4G/5G Router with POTS landline socket

[RIBW]

Morning all,
I live out of three locations in the UK (MoHo, Boat and home) and would like to buy a 4G/5G router that I can carry between locations and have use of data (LAN and Wi-Fi) but also the SIM's unlimited phone minutes (using the 07xxx number associated with the SIM). Is there a device that supports this?
I have recently returned a 5G router - the spec said it had a voice port but, in practice, it wasn't functional.
I currently use my mobile phone in tether/hotspot mode which is OK but limiting.
I don't want the additional complication of subscribing to a VOIP system.
I don't have major data speed requirements.
Has anyone identified a solution?
All the best
Bob
P.S. POTS = Plain Old Telephone Service i.e. an phone that once upon a time you could plug into your wall socket

 

[lustyd]

I would guess not as it would need to fully emulate the high voltage line and dialing system to allow a normal phone to be plugged in. It would be a nice device to have though so I'm curious if anyone knows of one that's affordable. I'm sure there are business grade versions, but they will likely cost thousands.

 

[Martin_J]

I've never really looked into needing that since I've always had a cellular phone to make phone calls and a separate SIM card in the mobile router.

Looks like either a Huawei B628-265 or a Twnda 4G680 might accomplish the requirement.

The Tenda is even advertised on a well known South Coast marine website...

JGTech Tenda 4G680 300Mbps 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router, 4G Router with Sim Slot

Am example of the other is shown here..

Huawei B628 PRO2 LTE CAT12 4G Router (B628-265)

I would assume with a different ring voltage, the ring sound might be different and a voice call would reduce web browsing speed... It might work, or might not depending on your SIM.

 

[Martin_J]

There is some more useful info (albeit on another forum) where one poster describes how the dial tone is different, how a touch tone phone is needed and even a way to use a spare DSL filter as a converter if you don't have the correct phone to RJ11 lead to hand.



Photo taken from the ISP review posting..

 

[RIBW]

Thanks both!,
I have now bought a router that many previous purchasers say they use with a POTS phone.
If it is successful, I will report back.
Cheers
Bob

 

[RIBW]

Dear All,
Success I believe!
The router is Huawei B311-221 which costs about £65. It needs a full size SIM; luckily I had kept the full size card from which the nano SIM had been pressed to be the correct size for my smartphone. The phone port also needed the adapter for the BT/UK-style landline phone (see earlier posting), which I just happened to have in a box of bits. The phone rings in but there is a 10s delay ringing out before the far end ringing signal is heard (not a major issue).
Works well at home, next step is to try it on the boat powered by 12V i.e. without the supplied power adapter.
Cheers
Bob

 

[RIBW]

A quick update:-
I connected a (WAN port + Wi-Fi + 4xEthernet) router to the WAN port on the B311. The additional Wi-Fi and ethernet ports worked well but I could no longer receive incoming phone calls on the phone plugged into the 4G router (B311). Outgoing calls remained OK.
Cheers
Bob

 

[andyc352]

Morning all,
I live out of three locations in the UK (MoHo, Boat and home) and would like to buy a 4G/5G router that I can carry between locations and have use of data (LAN and Wi-Fi) but also the SIM's unlimited phone minutes (using the 07xxx number associated with the SIM). Is there a device that supports this?
I have recently returned a 5G router - the spec said it had a voice port but, in practice, it wasn't functional.
I currently use my mobile phone in tether/hotspot mode which is OK but limiting.
I don't want the additional complication of subscribing to a VOIP system.
I don't have major data speed requirements.
Has anyone identified a solution?
All the best
Bob
P.S. POTS = Plain Old Telephone Service i.e. an phone that once upon a time you could plug into your wall socket

I recently bought this 4G TP-Link. It allows connection of a “landline”phone and works perfectly allowing incoming and outgoing calls on the same simcard. SMS messages also work but are stored on the TP-LINK and have to be checked using an app via another device. It’s much like using a phone as a hotspot.

 

[RIBW]

That looks useful, especially with the extra LAN ports.
I'll look out that brand when I do a 5G upgrade (I'm just outside 5G coverage at the new house where I need the extra LAN ports)
Cheers
Bob