Digital Customers Only Connection on plusnet 2 hub

[#1]

We are hoping to switch to a plusnet VOIP service so have bought a plusnet 2 hub. However upon reading posts on the community site it appears we would need either part fibre to do this or full fibre. Is this correct or can we still use the digital customers only connection to connect via VOIP despite still using copper connections.

[#2]

We are hoping to switch to a plusnet VOIP service

@goldflash999 Plusnet dont offer a VOIP service.

[#3]

Then why the VOIP port and why did plusnet supply the hub to us after we told them we wanted to connect via VOIP.. We also had broadband connection problems but they knew we needed it for VOIP.

[#4]

Thankyou anyway. I'm sure we will be able to connect via our hub and landline phone via a third party VOIP provider on copper cables but I just need somone to confirm we can do this or I'll just contact Plusnet because their customer service is very good.

[#5]

The telephone port is a feature of the BT Smarthub 2, which has been adapted for Plusnet and named Hub 2. It is non operational.

You can use a third party VoIP service over either full fibre or copper. If you want to use VoIP on a Plusnet connection you need an ATA, a small box into which you plug your phone, this connects to the hub via an Ethernet cable. They can be supplied fully configured by your chosen VoIP supplier.

[#6]

@goldflash999 

The Hub2 is a re-badged BT unit with software tweaks. As PN don't offer a VOIP service the phone port is deactivated.

You can buy an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) which uses an ethernet cable to connect to the Hub2.

If you are in the process of moving to PN you only have 30 days to "port" your phone number from the previous supplier unless it's already with an independant VOIP supplier - in which case you only need an ATA.

Brian

[#7]

I'm upgrading to full fibre with plusnet and thus losing my landline so I've contact aa.net who apparently offer a VOIP service with a 12 pounds setup charge and then just over a pound a month for the use of the landline, (I want to keep my existing phone number). I have a panasonic 4 phone cordless phone system which I believe is a digital systen, (at least, it says digital on the box).

I think I need something called an ATA, (even though my cordless phone system says it's digital). Does that sound right?

Anyway, where would I get such a device and are they expensive? ANy guidance greatly appreciated

Thanks

[#8]

@SomeOldCodger Talk to A&A - I believe they are the best to advise you, and that they can supply a pre-configured ATA. 

[#9]

@SomeOldCodger 

I think I need something called an ATA, (even though my cordless phone system says it's digital). Does that sound right?

The phones will have an analogue connection to the incoming phone line, 'Digital' refers to the connection between the handsets and the base station, so yes you need a ATA. (Analogue Telephone Adapter)

The ATA provides the replacement to the incoming phone line for the basestation to plug into.

[#10]

@SomeOldCodger 

If you want to keep your existing handset you need an analogue ATA such as a Grandstream HT801.Your existing handsets are only digital between the handset and the base station, where the voice is turned back into analogue.

You can either buy an ATA from a third party supplier, you will find set up instructions on the A&A website. Alternatively you can buy one or a truly digital new one from A&A. The options are here: https://www.aa.net.uk/quick-order/.

There are other options whereby you may be able to connect your existing handsets to a new digital adapter in place of the ATA. It all depends on your willingness/confidence to  configure these devices

Note that if you want to keep your old phone number you only have 30 days from when the analogue phone was disconnected to recover the number.

[#11]

Moderator's note:
Thread moved from Broadband to Tech Help

[#12]

I moved to A&A for VOIP when I moved to Plusnet FTTP.

I purchased a Grandstream HT801 V2 duirect from Grandstream:

<https://www.grandstream.com/products/gateways-and-atas/analog-telephone-adaptors/product/ht801v2>

The version 2 user interface is different to the images at the A&A web site but still straightforward to set up.

I still use my Panasonic DECT phones as used previously with the PSTN line.

[#13]

@goldflash999 Don't expect PlusNet support to advise on how to connect a VOIP system, they don't offer a VOIP service (as noted earlier) and probably won't be prepared to say much at all. Your chosen supplier of A&A are very competent so ask them.

You CAN as suggested buy an ATA and use your existing DECT handsets and base station. With minimal use that's probably more than adequate.

Alternatively you can buy units (e.g. from Gigaset) which combine the two functions into one unit. If you do this your old handsets can "probably" be registered to the new base but for full VOIP functionality it's best to get new compatible handsets.

FYI The version I have (Gigaset N510iPro) can be and is powered from the USB port of my Hub2. I started with my old DECT handsets but as they were mostly old and wearing out replaced them with Gigaset ones.

[#14]

@HPsauce 

The @goldflash999 post you are responding to was from 21st May, and their profile says they haven't been here since.

.

[#15]

@outcast Thanks for pointing that out, odd that others are carrying on as well which is why I commented. My thoughts are relevant to all.