Wi-fi in a care home

[JQ]

Hi,

My dad is in a care home.  I need to get him a reliable Wi-fi, as the guest Wi-fi is a bit hit and miss.

the previous occupant of the room he is in had an OpenReach socket put in, so there is a suitable port that I could start using.

How would I go about getting my dad set up with his own Wi-fi in his room, please?  He might also want to watch some too, although the OpenReach port is behind his head and he  can’t change the room around to put a TV there (small room and limited options).

Has anyone done this before?

[Gary_C]

I take it the 'openreach port' is a normal phone line socket, did the previous occupant have their own phone line ? in which case, a broadband contract would be needed to provide a hub in the room and then wifi would be his.

I can't think what else the 'openreach port' would be ?

You could post a picture.

[JQ]

I think it is a phone line.  That’s what it looks like.   

[licquorice]

Just order a broadband service from your chosen supplier.

[Gary_C]

Ok, so it needs a broadband contract with a provider such as BT, who will then provide a hub.

Unless its an extension socket from the main phone ? In which case it wouldn't provide anything you want.

Need to talk to the home or BT/OR and find out what the socket actually is.

[imjolly]

If you can get broadband and decide to use BT then maybe look at the BT ESSENTIAL  package which is designed for people on benefits

[licquorice]

In some respects, it is irrelevant if there is a socket there or not and what it actually is. If the care home allow residents to have phone/broadband service directly to their rooms, any service provider can provide service. If a line and socket already exist it will make things easier and possibly cheaper but it isn't a necessity.

[JQ]

This is the socket in Dad’s room. 

[licquorice · Accepted solution]

Yes, that's an Openreach main phone socket which can be used for broadband. It should make ordering broadband easier as the routing will already exist.

[JQ]

Thank you.  I’ll get it sorted now, for him. 😁