LTE router that can make phone calls?

Hi gang. Right now I have a ThreeUK-supplied B535 that's working nicely with a SIM-only contract.

Is there a recommended alternative router that I could plug a wired phone into, to use the contract's minutes?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Edited by richi (Thu 09-Sep-21 12:14:45)

Is this to save using your mobile because you have limited minutes on that?

If so, have you checked your mobile can't do WiFi calling?

Mobile can't do wi-fi calling, no. Main problem is the spotty signal downstairs, causing … let's call it "domestic disharmony."

Previous versions of the B525’s had an RJ11 FXS voice port you could plug in an analogue handset and configure to use the SIM for mobile voice access.

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

Previous versions of the B525’s had an RJ11 FXS voice port you could plug in an analogue handset and configure to use the SIM for mobile voice access.

Worth noting I believe they temporarily switch the connect to 3G when making or receiving a voice call so it needs to be left on Auto rather forced to 4G only

I ran a B593S-22 back in day (early 2014) just after the local mast got 4G enabled and we still just had (a very long) ADSL connection, well before any FTTC or TP…

Admit I just ran VoIP/SiP over the top and it did fine.

Edited by Pheasant (Thu 09-Sep-21 19:20:28)

In reply to a post by dect:

Worth noting I believe they temporarily switch the connect to 3G when making or receiving a voice call so it needs to be left on Auto rather forced to 4G only

CSFB = Circuit Switched Fall Back is used by devices that cannot manage VoLTE or VoNR. (for 5G).

Be aware that most networks have plans to remove 3G in the next 2 to 5 years.

In reply to a post by jchamier:

In reply to a post by dect:

Worth noting I believe they temporarily switch the connect to 3G when making or receiving a voice call so it needs to be left on Auto rather forced to 4G only

CSFB = Circuit Switched Fall Back is used by devices that cannot manage VoLTE or VoNR. (for 5G).

Be aware that most networks have plans to remove 3G in the next 2 to 5 years.

Having a look at the most recent crop of mainstream 4G and 5G routers from Huawei et al, its not altogether clear if the stock firmware either supports the FXS port for mobile voice, let alone VoLTE or VoNR for 5G. It might be a bit tricky for the OP to get an accurate answer on the latter, unless someone is running one and can confirm 100%.

I've got the Three ZTE MF286D which has both a WAN port and a phone port. I suppose I could plug a phone into that and see what happens.

Be an interesting experiment to see if Three have locked that out of the firmware or not.