Should have known better

[Anonymous User]

Well, here we go again, thought I’d give super fibre a try, after all guaranteed right! I’m in a 3 bed semi, most providers internet works fine, Sky was poor but worked, So I got 3, that didn’t work properly, pity as I liked it, but Now tv is awful, I have to take my phone to the router for the page to upload. Often nothing works in some rooms, and it dreadfully slow when it does. I stupidly got the year contract. Why can’t these providers, offer decent products in 2022, im hearing it’s the router, cheap old stock, I’d just buy an extender but hear that even that isn’t easy to sort with this system.

I know there is no point talking to the help desk, all they will say is split it, does anyone know of a product that is compatible with this stone age system?

[gavs82008]

@Anonymous User 

The router supplied by NOW is not the best. For any chance of a better setup it will need to be from your own pocket I am afraid. 

You should still exhaust all options with the NOW router such as splitting the signals etc as you have already mentioned.

That being said, as your not getting the service your paying for, you will be within your right to cancel without the termination charges.

[chilli2]

If you look at the total cost of your now membership over 12 months and add in the cost of your own router then divide it again by 12 you will probably still end up with a cheaper deal than other suppliers, as for the rubbish wifi, I posted this in a previous thread, hope this is of help:

There are a few things you can do to improve things, as youve probably guessed the now router doesnt have a good reputation with regards to wifi - if it works for you then thats great, if not then its not the end of the world

 First of all to see if its the wifi on the router, or the connection you should try a speediest while connected via Ethernet and not wifi

If thats OK, then  its the wifi, there are a few steps you can take here.

 First of all in the router settings separate the bands the now router puts out two frequencies for wifi 2.4ghz and 5ghz . 5 is faster than 2.4 and less prone to congestion and/ or interference - however it doesnt go as far . 2.4 can be more congested is a fraction slower but goes further .

 for most situations 2.4Ghz will do , so once you have separated the bands you can ensure that devices connect to the 2.4 signal .

Still no luck?

 Next you should look at the router position- while its not always that easy as your limited to the location of the phone socket, mains plugs etc a slight move can make a difference, keep it away from things like TV's microwaves, fish tanks etc, if you can dont put it in or on a window ledge

 Another thing that can have an effect is the building itself, old thick stone walls dont help wtih wifi signals, and likewise modern foil backed insulation doesnt help either

Once you have tried everything with the now router, and you are sure that its the wifi thats the issue then its time to start at looking to getting hold of your own kit .

 one thing that i would avoid is wifi boosters ( put rubbish wifi in get rubbish wifi out)

So here are a few options:

 Wireless access point/router this plugs into the now router via Ethernet and effectively provides a secondary wifi signal, the advantage here is that its location is only limited by the Ethernet cable you need to connect it up.

Homeplug set up with wifi built in, these are basically large plugs, one  plugs into the mains and has an ethernet socket that you plug into the router, the other you can plug in almost anywhere else typically if purchased in a pack the second unit has wifi built in and this then provides a wifi signal fro that location .

 the only real downside with these things is that performance can be affected by how the house is wired

If your previous router provided a good signal and you still have it its also possible to use that as a wifi access point in conjunction with the now box.

However if you dont have it, and it still performed well then you could look at getting your own all in one router and put the now router back in its box ( dont check it away you may need it if theres a fault)

 one thing to be aware of is that not all routers work with Now or Sky and likewise not all models from the same manufacturer may work it will need to have option 61 or MER log in available, as well as a built in modem - the give away on this is that it will have an RJ 45 jack on the back to connect to a phone socket - often marketed for phone line conections

 As far as i know some devices from TP link, D link, Asus work and you will need to consult the relevant manufacturers to find out.- most have support forums like this one for Now where you can ask/research

 I use a TP link Archer VR2800 and i discovered how to set that up via the tp link dsl modems and routers support forum, other cheaper models are available that should also work - note do not bin your now router keep it somewhere safe