Sponsored Links

BT Smart Hub 3 Launch

Right so, 1Gbps+ speeds and the SH3 (consumer edition) launch are planned for July, although a version for business customers may launch sooner in May/June. As reported before, the July launch will happen at around the same time as the big re-brand to EE.

Interestingly, we're also hearing that BT/EE have a WiFi 7 capable Hub (router) in the works too, which could arrive during early 2024. But I'd take that timescale with a big pinch of salt, as it's not set in any kind of stone.
 
Sponsored Links
The SmartHub 3 / SmartHub Plus customer beta testing only started a few weeks back, so I'd imagine it'll be the end of spring, as they normally allow c.3 months for final trials prior to launch - unless major problems are detected. But I should probably hit up my sources to find out for sure what's happening.

On the other hand, BT's next quarterly results are out around mid-May, so that's often a time window that is used for big announcements.
It interesting to hear what your sources say Mark , As I mentioned in previous comments the information I have been given is that the project has now been passed to the branding team to plan communications and advertising which is to be part of the BT-EE transformation so Mid July sounds about right

I know that they are also concerned about the competition as Sky plan to launch their new Hub with Wi-Fi 6 any day soon along with Altnets also giving more up to date hubs. BT/EE need something to try and retain some of the earlier FTTP customers whose contracts are coming up for renewal
 
I've heard whispers about Sky having a new router in development since earlier this, year when they launched one for business users, but nothing solid yet on the launch date for homes. I'll check in with my sources on that too.

 
I know it's asking alot to even remotely know this information but any info on the SH3 capacity for digital voice?

If indeed a full rebrand to EE is happening then I highly doubt BT is abandoning digital voice. What will it do with all those alexa handsets? :p

I don't know if it's possible but apparently ADTRAN ONT is a thing for these packages. The SDX 601qv does seem to have a VOIP port but the ADTRAN 611q is the choice instead? I don't see any voip port for Nokia so seems like if Digital Voice is to be supported then it has to be on the router itself.
 
I know it's asking alot to even remotely know this information but any info on the SH3 capacity for digital voice?

If indeed a full rebrand to EE is happening then I highly doubt BT is abandoning digital voice. What will it do with all those alexa handsets? :p

I don't know if it's possible but apparently ADTRAN ONT is a thing for these packages. The SDX 601qv does seem to have a VOIP port but the ADTRAN 611q is the choice instead? I don't see any voip port for Nokia so seems like if Digital Voice is to be supported then it has to be on the router itself.

I have personally not seen the new device but have spoken first hand to engineers that have installed them and high level contacts at BT they have all confirmed that The new Hub works in the same way as the previous SmartHub2

It has to be remembered already BT digital voice is connecting into EE’s IMS core network in the same way as Wi-Fi calling works then onwards using BTs IpExchange service to route the calls .

It is currently a commercial decision why EE do not offer a home voice service so I expect the current DV handsets to work as before
 
Thanks for that. I was debating with myself if I should look for a third party router when moving to FTTP to fully utilize the speeds but if this SH3 has DV and it appears to be somewhat decent in the wireless area, I'll just save the cash for now.

Let's just hope the complete wi-fi solution they have is half decent. There's a multiple page horror thread of the premium wi-fi discs at the bt forums.
 
Sponsored Links
Issues regarding the kit from the larger ISP's will always be more numerous simply due to their numeracy and wide customer base. Most issues regarding WIFI are due to the positioning of the Router (which may get worse as FTTP is rolled out).

The ISPs need to take more care in ensuring the kit is reliable and firmware is free from bugs but generally they are very good.

If a customer has a WIFI issue due to their Router position then in many cases compounding that by connecting to a mesh via WIFI isn't a good idea. Most houses only need two correctly positioned and cabled APs. Mesh (triangle of 3) has become more practical but I'd always cable to the first one.

ISPs sending out one Disc or Extender is a fix not a solution.

Whilst the Smart Hub 3 will have the later chipsets, connectivity etc resulting in the WIFI appearing better it won't change the physics.

Personally I'd like ISPs to provide a wired only router option and by taking out the WIFI circuit board antenna shrink it in size.
 
I don't know if it's possible but apparently ADTRAN ONT is a thing for these packages. The SDX 601qv does seem to have a VOIP port but the ADTRAN 611q is the choice instead? I don't see any voip port for Nokia so seems like if Digital Voice is to be supported then it has to be on the router itself.
Openreach haven’t supplied any ONT with FVA (Fibre Voice Access) ports for around four years now as it’s a business they’re actively looking to exit - much like PSTN - so it’s extremely unlikely ONTs with voice ports will ever make an appearance again on the Openreach FTTP network.

They expect any ISP that offers a VoIP / Digital Voice product to run completely “over the top” and either have this functionality integrated into the ISP-supplied router or separately by another ATA or VoIP capable device.
 
How many people still actively use a landline, wasn't it something like only 5-7%? I hope they don't decide on saving some extra pennies on the SH3 manufacturing by leaving out the VoIP port and saying the SH2 is good enough for you 😅
 
Unlikely as the overhead on the router build is negligible. However BT also have options to provide a voice only solution and hybrid mobile/landline consumer products.
 
Last edited:
Interestingly, we're also hearing that BT/EE have a WiFi 7 capable Hub (router) in the works too, which could arrive during early 2024. But I'd take that timescale with a big pinch of salt, as it's not set in any kind of stone.

While I can understand a WiFi 6E version, afaik the WiFi 7 standard hasn't yet been finalised.

As such, I can't see BT/EE introducing a hub supporting it so early - even for bragging rights.
 
Sponsored Links
That would be my feeling too, although the final version of that standard is expected in early 2024, and it might be that they're doing a premium biz hub or something as an option. Either way, I've no reason to doubt the source.
 
Right so, 1Gbps+ speeds and the SH3 (consumer edition) launch are planned for July, although a version for business customers may launch sooner in May/June. As reported before, the July launch will happen at around the same time as the big re-brand to EE.
I did wonder if the summer was a likely time for rebrand.

My thinking was BT Sport (which currently has the "connected by EE" tagged on to the name/branding) becomes TNT Sports by the start of the next Football Season (June/July). Given the tagging on of the EE brand to BT sport it was clearly in preparation for the slow move over to EE. And with BT Sport brand leaving that means one less thing to worry about.
 
Was just watching the Man City vs Real Madrid game. Around the 30 minute mark something popped up in bottom right about the switch to TNT Sports.

It mentioned July 18th. This should also be the launch of the Smart Hub 3 then give or take a day.
 
It is indeed expected around the same time, although I wouldn't bank on specific days as BT are always suffering delays.
 
Sponsored Links
I still don't really understand these launches. If a release is for July then surely mass production has already started and units are being shipped from China as we speak. The problem is if these are in beta and hardware faults are discovered then that means the thousands of units being shipped are basically worthless.

I am surprised not a single photo has surfaced. Surely you just go on a VPN and post it after covering up any serial numbers?
 
I still don't really understand these launches. If a release is for July then surely mass production has already started and units are being shipped from China as we speak. The problem is if these are in beta and hardware faults are discovered then that means the thousands of units being shipped are basically worthless.

I am surprised not a single photo has surfaced. Surely you just go on a VPN and post it after covering up any serial numbers?
The staff Beta tests were completed late 2022 and design was signed off in January. There is already I am told a number of units in the UK in a warehouse in Corby.

There are now a number in normal customers homes and offices as part of a trial with that programme finishing in April but understand these trial users have had some more surveys this week as a couple of tweaks have been made.
 
Let's try and keep discussion up until release day!

What features do people want? Do you think we will see separate SSID?

Also reading back I do wonder if these 1Gbps+ speeds being offered in July have forced BT to tri band? Smart Hub 3 will be dual band for < 500Mbps and Smart Hub Plus will be tri band for > 500 Mbps connections.
 
Let's try and keep discussion up until release day!

What features do people want? Do you think we will see separate SSID?

Also reading back I do wonder if these 1Gbps+ speeds being offered in July have forced BT to tri band? Smart Hub 3 will be dual band for < 500Mbps and Smart Hub Plus will be tri band for > 500 Mbps connections.
I dout it will be tri band, if anything will be WiFi6 2x2 80MHz. The Plus I recon will have WAN 2.5Gb port and maybe LAN, WiFi6 4x4 80MHz
 
Top
Cheap BIG ISPs for 100Mbps+
Community Fibre UK ISP Logo
150Mbps
Gift: None
Virgin Media UK ISP Logo
Virgin Media £22.99
132Mbps
Gift: None
Vodafone UK ISP Logo
Vodafone £24.00 - 26.00
150Mbps
Gift: None
NOW UK ISP Logo
NOW £24.00
100Mbps
Gift: None
Plusnet UK ISP Logo
Plusnet £25.99
145Mbps
Gift: £50 Reward Card
Large Availability | View All
Cheapest ISPs for 100Mbps+
Gigaclear UK ISP Logo
Gigaclear £17.00
200Mbps
Gift: None
Community Fibre UK ISP Logo
150Mbps
Gift: None
Virgin Media UK ISP Logo
Virgin Media £22.99
132Mbps
Gift: None
Hey! Broadband UK ISP Logo
150Mbps
Gift: None
Youfibre UK ISP Logo
Youfibre £23.99
150Mbps
Gift: None
Large Availability | View All
Sponsored Links
The Top 15 Category Tags
  1. FTTP (6026)
  2. BT (3639)
  3. Politics (2721)
  4. Business (2439)
  5. Openreach (2405)
  6. Building Digital UK (2330)
  7. Mobile Broadband (2146)
  8. FTTC (2083)
  9. Statistics (1901)
  10. 4G (1816)
  11. Virgin Media (1764)
  12. Ofcom Regulation (1582)
  13. Fibre Optic (1467)
  14. Wireless Internet (1462)
  15. 5G (1407)
Sponsored

Copyright © 1999 to Present - ISPreview.co.uk - All Rights Reserved - Terms  ,  Privacy and Cookie Policy  ,  Links  ,  Website Rules