Alternatives to BT Complete WiFi

Croesus_IfOnly

Do any forumites have alternatives to BT Complete WiFi? Either from another provider or a DIY type solution, or experience negotiating with BT eg keep the discs and continue to use but on a cheaper package?

I’m currently contracted with BT for their Complete WiFi solution but the renewal price borders on extortion at £70+ p/m.l - especially when I can get an equivalent connection speed for a third of that cost albeit without the booster discs. 

I’ve used the MSE Best Buy tool to look at comparable speeds but this doesn’t factor in the Complete WiFi solution. We have a house where using a router only results in poor signal so not quite an option and the TP Link copper wiring type of solution doesn’t work either with lots of wireless connected devices.

I’m aware of “mesh network” options as an alternative though no experience setting these up. 

Thank you! 

littleboo

If the BT Complete WifFi is working for you, then the answer is to buy your own mesh system

money4sb

Croesus_IfOnly said:

Do any forumites have alternatives to BT Complete WiFi? Either from another provider or a DIY type solution, or experience negotiating with BT eg keep the discs and continue to use but on a cheaper package?

I’m currently contracted with BT for their Complete WiFi solution but the renewal price borders on extortion at £70+ p/m.l - especially when I can get an equivalent connection speed for a third of that cost albeit without the booster discs. 

I’ve used the MSE Best Buy tool to look at comparable speeds but this doesn’t factor in the Complete WiFi solution. We have a house where using a router only results in poor signal so not quite an option and the TP Link copper wiring type of solution doesn’t work either with lots of wireless connected devices.

I’m aware of “mesh network” options as an alternative though no experience setting these up. 

Thank you! 

Go with Plusnet (offshoot of BT but much cheaper) at under £30 per month.  Then add the TP-Link X55 mesh system which is fantastic value (under £190 on amazon atm) and much recommended.  Your overall incoming 'speed' will be very similar but a normal sized house will be fully covered for WiFi with this mesh.

TadleyBaggie

Switched from BT complete to a cheap Sky deal. To get decent WiFi everywhere I invested in a 3 node TP-Link Deco mesh system. Installation was simple. 

QrizB

littleboo said:

If the BT Complete WifFi is working for you, then the answer is to buy your own mesh system

There's a recommendation on this recent thread for a mesh system that's under £10 a node:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80487547/#Comment_80487547

oldernonethewiser

As everyone has suggested get your own Mesh system and then you are free to choose the most suitable broadband provider. 

Croesus_IfOnly

Thanks for the advice everyone. Lots of TP-Link options having looked into it. 

Is there any sense in investing in a WiFi 6 mesh (like the X55 @money4sb recommended) based on the routers most ISPs hand out? Esp as WiFi 5 mesh systems are widely available <£100

Thanks again. 

flaneurs_lobster

Croesus_IfOnly said:

Thanks for the advice everyone. Lots of TP-Link options having looked into it. 

Is there any sense in investing in a WiFi 6 mesh (like the X55 @money4sb recommended) based on the routers most ISPs hand out? Esp as WiFi 5 mesh systems are widely available <£100

Thanks again. 

Someone will correct me I'm sure but the ISP router is only doing the modem bit of the comms if you are using a mesh add-on. Shouldn't make any difference to the improvement in WiFi performance?

Can't comment on WiFi 5 vs 6.

Neil49

What kind of speed are you getting on your broadband connection? If it's relatively slow by modern standards, say 50 to 70 Mbps, then a £100 ish 3 node wifi 5 mesh system would easily do the job.

I've got a Tenda Nova MW12 3 node system running. It was easy to set up and has run without any problems 

Croesus_IfOnly

Thanks all. I’m getting a prehistoric connection speed at the moment so a cheaper wifi 5 mesh sounds like it’ll do the job, at least until we can get FTTP in a few years time. And at a price point far south of Complete WiFi we currently have. Thanks again!