Gigafast Discount, and 3rd party equipment

[ColinM9991]

Hi,

I am seeing/receiving conflicting information in regards to the Gigafast discount on the Vodafone site. On the phone they say it's £35 for 2 years (the contract length), whereas the basket says "Until 31st March" with no year specified. I'm a bit weary of purchasing if the discount duration isn't clear, could somebody possibly confirm if it is for the contract duration or a month from now?

Also, phone support weren't extremely helpful in giving a concise answer to the question of third party equipment. I have a MikroTik RB4011 which I'd like to use, connected directly to the ONT. Are the only requirements for this that a PPPoE client is configured and a VLAN with an ID of 911?

Thank you

[Jayach · Accepted solution]

I can't see exactly how it is phrased in your basket, but I would say that possibly 31 march is when the discount offer expires, but as long as you take it out before then, it will be for the length of the contract.

However 1st April is the date when the yearly increases occur, so it may be referring to that. Consumer Price Index (CPI) annual price adjustment | Vodafone

And yes you should be fine with your router. just be aware you will (currently, it may change) lose the phone facility.

[CrimsonLiar]

Clicking through and consulting the T&Cs the prices are the initial monthly costs, but there will be price increases at the start of April every year.  Once the contract ends, all discounts cease, and the cost will certainly rise unless you can negotiate differently.

As to the MikroTik router, setting it up should be easy (assuming you can set the VLAN 911 on the WAN, and that you can persuade someone in customer services to give you the correct PPPoE username (ending in @broadband.vodafone.co.uk) and password.

You will still need to accept the offered router though (even though you won't need to use it), as if you ever have an issue Vodafone's highly trained support staff will probably refer you to A&E or suggest botox if you say you have a MikroTik!

*We do occasionally get people on here using MikroTik routers (and pfsense devices) so someone knowledgeable in their use would be a great addition to these forums!

[Mogolent]

I upgraded my gigafast 500 to 900 pro couple of days ago. 50% off discount for 2 years.

I use Orbi routers but Vodafone sent me 4g back up dongle and super Wi-Fi booster (slows down Wi-Fi). So you will not be able to use 4g backup without Vodafone branded router.

Best option to use your router in AP mode

[CrimsonLiar]

If you've bought a Mikrotik router you don't really want to be running it as an AP (or in this case more of a glorified switch).  It's the kind of router that once you've used, you'll not want to go back to an ISP router!

[ColinM9991]

Thanks all for the replies! I've placed an order, pending until 1st of March.

I have had the MikroTik for a while and don't plan on using it in AP mode as it defeats the purpose of having a good quality router and it does not have WiFi capabilities anyway, that's where the Ubiquiti gear will come in.