New to BT broadband - advice please

Hi all,

Hope you are all well. Just after some advice please. I'm migrating from plusnet and going over to BT broadband on 6th July. I've chosen the package which is

Your existing number stays the same. Broadband Talk provides you with a additional number for making/recieving calls over your broadband service.
If you want to change from BTT opt 1 to opt 2 then you need to arrange this seperatley, otherwise how will they know you want to do it.
Call centre is probably in India.
P.S. you may be able to do this online at www.bt.com

Edited by squidgy48 (Tue 27-Jun-06 16:49:31)

Hi Becky,
I have just migrated from PlusNet also, and so far so good.
I suspect you should not cancel your service at the moment, until you have tried the VoIP.
It's not the 'same service', it's quite different, and you may or may not find it satisfactory. Have you ordered a VoIP telephone, adaptor or home hub to use BB talk?
regards
Michael

Hi,

Thanks both of your for your replies.

Gosh, I didn't realize you can still keep your existing phone line and same number. I've ordered a wireless router from BT as I have a wireless network with a laptop also.

Is it just a simple usb or ethernet connection into the back of the computer and then put the 2 filters for the phone and internet lines?

How do you use your phone normally, and what button do you switch to use your phone through broadband? I'm sure all this will be explained to me when all the packaging arrives on 6th July. No, I have not ordered a handset thru BT. Just the wireless router.

Thanks both of you!

Becky

Hi,
I thought you were not entirely clear about VoIP.
Your existing 'phone service remains the same, so I don't suggest you change your package ATM.
The VoIP service is basically like talking on messenger. You can use a pc, a special 'phone handset with router, a standard handset with an adaptor and router or a standard handset with a special router. The audio is packaged up and sent over the internet. You connect the normal 'phone and router to the filter in the socket. You connect the pc and VoIP 'phone to the router using an ethernet cable or wireless. So it's a seperate 'phone for the VoIP service.
The quality can be variable, and it's not currently a replacement for a normal (PSTN) 'phone service, but may be in the future. Some calls may free or be good value, but they aren't always so.
You could have done this on PlusNet BTW. They call their service PlusTalk.
michael

I've used BT Broadband Talk and I have to say I have found the call quality very good. If a call from a mobile phone is 70% and a call from a regular landline is 100% i would say the quality was easily 95%. Anyway, I am about to get my home hub and phone gizmo sent so I will be using it regularly. Such a shame they didn't bundle ALL VOIP calls instead of just evenings and weekends. I suspect that will come at some stage ... always good to hold something in reserve I guess!

Edited by Atticus (Wed 28-Jun-06 17:55:34)

Hi folks,

Thanks ever so much for your messages. I'm understanding it more clearly now. I probably won't make many broadband talk phone calls as I haven't got a mic for the computer, although could get one of course! lol.

I've ordered the wireless router. Am I right in saying that will create a wireless network like the one I've already got, and I'll be able to use my laptop online? Is it quite easy to set the modem up yourself?

I wish you all a good day.


Becky