Three UK - 4G Home Broadband - any users here?

[Slushbox]

HomeFi VOIP Socket Update:

No dialtone is emitted from the 'phone' socket on the B311s HomeFi, so it seems as though it's disabled, as forecast by Three.

The older B315, and presumably the newer Huawei routers would work with a POTS phone. (Plain Old Telephone System.)

I did run a fax machine with a B315 over Three. :-)

[skilly1]

I have been told you can’t use voip telephone system as you need a static ip address.

[Slushbox]

skilly1 said:

I have been told you can’t use voip telephone system as you need a static ip address.

I presume you mean a static public WAN address.

Not the case here with either Sipgate or Soho66 and a Grandstream SIP/Voip phone over Three 4G. The phone doesn't even need a static local address, it just plugs in, self-registers and works, once configured with the SIP account login.

There may be a case for port forwarding for some SIP handsets/routers/WAN's, but if so, instead of using static LAN IP's on the handset we can just use MAC address reservation in the router if needed. That will prevent any DHCP fubars after power-outs.

There are problems with some Virgin Superhubs and SIP reported, there's a detailed FAQ on the Sipgate site if needed.

[skilly1]

Slushbox said:

I presume you mean a static public WAN address.

Not the case here with either Sipgate or Soho66 and a Grandstream SIP/Voip phone over Three 4G. The phone doesn't even need a static local address, it just plugs in, self-registers and works, once configured with the SIP account login.

There may be a case for port forwarding for some SIP handsets/routers/WAN's, but if so, instead of using static LAN IP's on the handset we can just use MAC address reservation in the router if needed. That will prevent any DHCP fubars after power-outs.

There are problems with some Virgin Superhubs and SIP reported, there's a detailed FAQ on the Sipgate site if needed.

I’m not up to speed on VOIP but I want to have 8 handsets (2 hands free) at 2 sites and be able to transfer calls between all phones. I also want to be able to forward to a mobile number. Is this possible with the systems above?

[Slushbox]

skilly1 said:

I’m not up to speed on VOIP but I want to have 8 handsets (2 hands free) at 2 sites and be able to transfer calls between all phones. I also want to be able to forward to a mobile number. Is this possible with the systems above?

Yes, it is. You'll need a 3G/4G router at each site, after doing a site survey for signal strength. External antennas can be added.

Four handsets per site will probably need extra ethernet switches for the handsets, assuming they are not in the same room. Cordless SIP phones are available. Many handsets can handle two lines (numbers).

You don't need any kind of 'private exchange' with VOIP/SIP phones.

Forwarding and transfer differences:

Incoming call 'transfer' between handsets is usually free if they are all with the same provider. When you set them up you'll get a choice of 'local' area STD codes, but call forwarding will still be free with different STDs.

Call 'forwarding' to a mobile is normally done through the phone's 'control panel' at the provider's website, or through the menu button on the handset, or calls can be auto-forwarded immediately or after a delay. SIP/VOIP packages usually come with voicemail and missed call messages which are sent by email.

Sipgate, Soho66 and many others all have call packages and business plans. Soho66 have good phone support and also sell handsets.

Costs:

PAYG plans tend to be free or very cheap, with add-ons for top-ups. Incoming calls are free. Forwarding to mobile are charged. 'Team' business plans are available. Once the handsets are programed, the 'number' stays with them. You can move them around, onto another router if needed.

Obtaining a VOIP number now needs registration by letter for address verification for 999 services. It takes about three days.

There are 'commercial' limitations on the SIM plan from 4G Three. However VOIP uses very little bandwidth so it may not be an issue.

There are also commercial SIM plan providers who will tell you VOIP over 4G needs a static WAN address, and sell you a SIM for £99 a month.

Costs: 8 port ethernet switches are about £15, VOIP desktop handsets (Grandstream) about £40, 4G Routers £75 upward and MBB sim plans from £12 a month. VOIP/SIP plans on PAYG or from £5 p.m. per 'line'. Plus ethernet cables. You'll need a network nerd to set it up. Or become one. It's a bit long-winded, but its not rocket surgery.

You might be told that you need 'special sims' or routers. At the moment, standard VOIP/SIP works over Ethernet with Three 3G/4G broadband and most 4G routers from Huawei and TP-Link. This might not be the case with EE or Vodafone.

If you start a separate thread on here there are SIP suppliers and phone vendors who will seek your shekels.

Amazon sell handsets, 4G routers, PAYG Three MBB sims and Ethernet cables if you want to DIY or test a system.

If you want to trial a VOIP phone and service, you can get a free local number from Sipgate Basic (£10 PAYG top-up) and a Grandstream GXP1610 2-line phone from Amazon, and plug them into your home router.

https://www.sipgatebasic.co.uk/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grandstream-1610-line-Acc...

Edited by Slushbox on Friday 7th June 07:27

[skilly1]

Thanks so much for the comprehensive reply. I have ordered the sim and router and will then start testing a set-up using the sites you have mentioned and a couple of handsets.

Edited by skilly1 on Friday 7th June 09:38

[Slushbox]

skilly1 said:

Thanks so much for the comprehensive reply. I have ordered the sim and router and will then start testing a set-up using the sites you have mentioned and a couple of handsets.

Edited by skilly1 on Friday 7th June 09:38

You're welcome. If the 4G router only has one Ethernet port you'll need an Ethernet Switch. Grandstream and other phones also have Ethernet pass-through to a second 'PC' port on the back. I haven't tested this with two handsets. The port can be disabled in the handset's config.

Generally, SIP phones have a 'two-line' (two account) capability. It's common to have all the phones with Line 1 set to the main incoming 'Office' number, (SIP account) so all the phones will ring on Line 1.

If a call needs to be transferred to another handset it's transferred to the Line 2 number (another SIP account) - the handset's unique number. The remote SIP cloud handles the transfer.

So to start, get line 1 working, and then copy the config over to handset 2 so both phones ring. Sipgate offer advice on network port configuration for this set-up, but it's beyond the scope of this thread.

Edit:

I just double checked my Grandstream GXP1400 on Three 4G: Sipgate Basic with two SIP accounts (lines). I can transfer incoming calls on Line 1 to Line 2. The SIP cloud also dishes out 'hold' music.

There's also voicemail, with an emailed playback file, plus the Message Waiting Indicator (MWI) works if enabled at the phone. Despite Sipgate saying it doesn't. :-)

For a business application, Sipgate Team offers more features, and phones as 'extensions'. Other providers are available.

Also had to re-*disable* SIP ALG in the TP-Link MR400 router as calls were one-way voice. They're also fine with the Huawei B311s HomeFi.

Edited by Slushbox on Friday 7th June 15:22

[Slushbox]

Week 3 Update:

As expected from previously exposing myself to Three's MBB, and with free microwaves being slammed into my home from the mast 330 metres away, everything is still going swimmingly.

The Three HomeFi B311s is good enough. The limit is the single Gigabit Ethernet port on the back, but wires are so last year, dahlings. I'm not able to test the Wifi performance in my bijou country cottage as it's too small.

There is rumoured to be a firmware update 'coming soon' for the B311s. It hasn't appeared yet.

Two hiccups: transferring to the TP-Link MR400, and setting the doo-hickey to '4G preferred' had the router switch down to 3G during the rain yesterday. That was still giving 20Mb/s down, so I didn't notice until rummaging in the router for the WiFi settings.

3G might be an option for those without a good 4G signal.

Carry on.

[ashleyman]

thetapeworm said:

I'm looking into updating my Homeplugs to some gigabit ones with WiFi and pass through plugs as I seem to have a shortage of sockets.

If you haven't done so already, download the power line / tp link app and see what transfer rate is shown. There's no point in paying for gigabit power lines if you're power cables can only support 300mbps. I have 600mbps power lines everywhere and I'm only able to get 200 or less through the copper.

You'll also find that having the power lines plugged directly into the sockets rather than into extension leads can make a difference.

Slushbox said:

Week 3 Update:

You seem to know your stuff. Unrelated to Three - Would you be able to help me with an issue I'm having on a Wintek router box. I'm getting an IP conflict on some IP cameras and nothing I try seems to fix it.

In other news; I finally spoke to someone at Three who has found there is an issue locally which is why I am only able to get 2 bars of signal. They're going to investigate and have said in the meantime please return the AI Cube until we get this sorted. They've also put my bill down to 50% on my mobile while they sort this out. Oh and Virgin went down again today again. YAY!

Edited by ashleyman on Saturday 8th June 15:54

[Slushbox]

ashleyman said:

Unrelated to Three - Would you be able to help me with an issue I'm having on a Wintek router box. I'm getting an IP conflict on some IP cameras and nothing I try seems to fix it.

Sure, if you start another thread, we can all dive in and start a misinformed fight over the difference between a router and a switch. :-)

Pictures, line drawings, model numbers, and sketches on used ten pound notes all help.

"In other news; I finally spoke to someone at Three who has found there is an issue locally which is why I am only able to get 2 bars of signal. They're going to investigate and have said in the meantime please return the AI Cube until we get this sorted. They've also put my bill down to 50% on my mobile while they sort this out. Oh and Virgin went down again today again. YAY!"

Thriling news. Virmin sounds deeply annoying. I've always had good service from Three for my mobile and MBB. Now they are spraying my house with microwaves, for free!

Decades ago, Virmin stiched me up on a mobile contract, and sent a mobile which wouldn't connect to anything. Their staff were so effing rude on the phone, I vowed never to let Richard Branson dampen my bathmat again, so to speak. :-)

[thetapeworm]

ashleyman said:

thetapeworm said:

I'm looking into updating my Homeplugs to some gigabit ones with WiFi and pass through plugs as I seem to have a shortage of sockets.

If you haven't done so already, download the power line / tp link app and see what transfer rate is shown. There's no point in paying for gigabit power lines if you're power cables can only support 300mbps. I have 600mbps power lines everywhere and I'm only able to get 200 or less through the copper.

You'll also find that having the power lines plugged directly into the sockets rather than into extension leads can make a difference.

Cheers, the ones I have now are only 200s, they're coping OK it seems but you know, updates and all that, especially in this transitional period where my wife is more accepting of these essential things

[rfsteel]

I signed up to the 3 Home Broadband last week, to replace a 32GB PAYG EE SIM, not complaints on the service side of things, though have noticed my first bill is for £34pm contract, not the £24pm that I signed up for.

Just waiting on Customer Services resolving this issue.

[Slushbox]

^^^^

Think Beko on here had the same problem and resolved it. The first bill is often inflated by extra days, and or the £5 delivery charge if not waived.

My £22 HomeFi was an 'upgrade' but the billing looks to be the work of someone's cat:

Unlimited Mobile Data 24M

24 May to 23 June 2019 £70.00
Loyalty Discount £30.00 CR
Loyalty Discount £18.00 CR

=£22 per month

The contraption is working well though.

Have you ordered the talking flower-pot thing?

Edited by Slushbox on Tuesday 11th June 15:55

[ashleyman]

Slushbox said:

^^^^

Think Beko on here had the same problem and resolved it. The first bill is often inflated by extra days, and or the £5 delivery charge if not waived.

My £22 HomeFi was an 'upgrade' but the billing looks to be the work of someone's cat:

Unlimited Mobile Data 24M

24 May to 23 June 2019 £70.00
Loyalty Discount £30.00 CR
Loyalty Discount £18.00 CR

=£22 per month

The contraption is working well though.

Have you ordered the talking flower-pot thing?

Edited by Slushbox on Tuesday 11th June 15:55

Mines similar.

£70
£8 Discount (Recurring)
£2 Discount (Recurring)
£10 Discount (Recurring)
15GBP Redurring Discount

My monthly charge of £35 will be billed from the 8th of each month and paid by direct debit. Payment will be taken from your bank account 19 days after the date of your bill.

It's a bit of a con considering nowhere does it mention I signed up for £25 a month.

In other news. Three are adding bandwidth to my mast on or before 11 July which should solve my issues.

[thetapeworm]

It's not setting the world alight tonight but it's working so still better than Virgin.

[barryrs]

Just chipping in my 2p.

I have also taken out the 24 month unlimited data plan at £25 per month however having received my first bill I have been charged £35 per month

Live chat claim to have sorted it out; we shall see.

On a positive note; it’s been very good with speeds ranging from 25-70Mbps and currently 66Mbps.

[Slushbox]

thetapeworm said:

It's not setting the world alight tonight but it's working so still better than Virgin.

That's gone down a bit, you were getting 80 mega-pixies two pages ago. Signal or contention issues?

[Slushbox]

ashleyman said:

In other news. Three are adding bandwidth to my mast on or before 11 July which should solve my issues.

It's interesting stuff, this mobile broadband, assuming you can get a signal.

Whoever owns the mast and 'box' three hundred metres away had it moved and replaced by a new 'monopole' last year. The planning docs on the local council web site said the council saw cell masts as economically beneficial to the community, or some such wordage, and waived the application through.

~~~

I tested the B311 on just 3G yesterday, and got 18 mb/s down which will do, if needed. My old Mifi is 3G only, three years ago 18 mb/s down seemed like magic compared to ADSL.

Three have texted me again to say they're doing work in the area, but so far nothing has broken. 45 mega-blitz at the moment.

[thetapeworm]

Slushbox said:

That's gone down a bit, you were getting 80 mega-pixies two pages ago. Signal or contention issues?

Not sure what's happening but it's at 19.9 currently, my EE 4G phone (I know you can't really compare) is currently...



I need to look at the location of the device some more but based on the app I thought I'd found a good spot.

Edited by thetapeworm on Wednesday 12th June 07:55

[ashleyman]

112 down to your phone is just mental. I love technology!

I’m in wimbledon today and getting 75 down!