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]

@JimM11 : Could that mean that the EE SH (2023) (SH20A) also incorporates a G.Fast modem as it is said to be a clone of the BT SH2? A post on the BT Community suggests that a teardown proves they are exactly the same product.

[JimM11]

@XRaySpeX The comparison that i viewed between both products they were virtually the same apart from the BT unit may have had some special filtering on it so hard to say. Have no experience off anything apart from the Smarthub+ ...The EE about our routers does not mention that the router supports g.fast so hard to say.

[R-K-K]

Good afternoon, apologies for getting back to you so late again. Finally had a change to go through some of the information you had asked about earlier. You are correct in your assumation that I was / am on the Fiber Max 100 Broadband plan.

This is what the availability checker returns

• FTTP is not available.
• The exchange is not in a current fibre priority programme
• As a WLR withdrawal exchange, product restrictions apply
• SOADSL is not restricted at the exchange

[XRaySpeX · Accepted solution]

Yes, that confirms that G.Fast is available there & will continue to be so but EE (& others) will not supply any new contracts on G.Fast. So if you were to "upgrade" your BB with EE you can only go to "up to" 80 Meg VDSL.

[Mustrum]

@R-K-K   Not sure there is much more to add, you will lose your G Fast if you try for a new contract, you could try and pick up another EE Smart Router, or BT Smart Hub 2 from eBay or other vendor which may or may not help, or you could report a fault to EE if the drops are significant.

On a positive note though, the table shows you can get 1000Mbps fibre on demand, a service meant for business and usually expensive. However it is normally up to 330Mbps, which suggests that FTTP could be coming to you soon. If you enter your address in the Openreach checker and if needed register for updates it should tell you how long you may have to wait.  https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker 

HTH

[R-K-K]

Thank you all for your assistance, I have decided to go for the how contract however unfortunately the available speeds are as it will end up being far cheaper and realistically with how little I use the internet at home these days it is unlikely to affect anything significantly.

[XRaySpeX]

That's fine! Good choice. 80 Meg is good for most things.

Thanks! You're welcome 🙂 ! Glad I could be of assistance & trust it is now sorted.