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[licquorice]

Yes, you can disable the 'normal' WiFi on the BT router, however, to disable the shared Btwifi signal which is a completely separate signal and network, you need to opt out.

[GigabitEthernet]

So I had this problem, it does eventually turn off just takes some time. What you can also do, is try flicking it back on, on the BT website and then back off again, sometimes that will force it to update.

But I do always leave the Hub turned on - and typically BT sends updates during the early hours so probably advisable to leave it switched on anyway.

[tubaman]

... and typically BT sends updates during the early hours so probably advisable to leave it switched on anyway.

I'd forgotten that one, and it is indeed a good reason to leave it turned on.

[Alex Atkin UK]

Yes, you can disable the 'normal' WiFi on the BT router, however, to disable the shared Btwifi signal which is a completely separate signal and network, you need to opt out.

That seems an oversight as surely people turning off WiFi might be doing so out of paranoia so want NO wireless signal transmitting at all.  Though I guess it would be hard to track down that way if people have it disabled and so disable their roaming access to BT WiFi, thus why it stays on whilever opted-in.

[licquorice]

Exactly, it's not just a question of turning off the WiFi signal from the hub, it is also revoking access for the account whilst out and about.

[Bowdon]

I'd like to see the number of BT customers who actually use the WiFi while out. I bet the number is very low and becoming less with the advent of smartphones and data packages.

[Alex Atkin UK]

I think most customers just aren't awake it exists to be honest.

[burakkucat]

To me, this is just another example of a reason for not using the service provider's equipment. 

[Bowdon]

I don't know if this was just coincidence, but I noticed when it was off my transfer speed was very slightly less than when it was active.

I'm wondering whether the router allocates space even when its switched off. But when its off nobody can use it. But when its on you have access to it if nobody else is signing in.

As I say it might have just been a coincidence on my line.

When I say speed I'm meaning transfer speed. I use Internet Download Manager so it always shows me the transfer rates on downloads.

[j0hn]

I'm wondering whether the router allocates space even when its switched off. But when its off nobody can use it. But when its on you have access to it if nobody else is signing in.

Nah definitely not.

It doesn't make any difference if the shared hotspot is enabled or not, you always have full access to 100% of your sync speed/line rate.

It's designed to only allocate unused bandwidth to any 3rd party connecting to the hotspot.
If you are using your connection then it either doesn't let anyone connect to your hub or it lets them connect but they get allocated little or no bandwidth.

If you're on BT and have 1 of their hubs then give it a try. Connect to your own hub via the BT WiFi app and see what speeds you can get. Then start a big download on the home connection and repeat the test. It prioritizes the home user, as it should.

Unless you live within wifi range of somewhere members of the public are stationary (like a bus stop?) the chances of your hotspot ever being used are probably slim.

Apart from possibility a few pence a year additional power usage by the hub from the public hotspot being active, there are no negatives I can think of having it enabled.

I still disabled mine during the brief period I used my BT Smart Hub 2 

[GigabitEthernet]

What is the point in such a feature @j0hn when as you say, so few people can connect? Is the idea that it's designed for more urban settings?

[j0hn]

What is the point in such a feature @j0hn when as you say, so few people can connect? Is the idea that it's designed for more urban settings?

It's not that few people can connect.
Any BT customer or anyone willing to pay BT for access can connect to any BT Hub that's broadcasting.
It's just that few people use it or even know it exists.

The chances of 1 of those people using your Hub are very small and if anyone ever does they would only get bandwidth you weren't using.

[GigabitEthernet]

It's not that few people can connect.
Any BT customer or anyone willing to pay BT for access can connect to any BT Hub that's broadcasting.
It's just that few people use it or even know it exists.

The chances of 1 of those people using your Hub are very small and if anyone ever does they would only get bandwidth you weren't using.

Try answering the question you were asked.

[j0hn]

Try answering the question you were asked.

I did...

What is the point in such a feature @j0hn

Any BT customer or anyone willing to pay BT for access can connect to any BT Hub that's broadcasting.

What's with the attitude? I offered a polite answer to a question.

[Alex Atkin UK]

What is the point in such a feature @j0hn when as you say, so few people can connect? Is the idea that it's designed for more urban settings?

When it was originally implemented, mobile data was expensive, not particularly fast and public WiFi was uncommon.

There's also the benefit that if your broadband goes down, if your neighbours are on BT you can temporarily use theirs.  Technically you could connect to both at the time increasing your bandwidth.