| Sysop: | Amessyroom |
|---|---|
| Location: | Fayetteville, NC |
| Users: | 27 |
| Nodes: | 6 (0 / 6) |
| Uptime: | 38:05:44 |
| Calls: | 631 |
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| Files: | 1,187 |
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22 files (29,767K bytes) |
| Messages: | 173,683 |
I have FTTC at the moment and get 32 Mb/s download, 4 mb/s upload and 19
Ms latency, very reliable service.
Full fibre is now here and the following is available:
145 Mb/s estimated download-a 80 Mb/s guaranteed, 30 Mb/s estimated
upload, 50p a month more then increases next year and year after.
900 Mb/s estimated download-a 500 Mb/s guaranteed, 115 Mb/s estimated upload, about -u11.50 a month more.
I can stay with Plusnet so no cancellation fees.
I will need a landline 'phone, mobile in rural Dorset is hit and miss.
It switches between 3G and 4G so if Putin does attack I probably won't
get to hear about it.
I use email, web browsing and most of my TV is now streamed.
I like the idea of FTTP, but in practical terms will I really notice the difference?
Jeff Gaines wrote:
I have FTTC at the moment and get 32 Mb/s download, 4 mb/s upload and 19
Ms latency, very reliable service.
Full fibre is now here and the following is available:
145 Mb/s estimated download-a 80 Mb/s guaranteed, 30 Mb/s estimated
upload, 50p a month more then increases next year and year after.
900 Mb/s estimated download-a 500 Mb/s guaranteed, 115 Mb/s estimated
upload, about -u11.50 a month more.
I can stay with Plusnet so no cancellation fees.
I will need a landline 'phone, mobile in rural Dorset is hit and miss.
It switches between 3G and 4G so if Putin does attack I probably won't
get to hear about it.
I use email, web browsing and most of my TV is now streamed.
I like the idea of FTTP, but in practical terms will I really notice the
difference?
You will need a VoIP phone system if you wish to have a reliable services.
I use Voipfone, see <https://www.voipfone.co.uk/> but there are others.
Be aware that transferring your existing landline number to a VoIP
service may incur 7 days without phone service.
In principle FTTP is more reliable than FTTC because it isn't
susceptible to RFI such as lightning, or electric fences, or Christmas
tree lights. Having said that, Openreach can still break it!
In future FTTC will be discontinued as copper is withdrawn completely,
but that could take 50 years!
Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
Jeff Gaines wrote:Does the OPrCOs mobile phone support WiFi calling? If so, why the need for
I have FTTC at the moment and get 32 Mb/s download, 4 mb/s upload and 19 >>>Ms latency, very reliable service.
Full fibre is now here and the following is available:
145 Mb/s estimated download-a 80 Mb/s guaranteed, 30 Mb/s estimated >>>upload, 50p a month more then increases next year and year after.
900 Mb/s estimated download-a 500 Mb/s guaranteed, 115 Mb/s estimated >>>upload, about -u11.50 a month more.
I can stay with Plusnet so no cancellation fees.
I will need a landline 'phone, mobile in rural Dorset is hit and miss.
It switches between 3G and 4G so if Putin does attack I probably won't >>>get to hear about it.
I use email, web browsing and most of my TV is now streamed.
I like the idea of FTTP, but in practical terms will I really notice the >>>difference?
You will need a VoIP phone system if you wish to have a reliable services.
I use Voipfone, see <https://www.voipfone.co.uk/> but there are others.
Be aware that transferring your existing landline number to a VoIP
service may incur 7 days without phone service.
In principle FTTP is more reliable than FTTC because it isn't
susceptible to RFI such as lightning, or electric fences, or Christmas
tree lights. Having said that, Openreach can still break it!
In future FTTC will be discontinued as copper is withdrawn completely,
but that could take 50 years!
a
rCLlandlinerCY phone?
On 08/09/2025 in message <109nap4$gk1a$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
Jeff Gaines wrote:Does the OPrCOs mobile phone support WiFi calling? If so, why the need for >> a
I have FTTC at the moment and get 32 Mb/s download, 4 mb/s upload and 19 >>>> Ms latency, very reliable service.
Full fibre is now here and the following is available:
145 Mb/s estimated download-a 80 Mb/s guaranteed, 30 Mb/s estimated
upload, 50p a month more then increases next year and year after.
900 Mb/s estimated download-a 500 Mb/s guaranteed, 115 Mb/s estimated
upload, about -u11.50 a month more.
I can stay with Plusnet so no cancellation fees.
I will need a landline 'phone, mobile in rural Dorset is hit and miss. >>>> It switches between 3G and 4G so if Putin does attack I probably won't >>>> get to hear about it.
I use email, web browsing and most of my TV is now streamed.
I like the idea of FTTP, but in practical terms will I really notice the >>>> difference?
You will need a VoIP phone system if you wish to have a reliable services. >>>
I use Voipfone, see <https://www.voipfone.co.uk/> but there are others.
Be aware that transferring your existing landline number to a VoIP
service may incur 7 days without phone service.
In principle FTTP is more reliable than FTTC because it isn't
susceptible to RFI such as lightning, or electric fences, or Christmas
tree lights. Having said that, Openreach can still break it!
In future FTTC will be discontinued as copper is withdrawn completely,
but that could take 50 years!
rCLlandlinerCY phone?
It does but if Broadband goes down that would be lost, I was hoping to persuade Plusnet or whoever that I am special needs or whatever I need to
be to get a landline.
It does but if Broadband goes down that would be lost, I was hoping to persuade Plusnet or whoever that I am special needs or whatever I need
to be to get a landline.
On 08/09/2025 in message <109nap4$gk1a$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
Jeff Gaines wrote:Does the OPrCOs mobile phone support WiFi calling? If so, why the need for >>a
I have FTTC at the moment and get 32 Mb/s download, 4 mb/s upload and 19 >>>>Ms latency, very reliable service.
Full fibre is now here and the following is available:
145 Mb/s estimated download-a 80 Mb/s guaranteed, 30 Mb/s estimated >>>>upload, 50p a month more then increases next year and year after.
900 Mb/s estimated download-a 500 Mb/s guaranteed, 115 Mb/s estimated >>>>upload, about -u11.50 a month more.
I can stay with Plusnet so no cancellation fees.
I will need a landline 'phone, mobile in rural Dorset is hit and miss. >>>>It switches between 3G and 4G so if Putin does attack I probably won't >>>>get to hear about it.
I use email, web browsing and most of my TV is now streamed.
I like the idea of FTTP, but in practical terms will I really notice the >>>>difference?
You will need a VoIP phone system if you wish to have a reliable services. >>>
I use Voipfone, see <https://www.voipfone.co.uk/> but there are others. >>>Be aware that transferring your existing landline number to a VoIP >>>service may incur 7 days without phone service.
In principle FTTP is more reliable than FTTC because it isn't
susceptible to RFI such as lightning, or electric fences, or Christmas >>>tree lights. Having said that, Openreach can still break it!
In future FTTC will be discontinued as copper is withdrawn completely, >>>but that could take 50 years!
rCLlandlinerCY phone?
It does but if Broadband goes down that would be lost, I was hoping to >persuade Plusnet or whoever that I am special needs or whatever I need to
be to get a landline.
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 08/09/2025 in message <109nap4$gk1a$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
Jeff Gaines wrote:
I have FTTC at the moment and get 32 Mb/s download, 4 mb/s upload and 19 >>>>> Ms latency, very reliable service.
Full fibre is now here and the following is available:
145 Mb/s estimated download-a 80 Mb/s guaranteed, 30 Mb/s estimated
upload, 50p a month more then increases next year and year after.
900 Mb/s estimated download-a 500 Mb/s guaranteed, 115 Mb/s estimated >>>>> upload, about -u11.50 a month more.
I can stay with Plusnet so no cancellation fees.
I will need a landline 'phone, mobile in rural Dorset is hit and miss. >>>>> It switches between 3G and 4G so if Putin does attack I probably won't >>>>> get to hear about it.
I use email, web browsing and most of my TV is now streamed.
I like the idea of FTTP, but in practical terms will I really notice the >>>>> difference?
You will need a VoIP phone system if you wish to have a reliable services.
I use Voipfone, see <https://www.voipfone.co.uk/> but there are others. >>>> Be aware that transferring your existing landline number to a VoIP
service may incur 7 days without phone service.
In principle FTTP is more reliable than FTTC because it isn't
susceptible to RFI such as lightning, or electric fences, or Christmas >>>> tree lights. Having said that, Openreach can still break it!
In future FTTC will be discontinued as copper is withdrawn completely, >>>> but that could take 50 years!Does the OPrCOs mobile phone support WiFi calling? If so, why the need for >>> a
rCLlandlinerCY phone?
It does but if Broadband goes down that would be lost, I was hoping to
persuade Plusnet or whoever that I am special needs or whatever I need to >> be to get a landline.
There will be a push to remove analogue voice from any remaining copper you have, probably by price in the first instance. Anyway, fibre broadband is unlikely to go down any more often than copper voice. If anything, itrCOs going to be more reliable. If you are worried about power cuts buy yourself
a UPS to power the router and ONT.
I was hoping to persuade Plusnet or whoever that I am special needs or whatever I need to be to get a landline
For bigger disasters think back to about the year 1900 and do what your grandparents would have done.
Getting a POTS landline is unlikely, as is getting something asresilient.
The best you're likely to achieve is battery backup of your local internet
connection. Poor mobile connectivity is not good as it prevents you from
having a service backup.
That said, I wouldn't move anywhere without checking Bidb these days. Even
the lowliest 150 FTTP connection is a step up in performance and
reliability compared to FTTC. Note that landline over VoIP is complicated a
bit by CGNAT. It's not unsurmountable, but a good reason to go with a
turnkey solution if you don't want ge your hands dirty.
On 2025/9/8 21:28:40, Jason H wrote:
Getting a POTS landline is unlikely, as is getting something asresilient.
The best you're likely to achieve is battery backup of your local internet >> connection. Poor mobile connectivity is not good as it prevents you from
having a service backup.
That said, I wouldn't move anywhere without checking Bidb these days. Even >> the lowliest 150 FTTP connection is a step up in performance and
reliability compared to FTTC. Note that landline over VoIP is complicated a
Performance, sure; I'm not so sure about reliability - my (I presume)
FTTC has been pretty rock-solid over the years. The odd time it _has_
been down, I've not been convinced it hasn't just been the router losing connection.
bit by CGNAT. It's not unsurmountable, but a good reason to go with a(What's CGNAT?)
turnkey solution if you don't want ge your hands dirty.
CGNAT is carrier grade network address translation. ItrCOs what happens when your ISP doesnrCOt have enough public facing IPv4 addresses. You get a private IP address on the WAN side of your connection. ItrCOs translated into a routable address at the ISP. This routable address is shared with other customers. I suppose itrCOs the modern equivalent of the party line.
So any calls that come in go to the 'switchboard' but there is typically no way to say 'give me extension 1234 please'.
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting problems with number transfer if I do go that way, whoever I go to,
simply because I have decreasing confidence in PLusNet's ability to do anything right, unlike when I started with them (but that's
industry-wide). It looks like PN are trying to be broadband-only -
they've discontinued usenet, and are in the process of outsourcing email.
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
[rCa]
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting
a week before the instal date, I arranged with Andrews and Arnold to port
the landline number to them. That happened the morning after the FTTC contract expired. It all went smoothly, largely because I suspect A&A can exert their authority.
I donrCOt want the complexity of VOIP, so I set the A&A account to go straight to voicemail and then email me an mpeg of the call. If necessary I can call back using the unlimited free minutes on my mobile.
I have a UPS that will power the ONT and router for about 4 hours (larger capacity ones are available!) and a power bank that can charge the UPS. The power bank can be recharged from the car, until it runs out of motion
lotion.
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phones already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of
going over to them at your contractrCOs end.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
CGNAT is carrier grade network address translation. ItrCOs what happens when >> your ISP doesnrCOt have enough public facing IPv4 addresses. You get a
private IP address on the WAN side of your connection. ItrCOs translated into
a routable address at the ISP. This routable address is shared with other
customers. I suppose itrCOs the modern equivalent of the party line.
In phone call terms, it's a bit like having your phone behind a private exchange run by somebody else. You can make outgoing calls absolutely fine, but you don't have a direct number for inbound calls (unless you pay extra). So any calls that come in go to the 'switchboard' but there is typically no way to say 'give me extension 1234 please'. Most protocols are based on you making outgoing calls so this is not much of a problem, but a few expect you to receive calls from unknown numbers and those don't work.
It's not 100% the same but I run VOIP behind private double NAT (two
routers) and it's absolutely fine, so I wouldn't say that it for sure won't work on CGNAT. But what does happen in CGNAT is the IP gets blacklisted by servers for bad behaviour of one of your fellow users, and that blocks you
as well because the server can't tell you and them apart. Or that your
'switchboard' becomes so overloaded that it takes forever to connect your outgoing calls, which may be a problem if your ISP has not bought enough hardware for the traffic they are handling.--
Theo
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
[rCa]
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting
[]
a week before the instal date, I arranged with Andrews and Arnold to port
the landline number to them. That happened the morning after the FTTC
contract expired. It all went smoothly, largely because I suspect A&A can
exert their authority.
Interesting that A&A are offering VoIP. I always got the impression that
they are the Rolls-Royce of ISPs, but priced to match, and didn't stoop
to dealing with landlines.>
I donrCOt want the complexity of VOIP, so I set the A&A account to go
straight to voicemail and then email me an mpeg of the call. If necessary I >> can call back using the unlimited free minutes on my mobile.
Fine if you already have a mobile contract for other reasons, as indeed
most people do. (For the few of us that don't, of course, those
unlimited free minutes wouldn't be free, but would be a few extra pounds
a month. [My emergency mobile SIM costs me about 8 pounds a _year_.])>
I have a UPS that will power the ONT and router for about 4 hours (larger
capacity ones are available!) and a power bank that can charge the UPS. The >> power bank can be recharged from the car, until it runs out of motion
lotion.
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.>
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phonesAnother one to add to the mix, thanks!>
already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of
going over to them at your contractrCOs end.
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
[rCa]
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting
[]
a week before the instal date, I arranged with Andrews and Arnold to port
the landline number to them. That happened the morning after the FTTC
contract expired. It all went smoothly, largely because I suspect A&A can
exert their authority.
Interesting that A&A are offering VoIP. I always got the impression that
they are the Rolls-Royce of ISPs, but priced to match, and didn't stoop
to dealing with landlines.>
I donrCOt want the complexity of VOIP, so I set the A&A account to go
straight to voicemail and then email me an mpeg of the call. If necessary I >> can call back using the unlimited free minutes on my mobile.
Fine if you already have a mobile contract for other reasons, as indeed
most people do. (For the few of us that don't, of course, those
unlimited free minutes wouldn't be free, but would be a few extra pounds
a month. [My emergency mobile SIM costs me about 8 pounds a _year_.])>
I have a UPS that will power the ONT and router for about 4 hours (larger
capacity ones are available!) and a power bank that can charge the UPS. The >> power bank can be recharged from the car, until it runs out of motion
lotion.
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.>
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phonesAnother one to add to the mix, thanks!>
already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of
going over to them at your contractrCOs end.
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phones
already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of
going over to them at your contractrCOs end.
Another one to add to the mix, thanks!
I have FTTC at the moment and get 32 Mb/s download, 4 mb/s upload and 19
Ms latency, very reliable service.
Full fibre is now here and the following is available:
145 Mb/s estimated download 80 Mb/s guaranteed, 30 Mb/s estimated upload, 50p a month more then increases next year and year after.
900 Mb/s estimated download 500 Mb/s guaranteed, 115 Mb/s estimated
upload, about -u11.50 a month more.
I can stay with Plusnet so no cancellation fees.
I will need a landline 'phone, mobile in rural Dorset is hit and miss. It switches between 3G and 4G so if Putin does attack I probably won't get to hear about it.
I use email, web browsing and most of my TV is now streamed.
I like the idea of FTTP, but in practical terms will I really notice the difference?
On 09/09/2025 14:10, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
[rCa]
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting
I donrCOt want the complexity of VOIP, so I set the A&A account to go
straight to voicemail and then email me an mpeg of the call. If necessary I >>> can call back using the unlimited free minutes on my mobile.
Fine if you already have a mobile contract for other reasons, as indeed
most people do. (For the few of us that don't, of course, those
unlimited free minutes wouldn't be free, but would be a few extra pounds
a month. [My emergency mobile SIM costs me about 8 pounds a _year_.])>
I look at it the other way round. I buy minutes on my mobile instead of buying minutes on my land line. The cost is around -u10/month similar to buying unlimited minutes on my landline, and the data is free....
.. i don't need an emergency sim. I don't need to top up all the time.
... my voipfone.co.uk VOIP account is -u3.60/month
I have a UPS that will power the ONT and router for about 4 hours (larger >>> capacity ones are available!) and a power bank that can charge the UPS. The >>> power bank can be recharged from the car, until it runs out of motion
lotion.
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.>
Inverters are small and cheap
For battery backup of an FTTP router and ONT Vodafone have had this
developed
https://getgofone.co.uk/products/broadband-battery-backup-bbu
Neat little device that will give around 4 hours run time (obviously load dependent). The sensible feature is it will switch off when only 25%
capacity remaining. To access that remaining capacity you have to press a button. So it gives you a reserve capacity for an emergency, rather than
just running flat in the middle of the night.
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
[rCa]
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.
My power bank does 240V sine wave AC, so I use that to charge the UPS.
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phones >>> already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of
going over to them at your contractrCOs end.
Another one to add to the mix, thanks!
My voicemail service costs -u1:20 per month, so the whole shebang including mobile phone contract costs less than PNrCOs phone service didrCa
On 2025/9/9 16:58:35, Spike wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
[rCa]
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.
My power bank does 240V sine wave AC, so I use that to charge the UPS.
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phones >>>> already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of >>>> going over to them at your contractrCOs end.
Another one to add to the mix, thanks!
My voicemail service costs -u1:20 per month, so the whole shebang including >> mobile phone contract costs less than PNrCOs phone service didrCa
Is that all with A&A, or them for VoIP (including voicemail) and someone
else for mobile?
On 2025/9/9 16:4:23, Tweed wrote:
[]
For battery backup of an FTTP router and ONT Vodafone have had this
developed
https://getgofone.co.uk/products/broadband-battery-backup-bbu
Wow, I wasn't expecting 150 pounds!>
Neat little device that will give around 4 hours run time (obviously load
dependent). The sensible feature is it will switch off when only 25%
capacity remaining. To access that remaining capacity you have to press a
button. So it gives you a reserve capacity for an emergency, rather than
just running flat in the middle of the night.
Yes, it looks very good. But for that price I'd want it to be!
On 2025/9/9 16:4:23, Tweed wrote:
[]
For battery backup of an FTTP router and ONT Vodafone have had this
developed
https://getgofone.co.uk/products/broadband-battery-backup-bbu
Wow, I wasn't expecting 150 pounds!>
Neat little device that will give around 4 hours run time (obviously load
dependent). The sensible feature is it will switch off when only 25%
capacity remaining. To access that remaining capacity you have to press a
button. So it gives you a reserve capacity for an emergency, rather than
just running flat in the middle of the night.
Yes, it looks very good. But for that price I'd want it to be!
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
[rCa]
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting
[]
a week before the instal date, I arranged with Andrews and Arnold to port >>> the landline number to them. That happened the morning after the FTTC
contract expired. It all went smoothly, largely because I suspect A&A can >>> exert their authority.
Interesting that A&A are offering VoIP. I always got the impression that
they are the Rolls-Royce of ISPs, but priced to match, and didn't stoop
to dealing with landlines.>
I donrCOt want the complexity of VOIP, so I set the A&A account to go
straight to voicemail and then email me an mpeg of the call. If necessary I >>> can call back using the unlimited free minutes on my mobile.
Fine if you already have a mobile contract for other reasons, as indeed
most people do. (For the few of us that don't, of course, those
unlimited free minutes wouldn't be free, but would be a few extra pounds
a month. [My emergency mobile SIM costs me about 8 pounds a _year_.])>
I have a UPS that will power the ONT and router for about 4 hours (larger >>> capacity ones are available!) and a power bank that can charge the UPS. The >>> power bank can be recharged from the car, until it runs out of motion
lotion.
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.>
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phones >>> already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility ofAnother one to add to the mix, thanks!>
going over to them at your contractrCOs end.
A couple of points: I use the A&A VoIP service. Low cost and very good.
For battery backup of an FTTP router and ONT Vodafone have had this
developed
https://getgofone.co.uk/products/broadband-battery-backup-bbu
Neat little device that will give around 4 hours run time (obviously load dependent). The sensible feature is it will switch off when only 25%
capacity remaining. To access that remaining capacity you have to press a button. So it gives you a reserve capacity for an emergency, rather than
just running flat in the middle of the night.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:[]
[rCa]
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting >>>
a week before the instal date, I arranged with Andrews and Arnold to port >>>> the landline number to them. That happened the morning after the FTTC
contract expired. It all went smoothly, largely because I suspect A&A can >>>> exert their authority.
Interesting that A&A are offering VoIP. I always got the impression that >>> they are the Rolls-Royce of ISPs, but priced to match, and didn't stoop
to dealing with landlines.>
I donrCOt want the complexity of VOIP, so I set the A&A account to go
straight to voicemail and then email me an mpeg of the call. If necessary I
can call back using the unlimited free minutes on my mobile.
Fine if you already have a mobile contract for other reasons, as indeed
most people do. (For the few of us that don't, of course, those
unlimited free minutes wouldn't be free, but would be a few extra pounds >>> a month. [My emergency mobile SIM costs me about 8 pounds a _year_.])>
I have a UPS that will power the ONT and router for about 4 hours (larger >>>> capacity ones are available!) and a power bank that can charge the UPS. The
power bank can be recharged from the car, until it runs out of motion
lotion.
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.>
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phones >>>> already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of >>>> going over to them at your contractrCOs end.Another one to add to the mix, thanks!>
A couple of points: I use the A&A VoIP service. Low cost and very good.
For battery backup of an FTTP router and ONT Vodafone have had this
developed
https://getgofone.co.uk/products/broadband-battery-backup-bbu
Neat little device that will give around 4 hours run time (obviously load
dependent). The sensible feature is it will switch off when only 25%
capacity remaining. To access that remaining capacity you have to press a
button. So it gives you a reserve capacity for an emergency, rather than
just running flat in the middle of the night.
As you say, a neat unit but it seems a bit coy about declaring its stored power capacity. If I was in the market for one that would be a significant factor.
As it is, my solar/battery setup gives me 19kWhr of reserve. Should keep
the broadband up for a while. ;-)
Tim
On 08/09/2025 in message <xn0pak3jql4dwa007@news.individual.net> Jeff
Gaines wrote:
[snipped]
Many thanks for all the replies :-)
The latest population figure for the village was 3,171 in 2011 which I
doubt is commercially viable for fibre so I suspect we have benefited from
a scheme to bring technology to the rural peasants.
I am on my own so only me using the broadband and my TV is HD not 4K so
hard to justify for TV.
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how
much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
Tim+ <timdownieuk@yahoo.co.youkay> wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
On 2025/9/9 13:9:38, Spike wrote:
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:[]
[rCa]
It's a pity PlusNet still haven't decided to offer VoIP. I am expecting >>>>
a week before the instal date, I arranged with Andrews and Arnold to port >>>>> the landline number to them. That happened the morning after the FTTC >>>>> contract expired. It all went smoothly, largely because I suspect A&A can >>>>> exert their authority.
Interesting that A&A are offering VoIP. I always got the impression that >>>> they are the Rolls-Royce of ISPs, but priced to match, and didn't stoop >>>> to dealing with landlines.>
I donrCOt want the complexity of VOIP, so I set the A&A account to go >>>>> straight to voicemail and then email me an mpeg of the call. If necessary I
can call back using the unlimited free minutes on my mobile.
Fine if you already have a mobile contract for other reasons, as indeed >>>> most people do. (For the few of us that don't, of course, those
unlimited free minutes wouldn't be free, but would be a few extra pounds >>>> a month. [My emergency mobile SIM costs me about 8 pounds a _year_.])> >>>>> I have a UPS that will power the ONT and router for about 4 hours (larger >>>>> capacity ones are available!) and a power bank that can charge the UPS. The
power bank can be recharged from the car, until it runs out of motion >>>>> lotion.
Interesting! I hadn't come across UPSs that can be recharged from a
power bank; I thought they all used "12" volt batteries.>
A&A appears to do a complete VOIP service involving their own DECT phones >>>>> already configured, it might be worth your exploring the possibility of >>>>> going over to them at your contractrCOs end.Another one to add to the mix, thanks!>
A couple of points: I use the A&A VoIP service. Low cost and very good. >>> For battery backup of an FTTP router and ONT Vodafone have had this
developed
https://getgofone.co.uk/products/broadband-battery-backup-bbu
Neat little device that will give around 4 hours run time (obviously load >>> dependent). The sensible feature is it will switch off when only 25%
capacity remaining. To access that remaining capacity you have to press a >>> button. So it gives you a reserve capacity for an emergency, rather than >>> just running flat in the middle of the night.
As you say, a neat unit but it seems a bit coy about declaring its stored
power capacity. If I was in the market for one that would be a significant >> factor.
As it is, my solar/battery setup gives me 19kWhr of reserve. Should keep
the broadband up for a while. ;-)
Tim
Presumably it still runs the house with loss of grid supply? Many installations do not.
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 08/09/2025 in message <xn0pak3jql4dwa007@news.individual.net> Jeff
Gaines wrote:
[snipped]
Many thanks for all the replies :-)
The latest population figure for the village was 3,171 in 2011 which I
doubt is commercially viable for fibre so I suspect we have benefited from >> a scheme to bring technology to the rural peasants.
I am on my own so only me using the broadband and my TV is HD not 4K so
hard to justify for TV.
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per >> month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my
current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on
their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how
much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is simply charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per >>month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on >>their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how
much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is
simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
On 2025/9/8 21:28:40, Jason H wrote:
Getting a POTS landline is unlikely, as is getting something asresilient.
The best you're likely to achieve is battery backup of your local internet >>> connection. Poor mobile connectivity is not good as it prevents you from >>> having a service backup.Performance, sure; I'm not so sure about reliability - my (I presume)
That said, I wouldn't move anywhere without checking Bidb these days. Even >>> the lowliest 150 FTTP connection is a step up in performance and
reliability compared to FTTC. Note that landline over VoIP is complicated a >>
FTTC has been pretty rock-solid over the years. The odd time it _has_
been down, I've not been convinced it hasn't just been the router losing
connection.
bit by CGNAT. It's not unsurmountable, but a good reason to go with a(What's CGNAT?)
turnkey solution if you don't want ge your hands dirty.
CGNAT is carrier grade network address translation. ItrCOs what happens when >your ISP doesnrCOt have enough public facing IPv4 addresses. You get a >private IP address on the WAN side of your connection. ItrCOs translated into >a routable address at the ISP. This routable address is shared with other >customers. I suppose itrCOs the modern equivalent of the party line.
Most mobile phone data connections use CGNAT.
ItrCOs more of an issue with some of the newer ISPs and fibre Altnets that >are also their own ISP. The more established ISPs tend to have adequate >reserves of routeable IPv4 addresses, though some are starting to use CGNAT >on their cheaper products. The best ISPs will give you static IPv4 address >and a block of IPv6 addresses.
On 08/09/2025 in message <xn0pak3jql4dwa007@news.individual.net> Jeff
Gaines wrote:
[snipped]
Many thanks for all the replies :-)
The latest population figure for the village was 3,171 in 2011 which I
doubt is commercially viable for fibre so I suspect we have benefited from
a scheme to bring technology to the rural peasants.
I am on my own so only me using the broadband and my TV is HD not 4K so
hard to justify for TV.
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per >month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on >their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how
much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per >>> month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my
current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on >>> their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how
much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is
simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more >>>>per
month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>>>current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked >>>>on
their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>>much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is >>>simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs >>includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
But you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental (though it is often
hidden
in the costs presented to the end user) and you canrCOt have FTTP with >landline rental. So ignoring any telephone costs for a moment, -u28 to get >broadband over FTTC vs -u28.50 for FTTP seems a reasonable comparison.
Something worth checking on is how the costs might increase in the
following years. A lot of the cheaper FTTP offerings have some fairly steep >increases baked in.
On 10/09/2025 in message <109r47d$1f09j$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more >>>>> per
month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>>>> current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked >>>>> on
their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>>> much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is
simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs >>> includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
But you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental (though it is often
hidden
in the costs presented to the end user) and you canrCOt have FTTP with
landline rental. So ignoring any telephone costs for a moment, -u28 to get >> broadband over FTTC vs -u28.50 for FTTP seems a reasonable comparison.
Something worth checking on is how the costs might increase in the
following years. A lot of the cheaper FTTP offerings have some fairly steep >> increases baked in.
Indeed, assuming the landline rental is built in to FTTC at, say, -u12
then the FTTP cost is actually -u12.50 more.
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 10/09/2025 in message <109r47d$1f09j$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more >>>>>> per
month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>>>>> current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked >>>>>> on
their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>>>> much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is >>>>> simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs >>>> includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
But you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental (though it is often
hidden
in the costs presented to the end user) and you canrCOt have FTTP with
landline rental. So ignoring any telephone costs for a moment, -u28 to get >>> broadband over FTTC vs -u28.50 for FTTP seems a reasonable comparison.
Something worth checking on is how the costs might increase in the
following years. A lot of the cheaper FTTP offerings have some fairly steep >>> increases baked in.
Indeed, assuming the landline rental is built in to FTTC at, say, -u12
then the FTTP cost is actually -u12.50 more.
Not really. There is obviously a cost to providing the fibre and
maintaining all that goes with it, just like line rental. ItrCOs just never separated out for the consumer. CityFibre charge ISPs something in the
order of -u10/month for the lower speed connection, OpenReach charge about -u15/month. The ISP then adds their costs, such as their costs for transit
to the Internet, support, billing, VAT etc.
FTTC can be similarly priced. I have FTTC with A&A and they bill -u10/month for the line rental (it carries no phone calls). Line rental is separately charged because it is possible to purchase your line rental from a
different supplier than the provider of your broadband service.That canrCOt be done with FTTP so there is no point in separating the pricing. Ignoring phone calls, you are being charged -u28 for FTTC and -u28.50 for FTTP. You canrCOt get FTTC for -u12.50 less than the cost of FTTP.
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per >>>> month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my
current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on >>>> their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>> much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is
simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs >> includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
But you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental (though it is often hidden in the costs presented to the end user) and you canrCOt have FTTP with landline rental. So ignoring any telephone costs for a moment, -u28 to get broadband over FTTC vs -u28.50 for FTTP seems a reasonable comparison.
Something worth checking on is how the costs might increase in the
following years. A lot of the cheaper FTTP offerings have some fairly steep increases baked in.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
A couple of points: I use the A&A VoIP service. Low cost and very good. For battery backup of an FTTP router and ONT Vodafone have had this developed
https://getgofone.co.uk/products/broadband-battery-backup-bbu
Neat little device that will give around 4 hours run time (obviously load dependent). The sensible feature is it will switch off when only 25% capacity remaining. To access that remaining capacity you have to press a button. So it gives you a reserve capacity for an emergency, rather than just running flat in the middle of the night.
As you say, a neat unit but it seems a bit coy about declaring its stored power capacity. If I was in the market for one that would be a significant factor.
As it is, my solar/battery setup gives me 19kWhr of reserve. Should keep
the broadband up for a while. ;-)
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per >>month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on >>their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is >simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
On 10/09/2025 07:01, Tweed wrote:
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per
month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>>>> current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on >>>>> their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>>> much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is
simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs >>> includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
But you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental (though it is often hidden >> in the costs presented to the end user) and you canrCOt have FTTP with
landline rental. So ignoring any telephone costs for a moment, -u28 to get >> broadband over FTTC vs -u28.50 for FTTP seems a reasonable comparison.
The current offering is call SoGEA and can in effect be FTTC without the exchange link, so no phone line,
Something worth checking on is how the costs might increase in the
following years. A lot of the cheaper FTTP offerings have some fairly steep >> increases baked in.
True so make sure the contract length is short enough to cancel when it
does go up
Dave
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 10/09/2025 in message <109r47d$1f09j$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more >>>>>>per
month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>>>>>current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked >>>>>>on
their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>>>>much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is >>>>>simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current >>>>costs
includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
But you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental (though it is often >>>hidden
in the costs presented to the end user) and you canrCOt have FTTP with >>>landline rental. So ignoring any telephone costs for a moment, -u28 to >>>get
broadband over FTTC vs -u28.50 for FTTP seems a reasonable comparison.
Something worth checking on is how the costs might increase in the >>>following years. A lot of the cheaper FTTP offerings have some fairly >>>steep
increases baked in.
Indeed, assuming the landline rental is built in to FTTC at, say, -u12
then the FTTP cost is actually -u12.50 more.
Not really. There is obviously a cost to providing the fibre and
maintaining all that goes with it, just like line rental. ItrCOs just never >separated out for the consumer. CityFibre charge ISPs something in the
order of -u10/month for the lower speed connection, OpenReach charge about >-u15/month. The ISP then adds their costs, such as their costs for transit
to the Internet, support, billing, VAT etc.
FTTC can be similarly priced. I have FTTC with A&A and they bill -u10/month >for the line rental (it carries no phone calls). Line rental is separately >charged because it is possible to purchase your line rental from a
different supplier than the provider of your broadband service.That canrCOt >be done with FTTP so there is no point in separating the pricing. Ignoring >phone calls, you are being charged -u28 for FTTC and -u28.50 for FTTP. You >canrCOt get FTTC for -u12.50 less than the cost of FTTP.
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more >>>>per
month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>>>current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked >>>>on
their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>>much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is >>>simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs >>includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
You are conflating renting the 'line', which is included in any broadband >service that doesn't use mobile networks (however they choose to phrase it) >with 'phone service'.
I think you're saying that you pay -u28pm for FTTC broadband+landline phone >and -u28.50 for FTTP broadband without phone.
you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental
Tweed wrote:
you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental
You can have SoGEA, in fact with some suppliers (e.g. Plusnet) you can't have it *with* landline.
Years ago BT intentionally muddied the water between 'line maintenance' (ie maintaining the bit of string to your house) and 'phone service', rolling them into what it called 'line rental'.
people (typically businesses) who have a multi-line installation will
have some other way of identifying their service, so that the telephone numbers and un-numbered services such as Redcare or SoGEA can be
identified.
David Wade <g4ugm@dave.invalid> wrote:
On 10/09/2025 07:01, Tweed wrote:Most ISPs are pushing 18 or 24 month contracts. If you can get 12 months it tends to be more expensive. Assuming you have an OR or CF ONT (ie not from and altnet that is both infrastructure supplier and ISP) it will be interesting to see how easy it will be to switch between ISPs. Can you
Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:
On 09/09/2025 in message <109q1hr$17aag$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:
While reading your replies I twigged that while fibre is only 50p more per
month than my current FTTC it doesn't include landline rental like my >>>>>> current cost so that is a very cheeky comparison by Plusnet. I checked on
their portal and my monthly cost isn't broken down so I can't tell how >>>>>> much the 'phone costs.
Thanks again, will continue to ponder...
IrCOm a bit confused about your reference to landline rental. FTTP is >>>>> simply
charged per month. There is no separate line rental component.
I pay about -u28 per month now, FTTP would be -u28.50 BUT my current costs >>>> includes landline rental and the FTTP cost doesn't.
But you canrCOt have FTTC without landline rental (though it is often hidden
in the costs presented to the end user) and you canrCOt have FTTP with
landline rental. So ignoring any telephone costs for a moment, -u28 to get >>> broadband over FTTC vs -u28.50 for FTTP seems a reasonable comparison.
The current offering is call SoGEA and can in effect be FTTC without the
exchange link, so no phone line,
Something worth checking on is how the costs might increase in the
following years. A lot of the cheaper FTTP offerings have some fairly steep >>> increases baked in.
True so make sure the contract length is short enough to cancel when it
does go up
Dave
switch on the same day with little interruption to service? My guess is
that the ISPs will calculate the pain point for most users and hike prices
by that amount each year.