Will a BT Smart Hub 2 and Black Wifi Disc work without subscription?

[oakserver]

If I were to obtain a Smart Hub 2 with a black Wifi Disc, will it work without the appropriate complete wifi subscription, or does it have to be 'enabled' by BT to allow it to start working?

Couldn't find the answer but I may be searching the wrong keywords to find the answer.

Thanks

[Keith_Beddoe · Accepted solution]

Why would you want to do that, as there would be no support for it, and it would be expensive?

See this post by @LukeBuxton  https://community.bt.com/t5/Home-setup-Wi-Fi-network/Introducing-Complete-Wi-Fi-from-BT/m-p/1921090#...

There are other posts in that same thread.

There are much cheaper ways of increasing wireless coverage with your existing setup.

[oakserver]

"Why would you want to do that, as there would be no support for it, and it would be expensive?"

I saw a new smart hub 2 with black disc on eBay for £75 - not that expensive in my opinion, but of course if it won't work without subscription then it would be an expensive paperweight which is why I was asking the question.

In my opinion it's preferable to pay £75 outright for a hub and wifi disc than pay a monthly subscription for hardware that will cost way more over the long term. I do get that smart hubs are not that wonderful though. 

[Keith_Beddoe]

What is wrong with what you are already using, the later home hubs are not that much better, and have other issues?

Personally, I think you will just waste £75, and end up with something that has no support or software updates.

[VeteranISPUser]

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@oakserverwrote:

"Why would you want to do that, as there would be no support for it, and it would be expensive?"

I saw a new smart hub 2 with black disc on eBay for £75 - not that expensive in my opinion, but of course if it won't work without subscription then it would be an expensive paperweight which is why I was asking the question.

In my opinion it's preferable to pay £75 outright for a hub and wifi disc than pay a monthly subscription for hardware that will cost way more over the long term. I do get that smart hubs are not that wonderful though. 

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Hi @oakserver 

I have had a SH2 and Disc for over a year now without a complete WiFi subscription. However mine were supplied as part of the initial trial. The latest software updates have been pushed to them without any problems. 

[Clem1]

I have cancelled complete wifi as it would cost me £312 over 24 Months. I will either get the white discs or can I still use the black discs without paying for the complete wifi guarantee? I am led to believe that even though i had the discs before the 13 Dec 2019 that they still need to be returned though I could pay £30 but will they still work?