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wymondham1's avatar
wymondham1
Joining in
3 months ago
Solved

Potential Newbie with questions, but not easy to find.....Static IP/own kit etc

Hi all

I've had a knock at the door by the local Virgin sales person to tell me up to 2gig is available on the pole outside!  My 20mb variable from BT is struggling so giving this some thought as I'm an IT engineer. I've always heard bad things about Virgin Broadband so just wanted to check a few things before going any further?

1. Can you get a Static IP with residential broadband?  The chap at the door said yes, but he's selling!

2. I'd like to use my own kit (Ubiquiti) - on BT i can just plug into the ONT, can this be done on Virgin or do you have to use unfriendly lower spec kit?

3. At the time of install, as this is a fresh install, would my BT line stay until i cancel with them or is this removed as part of the installation?

thanks all!!!

rob

  • 1. Generally no (VM Business will though) but see this

    2 The Hub 5x integrates an ONT AFAIK. However modem mode is not available at 2Gig. See the many angst ridden threads on 5x modem mode.

    3. I suggest doing it all through one touch switching. 

  • 1. Generally no (VM Business will though) but see this

    2 The Hub 5x integrates an ONT AFAIK. However modem mode is not available at 2Gig. See the many angst ridden threads on 5x modem mode.

    3. I suggest doing it all through one touch switching. 

    • wymondham1's avatar
      wymondham1
      Joining in

      thanks for the speedy reply!

      so the VM hub is the ONT?  you mention no modem mode a 2Gb - what about lower speeds, cant see me needing to go past say 250mb/500mb? does this use different kit?

      shame about no static WAN ip - makes remote management complicated!

       

      rob

      • Cardiffman282's avatar
        Cardiffman282
        Trouble shooter

        It's the all singing all dancing Hub 5x at all speeds. For a taster of the modem mode issue see this

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta

    Have you checked when Openreach will have FTTP in your area? Some OR ISPs offer static IPs. 

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta

    Be super cautions of any VM door to door salesman, misrepresentation of the price / service / function of the VM Hub is rife.  Contracts that are not held in writing can be very difficult for you to enforce or dispute.

     Below is the rear side of a VM Hub 5x.  ( OEM : Sagemcom F5685LGB-VMB ) (2Gb on pole = XGS-PON)

    VM are notorious for weeks / months of delay from any proposed go live dates. I would plan a couple of months of overlap before cancelling BT to ensure 1) you do get a VM service and 2) don't end up with no home internet for an open ended period.

     

     

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta

    In answer to your other question, at the end of the 18 month contract your new user discount finishes and you will be on a much higher monthly rate which you can cancel at 30 days notice. 

    You may be contacted and offered a new 18 month contract, or you can phone in and ask for one. In either case you will need to negotiate for a better deal. 

    • wymondham1's avatar
      wymondham1
      Joining in

      Thanks.... as its not like any other provider can use this connection so you cant shop around, what sort of increases do you typically see when not in contract?  just roughly...

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta

    Depends entirely on what competition there is for your business. They will check whether they is another FTTP provider in your postcode at the time. 

     

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta

    Not even in 18 months?  When will OR be there with FTTP - you can check on their site. 

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta

    Broadband is changing fast. The situation may be different then. There may be an altnet coming into your area.