The "Man Who Knows" has explained the likely reason . . . Zarjaz's post, above.

Yes, it's 3B. So other routers will work with the modem - does anyone use a router that performs better than the BT Hub? And I see that users are being asked to activate FON; didn't it used to be the case that you were automatically signed up?

In reply to a post by GeoffB:

Yes, it's 3B. So other routers will work with the modem - does anyone use a router that performs better than the BT Hub? And I see that users are being asked to activate FON; didn't it used to be the case that you were automatically signed up?

Yes, they will, I use an Apple Airport Extreme (because I already had it). It is also dual band so my Macbook Pro and iPad 1 connect at 5GHz. I can see no-one else around me on this band.

That's a point - the BT hub isn't dual band then! The Virgin one is.

Fair enough, not really go into this fibre lark. Just trying to compare it with ADSL in that we now got routers with ADSL modems built it, so I thought that is what would happen with fibre.

Saying that if I go for this wireless service, they will supply a modem or what ever they will use and I got to supply the router.

Not sure if I want Bt having control of my modem to be honest, it was bad enough when they had control of my home hub. the wireless service i am looking at seems a better bet every day.

A fairly dumb modem is pretty common around the world.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

Just to recap, look on the back of the modem, 3B will be clearly written on the label.
2B is also acceptable.

3B or not 3B that is the question......

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

A fairly dumb modem is pretty common around the world.

I suppose i am used now to buying modem and router all in one, Saying that my brother got a Ethernet ADSL modem and we connected a router onto it.
The problem with this sort of arrangement is that a extra electric socket is needed and more flipping cables.

I got a letter today from BT advising that they want to change my modem, as I got mine back in March.

However, I've not had any issues and it's wall mounted.

Do we have to change them, or is it optional?

It's just I've always gone with, if it ain't broken, don't fix it...

Just had mine replaced. Only took 15 minutes.

Engineer said it was something to do with a batch of them (around 250,000 ??) having a fault where it would occasionally drop connections. Apparently the exchange is being funded by the modem supplier rather than BT.