• Timing: Moving away from BT FTTC to FTTP and keeing phone number

    From nospam@nospam@please.invalid (AnthonyL) to uk.telecom.broadband on Mon Mar 23 16:51:27 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    How is it possible to move away from BT (FTTC) install to a different
    FTTP provider AND a separate VOIP provider without loss of the
    landline for a week or two?

    It seems as if there is a gap to fall into. Once broadband with BT is cancelled (on switching) the BT service dies.

    The new FTTP provider (not BT) has a scheduled install date as the
    premises has no fibre. This is 24th April.

    To get a better VOIP experience a separate provider is going to be
    used but they can't guarantee the number switch on the 24th, and in
    any event it takes a couple of weeks to port the number, and of course
    the install could go wrong.

    The number is important for frequent calls from the hospital and
    surgery.
    --
    AnthonyL

    Why ever wait to finish a job before starting the next?
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Mon Mar 23 17:07:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    AnthonyL <nospam@please.invalid> wrote:
    How is it possible to move away from BT (FTTC) install to a different
    FTTP provider AND a separate VOIP provider without loss of the
    landline for a week or two?

    It seems as if there is a gap to fall into. Once broadband with BT is cancelled (on switching) the BT service dies.

    The new FTTP provider (not BT) has a scheduled install date as the
    premises has no fibre. This is 24th April.

    To get a better VOIP experience a separate provider is going to be
    used but they can't guarantee the number switch on the 24th, and in
    any event it takes a couple of weeks to port the number, and of course
    the install could go wrong.

    The number is important for frequent calls from the hospital and
    surgery.



    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Mon Mar 23 20:51:56 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/23 17:33:14, Richmond wrote:
    Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> writes:

    AnthonyL <nospam@please.invalid> wrote:
    []
    The number is important for frequent calls from the hospital and
    surgery.



    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running 2) Transfer landline
    number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP) 3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2
    didnrCOt already do that)

    Keep an eye on the engineer. If he produces a wire cutter at any time
    and starts moving toward the copper wire, rugby tackle him to the
    ground.

    Love it!

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile: if the medical calls are
    important, give a mobile number to those. (Do it now, as it may take a
    while to filter through the NHS systems.) If you don't have a mobile
    number, I'm with you! (I do have one but don't want to give it out as it
    could change frequently.)

    My dentist did have a system (run by a third party of course) that
    required you to fill in forms online, part of the process of which
    involved getting something texted to a mobile (or similar). Giving it a landline number didn't work.

    I've had cases where messages - or numbers - sent as texts (or something
    else?) to my landline result in them being read out (the last one, which
    was a text message something like "I've put your key in an envelope" by
    a very doleful voice!) as audio to my landline. Why doesn't that always
    happen - does it cost the sender something?
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    I would have written you a shorter letter but I didn't have the time.
    - Blaise Pascal in Lettres Provinciales
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Davey@davey@example.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 00:22:32 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:51:56 +0000
    "J. P. Gilliver" <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/23 17:33:14, Richmond wrote:
    Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> writes:

    AnthonyL <nospam@please.invalid> wrote:
    []
    The number is important for frequent calls from the hospital and
    surgery.



    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running 2) Transfer landline
    number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP) 3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2
    didnrCOt already do that)

    Keep an eye on the engineer. If he produces a wire cutter at any
    time and starts moving toward the copper wire, rugby tackle him to
    the ground.

    Love it!

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile: if the medical calls are
    important, give a mobile number to those. (Do it now, as it may take a
    while to filter through the NHS systems.) If you don't have a mobile
    number, I'm with you! (I do have one but don't want to give it out as
    it could change frequently.)

    My dentist did have a system (run by a third party of course) that
    required you to fill in forms online, part of the process of which
    involved getting something texted to a mobile (or similar). Giving it
    a landline number didn't work.

    I've had cases where messages - or numbers - sent as texts (or
    something else?) to my landline result in them being read out (the
    last one, which was a text message something like "I've put your key
    in an envelope" by a very doleful voice!) as audio to my landline.
    Why doesn't that always happen - does it cost the sender something?
    The ones I hate are those where a voice reads out a number at a hundred
    miles an hour. To make it worse, it doesn't just read out actual
    digits, which would be simple to follow and write down, it speaks these
    numbers in a manner that makes it hard to do that.
    --
    Davey.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 01:48:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I've had cases where messages - or numbers - sent as texts (or something else?) to my landline result in them being read out (the last one, which
    was a text message something like "I've put your key in an envelope" by
    a very doleful voice!) as audio to my landline. Why doesn't that always happen - does it cost the sender something?

    Doesn't (or rather didn't) cost any extra but SMS to/from landline
    stopped working when I converted to SoGEA, the phone goes through the
    motions of registering, but supposedly it was withdrawn last year.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 04:03:16 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/24 0:22:32, Davey wrote:
    []
    The ones I hate are those where a voice reads out a number at a hundred
    miles an hour. To make it worse, it doesn't just read out actual
    digits, which would be simple to follow and write down, it speaks these numbers in a manner that makes it hard to do that.

    Oh yes, the ones that read it out as so many million, thousand, hundred,
    and so on. What idiot made that the default!
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    User Error: Replace user, hit any key to continue.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 04:06:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/24 1:48:11, Andy Burns wrote:
    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I've had cases where messages - or numbers - sent as texts (or something
    else?) to my landline result in them being read out (the last one, which
    was a text message something like "I've put your key in an envelope" by
    a very doleful voice!) as audio to my landline. Why doesn't that always
    happen - does it cost the sender something?

    Doesn't (or rather didn't) cost any extra but SMS to/from landline
    stopped working when I converted to SoGEA, the phone goes through the motions of registering, but supposedly it was withdrawn last year.

    I wasn't talking about sending. but receiving. I still have (AFAIK!) an ordinary landline. Some incoming numbers (and texts such as the above
    one, though I think that's the first actual text I've had for ages) _do_
    get read out; many don't. Sometimes the 'phone doesn't ring but I find
    there's a message stored in 1572; sometimes not even that.
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    User Error: Replace user, hit any key to continue.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 07:10:57 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 1:48:11, Andy Burns wrote:
    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I've had cases where messages - or numbers - sent as texts (or something >>> else?) to my landline result in them being read out (the last one, which >>> was a text message something like "I've put your key in an envelope" by
    a very doleful voice!) as audio to my landline. Why doesn't that always
    happen - does it cost the sender something?

    Doesn't (or rather didn't) cost any extra but SMS to/from landline
    stopped working when I converted to SoGEA, the phone goes through the
    motions of registering, but supposedly it was withdrawn last year.

    I wasn't talking about sending. but receiving. I still have (AFAIK!) an ordinary landline. Some incoming numbers (and texts such as the above
    one, though I think that's the first actual text I've had for ages) _do_
    get read out; many don't. Sometimes the 'phone doesn't ring but I find there's a message stored in 1572; sometimes not even that.

    If you have a decent broadband supply, which FTTP should be, and a proper mobile supplier and a suitable mobile phone the WiFi calling should allow mobile calls to be received and made within the house, assuming poor in
    house mobile reception.
    IrCOve gone mobile first for calls. My old landline number is now with
    Andrews and Arnold, which costs a couple of quid a month. Any incoming call goes to voicemail and that gets emailed to me. I donrCOt bother with a
    handset connected to the VoIP service. The voicemail mops up anyone still
    using my old landline number.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 08:23:40 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I wasn't talking about sending. but receiving. I still have (AFAIK!) an ordinary landline. Some incoming numbers (and texts such as the above
    one, though I think that's the first actual text I've had for ages)do
    get read out; many don't.

    Gave you received got DECT phones which directly support SMS? It sounds
    like you haven't, or they wouldn't send them as text-2-speech.

    Have you received a text since last October? That's supposedly when it
    was turned off ...

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Spike@aero.spike@mail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 13:05:22 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:

    [rCa]

    My old landline number is now with
    Andrews and Arnold, which costs a couple of quid a month. Any incoming call goes to voicemail and that gets emailed to me. I donrCOt bother with a handset connected to the VoIP service. The voicemail mops up anyone still using my old landline number.

    ThatrCOs exactly what I did when going to FTTP, which was a few days before
    the phone/FTTC contract expired. On the first morning after that, A&A (who
    I had pre-engaged for the switch) had my landline number, which like you I
    run on their voicemail-only system - which works perfectly. A&A donrCOt muck aboutrCa
    --
    Spike
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 14:59:27 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/24 7:10:57, Tweed wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 1:48:11, Andy Burns wrote:
    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I've had cases where messages - or numbers - sent as texts (or something >>>> else?) to my landline result in them being read out (the last one, which >>>> was a text message something like "I've put your key in an envelope" by >>>> a very doleful voice!) as audio to my landline. Why doesn't that always >>>> happen - does it cost the sender something?

    Doesn't (or rather didn't) cost any extra but SMS to/from landline
    stopped working when I converted to SoGEA, the phone goes through the
    motions of registering, but supposedly it was withdrawn last year.

    I wasn't talking about sending. but receiving. I still have (AFAIK!) an
    ordinary landline. Some incoming numbers (and texts such as the above
    one, though I think that's the first actual text I've had for ages) _do_
    get read out; many don't. Sometimes the 'phone doesn't ring but I find>> there's a message stored in 1572; sometimes not even that.

    If you have a decent broadband supply, which FTTP should be, and a proper mobile supplier and a suitable mobile phone the WiFi calling should allow mobile calls to be received and made within the house, assuming poor in> house mobile reception.
    I don't have _any_ mobile supplier. (Well, I have one for emergencies -
    about 2 pounds every 180 days.)
    IrCOve gone mobile first for calls. My old landline number is now with Andrews and Arnold, which costs a couple of quid a month. Any incoming call goes to voicemail and that gets emailed to me. I donrCOt bother with a handset connected to the VoIP service. The voicemail mops up anyone still using my old landline number.

    When I have to go VoIP, it will become my main number - as it is now.
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Graham J@nobody@nowhere.co.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 14:59:44 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!

    --
    Graham J
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 15:01:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/24 8:23:40, Andy Burns wrote:
    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I wasn't talking about sending. but receiving. I still have (AFAIK!) an
    ordinary landline. Some incoming numbers (and texts such as the above
    one, though I think that's the first actual text I've had for ages)do
    get read out; many don't.

    Gave you received got DECT phones which directly support SMS? It sounds
    like you haven't, or they wouldn't send them as text-2-speech.

    No.

    Have you received a text since last October? That's supposedly when it
    was turned off ...

    The text I received - that was read out to me - was within the last week
    or three.
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    The impression is that the reporter doesn't really understand the
    subject and he is mistaking the expert's slow methodical thought for a politician's prevarication or a layman's ignorance.
    - Liz Tuddenham in uk.media.radio.bbc-r4, 2022-3-6
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 15:13:25 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!


    If you have broadband you can have WiFi calling (assuming you have a decent mobile supplier and a suitable mobile handset). ThererCOs no need to have a mobile signal. VodafonerCOs WiFi calling on my iPhone works very well. Even
    in the basement at work on the corporate WiFi. Even in the middle of
    nowhere you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least to me)
    low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Tue Mar 24 15:18:10 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    Tweed wrote:

    [snip]

    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)

    Step 2 "Transfer landline number to VOIP provider" will normally incur complete loss of that landline number for about a week. During this
    period the number cannot be redirected to - for example - a mobile.
    Under very exceptional circumstances the transfer can take just a few minutes.

    Those exceptional circumstances are: the number is and always has been "owned" by BT.

    If this is not true the "owning" provider has to give the number back to
    BT and the new VoIP provider then requests the inward transfer. The
    VoIP provider has no control over this. I cannot see any good reason
    why this process should take a week - it is purely administrative.

    I think OFCOM should be challenged about this, and the porting delay
    allowed to be an absolute maximum of an hour.

    Clearly, any delay is an inconvenience for a domestic user; but a week's delay could be completely unacceptable for a business!



    My landline number, originally issued by BT, was with Zen. It got moved to
    A&A overnight on the day A&A said it would. Quite how long it took
    overnight I canrCOt say as I was asleep.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 15:25:12 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 24/03/2026 14:59, Graham J wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!

    That was the problem I faced about 9 years ago. I got a phone that
    supported WiFi Calling and a payg plan and never looked back

    I usually have mobile data switched off and its amuising to get floods
    of messages when I enter a 'public wifi' area...





    --
    You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than you can with a
    kind word alone.

    Al Capone



    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Tue Mar 24 16:22:46 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> writes:


    If this is not true the "owning" provider has to give the number back
    to BT and the new VoIP provider then requests the inward transfer.
    The VoIP provider has no control over this. I cannot see any good
    reason why this process should take a week - it is purely
    administrative.

    I think OFCOM should be challenged about this, and the porting delay
    allowed to be an absolute maximum of an hour.


    I was without my landline telephone for a month, partly because the
    engineer cut the wire, but partly for administrative reasons which
    weren't explained to me. Maybe because the line was owned by Talk Talk.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Tue Mar 24 16:29:30 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> writes:


    I think OFCOM should be challenged about this, and the porting delay
    allowed to be an absolute maximum of an hour.


    I forgot to mention I have raised it with Ofcom, but they don't really
    deal with it, they refer you back to the supplier. But I don't know
    which supplier was at fault as there were three in all, as the landline
    was owned by Talk Talk but Talk Talk was not my ISP.

    Also this whole move-to-voip is not a government initiative, it is
    private telcos who want to do it. But that's not much of an excuse as
    the government could stop it, or oversee it more assertively, rather
    than retrospectively.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Davey@davey@example.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 16:35:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:01:05 +0000
    "J. P. Gilliver" <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:

    On 2026/3/24 8:23:40, Andy Burns wrote:
    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I wasn't talking about sending. but receiving. I still have
    (AFAIK!) an ordinary landline. Some incoming numbers (and texts
    such as the above one, though I think that's the first actual text
    I've had for ages)do get read out; many don't.

    Gave you received got DECT phones which directly support SMS? It
    sounds like you haven't, or they wouldn't send them as
    text-2-speech.

    No.

    Have you received a text since last October? That's supposedly when
    it was turned off ...

    The text I received - that was read out to me - was within the last
    week or three.

    My Panasonic DECT handsets used to send and receive SMS text messages.
    When I moved to 'Digital Voice', it stopped sending them, but would
    still receive them. Now, I'm not sure, but I have received at least one
    of those 'spoken texts' within the last 3 months or so. I could try a
    test the next time I turn my mobile on.
    It seemed to me that whether a message came through as text or speech
    depended somewhat on the sender.
    --
    Davey.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 21:32:23 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/24 16:35:2, Davey wrote:
    On Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:01:05 +0000
    "J. P. Gilliver" <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:

    On 2026/3/24 8:23:40, Andy Burns wrote:
    "J. P. Gilliver" wrote:

    I wasn't talking about sending. but receiving. I still have
    (AFAIK!) an ordinary landline. Some incoming numbers (and texts
    such as the above one, though I think that's the first actual text
    I've had for ages)do get read out; many don't.

    Gave you received got DECT phones which directly support SMS? It
    sounds like you haven't, or they wouldn't send them as
    text-2-speech.

    No.

    Have you received a text since last October? That's supposedly when
    it was turned off ...

    The text I received - that was read out to me - was within the last
    week or three.

    My Panasonic DECT handsets used to send and receive SMS text messages.
    When I moved to 'Digital Voice', it stopped sending them, but would
    still receive them. Now, I'm not sure, but I have received at least one
    of those 'spoken texts' within the last 3 months or so. I could try a
    test the next time I turn my mobile on.
    It seemed to me that whether a message came through as text or speech depended somewhat on the sender.

    That is the impression I get using just a landline and a non-DECT 'phone
    (i. e. any speech synthesis is _not_ done by anything _I_ own).
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    "You _are_ Zaphod Beeblebrox? _The_ Zaphod Beeblebrox?"
    "No, just _a_ Zaphod Beeblebrox. I come in six-packs."
    (from the link episode)
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 21:44:15 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/24 15:13:25, Tweed wrote:
    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!


    If you have broadband you can have WiFi calling (assuming you have a decent mobile supplier and a suitable mobile handset). ThererCOs no need to have a mobile signal. VodafonerCOs WiFi calling on my iPhone works very well. Even

    So the person who has broadband has to shell out extra for a mobile
    contract s/he cannot use at home (except by wifi calling), _and_ a
    'phone to use with it.

    This might actually make sense in some circumstances (especially if s/h
    already _does_ have a mobile contract anyway, for when not at home, and
    a 'phone to use with it).

    in the basement at work on the corporate WiFi. Even in the middle of
    nowhere you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least to me) low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    "You _are_ Zaphod Beeblebrox? _The_ Zaphod Beeblebrox?"
    "No, just _a_ Zaphod Beeblebrox. I come in six-packs."
    (from the link episode)
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Tue Mar 24 21:48:09 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/24 15:25:12, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
    On 24/03/2026 14:59, Graham J wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!

    That was the problem I faced about 9 years ago. I got a phone that
    supported WiFi Calling and a payg plan and never looked back

    Presumably if you make calls on it, even with the wifi calling, they
    cost you something, as you're using at least some part of the provider's network (the remote end)?

    Who with/what cost?

    I usually have mobile data switched off and its amuising to get floods
    of messages when I enter a 'public wifi' area...

    :-) [So the 'phone autoconnects whenever it enters such an area.]





    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    The 'good life' begins when you stop wanting a better one
    (Nkosiphambili E. Molapis)
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 06:59:30 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 15:13:25, Tweed wrote:
    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!


    If you have broadband you can have WiFi calling (assuming you have a decent >> mobile supplier and a suitable mobile handset). ThererCOs no need to have a >> mobile signal. VodafonerCOs WiFi calling on my iPhone works very well. Even

    So the person who has broadband has to shell out extra for a mobile
    contract s/he cannot use at home (except by wifi calling), _and_ a
    'phone to use with it.

    This might actually make sense in some circumstances (especially if s/h already _does_ have a mobile contract anyway, for when not at home, and
    a 'phone to use with it).

    in the basement at work on the corporate WiFi. Even in the middle of
    nowhere you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least to me) >> low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice minutes
    for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to
    get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a while ago.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 06:59:32 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 15:25:12, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
    On 24/03/2026 14:59, Graham J wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!

    That was the problem I faced about 9 years ago. I got a phone that
    supported WiFi Calling and a payg plan and never looked back

    Presumably if you make calls on it, even with the wifi calling, they
    cost you something, as you're using at least some part of the provider's network (the remote end)?

    Who with/what cost?

    I usually have mobile data switched off and its amuising to get floods
    of messages when I enter a 'public wifi' area...

    :-) [So the 'phone autoconnects whenever it enters such an area.]

    Take Spusu as an example. Uses the EE network. -u5/month for unlimited voice minutes and 5Gb data. The phone will use the mobile network or connect via
    WiFi depending on which provides, in the opinion of the phonerCOs firmware,
    the best connection. Yes it does auto connect.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 07:33:08 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    Tweed wrote:

    you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least to me)
    low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    Starlink is a broadband provider, not a mobile provider. The satellites
    are low altitude and provide speed and latency roughly equivalent to
    FTTC, so should work with VoIP.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 07:37:31 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    Presumably if you make calls on it, even with the wifi calling, they
    cost you something, as you're using at least some part of the provider's

    Most mobile contracts include unlimited text and calls nowadays, so
    calls can be chargeable but not actually charged ... typically only
    includes 01/02/03 geographical and 07 mobiles (not all 07 are actually mobiles)

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Andy Burns@usenet@andyburns.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 07:39:28 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Tweed wrote:

    The phone will use the mobile network or connect via
    WiFi depending on which provides, in the opinion of the phonerCOs firmware, the best connection.

    Some phones (e.g. Pixels) allow the user to set a preference for calls
    over mobile data or over wifi.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Graham J@nobody@nowhere.co.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 08:22:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Andy Burns wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    Tweed wrote:

    you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least to me)
    low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    Starlink is a broadband provider, not a mobile provider.-a The satellites are low altitude and provide speed and latency roughly equivalent to
    FTTC, so should work with VoIP.

    Beware GCGNAT !
    --
    Graham J
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 08:39:47 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    Andy Burns wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    Tweed wrote:

    you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least to me)
    low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    Starlink is a broadband provider, not a mobile provider.-a The satellites >> are low altitude and provide speed and latency roughly equivalent to
    FTTC, so should work with VoIP.

    Beware GCGNAT !


    Starlink supports IPv6 without NAT.
    WiFi calling works through IPv4 CGNAT

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 09:14:18 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 25/03/2026 06:59, Tweed wrote:
    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice minutes for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a while ago.

    I have a PAYG mobile contract with three, Wifi Calling works...
    The phone coast about -u200 outright some years ago.
    --
    Microsoft : the best reason to go to Linux that ever existed.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 09:15:56 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 24/03/2026 21:48, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
    Presumably if you make calls on it, even with the wifi calling, they
    cost you something, as you're using at least some part of the provider's network (the remote end)?

    Who with/what cost?
    Wifi calls are charged at the same rate as mobile calls
    --
    Microsoft : the best reason to go to Linux that ever existed.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 09:16:27 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 25/03/2026 06:59, Tweed wrote:
    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice minutes >> for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to >> get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a while ago.

    I have a PAYG mobile contract with three, Wifi Calling works...
    The phone coast about -u200 outright some years ago.



    Presumably you have to top it up to make outbound voice calls?

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris Green@cl@isbd.net to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 09:31:52 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    In uk.telecom.broadband The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 25/03/2026 06:59, Tweed wrote:
    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice minutes for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a while ago.

    I have a PAYG mobile contract with three, Wifi Calling works...
    The phone coast about -u200 outright some years ago.

    My current 'phone does both WiFi calling and VoLTE, it cost -u58, new,
    just a few weeks ago. It's a XIAOMI Redmi A5, I can't fault it
    really. I don't take pictures with it and I don't stream movies or
    play games but it seems to de everything I want without any issues.
    You really don't have to spend all that much to get a reasonably
    functional 'phone.
    --
    Chris Green
    -+
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Trolleybus@ken@birchanger.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Wed Mar 25 09:54:28 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:18:10 -0000 (UTC), Tweed
    <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    Tweed wrote:

    [snip]

    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnAt already do that)

    Step 2 "Transfer landline number to VOIP provider" will normally incur
    complete loss of that landline number for about a week. During this
    period the number cannot be redirected to - for example - a mobile.
    Under very exceptional circumstances the transfer can take just a few
    minutes.

    Those exceptional circumstances are: the number is and always has been
    "owned" by BT.

    If this is not true the "owning" provider has to give the number back to
    BT and the new VoIP provider then requests the inward transfer. The
    VoIP provider has no control over this. I cannot see any good reason
    why this process should take a week - it is purely administrative.

    I think OFCOM should be challenged about this, and the porting delay
    allowed to be an absolute maximum of an hour.

    Clearly, any delay is an inconvenience for a domestic user; but a week's
    delay could be completely unacceptable for a business!



    My landline number, originally issued by BT, was with Zen. It got moved to >A&A overnight on the day A&A said it would. Quite how long it took
    overnight I canAt say as I was asleep.

    Mine ex-BT number was ported from Zen to Digital Voice over Zen two
    weeks ago. It took almost a week! Apparently OR (or whoever looks
    after number ports) repeatedly refused the move until Zen put in an
    appeal.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 11:43:38 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> writes:

    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 15:13:25, Tweed wrote:
    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is
    a pretty pointless exercise!


    If you have broadband you can have WiFi calling (assuming you have a
    decent mobile supplier and a suitable mobile handset). ThererCOs no
    need to have a mobile signal. VodafonerCOs WiFi calling on my iPhone
    works very well. Even

    So the person who has broadband has to shell out extra for a mobile
    contract s/he cannot use at home (except by wifi calling), _and_ a
    'phone to use with it.

    This might actually make sense in some circumstances (especially if
    s/h already _does_ have a mobile contract anyway, for when not at
    home, and a 'phone to use with it).

    in the basement at work on the corporate WiFi. Even in the middle of
    nowhere you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least
    to me) low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice
    minutes for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a
    while ago.

    Maybe that is because other people are paying when they phone you? I pay
    4ppm to phone mobiles, whereas it is 1.5ppm to phone landlines, from my landline. If I could phone VOIP to VOIP there would be no minute by
    minute charge.

    With my PAYG O2 classic I pay 3ppm and I would be unlikely to ever spend
    -u5 in a month at that rate.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Davey@davey@example.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband on Wed Mar 25 11:53:55 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:54:28 +0000
    Trolleybus <ken@birchanger.com> wrote:
    On Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:18:10 -0000 (UTC), Tweed
    <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    Tweed wrote:

    [snip]

    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)

    Step 2 "Transfer landline number to VOIP provider" will normally
    incur complete loss of that landline number for about a week.
    During this period the number cannot be redirected to - for
    example - a mobile. Under very exceptional circumstances the
    transfer can take just a few minutes.

    Those exceptional circumstances are: the number is and always has
    been "owned" by BT.

    If this is not true the "owning" provider has to give the number
    back to BT and the new VoIP provider then requests the inward
    transfer. The VoIP provider has no control over this. I cannot
    see any good reason why this process should take a week - it is
    purely administrative.

    I think OFCOM should be challenged about this, and the porting
    delay allowed to be an absolute maximum of an hour.

    Clearly, any delay is an inconvenience for a domestic user; but a
    week's delay could be completely unacceptable for a business!



    My landline number, originally issued by BT, was with Zen. It got
    moved to A&A overnight on the day A&A said it would. Quite how long
    it took overnight I canrCOt say as I was asleep.

    Mine ex-BT number was ported from Zen to Digital Voice over Zen two
    weeks ago. It took almost a week! Apparently OR (or whoever looks
    after number ports) repeatedly refused the move until Zen put in an
    appeal.
    My number was already with Zen, and the switch to Digital Voice was
    seamless. A good plan, it seems.
    --
    Davey.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 12:38:50 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/25 9:16:27, Tweed wrote:
    The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 25/03/2026 06:59, Tweed wrote:
    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice minutes >>> for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to

    Hardly extortionate in the scheme of things (would be lost in the
    noise), but a lot more than my -u2 per 180 days.

    get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a while ago.

    I have a PAYG mobile contract with three, Wifi Calling works...
    The phone coast about -u200 outright some years ago.

    Sounds good, but ...


    Presumably you have to top it up to make outbound voice calls?

    ...?
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    so that the vendors can "serve you better". As if you were a
    tennis ball, I guess. - Wolf K, in alt.windows7.general, 2014-7-21
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From nospam@nospam@please.invalid (AnthonyL) to uk.telecom.broadband on Wed Mar 25 12:40:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:09:36 +0000, Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk>
    wrote:

    Tweed wrote:

    [snip]

    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)

    Step 2 "Transfer landline number to VOIP provider" will normally incur >complete loss of that landline number for about a week. During this
    period the number cannot be redirected to - for example - a mobile.
    Under very exceptional circumstances the transfer can take just a few >minutes.

    Those exceptional circumstances are: the number is and always has been >"owned" by BT.


    The number has always been owned by BT. Does that mean it is practical
    to wait until the FTTP is installed then get the number moved to VOIP
    within a working day?
    --
    AnthonyL

    Why ever wait to finish a job before starting the next?
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 12:41:28 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/25 11:43:38, Richmond wrote:
    Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> writes:

    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 15:13:25, Tweed wrote:
    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is
    a pretty pointless exercise!


    If you have broadband you can have WiFi calling (assuming you have a
    decent mobile supplier and a suitable mobile handset). ThererCOs no
    need to have a mobile signal. VodafonerCOs WiFi calling on my iPhone
    works very well. Even

    So the person who has broadband has to shell out extra for a mobile
    contract s/he cannot use at home (except by wifi calling), _and_ a
    'phone to use with it.

    This might actually make sense in some circumstances (especially if
    s/h already _does_ have a mobile contract anyway, for when not at
    home, and a 'phone to use with it).

    in the basement at work on the corporate WiFi. Even in the middle of
    nowhere you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least
    to me) low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice
    minutes for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever
    managed to get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a
    while ago.

    Maybe that is because other people are paying when they phone you? I pay
    4ppm to phone mobiles, whereas it is 1.5ppm to phone landlines, from my landline. If I could phone VOIP to VOIP there would be no minute by
    minute charge.

    With my PAYG O2 classic I pay 3ppm and I would be unlikely to ever spend
    -u5 in a month at that rate.

    Until you get put on hold a few times. Though you'd have to be very
    unlucky to reach you -u5, granted, but it could happen.
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    so that the vendors can "serve you better". As if you were a
    tennis ball, I guess. - Wolf K, in alt.windows7.general, 2014-7-21

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 12:45:30 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/25 6:59:32, Tweed wrote:
    []
    Take Spusu as an example. Uses the EE network. -u5/month for unlimited voice minutes and 5Gb data. The phone will use the mobile network or connect via WiFi depending on which provides, in the opinion of the phonerCOs firmware, the best connection. Yes it does auto connect.

    So -u5 a month even if only ever used over wifi. *Or even if not used at
    all.*
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 12:46:54 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/3/25 7:37:31, Andy Burns wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    Presumably if you make calls on it, even with the wifi calling, they
    cost you something, as you're using at least some part of the provider's

    Most mobile contracts include unlimited text and calls nowadays, so

    And "Most mobile contracts" involve a monthly fee even if you make no
    calls and send no texts.

    calls can be chargeable but not actually charged ... typically only
    includes 01/02/03 geographical and 07 mobiles (not all 07 are actually mobiles)

    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    I was never drawn to sport, to which I attribute my long life.
    - Barry Humphries, RT 2016/1/9-15
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Trolleybus@ken@birchanger.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Wed Mar 25 14:15:46 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:53:55 +0000, Davey <davey@example.invalid>
    wrote:

    On Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:54:28 +0000
    Trolleybus <ken@birchanger.com> wrote:

    On Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:18:10 -0000 (UTC), Tweed
    <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:

    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    Tweed wrote:

    [snip]

    Mine ex-BT number was ported from Zen to Digital Voice over Zen two
    weeks ago. It took almost a week! Apparently OR (or whoever looks
    after number ports) repeatedly refused the move until Zen put in an
    appeal.


    My number was already with Zen, and the switch to Digital Voice was
    seamless. A good plan, it seems.

    As was mine, but it wasn't seamless. The plan may well be good...
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From David Wade@g4ugm@dave.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 15:46:44 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 24/03/2026 21:44, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 15:13:25, Tweed wrote:
    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a
    mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is a
    pretty pointless exercise!


    If you have broadband you can have WiFi calling (assuming you have a decent >> mobile supplier and a suitable mobile handset). ThererCOs no need to have a >> mobile signal. VodafonerCOs WiFi calling on my iPhone works very well. Even

    So the person who has broadband has to shell out extra for a mobile
    contract s/he cannot use at home (except by wifi calling), _and_ a
    'phone to use with it.


    Well you no longer get a phone with broadband, so you need something.

    This might actually make sense in some circumstances (especially if s/h already _does_ have a mobile contract anyway, for when not at home, and
    a 'phone to use with it).

    I think thats the case for the vast majority of people. The latest stats
    I see say 96% of the population have a mobile...



    in the basement at work on the corporate WiFi. Even in the middle of
    nowhere you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least to me) >> low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    Nope, but if you have a mobile with any data you probably have unlimited calls. Even the -u5.00/month Lebara SIM has 1000 minutes.

    Dave
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From David Wade@g4ugm@dave.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 15:53:44 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 25/03/2026 12:46, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
    On 2026/3/25 7:37:31, Andy Burns wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    Presumably if you make calls on it, even with the wifi calling, they
    cost you something, as you're using at least some part of the provider's

    Most mobile contracts include unlimited text and calls nowadays, so

    And "Most mobile contracts" involve a monthly fee even if you make no
    calls and send no texts.

    So do landlines or VOIP services. Ditch the landline and generally you
    are saving.


    calls can be chargeable but not actually charged ... typically only
    includes 01/02/03 geographical and 07 mobiles (not all 07 are actually
    mobiles)


    Dave
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 17:39:40 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 25/03/2026 09:16, Tweed wrote:
    The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 25/03/2026 06:59, Tweed wrote:
    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice minutes >>> for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to >>> get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a while ago.

    I have a PAYG mobile contract with three, Wifi Calling works...
    The phone coast about -u200 outright some years ago.



    Presumably you have to top it up to make outbound voice calls?


    WHAT outbound voice calls?

    I have to top it up for the odd time I use mobile data.
    I only use it to *make* calls in an emergency

    I make outbound voice calls on the land line on a decent hands free handset
    --
    "A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight
    and understanding".

    Marshall McLuhan


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 17:45:19 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 25/03/2026 09:31, Chris Green wrote:
    In uk.telecom.broadband The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
    On 25/03/2026 06:59, Tweed wrote:
    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice minutes >>> for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever managed to >>> get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a while ago.

    I have a PAYG mobile contract with three, Wifi Calling works...
    The phone coast about -u200 outright some years ago.

    My current 'phone does both WiFi calling and VoLTE, it cost -u58, new,
    just a few weeks ago. It's a XIAOMI Redmi A5, I can't fault it
    really. I don't take pictures with it and I don't stream movies or
    play games but it seems to de everything I want without any issues.
    You really don't have to spend all that much to get a reasonably
    functional 'phone.

    Not today, but back then it was the cheapest that I could get on PAYG

    As far as pictures go, well family use whatsapp video so I have to have
    that ability.
    camera is extremely useful to have.

    I don't stream, movies or play on it though. I have a laptop for that.
    Other things that have proved useful are

    An ebook reader
    The torch
    TomTom satnav app
    wifi scanner
    Car OBD scanner
    And the voice recorder
    --
    "Strange as it seems, no amount of learning can cure stupidity, and
    higher education positively fortifies it."

    - Stephen Vizinczey


    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband,uk.telecom on Wed Mar 25 18:20:53 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/25 11:43:38, Richmond wrote:
    Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> writes:

    J. P. Gilliver <G6JPG@255soft.uk> wrote:
    On 2026/3/24 15:13:25, Tweed wrote:
    Graham J <nobody@nowhere.co.uk> wrote:
    J. P. Gilliver wrote:

    [snip]

    Though I hate to say it, being one of those who objects to the
    assumption that everyone has a mobile:

    We might all have mobiles, but there are some of us who don't get a >>>>>> mobile signal at home, so providing its number to all and sundry is >>>>>> a pretty pointless exercise!


    If you have broadband you can have WiFi calling (assuming you have a >>>>> decent mobile supplier and a suitable mobile handset). ThererCOs no
    need to have a mobile signal. VodafonerCOs WiFi calling on my iPhone >>>>> works very well. Even

    So the person who has broadband has to shell out extra for a mobile
    contract s/he cannot use at home (except by wifi calling), _and_ a
    'phone to use with it.

    This might actually make sense in some circumstances (especially if
    s/h already _does_ have a mobile contract anyway, for when not at
    home, and a 'phone to use with it).

    in the basement at work on the corporate WiFi. Even in the middle of >>>>> nowhere you can get Starlink broadband for a surprisingly (at least
    to me) low monthly fee of 35 GBP.

    I agree, that does sound low for that. Does it include calls too?

    You can get a mobile contract with WiFi calling and unlimited voice
    minutes for -u5/month. ThatrCOs hardly extortionate. The cheapest I ever >>> managed to get landline voice rental was -u10/month and that was a
    while ago.

    Maybe that is because other people are paying when they phone you? I pay
    4ppm to phone mobiles, whereas it is 1.5ppm to phone landlines, from my
    landline. If I could phone VOIP to VOIP there would be no minute by
    minute charge.

    With my PAYG O2 classic I pay 3ppm and I would be unlikely to ever spend
    -u5 in a month at that rate.

    Until you get put on hold a few times. Though you'd have to be very
    unlucky to reach you -u5, granted, but it could happen.

    I think my point is that the equivalent of a line rental with included
    calls is very cheap at -u5 or less. Cost shouldnrCOt really be a barrier to using a mobile as your primary means of voice calls.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Graham J@nobody@nowhere.co.uk to uk.telecom.broadband on Wed Mar 25 21:26:33 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    AnthonyL wrote:

    [snip]


    Those exceptional circumstances are: the number is and always has been
    "owned" by BT.


    The number has always been owned by BT. Does that mean it is practical
    to wait until the FTTP is installed then get the number moved to VOIP
    within a working day?

    Probably yes.

    Get FTTP working.

    Get VoIP working with the default (usually free) number.

    Apply to your VoIP provider to port-in your landline number. Be
    prepared to provide written evidence of ownership of that number - a BT
    bill or similar. You will be advised of the delay (usually a week) and down-time (hopefully a few minutes). If the VoIP provider cannot
    achieve this find out why. Probably best to discuss this with several providers before you choose which to put your business with.
    --
    Graham J
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jason H@jason_hindle@yahoo.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Wed Apr 1 21:58:22 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 23/03/2026 17:07, Tweed wrote:
    AnthonyL <nospam@please.invalid> wrote:
    How is it possible to move away from BT (FTTC) install to a different
    FTTP provider AND a separate VOIP provider without loss of the
    landline for a week or two?

    It seems as if there is a gap to fall into. Once broadband with BT is
    cancelled (on switching) the BT service dies.

    The new FTTP provider (not BT) has a scheduled install date as the
    premises has no fibre. This is 24th April.

    To get a better VOIP experience a separate provider is going to be
    used but they can't guarantee the number switch on the 24th, and in
    any event it takes a couple of weeks to port the number, and of course
    the install could go wrong.

    The number is important for frequent calls from the hospital and
    surgery.



    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)



    This is what I did. Grain gave me broadband for -u1 per month for six months.
    When the BT contract ended, I transferred my number to AAISP, which had the
    effect of also terminating my BT Broadband.

    Unless you're very short on funds, when moving from OpenReach to none
    OpenReach, it's well worth having a short period of parallel running.
    --
    --
    A PICKER OF UNCONSIDERED TRIFLES
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.telecom.broadband on Thu Apr 2 01:16:21 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 2026/4/1 22:58:22, Jason H wrote:
    On 23/03/2026 17:07, Tweed wrote:
    []
    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)



    This is what I did. Grain gave me broadband for -u1 per month for six months.
    When the BT contract ended, I transferred my number to AAISP, which had the
    effect of also terminating my BT Broadband.

    Unless you're very short on funds, when moving from OpenReach to none
    OpenReach, it's well worth having a short period of parallel running.

    Do you mean you (in theory at least) have the number active on both
    landline and VoIP? (If so, how does "the network" know which to send you
    the call on?)
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Spike@aero.spike@mail.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Thu Apr 2 07:41:56 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Jason H <jason_hindle@yahoo.com> wrote:
    On 23/03/2026 17:07, Tweed wrote:

    AnthonyL <nospam@please.invalid> wrote:
    How is it possible to move away from BT (FTTC) install to a different
    FTTP provider AND a separate VOIP provider without loss of the
    landline for a week or two?

    [rCa]

    The number is important for frequent calls from the hospital and
    surgery.

    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)

    This is what I did. Grain gave me broadband for -u1 per month for six months. When the BT contract ended, I transferred my number to AAISP, which had the effect of also terminating my BT Broadband.

    I did the same thing, with the slight difference that my phone/FTTC
    contract was coming to and end and I had FTTP installed (with the same supplier) a few days before. I had engaged A&A to port the LL number, which they did on the first morning after the FTTC contract ended. It was all seamless and there were no hitches.

    Unless you're very short on funds, when moving from OpenReach to none OpenReach, it's well worth having a short period of parallel running.

    Quite.
    --
    Spike
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From David Wade@g4ugm@dave.invalid to uk.telecom.broadband on Thu Apr 2 09:49:47 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On 02/04/2026 01:16, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
    On 2026/4/1 22:58:22, Jason H wrote:
    On 23/03/2026 17:07, Tweed wrote:
    []
    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)



    This is what I did. Grain gave me broadband for -u1 per month for six months.
    When the BT contract ended, I transferred my number to AAISP, which had the
    effect of also terminating my BT Broadband.

    Unless you're very short on funds, when moving from OpenReach to none
    OpenReach, it's well worth having a short period of parallel running.

    Do you mean you (in theory at least) have the number active on both
    landline and VoIP? (If so, how does "the network" know which to send you
    the call on?)

    No, but this does allow for a quicker switch of number from pots to voip...

    Dave
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Tweed@usenet.tweed@gmail.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Thu Apr 2 13:40:17 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    David Wade <g4ugm@dave.invalid> wrote:
    On 02/04/2026 01:16, J. P. Gilliver wrote:
    On 2026/4/1 22:58:22, Jason H wrote:
    On 23/03/2026 17:07, Tweed wrote:
    []
    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)



    This is what I did. Grain gave me broadband for -u1 per month for six months.
    When the BT contract ended, I transferred my number to AAISP, which had the >>> effect of also terminating my BT Broadband.

    Unless you're very short on funds, when moving from OpenReach to none
    OpenReach, it's well worth having a short period of parallel running.

    Do you mean you (in theory at least) have the number active on both
    landline and VoIP? (If so, how does "the network" know which to send you
    the call on?)

    No, but this does allow for a quicker switch of number from pots to voip...

    Dave


    1) Get FTTP operational (FTTC still running)
    2) Move voice number to VOIP provider (A&A for example)
    3) Cancel FTTC if 2) hasnrCOt already caused that to happen.

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From nospam@nospam@please.invalid (AnthonyL) to uk.telecom.broadband on Fri Apr 3 19:18:55 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    On Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:40:17 -0000 (UTC), Tweed
    <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:



    1) Get FTTP operational (FTTC still running)
    2) Move voice number to VOIP provider (A&A for example)
    3) Cancel FTTC if 2) hasnrCOt already caused that to happen.


    In the case where the FTTP provider is handling the switch through ultra-friendly "we handle everything" eg
    https://www.plus.net/broadband/switch/

    What happens if FTTP provider install date is not met? This should be
    a question of course for Plusnet but relies on getting through to
    someone who knows the answer.

    Are there safeguards that FTTC will not cease until FTTP provider has
    confirmed the switch and the FTTP provider will not let the phone
    number go until the switch is completed?
    --
    AnthonyL

    Why ever wait to finish a job before starting the next?
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Richmond@dnomhcir@gmx.com to uk.telecom.broadband on Mon Mar 23 17:33:14 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> writes:

    AnthonyL <nospam@please.invalid> wrote:
    How is it possible to move away from BT (FTTC) install to a different
    FTTP provider AND a separate VOIP provider without loss of the
    landline for a week or two?

    It seems as if there is a gap to fall into. Once broadband with BT
    is cancelled (on switching) the BT service dies.

    The new FTTP provider (not BT) has a scheduled install date as the
    premises has no fibre. This is 24th April.

    To get a better VOIP experience a separate provider is going to be
    used but they can't guarantee the number switch on the 24th, and in
    any event it takes a couple of weeks to port the number, and of
    course the install could go wrong.

    The number is important for frequent calls from the hospital and
    surgery.



    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running 2) Transfer landline
    number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP) 3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2
    didnrCOt already do that)

    Keep an eye on the engineer. If he produces a wire cutter at any time
    and starts moving toward the copper wire, rugby tackle him to the
    ground.
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Graham J@nobody@nowhere.co.uk to uk.telecom.broadband on Tue Mar 24 15:09:36 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

    Tweed wrote:

    [snip]

    1) Get FTTP installed and check it is running
    2) Transfer landline number to VOIP provider (eg AAISP)
    3) Cancel FTTC line (assuming 2 didnrCOt already do that)

    Step 2 "Transfer landline number to VOIP provider" will normally incur complete loss of that landline number for about a week. During this
    period the number cannot be redirected to - for example - a mobile.
    Under very exceptional circumstances the transfer can take just a few
    minutes.

    Those exceptional circumstances are: the number is and always has been
    "owned" by BT.

    If this is not true the "owning" provider has to give the number back to
    BT and the new VoIP provider then requests the inward transfer. The
    VoIP provider has no control over this. I cannot see any good reason
    why this process should take a week - it is purely administrative.

    I think OFCOM should be challenged about this, and the porting delay
    allowed to be an absolute maximum of an hour.

    Clearly, any delay is an inconvenience for a domestic user; but a week's
    delay could be completely unacceptable for a business!
    --
    Graham J
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2