I worry if i connect up this new hub I will  makes things worse or something will go wrong.  Am I able to stick with the BT hub for the foreseeable future? and what advantages and benefits are there if I use the new EE hub over the BT hub?

Thank you for any help or advice.

[cowman89]

yes bt smarthub 2

[JimM11]

@cowman89 I would, gives you plenty time, you should be able to see the final bill on your MyBT account, and have access to it for a year so the EE blurb say's, you may even get the automatic e-mail from EE saying they set it all up automatically from your BT info that will be on file.

When you are next logged into your EE, have a quick look on your profile, make sure the e-mail address is good, your contact number is good, and think you can still setup the preference of name when they call you, but it's mostly when you talk to them anyway, do you mind if a call you James/Jim not sure what shows up on the screen....

Edit:- this old link below shows just how good it was in its day, and still will be that way. years on.

BT Publish WiFi Speedtests for New Smart Hub 2 Router vs Rival ISPs - ISPreview UK

[XRaySpeX]

Sounds like the BT SH 2 like this: 

 As you are on partial Fibre (FTTC) it won't make any diff which router you use.

[JimM11]

@cowman89 On the outside of the EE box they sent you will be a label for the model, ie SH20 or SH31, etc, would be good to know just so it is the correct version of EE router that has been sent, sometimes mistakes can be made you get the wrong one and when you need to use it, oops no way to connect the sucker. Post the info up when you get time, like for like would be the SH20A version.... Or take a look at the link below.

https://ee.co.uk/help/broadband/getting-started/compare-our-range-of-broadband-hubs

[cowman89]

yes

[cowman89]

yes am on partial fibre. so if i wont notice any difference in performance probably seems sensible not to change anything. thanks for your advice.

[cowman89]

it is sh31B is that the correct one?

[JimM11]

@cowman89 Yes that's good, EE Smarthub + wi-fi 6 router with the FTTC modem interface. One step above the 2023 model.

Edit:- And welcome to the EE Forum, the Help above top off the page is good, just sometimes hard to find what you need specific but the Forum members are all here to help and advise as best we can.👍

[cowman89]

just checked and i am on fibre 50 essentials. I think that is full fibre isnt it? I though i was on partial fibre because thats what i had with BT but might be on full fibre. If thats the case might i see some improvement if i use the new EE hub? or not really.

[Mustrum]

@cowman89   You would know if you are on full fibre, Openreach would have come along and fitted a new fibre cable and fibre modem/OMT. Whereas I presume you have not moved the roter from your BT Master Socket.

That said, it may be worth looking to see if full fibre will be available anytime soon. Entering your details on the BTW site will tell you if it is available, or Openreach if it is planned anytime soon.

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL   use the address input if you don't have a phone line number.

https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker    you can register your interest if no results and get updated if plans change.