Adding phones to house after upgrade to Digital Voice

[AllyJMcA]

Hi…

Can anyone help me with this? I’m not very techy so bear with me. 

I recently changed to Vodafone broadband/landline from BT. It has changed to digital voice so I now only have one working phone (attached to my router). I asked the engineer how I can use my other phones and she didn’t have a clue. I basically want one more phone upstairs so I don’t have to keep running up & down the stairs. I got an RJ11 as suggested on here..plugged it into the socket and it didn’t work. Is it even possible? It’s the only thing that has annoyed myeloma by changing as it appears to be that you can mow only have one phone? Is this correct? If so why aren’t customers being told about this before changing? I really think that this is going to open a big can of worms if it can’t be sorted easily. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Effie]

Hey @AllyJMcA I hope you're well! We know that customers will want to use multiple landline handsets in their home and as long as you are using either a phone that can be connected to the back of the router, or a wireless handset this should be possible. If you speak to the dedicated Broadband Team on 0333 304 0191 or via LiveChat they can help you get your other phone set up. 

[Cynric]

@AllyJMcA Get a DECT system. Attach the base station to the router (where your current telephone is connected).

[AllyJMcA]

Hi….and thanks. So I would buy a DECT cordless phone?  How would I connect it…thanks.

[Jayach]

@AllyJMcA 

I agree with @Cynric, a DECT system with its wireless handsets is so much mote convenient than wired phones.

However it is possible to continue using your original extension wiring, but the method differs slightly depending if you are still on FTTC (router connects to phone socket) or FTTP (router connects to dedicated fibre box)

I'm surprised the engineer didn't explain it to you, but it will require a small amount of DIY skills, but nothing excessive.

[AllyJMcA]

I asked the engineer who said she didn’t know anything about that. Poor show really because all the paperwork said…ask the engineer!  So if I get a dect cordless phone do I plug it into my extension upstairs? My main phone is plugged into the back of the router…

[MACH1]

The only issue with DECT phones is that they are limited by battery life - so if you have any (very) long phone calls, it can be handy to have a wired phone somewhere in your setup.

[Jayach]

A DECT system will consist of a base station, probably combined with the first handset, and number of extra handsets which wirelessly connect to the base station. The only problem is each device will need to be connected to a mains socket.

The base station will have a BT style plug and will connect to the router, in the same manor as your current phone, (there are 2 sockets so you can have both connected if you wish.)

Your existing extension sockets will not be used at all.

I think the convenience of having wireless handsets makes DECT the the best solution, however it isn't cheap.

The other option is to have your exiting extension wiring connected to the TEL socket(s), that will involve a small amount of technical expertise, but shouldn't be beyond the skills of the average handyman.

Try googling VRI (voice re-injection) to see what it entails, and it is slightly easier to do if you are on FTTP (full fibre using an ONT) than on FTTC (router is connected to a standard BT socket) but is is basically the same procedure.

[AllyJMcA]

I’m really sorry but I just don’t understand. I’m not stupid but if I don’t understand …. how are elderly meant to? There is a serious problem with this whole set up. I will have to do this for my 88 year old father. If I don’t get it how am I meant to sort it for him? Who is at the head of this decision? Not that I’m blaming you…lol. It just feels as though it’s not been properly thought through. I just want 1 extra phone in my house. I just want to know how I can have one upstairs….without having to run a long cable to my upstairs, is this not possible? Is this new system going to make that impossible? The Engineer couldn’t help so how are ordinary Joe Bloggs meant to do it?

[Jayach]

@AllyJMcA 

I fully understand how you feel. From my point of view I understand what is required, but I just don't know how to convey it any better than I have tried to do.

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@AllyJMcA wrote:
 I just want 1 extra phone in my house. I just want to know how I can have one upstairs….without having to run a long cable to my upstairs, is this not possible? 

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You already have a long cable running upstairs, you do not need another, it's your telephone extension cable. You just need help in utilising it with the digital voice system you now have.

I can only suggest you seek help/advice, possibly via local social media, there will be many people in the same situation as the phasing out of the analogue phone system is happening everywhere.

I wish I could suggest more, but I'm unable to explain it any more clearly that I have already done.