Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I will stay opted in so i stand a chance of connecting to the internet when out and about.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Just got back from a spring holiday in virgin-free St Ives ;) to find a WiFi Network letter on my doorstep.

"Adding Virgin Media Hubs to our WiFi network won't affect the internet connection you pay for.

To add it to the network, we'll switch on a separate connection inside the Hub in your home. This means that the broadband you pay for stays exclusively yours, and remains secure."

The letter then goes on to say how you can opt out through your Virgin Media 'Profile' on line. No mention is made of 'modem-only mode' excluding customers from the WiFi network, nor is this mentioned in the opt in / opt out dialogue.

Does this mean that those of us who are using modem only need not worry and that VM have figured how to switch on the WiFi hotspot in modem only mode? What seems more likely is that VM can't be bothered to complicated their offer letter with such matters and will allow us free-spirited folk find out by bitter experience that we cannot access their new WiFi network.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

The opt out restrictions have been removed.

Broadband customers can use Virgin Media WiFi no matter which kit they have or in what state the kit is in.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Good news! So, even if VM cannot use my public WiFi hotspot cpacity because I am in modem-only, I can still benefit.

This was the only possible and reasonable outcome, given that 'modem only' is a built-in option used as a selling point. Watch out for VM firmware that makes modem only a more difficult option, that relies upon new customers not being that bothered about having their own routers.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Today, given the advent of the extended Virgin WiFi network, I tried to configure the Virgin WiFi app on my Android so that it will connect automatically to Virgin hotspots. It failed.

A dialogue box announced that some other app was active on my phone seeking the same SSIDs as the Virgin app. It instructed me to uninstall any such apps.

"Please check you don't already have a profile containing SSIDs for 'Virgin Media', '_The Cloud X' or 'orq_wifi_x'.

I have searched for such profiles and can find none, although I do have the FON app which connects to FON and BT FON hotspots.

Any ideas / thoughts?

My initial thought is to ask whether VM WiFi is worth the hassle.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

It may be listed as a certificate, rather than a profile, though I'm not familiar with Android.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

It's probably not worth it today due to the limited rollout, but depends entirely on if there are wifi networks near you and whether you'll use them. I spend most of my time at work or at home, where there's plenty of wifi to be had - the rest is spent on a train, where there's none.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Found them listed as connection profiles (Saved Networks) for public and private WiFi, i.e. when you use a friend's WiFi or you connect to O2 via a cafe WiFi, or similar.

I deleted all the profiles cited by the Virgin WiFi app. Still it refuses to configure properly - with the same message.

EDIT.............................................. .................................................. ..............

I also deleted save Virgin Media saved networks profiles then reinstalled the app. The saved network profile for VM returned even though the app said that automatic connecting had not been configured. I guess I need to go find a HUB 3 Hotspot somewhere to see if it works.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I'm using this (more to test than anything) the network connects at high speeds, downloads at 20meg, no issues there.

However when browsing it frequently states the page cannot be displayed. Five of six refreshes later the page appears. This is even with a download running and testing the connection by 'ping'. Strange.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

So it's almost 2 weeks since I got the email saying this was happening, yet there's no hotspots around my area.

Ben mentioned they were looking to have this fully rolled out by the end of the month, cutting it a bit fine now unless they're going to do them all in one go, which surely isn't a good idea...

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Perhaps everyone in your area has opted out?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Bit of a coincidence haha ;)

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Despite not showing on the map or area listed on web , the neighbours shub3 has been activated and connects ok

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I opted out.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Looks like they might have extended the areas although I've not had an email but my router has sprouted another network!

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Came back last night and thought my router had gone to pot with the signal. Turns out I was on next doors guest wifi!

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

How do i tell from my Hub3 settings whether it is setup for hotspots?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Interesting, still not live here yet.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

A new one popped up here yesterday on my laptop though the signal is weak.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I have mine in modem mode, so not sure. I went to my brothers though who's only a mile down the road and his wanted activated, so random next doors is.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Finally gone live here, full signal but poor speeds... also not connecting automatically with the app.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2017/05/23.png
Does anyone know how to connect to these networks without the app?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Considering the connection is capped at 20Mbps, depending how far away from the hotspot you're connected to that might not be a bad speed.

Also you can't connect without the app currently. No announced plans to allow it either.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

That's a pity seeing as I don't have a fancy smart phone so the laptop is my weapon of choice. :(

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Yeah, laptop / other device is why I was asking too.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Buy a cheap smart phone if hotspots become useful.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

The areas have obviously been increased but no mention on the website yet or email sent out?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Not sure if it's related but the 2 "Virgin Media" networks I could see yesterday have disappeared since the area outage last night.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

There are certainly plenty of good cheaper ones out there if one looks.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I'm not entirely sure how a cheap smart phone helps if the user wants to use a laptop. Unless you do some reverse tethering and I'm not sure that's worth the effort.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I thought he just wanted access to hotspots when out and about, that is why i said cheap phone.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

You can extract your username and password from the certificates for iOS. I've managed to get it to work on a MacBook Pro and a netbook running Linux. I've not managed to get it to connect in Windows, but it may just be the laptop I was using.

They could be detecting and blocking Windows though.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

However if you connect that way, there is no verification that the SSID you're connecting to is actually part of the Virgin Media WiFi network, or that the server that is asking for your username and password is real.

The certificates that the app installs on the configured devices ensure that the device only connect to authorised 'Virgin Media' SSIDs and that the network authentication past that is also secure.

So as the app is currently the only source of those certificates, only if you use the app to configure a device can you be sure that you're connection to Virgin Media WiFi is valid and secure.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

There are virtually no other VM users around me, as this is about the end of the line for VM broadband cabling. The vast majority of people are BT etc.
However it's all a moot point as I use a Microsoft Lumia 950 .....

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

You are still required to accept security certificates from the RADIUS server when you first connect. If you can confirm your first connection is to a valid VM hub then evil twins will prompt with a warning to accept a "new" certificate.

You still have the same level of security as anyone using the App. In the case of the MacOS platform you can intercept the certificates intended for your iOS device and use the same ones.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I just want to ask:
Can I use the free Virgin Media Wifi without using the app? I have a rooted S5 but the app wont work on it, also what about laptop users? i often take my laptop round to my friends and there are a few virgin wifi networks around but dont know how to login? I've tried my vm username & password but it dont accept?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Only access to Virgin Media WiFi via the mobile app is supported.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Asked and answered already, literally 1 page back

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

This.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

There has obviously been an extension of the area covered with the wifi but the information page hasn't yet been updated nor the maps on the wifi app?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Yeah, I'm finding that I'm connecting to the wifi quite a lot when I'm out and about in housing estates (that doesn't sound weird). Wondering if they're just lagging on the app or whether or not they won't put houses on there?

May have missed information saying it will be on there mind you.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

The app will be updated to show the enabled areas (some do already show), but there seems to have been a delay in doing that. Hopefully won't be too much longer.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Well I cannot partake then as I have taken the steps to securing my smart phone completely by rooting it, and as usual, companies dont like people using rooted devices :mad::mad:

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Then you've not secured your phone properly at all. You want to use a systemless root like Magisk to get the benefits of root without actually exposing the system to root.

In other words, go install Magisk, tell it to hide root and you'll be able to use the app again.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Thanks for that, installed & configured, now I can use a few old apps i had to stop using because of the root issue thank you very much :):):):)

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Finally after weeks of trying I have managed to get my Virgin wifi to configure to connect automatically. 'Support' suggested all kinds of solutions including disabling screen lock and various SSIDs from my saved network list. None of this worked, until I went for broke.

I deleted all SSID's from saved network list. Bingo! It worked. I guess there must be other SSIDs than the identified ones that cause the configuration process to fail.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Did you manage to find a solution to Windows ? I can manage to connect but I'm being given a 169 ip with no internet access. Wondering if this is down to Windows DHCP.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Nevermind, it needs Identity Privacy turned off.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots - is this nationwide now?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Yes, all Hub 3.0s are technically capable of being part of Virgin Media WiFi.

Some customers will have opted their own Hub out of providing the SSID.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Can the hub act as a wifi hotspot in Modem mode? I suspect it would need to be in router mode, as it would need to issue private range IPs to any guest users.

Do you need to put your hub into router mode to have access to Virgin Media Wifi elsewhere? The reason I ask is that after my V1 superhub had severe reliability issues (it would lose wireless connectivity an hour or two after reboot, and would do so every time), I bought my own router. I currently have a Netgear Nighthawk which, while it is hideous (looks like something the team that designed the original Stealth bomber would have designed), is a good router, and from what I can gather, outperforms the SH3.

I am happy to provide a Wifi Hotspot, but do not want to give up my existing router. I have also found that having two routers handing out IP addresses on the same network is asking for trouble.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Thanks Ben. Is it just SH3s? On the Android VM wi-fi app map, there's local coverage for me showing pink circles and I can get internet in those places. So there're all SH3s? Are SH2s used as well now? Just wondering if mine is contributing. Thanks

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Currently it's only the Hub 3.0s.

The plan was to add the Super Hub 2ac kit as well, but there were some issues with that firmware. As far as I know though it is still on a plan to do - once the firmware issues are resolved.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

That's not dependent on VM hubs. It's a separate arrangement.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Any details on that? Thanks.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Link.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

The pink circles are where the Hub areas are, but aren't specific to each customer for obvious reasons.

You get a specific marker on the map for all other hotspots.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

eh? The pink circles *are* superhubs, the public non-superhub spots (the cloud/Arquiva) are red location markers on the map.

Attachment 26972


btw Ben, are you subject to the superhub owners settings regarding parental controls or are controls always on? I noticed that reddit among other sites wasn't responding when using a hubspot.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

My street has 5 pink circles along it. A careful search of SIDs within those circles reveals not a single Virgin Media WiFi hotspot.

A close inspection of red markers in every case revealed hotspots, but they were not Virgin. Indeed one I connected to at a red marker was a BTFON hotspot because I have a pure FON router running at home that allows me to connect to all FON spots world-wide.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

If they are anything like mine... i have renamed my one...

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I didn't know that was possible or desireable! I thought VM HotSpots were administered by them and were set up completely separately from our normal configuration.

Even if what you say is the case, none of the hotspots within the pink circles were connectable for me except for the BTFON ones.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

You are always subject to content controls when using Virgin Media WiFi.

---------- Post added at 18:11 ---------- Previous post was at 18:09 ----------

The pink circles are rough areas as to where the service could be available via Hubs. They're specific to individual Hubs.

The Virgin Media WiFi app will not show BTFON hotspots - they are not part of Virgin Media WiFi

You cannot rename the Virgin Media WiFi SSID

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

How does this interact with 3's Three in Touch? Can they be used at the same time?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Virgin Media WiFi is instead of your mobile data connection - it doesn't change how your phone works for voice calling.

If you're getting a Three mobile signal your phone may route the call over that still. Plus some Three phones now have WiFi Calling built in (rather than using the app), which again only triggers if there is no Three mobile signal.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

1. In that case none of the hubs in the pink circles were active.

2. The Virgin WiFi app detected no Virgin WiFi at the red markers. Picking up BTFON nearby was not done via the Virgin App! I connected automatically via my FON app.



The only time I have ever been able to pick up any Virgin WiFi is on a Piccadilly Line platform.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Im yet to see a hub act a hotspot here in Swansea.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Looked at the map for my area and at first the coverage seemed to be patchy and not in my road. When I zoomed in the map, more areas appeared, including my road. The map doesn't give the true picture.

Although I've only lived here a year, I haven't received the notification and can't find the option to switch it off, if I wanted to.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

If you have a Hub 3.0 the option is in My Virgin Media > My Profile.

If you don't have a Hub 3.0 you won't see the option as your kit isn't part of Virgin Media WiFi.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

That explains it, I have a 2ac. Does that also mean I can't take advantage of the feature myself when out and about?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

All Virgin Media broadband customers can use Virgin Media WiFi with a compatible device, irrespective of what kit they have and what state that kit is in (opt in or out, or modem mode).

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I thought you were only going to be able to use the VM hub part of the network if you allowed your own hub to be part of it. So I assumed that in theory if a 2ac can't be part of it, you can't use the full network availability. Also that it had to be a device with a VM mobile SIM. A VM BB account would get you access to the hotspots, but you needed a VM mobile SIM device to access via the hubs.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Sorry but all of that is wrong.

There was a period during the Hub 3.0 pilot where opting out was going to stop you using Virgin Media WiFi, however that rule was dropped before the full rollout of the Hub 3.0 homespot service.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

...so why would anyone want to have their hub broadcast a hotspot? There is no incentive to allow this as you still get access anyway.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

But there was a time when it was right.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Well I would hope people will see the benefit of doing so when they use the service, and become more aware of gaps in coverage that could be filled by the homespots.

For most people leaving the service enabled won't impact their own service either.

And once the service becomes established it will become less of an issue that the homespots exist.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I used it today and worked really well. I was in a radio notspot (poor 4G/3G). Had to send a large digital photo so it saved me some money as I'm on PAYG. It's not like it's depriving you of bandwidth or speed, so why not?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

How do you get those maps of the hot spots ?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

The map is in the Android and iOS apps

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Oh, nothing I can access then.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Why would you need the maps if you haven't got a device that can access the hotspots anyway?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

I for one would be more than happy for Virgin to broadcast the additional/free wifi network if I didn't use Modem mode. It's almost a shame Virgin can't take advantage of that and broadcast a stronger wireless network in it's place.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Getting a lot of 'Wi-Fi connection failure', any one else?

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

Is this in your own home? If so what happens when you see a WiFi hotspot away from your home? I understand that VM has put code into the firmware to prevent public WiFi access for the user on his own hub.

Re: VM Hubs as WiFi hot spots
 

No, it's when I'm walking around. Many VM wi-fi, some work but most have this error message, can't seem to reset it once it's on. Using the app, it wants my username and password each time. :(