SoGEA and 3rd Party VoIP

[#1]

@GwentLarry 

Just make sure whoever you choose can handle the port of "ceased" numbers. In the past some haven't been able to.

As to the port itself, make sure you don't do anything until you receive confirmation from PN that your account change (to SOGEA) has completed.

Brian

[#2]

Fortunately, we have a house battery which powers the house during power cuts. Modems, etc keep working - always assuming the exchnage keeps working …

@GwentLarry the exchange will, it has battery backup and a backup generator. However the local green cabinet only has battery backup for 30-40 minutes. Since you will be on a SoGEA connection via that cabinet, then your internet connection will only last for 30 - 40 mins. If it was an FTTP (Full fibre) then its a passive optical network so is powered from the exchange. 

[#3]

Hey @GwentLarry,

When it comes to SOGEA with us and a 3rd Party VOIP provider, as mentioned by other users, it would be the VOIP provider's responsibility to port the number. Once your SOGEA product change is completed, it will be in quarantine for 30 days, which is plenty of time for the new provider to take the number.

This is why I want a detailed email  discussion with Plusnet customer support …

Unfortunately, the only support methods that are not over the phone are  X, Facebook, Instagram, and this Forum. I can see from your other post regarding X Support. We have been extremely busy on all social media platforms, and we will be in touch soon.

[#4]

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@Marsh wrote:

Hey @GwentLarry,

When it comes to SOGEA with us and a 3rd Party VOIP provider, as mentioned by other users, it would be the VOIP provider's responsibility to port the number. Once your SOGEA product change is completed, it will be in quarantine for 30 days, which is plenty of time for the new provider to take the number.

This is why I want a detailed email  discussion with Plusnet customer support …

Unfortunately, the only support methods that are not over the phone are  X, Facebook, Instagram, and this Forum. I can see from your other post regarding X Support. We have been extremely busy on all social media platforms, and we will be in touch soon.

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I'm in the same position as the OP, but when I contacted PN earlier today by phone to ask about SOGEA, I was told I could not transfer to SOGEA.

What is going on? Why are PN cutomer support saying this?

[#5]

@ogawd What service do you currently have, and what does https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome say is available to you?

[#6]

@ogawd Hi there, SOGEA doesn't show as available in your area and I'm gonna assume that's down to the fact that FTTP is available instead. 

You could still change to FTTP instead and then attach a 3rd Party VOIP provider if that's what you're looking for. 

All the best

[#7]

Cheers, @Windings - that saves having to wait for the screenshot being released from quarantine.

[#8]

@ogawd 

Have a look at the Checker mentioned previously.

Below the results window will be an entry - Priority Fibre Exchange (Y/N)

If this says Yes then no other product can be ordered if WBC FTTP shows as available.

Brian

[#9]

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@GwentLarry wrote:

@bmc 

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@bmc wrote:

@GwentLarry 

You can phone the PlusNet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 to see what your optons are.

I'm afraid down time on the phone cannot be avoided. As soon as you switch to SOGEA the line loses the ability to offer a landline connection. Until you switch to SOGEA your PN connection is controlled by your phone number. If you move to VOIP too soo you can lose your account.

Digital Voice is merely the name of the BT Retail VOIP option. They may be implementing it in your area but only for BT / EE accounts.

Depending on phone usage A&A may be worth a look. They are reasonably cheap so long as you don't make excessive phone calls (no call plan). https://www.aa.net.uk/voice-and-mobile/voip-information/ 

Remember VOIP doesn't work during power cuts unless you havea backup power supply for both the router and any ATA / digital phones.

You'll probably need an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) for your phone. Depending on who you choose for VOIP they may supply one as part of the package.

Brian

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Thank you.

I accept there will be a certain amount of downtime on the landline, a few days isn't a problem but I'm worried it will be longer and I'm especially worried that I'll lose my existing phone number.

I realise Digital Voice is just BT's name for its proprietary VoIP provision. That others of the big providers are also calling their proprietary VoIP provision "Digital Voice" had me confused for quite some time …

I've been checking out A&A as well, plus a few other VoIP providers - VoIPfone is currently my preferred option.

Yes, I know all about the problem of "Digital Voice" and power cuts - as well as living in a rural area, we get a lot of power cuts as well. Most no more than a minute or two but 1-2 hours happens 2 or 3 times a year. Fortunately, we have a house battery which powers the house during power cuts. Modems, etc keep working - always assuming the exchnage keeps working …

Happy to get a dedicated VoIP phone.

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Having chosen your VOIP provider (it is A&A for me) you can get that up and running now by taking a temporary new number with the VOIP service.  That means you at least maintain outward calling throughout and can get set up with your new VOIP phone at your leisure.

Then as advised above once the service split to SOGEA is DEFINITELY through, you tell the VOIP service to reclaim your old number and add that to your phones' setup.  Again with the temporary number still live this is less of a panic.

[#10]

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@mwwagain wrote:

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Having chosen your VOIP provider ... you can get that up and running now by taking a temporary new number with the VOIP service.  That means you at least maintain outward calling throughout and can get set up with your new VOIP phone at your leisure.

Then as advised above once the service split to SOGEA is DEFINITELY through, you tell the VOIP service to reclaim your old number and add that to your phones' setup.  Again with the temporary number still live this is less of a panic.

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A very-well-worded summary, that looks like 

.

[#11]

I moved from FTTC to SOGEA, and took my phone number over to A&A's VOIP service.

This thread describes my journey:

https://community.plus.net/t5/Home-Phone/Move-to-SOGEA-phone-to-A-amp-A-let-s-see-how-it-all-goes/td...