Recent posts

#51

IDNet Help / Re: Please report any forum pr...

Last post by peasblossom - Oct 04, 2025, 23:55:31

This might be a good thread to ask a random forum question. I've noticed some people have 'liked' posts but can't find any way of doing that. Where's the secret menu option for this? Or is it actually a figment of my imagination?

#52

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by nowster - Oct 02, 2025, 22:57:58

I emailed A+A about it and they got back to me so now I know exactly when I need to order Voip from them.

I'm less bothered about functionality than keeping my number, but I get the sense from what everyone's said that IDNet are a bit more specific/particular about what tech they want you to use than A+A are. My current landline phone is a dect, albeit a bit old. But the other reason for going with them is that it's even cheaper than UBOSS, at least for anyone who barely uses their landline, like me.

Similar! The situation for Dad is two hard-wired phones and a clutch of DECT handsets. I'll be bringing a ten year old Cisco/Sipura ATA out of the junk box initially, with potentially a new Grandstream HT801v2 to be ordered if it doesn't work well.

I have the necessary bits and bobs to connect the existing extension cabling to the ATA (old master socket, some RJ11 plugs and phone cable).

The other reason for holding on to the copper landline so far is that big storms knock out the electric supply. Last winter both Darragh and Eowyn left us for several days with no leccy. The current UPS only lasts about three hours.

I now have the kit to run the router (USB C @5V), Wifi AP (USB C @5V) and ONT (12V barrel jack using a USB PD converter cable) off USB C power bricks which, although a manual system, should last much longer.

#53

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by peasblossom - Oct 02, 2025, 18:13:39

I emailed A+A about it and they got back to me so now I know exactly when I need to order Voip from them.

I'm less bothered about functionality than keeping my number, but I get the sense from what everyone's said that IDNet are a bit more specific/particular about what tech they want you to use than A+A are. My current landline phone is a dect, albeit a bit old. But the other reason for going with them is that it's even cheaper than UBOSS, at least for anyone who barely uses their landline, like me.

#54

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by Simon - Oct 02, 2025, 15:24:51

Thanks for that.  Still think I'll hold out until I have to switch.  Silly really, because the cost of UBOSS would be cheaper than that of my current PSTN line.  It's just the functionality that concerns me.

#55

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by nowster - Oct 02, 2025, 14:01:36

The data circuit is no longer tied to your phone number once you've gone to SoGEA or FTTP.

Also, at Dad's the copper pair phone line is physically separate (and billed separately) to the FTTP feed. It's up for contract renewal in December too.

#56

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by Simon - Oct 02, 2025, 13:09:33

I'll probably be moving us to A&A's VoIP offering, but first testing out the equipment with an existing SIPGate number I have in the same area code.

This is something I've been a little uncertain about.  Can you have a different VoIP provider to your Broadband ISP?  I seem to recall reading somewhere that if you take your number to another provider, the broadband has to go with it?

And how easy is it to switch VoIP providers?  I'm thinking UBOSS is a one month contract, so if it doesn't perform as I'm hoping, I could switch?

#57

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by nowster - Oct 02, 2025, 01:57:08

And it looks like the WLR switchoff has been put back to the end of Jan 2027. IDNet haven't updated their info.

https://business.bt.com/insights/uk-pstn-switch-off/
https://www.wavenet.co.uk/blog/wlr-switch-off-delay-2027

#58

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by nowster - Oct 02, 2025, 01:53:28

I suppose I'll have to migrate to UBOSS.

I'll probably be moving us to A&A's VoIP offering, but first testing out the equipment with an existing SIPGate number I have in the same area code.

Incidentally, I found out that when an OpenReach engineer had replaced the master socket a little over a year ago, they'd only connected the blue/white and white/blue wires of the extension wiring. This meant that only the phone connected to the master socket (and the DECT handsets) would ring, and no other hard wired extension. (There's a separate wire, orange/white, for "bell" signalling on extension wiring.) Not good during power cuts.

It was only because of the potential for having to make the change to VoIP that I investigated what was behind the faceplate, and fixed it.

#59

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by peasblossom - Oct 01, 2025, 23:46:20

iirc, when I rang IDNet this week, they said that from December BT could announce that your old copper reliant line was closing, giving you 30 days to move it over. They (IDNet - edit: although now I'm uncertain. It may have been A+A.) advised that it was better to do this sooner than later. That was certainly the gist of the conversation, whoever the advice was from.

#60

IDNet Help / Re: SoGEA

Last post by Simon - Oct 01, 2025, 23:39:13

I suppose I'll have to migrate to UBOSS.