4G internet / Voip issue
Discussion
Ive bought a house thats got no phoneline or cable based options for internet.
Prior to purchase, i explored what the options were and it was 4g or satellite. Everyone i spoike to assured me it would all work.
I now have a 4G aerial installed and internet with speeds of circa 80+
However, for work, the company have a BT cloud voice voip system. Currently i plug this in at home and it works. However, at the new place, it doesnt. Many wasted hours later, with EE being trhe provider, its clear that EE block its use. Via port 5060, alledgedly. The company who installed it like EE insist it works, though clearly it doesnt.
At this point, i have to declare this is all way over my head and beyond my abilities to understand.
So the question is, who can i / do i, go to to come up with a resolution. Working my way through providers and systems until something happens to work isnt sensible. Im more than happy to pay for the privelige of getting it sorted, and ongoing support. But i cant seem to identify such a service? As above, i have, quite literally, zero understanding of any of this technology.
I also have a similar problem with enabling wifi calling on the mobile. I have a compatible handset (P20) and O2 as a porovider insist it works. However it simply isnt in the menu. The internet says thats an O2 problem and they need to enable it. They says its not. Again, happy to dump O2 and move if it fixes it, but until i do, i cant know its OK. Again, what to do?
Prior to purchase, i explored what the options were and it was 4g or satellite. Everyone i spoike to assured me it would all work.
I now have a 4G aerial installed and internet with speeds of circa 80+
However, for work, the company have a BT cloud voice voip system. Currently i plug this in at home and it works. However, at the new place, it doesnt. Many wasted hours later, with EE being trhe provider, its clear that EE block its use. Via port 5060, alledgedly. The company who installed it like EE insist it works, though clearly it doesnt.
At this point, i have to declare this is all way over my head and beyond my abilities to understand.
So the question is, who can i / do i, go to to come up with a resolution. Working my way through providers and systems until something happens to work isnt sensible. Im more than happy to pay for the privelige of getting it sorted, and ongoing support. But i cant seem to identify such a service? As above, i have, quite literally, zero understanding of any of this technology.
I also have a similar problem with enabling wifi calling on the mobile. I have a compatible handset (P20) and O2 as a porovider insist it works. However it simply isnt in the menu. The internet says thats an O2 problem and they need to enable it. They says its not. Again, happy to dump O2 and move if it fixes it, but until i do, i cant know its OK. Again, what to do?
In this situation I would be speaking to the it department at work & seeking there assistance.
If are blocking the ports needed or not really the point (though personally I suspect this is connected to there use of cgnat the same as most mobile internet providers, but I dig& could well be wrong)
I’d try talking with your it team to see if they have encountered this before & what was done to resolve it.
It’s unclear from your post if the bt product is a local hard voip phone or a soft phone run on your computer?
Perhaps a vpn connection back to your employer’s network with either a soft phone app or remote desktop connection with a soft phone app is a possible solution.
If are blocking the ports needed or not really the point (though personally I suspect this is connected to there use of cgnat the same as most mobile internet providers, but I dig& could well be wrong)
I’d try talking with your it team to see if they have encountered this before & what was done to resolve it.
It’s unclear from your post if the bt product is a local hard voip phone or a soft phone run on your computer?
Perhaps a vpn connection back to your employer’s network with either a soft phone app or remote desktop connection with a soft phone app is a possible solution.
monkfish1 said:
The "internet" says not as VPN wont work on EE 4g either. As thats blocked too.
It’s not blocked it is a feature of cgnat used by mobile internet providers among others.Also it should not prevent outbound vpn connections however as per my previous response it would need to be in conjunction with you company it department.
We dont have a company IT department. Company is not that big. (4 people)
Just got BT to give as a system which we have had for a few years. It works anywhere else, and likewise with the other staff. It only doesnt work on the EE 4g connection. Googling brings up more complaints of the same issue. On none of those occasions was there a solution other than a provider change.
Hence my issue. BT are absolutely adamant, nothing to do with them. They also were not surprised by the issue. Given its worked quite happily for years, and continues to do so, except on this new connection, i can see there point.
So my issue remains, who can i engage / talk to to work through the issues to a resolution. I cant do it, as ive tried and failed.
Just got BT to give as a system which we have had for a few years. It works anywhere else, and likewise with the other staff. It only doesnt work on the EE 4g connection. Googling brings up more complaints of the same issue. On none of those occasions was there a solution other than a provider change.
Hence my issue. BT are absolutely adamant, nothing to do with them. They also were not surprised by the issue. Given its worked quite happily for years, and continues to do so, except on this new connection, i can see there point.
So my issue remains, who can i engage / talk to to work through the issues to a resolution. I cant do it, as ive tried and failed.
Captain_Morgan said:
monkfish1 said:
The "internet" says not as VPN wont work on EE 4g either. As thats blocked too.
It’s not blocked it is a feature of cgnat used by mobile internet providers among others.Also it should not prevent outbound vpn connections however as per my previous response it would need to be in conjunction with you company it department.
Given that those who also have the problem haven't resolved it other than by changing away from EE it might be that is the simplest route for you. Do any of them say which providers work, or alternatively can you speak to the BT Cloud team & get them to tell you if you which to go with?
Could you pick up some free/cheap SIMs from Vodaphone, Three & O2 & trial them?
Could you pick up some free/cheap SIMs from Vodaphone, Three & O2 & trial them?
I've read that EE users do find that they have problems with something call a NAT (Network Address Table).
Take a look here: https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Archived-Posts/4GEE-...
Anyhow, i was on EE and found that my connection to work was utter $hite, even though the upload and download speeds were reasonable.
Having enough of the amount of time i was spending to try and sort it out, i bought a cheap 10GB SIM from Three a popped that into the router.
I now have a 24 month Three SIM with unlimited data running in an EE router, and it's trouble free.
I would suggest that you try a SIM from another supplier and see if that helps.
N.B may not service your area, so take a look at Vodafone?
Take a look here: https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Archived-Posts/4GEE-...
Anyhow, i was on EE and found that my connection to work was utter $hite, even though the upload and download speeds were reasonable.
Having enough of the amount of time i was spending to try and sort it out, i bought a cheap 10GB SIM from Three a popped that into the router.
I now have a 24 month Three SIM with unlimited data running in an EE router, and it's trouble free.
I would suggest that you try a SIM from another supplier and see if that helps.
N.B may not service your area, so take a look at Vodafone?
Mr Pointy said:
Given that those who also have the problem haven't resolved it other than by changing away from EE it might be that is the simplest route for you. Do any of them say which providers work, or alternatively can you speak to the BT Cloud team & get them to tell you if you which to go with?
Could you pick up some free/cheap SIMs from Vodaphone, Three & O2 & trial them?
Most dont say. Though vodaphone seems to get a mention.Could you pick up some free/cheap SIMs from Vodaphone, Three & O2 & trial them?
BT wont help. There position is, "not there problem".
Yes, sounds like CGNAT issues, along with "consumer" grade support so no one is interested.
Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
monkfish1 said:
Mr Pointy said:
Given that those who also have the problem haven't resolved it other than by changing away from EE it might be that is the simplest route for you. Do any of them say which providers work, or alternatively can you speak to the BT Cloud team & get them to tell you if you which to go with?
Could you pick up some free/cheap SIMs from Vodaphone, Three & O2 & trial them?
Most dont say. Though vodaphone seems to get a mention.Could you pick up some free/cheap SIMs from Vodaphone, Three & O2 & trial them?
BT wont help. There position is, "not there problem".
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-inter...
monkfish1 said:
We dont have a company IT department. Company is not that big. (4 people)
Just got BT to give as a system which we have had for a few years. It works anywhere else, and likewise with the other staff. It only doesnt work on the EE 4g connection. Googling brings up more complaints of the same issue. On none of those occasions was there a solution other than a provider change.
Hence my issue. BT are absolutely adamant, nothing to do with them. They also were not surprised by the issue. Given its worked quite happily for years, and continues to do so, except on this new connection, i can see there point.
So my issue remains, who can i engage / talk to to work through the issues to a resolution. I cant do it, as ive tried and failed.
Then I can only suggest that it’s a change in 4g broadband provider, I note that you say they are the only viable provider, however you can use this site to see if other 4/5g or even wired options are available Just got BT to give as a system which we have had for a few years. It works anywhere else, and likewise with the other staff. It only doesnt work on the EE 4g connection. Googling brings up more complaints of the same issue. On none of those occasions was there a solution other than a provider change.
Hence my issue. BT are absolutely adamant, nothing to do with them. They also were not surprised by the issue. Given its worked quite happily for years, and continues to do so, except on this new connection, i can see there point.
So my issue remains, who can i engage / talk to to work through the issues to a resolution. I cant do it, as ive tried and failed.
https://bidb.uk/
Failing that as already suggested I would look at the use of a vpn back to work & using a soft phone, so a application either hosted on a server at work or a desktop system that you remote back into. This would obviously need the buy in from work as it sounds like there is a lack of it knowledge & it’s likely there will be some spend associated.
Another option would be to look at a cloud hosted desktop & run the phone app on that & use a vpn to connect to it, basically the same as the above but you host the desktop in the cloud rather than at work.
There could well be more solutions but a good first step might be to use your local business network to see who other local small businesses use for there it & then arrange an initial discussion with them. It sounds as if some external assistance is a must in this situation.
Obviously if you want to keep this within your control & not engage with work you have the starlink option.
If that’s of interest, I would investigate if the specific application suite works via starlink (all apps not just the bt one, you wouldn’t want to move & find bt is okay but x, y or z isn’t), if it’s all good move to that & chalk the rest issue up to experience.
Also I note you didn’t respond to my question about the bt voip solution being a hard (physical) phone or a soft phone app run on your computer?
RemarkLima said:
Yes, sounds like CGNAT issues, along with "consumer" grade support so no one is interested.
Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
Thanks for the reply. Im not sure i undersatand any of it, or the link you posted.Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
Do i just order a SIM card, wait for it to arrive and stick it in the router? Thats it? Or is there some more stuff to do?
Whats the negatives of a Fixed IP? One assumes there is one?
monkfish1 said:
RemarkLima said:
Yes, sounds like CGNAT issues, along with "consumer" grade support so no one is interested.
Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
Thanks for the reply. Im not sure i undersatand any of it, or the link you posted.Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
Do i just order a SIM card, wait for it to arrive and stick it in the router? Thats it? Or is there some more stuff to do?
Whats the negatives of a Fixed IP? One assumes there is one?
The downsides are the price, it's £85 + VAT vs £10 or whatever the off the shelf is... And can be data limited, so if you're using loads of internet, 4k streaming etc, then you can blow through the data available and get a hefty overage bill!
You could get a cheaper one with less bandwidth for work, and then keep the EE one for home - you'll need a router for each one, and then a different network for each, but it'll depend on your use really.
RemarkLima said:
monkfish1 said:
RemarkLima said:
Yes, sounds like CGNAT issues, along with "consumer" grade support so no one is interested.
Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
Thanks for the reply. Im not sure i undersatand any of it, or the link you posted.Something to try, which will be much better for business grade connections is a Fixed IP SIM card, that way you get a standard, 1 to 1 IP address to your router.
We've used these before,
https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/fixed-ip-sim-cards...
It's £85 + VAT for an unlimited data plan (really it's a 500GB fair use policy) but allows for VPNs, and remote CCTV etc... Basically operate much more like a normal internet connection.
It may be a last attempt before trying the other SIM providers.
Do i just order a SIM card, wait for it to arrive and stick it in the router? Thats it? Or is there some more stuff to do?
Whats the negatives of a Fixed IP? One assumes there is one?
The downsides are the price, it's £85 + VAT vs £10 or whatever the off the shelf is... And can be data limited, so if you're using loads of internet, 4k streaming etc, then you can blow through the data available and get a hefty overage bill!
You could get a cheaper one with less bandwidth for work, and then keep the EE one for home - you'll need a router for each one, and then a different network for each, but it'll depend on your use really.
Captain_Morgan said:
Then I can only suggest that it’s a change in 4g broadband provider, I note that you say they are the only viable provider, however you can use this site to see if other 4/5g or even wired options are available
https://bidb.uk/
Failing that as already suggested I would look at the use of a vpn back to work & using a soft phone, so a application either hosted on a server at work or a desktop system that you remote back into. This would obviously need the buy in from work as it sounds like there is a lack of it knowledge & it’s likely there will be some spend associated.
Another option would be to look at a cloud hosted desktop & run the phone app on that & use a vpn to connect to it, basically the same as the above but you host the desktop in the cloud rather than at work.
There could well be more solutions but a good first step might be to use your local business network to see who other local small businesses use for there it & then arrange an initial discussion with them. It sounds as if some external assistance is a must in this situation.
Obviously if you want to keep this within your control & not engage with work you have the starlink option.
If that’s of interest, I would investigate if the specific application suite works via starlink (all apps not just the bt one, you wouldn’t want to move & find bt is okay but x, y or z isn’t), if it’s all good move to that & chalk the rest issue up to experience.
Also I note you didn’t respond to my question about the bt voip solution being a hard (physical) phone or a soft phone app run on your computer?
Sorry, more questions.........https://bidb.uk/
Failing that as already suggested I would look at the use of a vpn back to work & using a soft phone, so a application either hosted on a server at work or a desktop system that you remote back into. This would obviously need the buy in from work as it sounds like there is a lack of it knowledge & it’s likely there will be some spend associated.
Another option would be to look at a cloud hosted desktop & run the phone app on that & use a vpn to connect to it, basically the same as the above but you host the desktop in the cloud rather than at work.
There could well be more solutions but a good first step might be to use your local business network to see who other local small businesses use for there it & then arrange an initial discussion with them. It sounds as if some external assistance is a must in this situation.
Obviously if you want to keep this within your control & not engage with work you have the starlink option.
If that’s of interest, I would investigate if the specific application suite works via starlink (all apps not just the bt one, you wouldn’t want to move & find bt is okay but x, y or z isn’t), if it’s all good move to that & chalk the rest issue up to experience.
Also I note you didn’t respond to my question about the bt voip solution being a hard (physical) phone or a soft phone app run on your computer?
I went on the link you provided. Not sure i fully understand it. Says openreach. Sadly, thats not actually correct. The fibre connection is coiled up on a lamppost in the nearby village where its been for several years. They claim to offer superfast connection, but, its basically a lie. Voneus comes up also, but they cant do it due to trees in the way. After the the site shows "unplanned" and "not live".
Sadly, i dont really know anythiung about VPN or why you would have it etc. Completely lost on me.
Its a physical phone supplied by BT. I assume this is what you mean by a hard phone.
Additional spend via work isnt an issue, but i dont grasp your suggestions. edited to add, any solutions would be on me to sort out, even if they paid for it. As theres no one else to sort it out.
Good suggestion on local business connections. As im not living here yet, i dont really know many, but ill explore that. Most locals are either voneus or 4g with EE.
I did originally look at satellite. I ruled out starlink as they dont offer any support and rely on you being "tech savy". I did find another company though, that did offer support, so could go back to them. Will i not suffer lag on a phone call each time the communication changes direction? But from what you say, i can only ask if it will work, wont actually know until ive spent the money and installed it. Everyone says this will work on EE, but it doesnt.
Edited by monkfish1 on Monday 16th January 11:18
Mr Pointy said:
No coverage on anything except outdoor. As below. Which makes sense, as the 4g intewrnet connection works fine in every respect except the voip issue.
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