UK ISP BT Launches Whole Home Wi-Fi System for People with Deep Pockets

BT has launched a “first of its kind in the UK” Whole Home Wi-Fi solution for broadband users, which claims to deliver “complete” WiFi network coverage in every room of your home and to “eliminate dead spots” by using three 165mm circular (disc) shaped WiFi repeaters. Sadly it costs £299.99.

Apparently each repeater packs a dual core CPU, 1 x auto sensing 1000Mbps Ethernet LAN port, four built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz (dual-band) antennas (AC2533 = 1733Mbps + 800Mbps) and “intelligent self-configuring wireless network” technology that switches the user to the fastest, strongest and most reliable wifi signal when they move from room to room.

Technical specification

Wireless
AC2533 (1733+800Mbps)
Dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi
IEEE® 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz–256QAM support
IEEE® 802.11a/n/ac 5GHz–256QAM support
Self-configuring network for maximum coverage

Antennas
2.4GHz – 4 transmit/receive 5GHz band – transmit/receive

Wi-Fi roaming: always connect to the best disc
Wi-Fi roaming – IEEE® 802.11k/v
Wi-Fi Band steering

Hardware
Powerful dual core CPU
1 x Auto sensing 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet WAN/LAN port
Wireless network settings card

App features
Wi-Fi location mapping tool
Pause the internet
Network status and topology
Self-diagnostics and troubleshooting tips

Smartphone software requirements
iOS 8.0 and above or Android 4.4 or above

Product dimensions
3 x 165mm diameter discs

The system even comes with its own App for Smartphone and Tablet devices, which apparently gives the user “complete control over the system” and helps them to position the repeaters for the best signal. The App also shows how the home network is being used and who is online, as well as giving you the ability to temporarily “pause the Internet” (they mean the local network connection, rather than the Internet itself.. obviously).

Erik Raphael, Director of BT Devices and Wi-fi, said:

“We all know how important it is for people to get a great wi-fi experience at home and how annoying it can be when you don’t get that.

Whole Home Wi-Fi is the first product of its kind to be launched in the UK. Its contemporary design will look great in any home and it leads the way in wi-fi technology and performance.

The three discs create an intelligent network to extend your wi-fi to all corners of your home. And the app puts you firmly in control of your home network.”

Alternatively you could spend £124.99 on something like the TP-LINK TL-WPA8730KIT, which can be used as a WiFi extender and is also able to harness the latest AV1200 Powerline technology. Granted it probably won’t reach the same top speeds as BT’s kit or match its coverage, but you also won’t lose quite so many plug sockets and would save a lot of money.

Similarly if attaining the top WiFi speed isn’t so important (not everybody has a router that works at AC2533 or faster) then there are a lot of budget extenders / repeaters to be had for way less than £50 a pop. By comparison BT’s solution is clearly more of a premium option and £299.99 is a heck of a lot to spend in order to get good WiFi.

BT’s kit can either be purchased directly from the operator or via your local Currys or Maplin stores.