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[adamskiodp]

Hi folks,

I am currently with Zen for FTTC/SOGEA 80/20 but have Openreach FTTP coming soon (No others on the horizon).

If I choose a different ISP I assume I will have to return the Zen supplied FritzBox?

Can anyone recommend a similar router that will handle the current maximum available speeds that has a minimum of 3 Ethernet ports and also has a port to connect an analogue phone to for digital voice as well. I will likely split the voice to AA (only require a landline for incoming calls and PAYG outgoing) when moving to Fibre so assume that will use an Ethernet port?

Would rather not have something that resembles a dead spider and is wall mountable, so a simple box is preferable.

Budget up to £150. Will also consider a refurbished second hand router if that will get me a better spec for future proofing.

TIA

[jack21]

I recently moved from FTTC with Plusnet to their FTTP Full Fibre 145. Excellent service/installation/price and performance. Their own Hub2 worked well with the FTTP, but I too, wanted to have access to an analogue voice port. Being a long standing Zyxel fan, I bought a DX3301-T0 and used one of its 2 phone ports to access SIPgate services; it works really well. So I can thoroughly endorse it.

If you're interested in the AAISP provider, they have excellent guides for various routers with their VOIP, including Zyxels....I used their guides to help with setting up my DX3301 with SIPgate.

And having said all that, and having used the router for VOIP, I've re-concluded I'm happier NOT to have an active analogue phone attached and now use the DX3301 without its VOIP configured. I do use Linphone via my pc for VOIP with SIPgate; that suits better, and also use a mobile with a TalkHome package.

[hushcoden]

If I choose a different ISP I assume I will have to return the Zen supplied FritzBox?

When I left Zen about three years ago I was allowed to keep free of charge my Fritzbox 7530, check if their policy has changed...

[Alex Atkin UK]

When I left Zen about three years ago I was allowed to keep free of charge my Fritzbox 7530, check if their policy has changed...

There is something on their website about returning the router to be recycled, its not clear if you can choose to just keep it.  I certainly hope so as mine was flashed to OpenWRT as they never asked for my old router back when they replaced it with the Fritzbox.

[adamskiodp]

Thanks all.

Will ask Zen when I know FTTP is available.

I may even stay with Zen it's just others are cheaper.

[adamskiodp]

Can I assume then that the Zen supplied FritzBox is not locked to Zen in anyway and can be used with any other UK ISP?

Can anyone confirm either way please?

[Alex Atkin UK]

It certainly was when I got mine.

[tubaman]

It certainly was when I got mine.

Was locked or was able to be used with any ISP? 

[parkdale]

Zen Fritz!Boxes can be used on other networks... I set up Bob_Gas on Vodafone with one he got on FB Market place.
Reset the box then just select "Other provider" in setup.

It does have a preset profile for Zen, and TR-069 is active on the box settings, this will configure internet+phone settings automagically (Zen only)

[Edinburgh_lad]

Or, waiting off TR-069 within the config will prevent the router from having any ZEN-customised settings changed directly by ZEN. In other words, it cuts off ZEN's control over your device.

[hushcoden]

If I remember correctly, I followed these instructions to remove the TR-069 stuff.