Virtual landline

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885111#Comment_81885111

If unsure, I suggest getting a router where the antennas are attached with SMA screw terminals. If the signal isn’t strong enough you can then install an external antenna and connect it to the router.

Bear in mind also that the signal may well be better upstairs than downstairs, and one side of the house than the other.

I’ve just bought a 4G router and initially unpacked it in the kitchen and popped it on the worktop. Resulting in a download speed of 8mbps. Upstairs in one of the bedrooms it gets 75mbps.

silvercar

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885250#Comment_81885250

8mbps isn't enough for general use. Netflix alone recommends 15mbps and that's before you consider other devices eg your phone.

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885364#Comment_81885364

Agreed. It’s quite surprising how much the speed improved just by moving the router.

Hermann

Andrews & Arnolds works well for this…

https://www.aa.net.uk/voice-and-mobile/voip-information/

It will work out expensive if you make any amount of outgoing calls but works well for a low cost way to retain a long term landline number purely for incoming calls.

Couple the service with a low cost used VOIP phone from the likes of Ebay.

Remember that the landline number gets cancelled when the landline is cancelled and you only have 30 days to recover it for use with VOIP so timing of the move is crucial.

sooty900

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81879330#Comment_81879330

I have y to do this as my landline is being cut off and my broadband is through the landline. Who are you with please and what do you get?

Phones4Chris

@sooty900 What do you mean exactly by "your landline is being cut off" ?

Have you not paid a bill, have you changed provider, what exactly and who are the various providers?

Heedtheadvice

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885111#Comment_81885111

I don't think you got a definitive answer to that question. This is a bit long but in easy stages.

There are three main measurements of interest in term of signal quality.

RSRP - received power ( as high as possible effectively)

RSNR received signal to noise ration ( higher the better)

and RSRQ - received quality.

These are measured in decibels ( dB ) I.e. a referenced level so come out as negative numbers ( such as -40 dB) so a smaller negative number indicates a higher level, the aim in all these measurements.

If the power is ok then usually fine.

If the power is weak skip to the quality.

Apps can be used to get that info in real time on your mobile phone such as Network Cell Info Lite. That display results ( Gauge tab).

RSRP values range typically from -140 dBm (very weak signal) to -44 dBm (very strong signal).

RSRQ measurements range of -19.5 dB (poor quality) to -3 dB (very good).

Like all radio frequency signals the reception can vary with position owing to screening effects ( trees, buildings, reflections etc ) and interference sources ( noise as they are unwanted). It is worth moving around whilst looking at measurements to find optimum position, ably demonstrated in one of the above posts!