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[Chris P Duck]

Hi all
Picking your brains again about moving to FTTC

I'm a bit stuck with regards to the hardware I need, I asked my current ISP what they supply should I move to FTTC with them. For £66 they can supply-

"Technicolor TG582n Pro with a custom firmware on it. This enables us to log-in to the connection remotely and helps us diagnose any issues with your service. The fibre installation would require an engineer to your premises, who will change the faceplate on your socket and install an openreach modem to connect to our router."

1-Am I understanding that correctly, two boxes?
2-From what I can tell, £66 is very expensive for this router isn't  it ?
3-Is there not a better all in one box solution thats probably cheaper?
4-While looking at router/modems, I also noted that BT are discontinuing the supply of the modems* so should it fail would I have to buy a modem or modem/router anyway?

*http://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/7361-mini-review-of-low-cost-tp-link-w9970-vdsl2-modem-router.html

[Dray]

Sounds like a managed install.

[gt94sss2]

1-Am I understanding that correctly, two boxes?
2-From what I can tell, £66 is very expensive for this router isn't  it ?
3-Is there not a better all in one box solution thats probably cheaper?
4-While looking at router/modems, I also noted that BT are discontinuing the supply of the modems* so should it fail would I have to buy a modem or modem/router anyway?

1. Yes.
2. Probably, though I think they are including the fibre install charges with that as well.
3. It all depends what you want in a modem/router but even if it cost slightly more the good news is a different model wouldn't come with a 'custom firmware' that your ISP wants to use.
4. The TBB article is slightly incorrect in that Openreach will no longer supply their own modems for managed installs (which your ISP is quoting you for rather than a cheaper self install) from March 2016. But Openreach will continue to support them and replace them until March 2017.

[burakkucat]

With all the technical know-how that is available from here, I would recommend you keep the £66 in your bank account.

A reliable "all-in-one" device would be the Billion 8800NL.

This enables us to log-in to the connection remotely and helps us diagnose any issues with your service.

Any existing (or potential) CP/ISP that stated the above to me would be rapidly shown the door . . .

[licquorice]

The 9970 should be fine, only downside is lack of 5Ghz wireless.

[Chris P Duck]

2-From what I can tell, £66 is very expensive for this router isn't  it ?

2. Probably, though I think they are including the fibre install charges with that as well.

It's definitely £66 for router only, they have an offer on free install!

[gt94sss2]

It's definitely £66 for router only, they have an offer on free install!

Having seen their web page I see what you mean - ouch 

[kitz]

£66 does seem rather a lot to pay for a TG582n.  As you are getting a managed install there is also no guarantee which modem you will get.  Openreach seem to be supplying ECI's on the last few installs Ive heard of.   Unless you can get a Huawei modem, then unless you want to mess with the inards, you wont get any line stats.

If it was me, Id go for something like the Billion or Zyxel (depending on budget too). 
The tplink 9970 does seem a good buy for the money, mine should be arriving tomorrow so I'll write more when its been on the line for a while. 

There's a full list of available combined vdsl2 modem routers to see if anything catches your eye. 

[Chris P Duck]

So if Openreach are going to supply a modem, would it be better/cheaper to buy just a router than an all in one or is there no advantage?

[kitz]

I think the main question to ask before we go any further is:  How important is it that you see any information about your line?

Both the Openreach modems are locked and dont provide any information - not even your sync speed.   It is possible to unlock both modems, but unless you like doing things like opening up the box and messing with internals then hope you get a Huawei.   Which can be unlocked with the hacked f/w.

As regards the one/two box solution, thats personal preference.   
Some say they like that the modem controls sync (with the dslam) and the router controls PPP (ISP internet connection).
Personally I like an all in one solution because of less clutter.   The modem router I have still allows me to start a new PPP session without affecting sync.