This topic

Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

PeteCloss — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:14:04 GMT

I'm on BT Full Fibre 900 but connect it directly to my own router using PPPoE. This means I'm not using the Smart Hub 2 (it just sits unused in its box) so will no longer have a landline phone service. I would use the Smart Hub 2 in bridge mode ala what Virgin Media boxes offer with Modem Mode, however according to other posts here Smart Hub 2 doesn't offer such a thing, and I expect such a passthrough mode wouldn't work with Digital Voice anyway.

Is BT planning to offer alternatives for those of us who would still like a landline backup to our mobile phone? I know I'm not the only person who prefers to use my own more powerful/flexible router and wifi APs.

(I've checked the Digital Voice FAQs and couldn't find an answer to this)

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:18:53 GMT

If you wish to have BT Digital Voice, you are compelled to use the Smart Hub2. However, you can have broadband without a voice service from BT and use a third party VoIP provider.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

PeteCloss — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:49:23 GMT

Thanks for confirming that licquorice, I'll look into others VoIP options.

Regarding my current phone socket, is that customer-removable since it'll be a paper weight after switch over?

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 12:08:43 GMT

Strictly speaking, the master socket is the responsibility of Openreach but..........

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

jac_95 — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 12:23:58 GMT

@licquorice wrote:

Strictly speaking, the master socket is the responsibility of Openreach but..........

… you won’t be the only one 😉

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

Will168 — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:09:32 GMT

@licquorice @jac_95 Sorry to hijack the thread a little, but in that case, do you think Openreach would come and remove the old master socket for free? I've been thinking about removing mine too, as they are now useless at both properties that have been migrated to DV and are just lumps stuck to the wall!

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:14:53 GMT

Very doubtful, why not ask them.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

imjolly — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:19:49 GMT

why not just remove it and fit a blanking plate to cover the space as much neater

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

Will168 — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:23:03 GMT

@licquoricewrote:
Very doubtful, why not ask them.

Fair point. I'll ask BT next time I call them for anything. Just wondered if anyone had already had experience of it already.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

Will168 — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:23:54 GMT

@imjollywrote:
why not just remove it and fit a blanking plate to cover the space as much neater

I'll probably do that, or remove it all including the back box and fill the hole.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:31:59 GMT

@Will168 wrote:

@licquoricewrote:

Very doubtful, why not ask them.

Fair point. I'll ask BT next time I call them for anything. Just wondered if anyone had already had experience of it already.

Its nothing to do with BT, its Openreach's responsibility.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:35:45 GMT

I suspect Openreach will be reluctant to remove the copper line and master socket until all service providers have moved to a VOIP system in case it is required to provide service if the houseowner changes service provider to one that doesn't provide it yet.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

Will168 — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:38:44 GMT

@licquoricewrote:
I suspect Openreach will be reluctant to remove the copper line and master socket until all service providers have moved to a VOIP system in case it is required to provide service if the houseowner changes service provider to one that doesn't provide it yet.

Good point.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

FTT — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:12:48 GMT

When OpenReach did my FTTP the guy said he was ripping out the old master socket and cable and he piggy-backed the FTTP cable from the pole outside on to the old copper wire (left outside nice and tidy if need again I assume).

I was shocked they ripped out the old stuff but hey ho.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

ferncot — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 14:56:22 GMT

Hi Pete @PeteCloss

I have the same situation that you raised here, I really don't want to be forced into using the BT Hub. I would be interested to know what you decided to do following the transition to Digital Voice.

Cheers

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:03:37 GMT

You only have 3 choices.

Use the BT Smart Hub2 if you want BT's Digital Voice service, use a third party router and third party VOIP provider or no voice service at all.

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

Les-Gibson — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:13:56 GMT

I removed mine, what objection can either BT or Openreach have once the copper line has been declared redundant

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:25:18 GMT

@Les-Gibson wrote:

I removed mine, what objection can either BT or Openreach have once the copper line has been declared redundant

See message 12

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

ferncot — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 09:54:30 GMT

Hi @licquorice licquorice

thanks for responding. I have FTP to an Openreach modem, can the BT Smart Hub be daisy chained in anyway via the modem or a third party router to provide just the Digital Voice Service ?

Re: Digital Voice migration if not using Smart Hub 2

imjolly — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 09:57:55 GMT

the SH2 needs to be connected to ONT for DV