Inquiry About Using a Third-Party Modem/Router

[R-K-K]

As I couldn’t find a way to contact EE via email, I hope this message reaches some people who might be able to assist me.

I would like to know if it is possible to replace the EE router with a third-party modem/router. My current EE router, which I received with my last contract, is approximately four years old and frequently disconnects—likely due to its age, though I’m no expert.

Initially, I considered renewing my contract to receive a new router, but the available options at my address offer significantly lower speeds (around 70 Mbps down). As an alternative, I am attempted to use a third-party router, but it fails to establish a DSL connection.

I was informed by staff at an EE store that third-party routers should be supported, but I understand they may not have definitive technical knowledge. Could somebody more knowledgeable on the topic then I please confirm whether EE allows third-party routers and, if so, provide any guidance on setup?

Any assistance or actionable suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[XRaySpeX]

@R-K-K : Yes, you may use any suitable router as long as you're not taking DV from EE when the EE supplied router needs to be the 1st in line from the BB supply (phone socket or ONT). In Using & Configuring a Third Party Router you'll find everything you need to set up your router incl. the BB PPPoE creds. which are now the same as BT's.

What is the name of the EE BB plan are you on including its speed? What EE router & WiFi extenders do you have (read label or post a pix)? If its speed is significantly more than 70 Meg it is likely you are on G.Fast for which routers will be hard to find.

[Mustrum]

@R-K-K   Have you spoken to Customer Services? It could be the line that is the issue, not the router.

Have you asked about a new router from EE?

Why would you not renew your contract, should be at a lower cost than out of contract charges, and although no options to upgrade just yet, have you looked to see if or when there will be?

[R-K-K]

So, the EE router must be used. I can connect a third-party router to the EE router, but there's no way to replace the EE router entirely with a third-party one. Is that correct?

There is no longer a specific name for the plan I signed up for. I believe the staff members at the store referred to it as the 'old' plan. My speeds are around 140-150 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up, which is why I was reluctant to sign a new contract, as the best possible speed available to me would be significantly slower.

Thank you for your quick response.

[R-K-K]

Good evening,
I spoke with some people at the in person store, and unfortunately, they have no idea when faster speeds will be available in my area. Had I been given an estimated timeline, I would have likely opted for the slower speed contract for now and upgraded when faster options became available.

The reason I haven't renewed my contract yet is that doing so would reduce my download speed from 140-150 Mbps to just 70-80 Mbps, which is a significant downgrade. Before going for the slower speed I thought to replace the router in hopes that it would be the old router at fault.

Thank you for your quick response, and apologies for taking so long on my end.

[XRaySpeX]

With speeds of 150 Meg you are probably on a EE Fibre Max plan, which is EE's version of G.Fast BB, & you have a white Smart Router. You won't have DV with that plan. So you could replace it with a 3rd-party G.Fast router but they will be hard to find.

It's only if you regraded to the slower plan offered by EE & you took DV with it that you couldn't use a 3rd-party router.

[XRaySpeX]

What does BT Wholesale Broadband Availability Checker estimate for your phone number? Post the whole table and the line above it, blanking out your phone number. If it doesn't recognise your phone number or you don't have one, use the Address Checker.

[JimM11]

@R-K-K With the speed's that you mention then it sound's like you are on a G.fast DSL connected fttc plan, therefore you will need to have a modem (DSL) that is G.fast capable to connect and get those speed's. 

EE and OR no longer support and are retiring the G.fast product, this could happen at anytime to you and will be outwith your or the ISP control's, that is why a NEW recontract is automatic and FORCED down to the lower 80/20 VDSL speed's.

What DSL modem / modems do you currently have the EE one, and the third party that you have gotten.? Reading below.

ASUS Release DSL-AC88U - One of the First G.fast Broadband WiFi Routers - ISPreview UK

ASUS DSL-AC88U AC3100 Wi-Fi Gigabit Modem Router, Upto 18x Speed than VDSL2, USB 3.0 for LTE/3G Conn...

[XRaySpeX]

@JimM11 : Stop panicking! They may well stop selling G.Fast but they won't just cut off existing G.Fast connections.

There are only plans to remove “zero use” G.Fast cabs in FTTP areas. "Just to be absolutely clear, if you are still on a G.Fast line in an Openreach FTTP area then you’re not on a “zero use” cabinet and so don’t need to worry." This does not affect OP.

[JimM11]

@R-K-K It would appear that the BT Smarthub2 is also a G.Fast DSL Modem, would be another option for you, there is plenty off them going about second hand, think also new from amazon site as well.