BT installation: Here's what you need to know

Dan Howdle • November 25th, 2024

If you're about to join BT and have questions about the installation process, finding clear information on BT's website can be difficult. Which is why we've put together this guide to help see you through.

One of the key sticking points when it comes to switching broadband provider is how much of a hassle the process is likely to be. And we have to be honest, that can vary from no hassle at all to, actually, a moderate amount of hassle – a set of steps that amounts to more than just clicking 'buy' on your new broadband deal and letting it all happen. We'll cover that in this guide, specifically in terms of what the process and the sticking points are, and whether you're likely to hit any snags.

The process of switching to BT is going to differ depending on a number of different factors. Are you taking out an EE TV deal with your BT Broadband? Are you switching from Virgin Media to BT (between two different networks)? If so, there are special considerations. Do you have a working phoneline running into your home? What about a Full Fibre line? All these things will play a part in the installation process and how fast, easy, or less so it ultimately is.

BT Broadband installation

The easiest situation you can find yourself in when it comes to switching to BT Broadband is if you're already on another Openreach provider. Openreach is the physical network (the wires under the street, the boxes on the street and everything else) on which BT and most other broadband providers operate. Sky is on Openreach, as is TalkTalk, Plusnet, and just about everyone else, with the exception being Virgin Media.

If you're already with an Openreach provider (not Virgin), switching to BT is simpler, but with the advent of Full Fibre, a lot of homes aren't yet on Full Fibre lines, so there will still be a lot of customers who will need a new line installed regardless. If you are with Virgin Media and you're switching over to BT, the installation is slightly different, but those differences will be taken care of during the sign-up process. Virgin Media will have to be notified, and BT will now do that for you, but you can expect a call from Virgin Media, who will want to try to retain you.

How long does it take to install BT Broadband?

No matter your current provider or situation, it usually takes around two weeks for you to be up and running after you sign up. This can be shorter at less busy times of year – summer is usually quieter – but can also be longer if, for example, you need a new phone line installed.

Routers

Once you sign up, BT will post out your router for you to plug in and install on your activation day – provided you don't need a new line installed (most people don't). The process is simple, with easy to follow directions. It's pretty close to plug it in and go, so if you're a technophobe, don't stress about it.

All BT Broadband deals come with the BT Smart Hub 2 router – a very capable device indeed. Here are the specifications:

BT Smart Hub 2 specifications

• Next generation Wi-Fi – The Smart Hub uses the latest wireless standard (802.11ac) to deliver the fastest Wi-Fi speeds possible
• Smart channel selection – The Smart Hub automatically connects your devices to the fastest Wi-Fi channel and frequency available
• Smart scan – The router continually checks your network connection as well as its own performance and automatically reboots if there’s a problem
• Dual band – Like many modern routers, the Smart Hub uses both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
• Four gigabit Ethernet ports – The Smart Hub has four gigabit Ethernet ports, so you can use a wired connection for up to four devices
• Seven antennae – The Hub has seven aerials, which is more than previous BT routers
• LEDs can be switched off – The little things matter, and not all of us want a display of blue lights constantly flashing in the corner of the room
• DECT phone compatible – The Smart Hub 2 supports Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), a new digital standard for landline phones
• Complete Wi-Fi – BT Complete Wi-Fi uses one or more discs to give you better Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home

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BT broadband and EE TV installation

Bt TV is no more, with EE TV now being offered with Bt Broadband deals. Thankfully, BT has simplified its TV and router offerings so they're universal. That means no matter what you pick you'll get the Smart Hub 2 router and the new(ish) EE TV Box Pro as standard. You can select an Apple TV 4K option with EE TV, but you'd best know why you're doing that and be sure you understand the drawbacks (no recording, no multiscreen and so on) before choosing one.

The EE TV Box Pro

We hesitate to call the EE TV Box Pro a set-top box. That name has become increasingly inappropriate over the years thanks to, first, wafer-thin TVs you can't put anything on top of, and second, the devices coming more often in the form of sticks, or 'pucks'. We'd call the EE TV Box Pro more of a 'superpuck' – it's not as big as those old YouView things, but it's still pretty large compared to, say, the Sky Stream Puck.

EE TV Box Pro specifications

The EE TV Box Pro is a very capable device. Here are the specifications/capabilities:

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EE TV installation

Once you have your EE TV Box Pro in-hand, installation is dead simple. BT will send you instructions to guide you through the process, but if you're worried it might be beyond you, here's an outline of what you'll need to do:

• Step 1: Connect the EE TV Box Pro to your BT router – Once your router is set up and working, you'll need to connect your TV Box to it either with a LAN cable or via wifi. If using wifi, make sure it is within 5 metres of your router
• Step 2: Connect the box to your screen – Use the supplied HDMI cable to connect the EE TV Box Pro to your TV, monitor or AV Amplifier
• Step 3: Connect the power – Plug the supplied power cord into the back of the EE TV Box Pro and the other end into the mains power socket
• Step 4: Connect an aerial if you need to – You can connect a traditional TV aerial to the TV Box Pro, but bear in mind you will still be able to watch most live channels if you don't via 'internet mode', though there are some exceptions
• Step 5: Set up your remote: – Pop the suppled batteries into the remote. It will automatically connect with the EE TV Box Pro provided it is on and running, which is why this step is last
• Step 6: Follow instructions on screen – Further instructions will be given on screen from this point on

No visit from a BT engineer will ever be required to install EE TV – this is something you need to do yourself, but which is, thankfully, very easy.

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