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BT Smart Hub 3 Launch

Flagrag

Pro Member
Myself like many BT FTTP customers on the 500 & 900Mbps service have been waiting for BT to launch their new SmartHub3 with Wi-Fi 6 and a 2.5GB port as well so that we can all get higher than 450Mbps over Wi-Fi and close to connection speed on wired connections.

This was originally due to launch in May then they had some issue with getting components and it wouldn’t work with the Whole home systems then was pushed back to November.

Today I have been given an update from a well trusted and high level BT staff member that officially the BT SmartHub3 has now been cancelled and won’t be happening at all now due to positioning of BT group brands.

However there will be a EE SmartHub 3 available from the last week of January but he waiting for details from the team about how BT customers can switch to EE to get the new hub but will involve recommitting to a contract.
 
SmartHub3 with Wi-Fi 6 and a 2.5GB port as well so that we can all get higher than 450Mbps over Wi-Fi and close to connection speed on wired connections.

The SmartHub2 sounds awful if you are having to wait for a SmartHub3 to get things other ISPs equipment can already do.
 
The SmartHub2 sounds awful if you are having to wait for a SmartHub3 to get things other ISPs equipment can already do.

Would the lack of a 2.5G port on Openreach-based FTTP services not be a moot point for the time being as the connection would still be constrained by the GbE port on the ONT anyway?

Lack of WiFi 6 is a legitimate gripe but you can aways use a third party solution if you need high speeds to a single device where ethernet is not an option.
 
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Lack of a 2.5G port on Openreach-based FTTP services is a moot point for the time being as the connection would still be constrained by the GbE port on the ONT anyway.

The Openreach trial for 1.8 and 1.2 Gbps tiers is using Nokia G-010G-T and ADTRAN SDX 611Q with 2.5 Gbps LAN ports.
 
The Openreach trial for 1.8 and 1.2 Gbps tiers is using Nokia G-010G-T and ADTRAN SDX 611Q with 2.5 Gbps LAN ports.

Yes I know. That is why I said "for the time being". There is obviously an upgrade path for the ONT for these trials.

Also, in reference to what is said in the first post, if accurate, would seem to suggest BT's consumer channel won't be offering the higher speed tiers, with them instead being on EE.

It will be interesting to see which ISPs take part in the trial.
 
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Would the lack of a 2.5G port on Openreach-based FTTP services not be a moot point for the time being as the connection would still be constrained by the GbE port on the ONT anyway?

Lack of WiFi 6 is a legitimate gripe but you can aways use a third party solution if you need high speeds to a single device where ethernet is not an option.
The 2.5G port is to future proof the new hub, You are correct about connecting up a 3rd party router for Wifi6 however most people who have gone for the higher tier FTTP will have also been moved over to Digital Voice as part of the upgrade which requires you to use the SmartHub (There are some work arounds but quite complex and do not always work)

As a side note if there is anyone that is not a current or BT customer but is thinking of switching to EE there is a trial taking place in the new year using the new EE Hub and Wi-Fi extenders in return EE will cost the cost of your broadband for the trial and few other perks for completing surveys. Send me a PM on here and I can give you the details
 
I'd be surprised, if it is indeed true, that BT would launch the SmartHub 3 first as an EE product. I know they intend for EE to become their flagship consumer brand, but at present that process hasn't really made much headway and, in the eyes of consumers, EE hardly even exists for fixed broadband. Everybody thinks about EE for mobile.

But on the timing of SH3, that does seem to chime with what I've heard, although my sources were pointing more toward a vague February 2023 date. We'll see. I'll check in with them and find out if anything has changed.
 
Sources say the SmartHub 3.1 (not sure why it's .1 now) is currently provisionally pencilled in for a Feb/March 2023 launch, which will occur alongside the formal EE re-branding. So what Flagrad said does seem to align with this.
 
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Weird, I can find the SDX 611, but not the Q variant.
Just clocked that the latest Openreach FTTP SIN 506 update (October ‘22 rev) has finally listed all the various ADTRAN ONTs OR use in their full glory, including now the 611Q with 2.5G Ethernet.

They were an obvious omission from the SIN since their widespread introduction earlier in the year.

https://www.openreach.co.uk/cpporta...e/help-and-support/sins/documents/SIN_506.pdf

There’s also a 4 port ADTRAN listed for the eagle eyed.
 
Hi all. I'm at the moment out of contract with BT 900Mbs. Waiting for Sh3 if will happen at all. if I would get new contract eventually upgrade to SH3 from SH2 would cost me at all or is ot possible to get it free?
Thanks
 
Chances are if you re-contract when the SH3 is out you will get one included depending on the package, If I remember the SH1 hung around for a wile after the 2 came out for some of the lower end packages so its not a guarantee. Its more likely to be included with a package upgrade or something.

Very unlikely they would just give you one for free though if you are already in contract or not upgrading.

I would shocked if BT is not getting the SH3 though and its just EE? Unless the plan some sort of forced mass migration (or just change the name) are they just going to leave the bulk of their customers with the version 2?
 
I have a feeling the SmartHub3 will be given to BT FTTP 500 and 900Mbps customers for free in return for moving over to EE and commitment to a new contract.

I have it on good authority that BT are aware that the current SmartHub2 is not really fit for purpose for the higher FTTP packages (In fact there are some ongoing legal cases on this matter ) so they are also having to be very careful on their advertising as the ASA have already given them prior notice of charges following complaints from consumers and competitors who do have more up to date routers.

The next question is who will have their new Wi-Fi 6 router out first BT/ EE or Sky ? My personal money will be on Sky as it’s easier as they don’t have the rebrand to also deal with but EE will start more widespread user trials next week . As a side note I believe that all these new routers and also current EE smart Hub2 will start broadcasting a EE-Wi-Fi SSID so that customers will be able to connect to this while out and about using the same profile based system as on the London Underground
 
Any update on the Smart Hub 3, we recently joined BT FTTP and its a shame if we have to move over to EE for it... though I suppose a load of people will be flogging them on ebay for nothing :P (Assuming you can get it to work with BT)
 
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Well a month later and still nothing, it's quite depressing being stuck on the smart hub 2 which is somehow worse than the smart hub 1, that I'm unable to use because a family member wanted VOiP. And for whatever reason BT/OR decided to move the phone port to the router instead of keeping it on the ONT. 🤬
 
My dads stuck on a BT Smart Hub because of BT Digital Voice.. and (don't ask why he uses the function) the DMZ option keeps moving the device it is pointing at! Thats an insane bug. It's so frustrating you can't detach BT Digital Voice and use your own router.
Though he is on VDSL so doesn't have an "ONT".. BT would need to allow 3rd party devices to join their VoIP network.
 
Awaiting EE brand launch later this month.

No sign of BT offering anything other than a centrally provisioned voice service. Those with voice may need to stay with BT while EE is broadband only. We will see.

ONT (FVA) was used for voice back to a physical connection to the PSTN (local or central telephone exchange). Now its on the Router the Voice services can be more centralised (servers).
 
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