In reply to a post by RobLittler:

Today I have learned that little white box is a fibre ONto the home Terminal.

It's an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) or Optical Network Unit (ONU).

The chassis in the exchange at the other end is the Optical Line Termination (OLT)

Pulse8 offer service without providing a router (they charge an additional fee, should you require one).

Though a potential issue is that it sounds like you have or are ceasing service with EE altogether rather than just migrating service to another ISP.

If that's the case, Pulse8 charge a £80 service activation fee, which they waive for migrations

Whether the ISP supplies the router is neither here nor there. It really doesn’t change the price you pay.

Virtually all Openreach based FTTP service providers will allow you to use your own router. If you are supplied with a router from the service provider, just keep it in the box and return it at the end of the agreement. No big deal.

Personally I would be concerning myself with other criteria upon which to select an ISP and whether they omit a router is as noted pretty inconsequential.

it's irrational, but this is what I seem to have found, it makes no sense, all I want is for someone to switch on the connection to the property, but they insist on sending me a plastic box every couple of years that comes with a crapton of restrictions if I use it.

I guess that is the way of the world. Olilo is exactly what I want in an ISP, but it costs more than if I just take the damn plastic box.

Thank you all for your replies, but I think that concludes this foray.

Olilo ISP are the one you can use service without their router.

In reply to a post by adslmax:

Olilo ISP are the one you can use service without their router.

The OP had worked this out for themselves two days ago Max.

https://forums.thinkbroadband.com/which_isp/t/478979...

In reply to a post by RobLittler:

it's irrational, but this is what I seem to have found, it makes no sense, all I want is for someone to switch on the connection to the property, but they insist on sending me a plastic box every couple of years that comes with a crapton of restrictions if I use it.

I guess that is the way of the world. Olilo is exactly what I want in an ISP, but it costs more than if I just take the damn plastic box.

Thank you all for your replies, but I think that concludes this foray.

With certain business grade services in the UK you can elect to go ‘wires only’ - but as far as ordinary residential broadband in this country the default ‘service model / wrap’ is the the provider gives a router as part of the service.

In some other European countries, certain service providers also employ a “BYOD” model. But that’s not how it’s traditionally worked in this country.

As said it certainly doesn’t stop you (on Openreach based FTTP, other AltNet networks may vary) from using your own router. As you’ve found a minority of service providers don’t provide a router. There is really not effect on the price you pay for a residential service either, whether or not they supply a router.

Like another contributor here (and posted in case anyone else is also interested) I had no issues whatsoever with using PlusNet to (a) arrange the OR fibre + ONT installation and (b) use my own existing router with the service. I simply had to decline, on ordering, the "free" (+ a delivery charge) company router.

Plusnet using my own router here also - no problems just use PPPOE with the supplied username and password.

If you go this route I suggest accepting the free Plusnet router as if there was ever a problem with the "line" Plusnet check you are connecting with their router (or they at least used to in my experience - many many years ago since I last had to do this though). I assume this is to just make things consistent for them whilst diagnosing faults.

You just have to remember to NOT throw away the router as they have started to ask for them back. Just stick a post-it on the packaging to remind you before throwing it in your wardrobe for safe keeping.

If you just want a simple FTTP connection say at 150/30 speed you should be paying around £20/month at Plusnet for a new customer on a 2 year contract. At time of writing equivalent to £20.33/month according to MoneySavingExpert.

Just remember Plusnet do NOT offer landline / voice calls.

[Edit: Just clarified that you probably need to be a new customer to get that excellent price at Plusnet]

Edited by think26872 (Mon 07-Sep-26 10:18:07)

In reply to a post by think26872:

f you just want a simple FTTP connection say at 150/30 speed you should be paying around £20/month at Plusnet for a new customer on a 2 year contract. At time of writing equivalent to £20.33/month according to MoneySavingExpert.

Currently showing as "£19.91" effective cost, that's based on:

* £22.99/mo initial price
* £26.99/mo from Apr 2027
* £30.99/mo from Apr 2028
* less £170 prepaid Mastercard (you must claim this within 2 months)