Like it or lump it (Phone adapter)

[ChipDriver]

The lack of a usable phone adapter is annoying. Your present choice is the Smart hub 2 (SH2, It ain't smart but don't start me on this!!) or a supplied plug in adapter. If you need to use anything else - TOUGH!

For all the time I've had broadband, some 20 plus years, I've always had my own modem / router on the end. I never had any problems with the kit I've installed. When they changed me over to full fibre, they sent me a Smart Hub 2 and some plug in (home phone) adapters. I've not used the adapters yet as my phone is plugged into the back of the SH2. Since installing the SH2, from time to time, my firewall locks up and can only be reset with a power off re-boot. I know you can use a "third party" router with fibre broadband, but to keep the home phone (the old landline), you have to use that supplied SH2. And there in lies the seat of the problem. If you use your own router, you will lose the home phone connection. But no. EE (tech support ) says you can use the plug in adapters they sent. I have some news. NO you can't!! They do not operate on either of the 2.4ghz or 5ghz WiFi frequencies, but on something a bit lower (1.88ghz range), its in the adapters documentation if you read it. So your own supplied router will never connect up to it. But, surprise surprise, the much hated (by me) SH2 will... DOH!!

I'm not taking my own Firewall out of the equation as it is blocking some devices on my home network from accessing the WWW.  If this blocking feature was provided in the SH2, I could be a tiny bit happier. But it's not, the Firewall HAS to remain - even if it does lock up from time to time.

Having now had numerous conversations with EE tech support, this / these are the only option(s) available. Like it or lump it. In other words, my choice is being limited. I have two ATA adapters either of which I could use and I also have a voice capable router available... But the EE voice offering in totally non-standard. How did OFCOM let them get away with this?

As a bill paying EE customer I'm less than happy. I'm glad they've not asked for my opinion of their service because I'm going to be less than generous with my reply.

Before anyone suggests porting the (old land line) phone to another VOIP provider, Yep, Looked into it, but with a high probability of my number getting terminally terminated in the process, I'll (less than happily) lump what I've currently got.

And if any EE / BT big wigs are reading this, please provide a VOIP adapter THAT WILL WORK with the third party routers that can (and do) work with the full fibre offering.

[JimM11]

@ChipDriver @Brian160 It appears that the unit will FW update fine as long as it is connected, the issue will be the EE app as the unit is not matched to the account and it never will be as EE will have no record off it apart from belonging to another person! It will never show correct app wise, but those who have done the purchase not supplied direct from EE say they work fine Router wise.... The SH20A will not work with the Pro Router!

[CynicalSnail]

Clueless is being kind.  I was misinformed by both Plusnet (twice!) and by EE that switching to EE and use my own router (a Draytek) would be straightforward because a phone adapter would be supplied.  Not true, for the reasons explained above.  This does actually show in the leaflet with the adapter!  Totally unimpressed by both the use of proprietary systems that prevent intelligent set-ups, but more so by the untruths peddled to me and the patently inadequate training of those personnel!  They cannot be called lies when the ones uttering the statements are ignorant.  (One EE guy actually had said on another occasion it was not possible to use any other router than the one they supplied! ... It is working now, as I write, albeit without a telephone.  How bad is that?  Their own website says it is easy to set up - and is.)

I am trying to set up a downstream arrangement, but a BT engineer could not manage it ... more struggle.

[CynicalSnail]

Third parties should provide their own updates, and will have their own control interface.  Draytek are brilliant: updates and continuous free! support.

[bobpullen]

@CynicalSnail - you could always port your landline number to a reputable third party VoIP supplier and avoid the necessity to use the EE kit. In fact, you could have done this whilst retaining the Plusnet service - assuming that's the reason you moved across in the first place?

[CynicalSnail]

Agreed, although the cost does seem high the loss of the telephone number would be a pain.  Plusnet could not provide VoIP, hence the move, but somewhat cheaper and somewhat faster as well.  If I drop the phone, then it is simple.  That I am now debating.

[JimM11]

@CynicalSnail If you are able to setup the Draytek then look at A&A for your voip and porting landline.

[CynicalSnail]

That one looks to have very complicated costing.  On hold for 30 mins does not look encouraging!  Phonely appears much simpler.  Will investigate further.

[JimM11]

@CynicalSnail £12 to join, £1.56 per month cost, then calls at the rates advertised.

[CynicalSnail]

Indeed, those calls would add up very quickly.

[Jones01]

A&A has got a good reputation for successfully importing numbers. 

Eighteen month or so ago I took out an account with A&A and transferred our number to them. The import took five days to complete. We make a fair few calls including some over thirty minutes, but we have never had a monthly bill over five pounds. 

If you make a lot of long calls you would probably be better off with a company that does inclusive call plans. Phonely or Voipfone would be good choices.