Both the Vodaphone internet broadband and mobile services are very popular in the united kingdom due to their reliability and fast connection. The popularity of Vodafone also gave rise to the use of its router to connect the Vodafone broadband. But the question here is can you use your own router with Vodafone broadband?
Yes, you can use your own router to connect Vodafone broadband and get it to work, but before venturing to use it, the router must be an approved Openreach.
The downside to using your own router for Vodafone broadband is support from Vodafone, the company does not provide support to any router which is not approved by Openreach. When you sign up with Vodafone broadband, you will be issued with a WiFi hub router, but you can decide to not use it and use your own router which is approved by Openreach. When setting up the Vodafone broadband, the process will depend on the type of router. But to connect to the router, you will need the username and password which will be provided by Vodafone. Below is how to set up Vodafone broadband.
How to set up Vodafone broadband
Many people encounter series of problems while trying to set up their Vodafone broadband, because of this I have put together a guide for setting up Vodafone broadband.
Before you start the setup process for Vodafone, in the packaging, there is a microfilter, this is used in case if you have a single phone socket, but if you have two sockets, you probably don’t need it.
- Connect the WiFi hub to the phone socket
- Plug one end of the DSL cable to the socket and the other end to the router.
- Connect the power cable to the power supply.
- Turn on the router
- The router should turn on, let the router completely boot properly for connecting to your devices.
Usually, when you are taking up the broadband contract with Vodafone, you are asked when you want the service to begin, on the agreed date the internet should start working. Sometimes you may experience delays, this is because the network provider which is Vodafone may be carrying out some work. Most internet providers in the UK use the BT lines including Vodafone, it uses the Openreach network operated by BT to distribute network services to UK customers. If you are going to be signing up for the Vodafone broadband, depending on the package you are on, you will get a six months free F-secure anti-virus software that can be used on any devices against ransomware, viruses, and phishing attacks.
Can I use the Talk Talk router with Vodafone?
Yes, you can use Talk Talk router with Vodafone, doing so can also save you some money buying a new WiFi hub from Vodaphone. Talk Talk has a good reputation in the UK for providing affordable broadband services, they also provide good internet speed and hardware. When connecting your Talk Talk to Vodafone, you will need the login credentials from Vodafone which is the username and password, this replaces the Talk Talk network name or SSID.
Once you have done this, you will also need to change or reset every connected device login details that were previously connected to the old login details of the Talk Talk router. You will also need to sign in to the new Vodaphone network using the new Vodaphone credential.
How long does it take Vodafone to activate?
Firstly, it gets activated on the activation date right until midnight then you can expect it to go live. It is advised to wait at least 24 hours after the broadband was installed, but if after this you do not have a connection then you can contact the Vodafone customer service.
Is Vodafone broadband good?
Vodafone broadband is good broadband benefiting from a huge customer base in the UK due to the quality of services they offer. With the Vodafone service, you can get up to 18 months contract and with a speed guarantee. Other benefits of Vodafone broadband are having a mobile app for controlling the internet and a six months trial. Because Vodafone is a fiber-only provider you will not experience slow ADSL, also the Gigafast service has a speed of up to 900mbps which is available in few areas.
Benefits of Vodafone broadband
Here are some of the benefits of Vodafone broadband that has attracted a huge customer base for the network provider.
- You will get unlimited broadband usage for all its packages.
- A free AC-rated wireless router with all the packages (available on special offers).
- A download speed of 35 Mb to 63Mb for its average fibre optic.
- A Gigafast speed of up to 900mbps applies to certain areas.
- A 24/7 support on the Vodafone website forum, and 7 days a week phone service between 8 am to 9 pm.
- An 18 months contract on all packages.
- A £69.99 cost for installing new lines while customers with an existing line get no upfront cost.
- 6 months free F-secure anti-virus software.
- Weekend and evening call available with extra cost, also require line rental for all package (some special offers do not require line rental.
- The fibre broadband packages are competitively priced compared to other providers.
- The high-end router supports superfast 802.11ac networking.
- A free mobile app that works on both iOS and Android for managing the internet.
- Comes with parental control through the app.
What network does Vodafone use for broadband?
Just like every other network ISPs in the UK, Vodafone broadband uses the Openreach network for its broadband services, but Vodafone broadband offers good speed. If you are looking for some Openreach routers, you will find some of the best Openreach routers that work with Vodafone on Amazon.
Vodafone broadband packages
The Vodafone packages come with two standard fibre packages options and both have a choice of speed.
Option 1: This is the Superfast 1 with an average speed of 35Mb and it is mid-range fibre broadband. It comes with 18 months contract with no line rental and a one-off router fee, this fee can also be waived as a special offer. It is also unlimited usage or artificial slowdowns, the router you will receive is a high-tech Vodafone broadband wireless router. Some of the cutting-edge technologies include improved WiFi access throughout the home, a controlled mobile app, and an option for landline plans, weekend and evening calls, and anytime call packages.
Option 2: This is the Superfast 2 with an average speed of 63Mb and it is a high-end fibre broadband package. It comes with 18 months contract with no line rental and a one-off router fee, this fee can also be waived as a special offer. It is also unlimited usage or artificial slowdowns, the router you will receive is a high-tech Vodafone broadband wireless router. Some of the cutting-edge technologies include improved WiFi access throughout the home, a controlled mobile app, and an option for landline plans, weekend and evening calls, and anytime call packages.
Vodafone broadband speed guarantees
The Vodafone broadband has a speed guarantee which comes under the Superfast 1 and Superfast 2, the two packages have speeds of 35Mb and 63Mb respectively and unless these speeds are achieved Vodafone offers you a 15% discount until the speeds are achieved. These discounts are not applied automatically, it can be manually done using the Vodafone broadband app.
Is Vodafone better than Sky broadband?
Sky Broadband has overtaking EE broadband as the most favourable broadband provider in the UK, which is by far better than Vodafone broadband. For some time, Talk Talk ranked as the worst broadband provider, but according to Ofcom figures Vodafone has been ranked the worst broadband provider from complaints. Vodafone has received more complaints from customers in 2021 across the board making Vodafone the least broadband for 2021.
Is it worth buying your own router?
It is worth buying your own router for some reasons, buying your own router is better for financial decision because you will avoid rentals which cost more. There are routers sold by retailers that are reliable and better than most rental routers, the good thing is buying your own router will pay for itself within a year.
Conclusion
Even though Vodafone has accumulated some negative reviews from customers, it still offers reasonable services, and yes you can use your own router with Vodafone broadband. Even though Vodafone offers a one-off fee for its router, you may be better off buying your own router and using it for your broadband.