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Customers of internet, mobile and phone provider Vodafone UK, specifically those who take their latest Ultra Hub 7 Fibre (FG4278VF) router on Pro 3 Home Broadband packages, may like to know that the ISP has just introduced a new ‘Who’s Home’ smart feature to the device that “provides alerts when your loved ones arrive home“.
Available to new and existing Vodafone customers with the latest Ultra Hub 7 router “at no extra cost“, the Who’s Home feature proactively alerts customers when their loved one’s smartphone connects or disconnects from their hub. The feature is said to be “designed to give greater peace of mind and reassurance to customers“.
At present this is only available to Vodafone’s most expensive Pro 3 Broadband packages with the Ultra Hub 7 Fibre router, although the provider will “soon” extend this to those using some of their slower / older router models on cheaper broadband packages.
Vodafone Statement
Set-up is easy – account holders can activate Who’s Home via the Vodafone Broadband app, where they can create profiles for each household member by linking their smartphone – no matter which device or provider they use. Once added, each person receives an SMS invitation to opt in, ensuring privacy and control remain in their hands, while also receiving a reminder text every three months. They also have the option to opt out at any time, simply by sending a text. The account holder will be automatically kept informed on who’s opted in or out.
Beyond instant notifications, account holders can check the Who’s Home dashboard at any time to see who’s currently ‘at home’ or ‘out’, offering a reassuring snapshot of household activity.
Whether it’s knowing a child has got home from school or checking in on loved ones, Who’s Home brings smart, simple security to Vodafone broadband households.
Overall, this is an interesting feature and the ability for individual users to opt-in or out should help avoid the risk of it becoming too intrusive, although we’re not sure how much of a selling point it will be for the service. Hopefully Vodafone have also figured out a way to avoid excessive notification spam in busy households, such as when moving in and out of the garden during sunny weekends etc.