Do BT expect you to post back the Free Phones and Router they gave when originally signing up to BB

[ST7]

I got a couple of free DV phones and a Smart hub 2 router , do they give a free post address to return to if switching networks

[licquorice · Accepted solution]

The phones are not returnable, you will be sent a returns bag for the hub if/when you move provider. Make sure you keep proof of posting or you are likely to be charged for non-return.

[ST7]

Thanks, Is it like mobile phones switching these days and the new provider takes over the line (FTTP) and informs BT to cancel. Sadly the phones are pretty much useless unless I'd switched to EE

[licquorice]

As long as its an Openreach provider rather than an Alt Net, then yes, the gaining provider deals with everything. Presumably as you already have FTTP from Openreach it will be.

[ST7]

Community Fibre keep pestering me, do they have their own network as I know there are certain areas where only they operate  in london. Do you know if Sky use openreach's FTTP network. 

I know the network identifier of my exchange, anywhere I can see who they provide for? I know they did Sky when I was on ASDL so assume they'd also use the same fibre cables

[WSH]

Yes, Sky traditionally use Openreach infrastructure.

(They have also just launched with CityFibre - so it might be worth checking which they would provide in your area).

[ST7]

Thanks, I saw something about city fibre, I'll see if it's in my area. Tried the haggling to stay with BT and they just seem to pop off for ages then come back with a deal that's more expensive than the one you're on. Guess up selling is the name of the game.  But guess you can't blame them as they're pretty much a monopoly and will do well with all the old dears being moved over when copper is switched off.

Saw an article about being far too many fibre networks in the UK,because of the altnets own infrastructures, and plenty will go bust if they don't achieve a 35% take up. A case of too many cooks spoil the broth so no wonder community fibre always seems to offer the earth when they do their selling.

[WSH]

Yes, well being retired, I suppose I'm one of those "old dears" now.  No offense taken but do keep in mind not all of the older generation are IT illiterate.

I post on a lot of forums, (under different names), I did try to get an answer out of the Sky regulars as to whether they would let you choose CF or OR infrastructure but nothing was forth coming.  I suspect, at this point, no one actually knows.  If you do try posting on their forum be careful how critcal you are.  They tend to be far more heavy handed censorship-wise.  (One of the things I like about this forum is it's somewhat more even handed).

[ST7]

Thanks, I'm 60 myself so could be an old dear to some. Was more thinking of my mum who's 90 and this switch is confusing the hell out of her 😕

Sadly no city fibre in my area of London and sky charge an extra £4 for their WiFi 6 router. Then came across Vodafone who gives a WiFi 6 as standard are cheap but think they may block port forwarding on their router, always seems to be some stumbling block  to a simple switch 🤦