Full Fibre/Eero router - advice please?

[kwilsaint]

My current TalkTalk contract is 'Fibre 150' and it ends in a couple of months.

For the same price, I understand TalkTalk is now offering 'Full Fibre 150' and I'm at the moment considering this. I have a few queries, though:

FULL FIBRE:

 1. Is this true 'fibre to the premises' (FFTP) and not just marketing-speak?

2. Will it require someone to come to my home and make some 'adjustments' for 'full fibre' to work?

 EERO ROUTER:

 1. Does this require access to a Smart Phone app and if so, why?

2.  I prefer to be online on my Desktop computer (Windows operating system) for lots of good reasons.

 Can the 'Eero' simply operate the same as my current TalkTalk router on my Desktop without any need for Smart Phone app?

I'd appreciate any help or suggestions, especially from anyone who's already switched from Fibre 150 to Full Fibre.

Many thanks

[DJI_MINI_2_SE]

These are great if you only need 4 plugs plus you get USB as well.

[Billx]

Hi, @kwilsaint 

This is becoming comic.

I think you need a lot more than 2 power sockets.

1 for the ONT

1 for the Eero router

1 for the digital voice adapter, because you probably also need a phone

1 for the cordless phone to plug into DVA, if you need a phone

1 for the 5 port switch, because the Eero only has 2 ports

---

5

On the other hand, it is OK to use an extension lead with 5 sockets.

Bill

[KeithFrench]

Extension leads are fine, so long as you don't exceed their current carrying capacity with anything else connected to them. I have an eero powered like that.

[Michelle-TalkTalk]

Morning,

We have a lower speed FTTP package that comes with a Wifi Hub router instead of an eero. It may be worth speaking to our Loyalty Team as they will be able to confirm this.

Thanks

Michelle

[kwilsaint]

Hello Michelle....Thanks for the info....couple of points:

1. My smartphone has Android 8 and trying to download the Eero app is not possible.

A window pops up saying it won't be compatible with my device.

Far as I can find out, It looks like Android 9 at least is required for Eero to work! Yes/No?

So, do  I have to buy another phone just to use Eero?

2. Free power sockets: you say TWO open ones are required.

For reasons I won't bore you with, I don't have any dual sockets and so use extension lead with available sockets which work perfectly on all else.

Will that do...or will I have to fork out even more just to add wall sockets to the cost of a new phone...just for Eero to play with me?😎

Would appreciate you thoughts...

[Michelle-TalkTalk]

Morning,

1. Is this true 'fibre to the premises' (FFTP) and not just marketing-speak? FTTP is full fibre to the property

2. Will it require someone to come to my home and make some 'adjustments' for 'full fibre' to work? Yes, an engineer will need to come and install an ONT box in your property and connect this to the FTTP cabling outside. You’ll need at least two open plug sockets to use Wi-Fi at home: one for your Fibre connection box on the wall, and one for the eero itself. However, you may need more open power sockets if you’re using any additional peripherals, such as a Grandstream Digital Voice Adapter or a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) telephone.

1. Does this require access to a Smart Phone app and if so, why? Unlike a traditional router, your eero has an app that will walk you through the set up process and do most of the heavy lifting.  eero currently supports devices running Android 7.0 or later and iOS 15 or later (Which apple devices are compatible). Your device must also be Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled, so Bluetooth versions earlier than 4.0 aren't supported. For the best results, use a device with a mobile data connection, then follow the steps below to get connected.

Can the 'Eero' simply operate the same as my current TalkTalk router on my Desktop without any need for Smart Phone app? The eero app is required for the set up.

I've also included some Help Guides below,

Setting up your eero | Full Fibre | TalkTalk Help & Support

How Full Fibre is installed - TalkTalk Help & Support

Thanks

Michelle

[KeithFrench]

Done.

[kwilsaint]

Hi Keith ....thanks for replying 

Yes, please forward the thread: 'Full Fibre/Eero router - advice please?'....

This is probably best as it will bring any member up to speed and allow them opportunity to comment or advise on anything they might consider helpful.

Thanks again

[KeithFrench]

I have never had any issues with Full Fibre & some other customers I know haven't either.

The only way I know to get UK-based support is via this forum. Do you want me to escalate your thread to them, if so please make it clear in your reply as to what you want them to comment on.

[kwilsaint]

Hi Keith....many thanks for taking time to advise me on all this....Apologies for the delay in updating...

After checking out Sky and Vodafone community forums etc ,  I can't believe the multitude of problems their new users are finding with their FTTP connectioin: activation days being missed, no routers sent, no broadband for days on end despite being 'live'  and much much more! Woeful service all round. Red flags!!

So, I think it wise to stay with the 'devil I know'... maybe just carrying on with what I have for another contract length till the FTTP question is properly settled down.

That said, I do get the distinct feeling FTTP is being rushed through the UK without proper planning and that usually means money/greed are the root causes and customers are just there to be milked!

UPDATE : I do now have an Android phone with bluetooth and can download the Eero app, but it's not a new phone so I can't see anywhere for checking 'Bluetooth BLE' .

I thought BLE was just a 'low-energy' version but I can't see any mention of it on this phone.

BTW: didn't mention before that Open Reach have installed an 'external box' only feet away from me for a couple of my neighbours...so I guess all I'd need is an engineer to install the ONT box inside.

So, my choices seems to be:

1. Stay with TalkTalk, continue with the SAME setup I'm currently on till contract ends at beginning of May, despite not being price competitive with FTTP price

OR

2. Go for full fibre + eero and maybe buy a new phone.

Finally, what's the best way to go about contacting someone in UK (not South Africa!) to discuss the changeover?

Had a very off-putting time with SA at beginning of my current contract and want to avoid a repeat at all costs!😎

Regards

[KeithFrench]

Hi @kwilsaint 

Was there any other advice you wanted?

[DJI_MINI_2_SE]

"All I use is the TalkTalk Sagemcom router with a G-Fast Modem on standard  'Fibre 150' ie NOT Full Fibre"

My bad i didn't know there was a 150 non full fibre package that's why i asked what you had used before thinking you had FF and it had gone wrong.

I will butt out know and let those that know what they are talking about help you  😉

[KeithFrench]

Hi @kwilsaint 

My statement about Bluetooth BLE is straight from eero's website:-

https://support.eero.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001728046-What-is-required-to-setup-eero 

I did say back in post #3:-

If this is not going to work for you, it might be possible to request TalkTalk supply a Sagemcom WiFi Hub 2, but it is not the correct router for your package.

[kwilsaint]

Hi DJI....thanks for replying. Couple of comments:

1. 'All it needs to do is run the eero app...'...Problem  from my reading of things is that  you need Android 9 version which my phone doesn't have and all updates for it are no longer supplied.

Also , I need BLE bluetooth...I don't have that either... just a previous version of bluetooth which apparently won't work according to Keith French above

2 You ask: 'What have you been using so far':

I take it you mean my 'normal' online connection?

All I use is the TalkTalk Sagemcom router with a G-Fast Modem on standard  'Fibre 150' ie NOT Full Fibre!

In other words, straightforward stuff with no problems and consistent speed over the contract term as I've said

Full Fibre 150 on the face of it would be a step up, but at the moment doesn't look like it's going to work for me.

Clearly, Full Fibre to the premises is the way forward and I'm sure, when it works (!), it will be an improvement.

Right now, though, as long as I can get 'standard 150' either by staying with TalkTalk or switching to Sky or Vodafone, my needs are being met.

My original post did say I was 'considering' moving to Full Fibre, but that was strictly down to it being exactly the same TT price as a new contract of standard Fibre 150.

That said, thanks to your good self and others I'm much more clued in to full fibre and no doubt will embrace it at some point.

At least I've a couple of months or so to make up my mind, so I'm glad I posted my queries in advance.

One of the reasons I've stayed with TT is that, from its inception many moons ago, it was the first to have a forum for addressing any problems with the service. Now all the others seem to have followed suit....

Thanks again for your time, dji...

[Billx]

No, no specific requirements for the Desktop computer.

All settings and maintenance of your Eero network would be done via your chosen mobile phone and the Eero mobile phone app, rather than via your browser in the Desktop computer.

Bill

[Gliwmaeden2]

03451 720088 is free from your landline, @kwilsaint, but not open on Sundays. It's the same number as everything else, but you need to speak to the Loyalty team  / Retentions. Contracts can't be fixed up via the forum. 

See full opening hours near the bottom of this page:

https://community.talktalk.co.uk/t5/Articles/How-to-contact-TalkTalk-Broadband/ta-p/2230529

[DJI_MINI_2_SE]

"However, looks like my current Smartphone doesn't have all the requirements, so I may have to dismiss 'eero' after all"

All it needs to do is run the eero app see new video below - 

"My current TalkTalk contract is 'Fibre 150' and it ends in a couple of months"

What have you been using so far?

https://youtu.be/lA9coi29XaM?feature=shared&t=29

[kwilsaint]

Hi all, many thanks to all for taking time to reply and making things clear.

For 'dji: mini' - special thanks for the YTube link! Who'd want to live in Coronation St anyway!😀

However, looks like my current Smartphone doesn't have all the requirements, so I may have to dismiss 'eero' after all!!🙁

Something tells me TalkTalk won't buy me a new phone if I take out a new contract (!!), though since I've been with them for many years (mostly without incident) they owe me!!😁

Have to say, though,  I'm a little concerned a fair number of Forum members aren't best pleased with  'eero'.

That said, if I stay with TT, then there'll have to be some negotiation on price for them to hold my very loyal custom.

Just done a quick check: Sky & Vodafone are outmatching TT on price for the same Fibre 150.

In all honesty, my current setup is acceptable for the moment and has been consistent on speed etc over this 18-month contract which, as I've said, ends in a couple of months or so.

For the right sensible price, then, I'd be happy just to continue with TalkTalk  on Fibre 150 on a new contract.

So might be best for me to see how things settle before committing to a new phone just to accommodate 'eero'!!😎

Final point: I've never had to use it, but I believe there's a TalkTalk 'loyalty number' I can ring and have a 'chat about leaving'.

Can't see it anywhere at the moment but am I right in thinking it's free from my TalkTalk landline: yes/no?

Anyhow, whatever I decide, thanks again to you all for setting things straight for me. Much appreciated.

Regards

[kwilsaint]

Hi Billx...thanks for the reply.

Just a small point: for all 'this' to work, are there specific requirements for a Desktop computer running Windows?

Thanks

[DJI_MINI_2_SE]

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@kwilsaint wrote:

2. Will it require someone to come to my home and make some 'adjustments' for 'full fibre' to work?

 EERO ROUTER:

 1. Does this require access to a Smart Phone app and if so, why?

2.  I prefer to be online on my Desktop computer (Windows operating system) for lots of good reasons.

 Can the 'Eero' simply operate the same as my current TalkTalk router on my Desktop without any need for Smart Phone app?

---

When the engineer visits he will ask you where you want the cable to enter the house i wanted mine high up as i already had a shelf to put the modem on near a double socket, he said no problem in having it there and my set up (external) is very similar to the one in the picture below 

(This in not my house and i don't live in coronation Street)  😉

The only thing you will see inside your house is the small ONT pictured below - 

As has been said above you do need a smart phone but its only to set the eero up,  once everything is up and running you don't really need to bother with it but i can guarantee you will its really easy to use and the amount of info you can see is amazing, don't be put off by the eero having to use an app you can use it as much or as little as you like.

Watch the video below it explains the set up process -  

https://youtu.be/B1pv8bMfEtA?feature=shared&t=91