Port forward

[Siftersam]

I have a router with an O2 data sim pay monthly. 

Despite my best efforts I can not port forward on the router. I have a couple of home IP cameras with fixed IP, I can see them on the LAN but all efforts to port forward to them from an external IP fails. Port checking shows ports closed not open.

Earlier posts I read suggest O2 blocks port forwarding on data sims. Is this correct.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Siftersam 

Yes, we believe this is still the case.

We’re just customers like you but it sounds like you’ll need someone to access your account which can’t be done from here. If you message O2 on Facebook (https://o2uk.co/O2CFB) , Twitter (https://o2uk.co/O2CTW) or Instagram (https://o2uk.co/O2CIG) , they should be able to help you with this
Thanks

[Siftersam]

Thanks for the reply, this is a big problem for me that I was not expecting.

I may opt for the easy route . . Have you noticed any posts where someone has managed to get around this problem by changing to a new provider? EE have a similar deal and I think, although not sure, that EE do not block ports in a similar way. I read this on a post I can no longer find, I do recall it was quite an old post.

I will try the FB message you suggested before I throw in the O2 towel.

[MI5]

@Siftersam 

I have no problem with Vodafone.

I can't vouch for EE currently.

[Siftersam]

For all those who have the same question please see my response from O2 support today:

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Earlier posts I read suggest O2 blocks port forwarding on data sims. Is this correct.

That is correct.

Data only SIM have data sharing disabled.

Is there any way around this for me? If I can't port forward and see my cameras while I'm away it's a big problem.

I am sorry, we are unable to enable the data sharing on data only SIM.

Ok - thanks. I will visit the shop and cancel my contract

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Not unless you can take away my disapointment

[madasaf1sh]

@Siftersam 

EE have the same restrictions, and its not Port Sharing that is the issue it is the use of CGNAT, which causes the issues, so EE and o2 and I think Three, block port forwarding, as it wont get through through the Network.. 

I think Vodafone allow it, best thing to do is get some PAYG Data Sims, and test with something like a Netgear M router..

[MI5]

No guarantees that you'll get the same level of service on PAYG as contract, but like I said, Vodafone works (on contracts).