FaceTime and iMessages not working since iOS 16.7.16 update

I guess you have done the usual troubleshooting like restarting your devices and disabling FaceTime and iMessage in the settings and enable these again after the restart?

..

Turn off and restart iMessage and FaceTime

1. In the Settings app, tap Apps. 
2. Tap Messages, then turn off iMessage.
3. Go to Settings, then tap Apps again. 
4. Tap FaceTime, then turn off FaceTime.
5. Restart your iPhone.
6. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.

...

copied from: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone - Apple Support

Any error messages given?

Can you see your phone number and/or mail address enabled to receiving iMessage and FaceTime calls?

Any chance you are using a VPN or other kind of firewall, which might block the contact to Apple servers?

Yes, tried all that. Changed the password too.

Definitely on wi-fi (strong).

At first, just stopped delivering messages.

signed out, as per troubleshooting, and now can’t get back in.

No use. Still says server can’t be reached.

I just want it restored until next spring when I can afford an upgrade.

Tried logging in on my friends, newer iPad and no issues.

Disabled VPN. Tried on 4G data and 5G WiFi dongle.

Apple have done something and it’s looking like the app is no longer supported.

if this is the case, would have liked to have been notified in advance

E-mail address correct for account.

Nothing seems to have any affect

Cloud is fine.

don’t want to log out of apple account or reset incase can’t get back in again and then all is lost.

Thanks for all your suggestions, but I think it’s them and my old iPad

Can you connect your iPad to other Apple Services, for example iCloud?

Erasing the iPad and installing iPadOS again without using any backup would be the next step, to rule out a software issue. Then test iMessage and FaceTime again.

If it works, restore from the latest backup and test again:

How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support