topic Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC in Broadband

Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:46:35 GMT

I'm currently out of contract on an Unlimited Broadband (ADSL Copper) connection at around 13.5Mb/s, looking to upgrade to Fibre (FTTC). I also have a BT landline, which I plan to keep by switching it to a VOIP provider (Freely).

When I called PlusNet to ask about an FTTC upgrade, I was offered a 74Mb/s connection at £25.99/month with no landline. This sounds like PlusNet Full Fibre (FTTP) which is a non-starter due to logistics and aesthetics at the premises.

Can anyone confirm if there really is a PlusNet Fibre (FTTC) option at 74Mb/s for £25.99, or alternatively point me at the real PlusNet FTTC options?

In case it's relevant, I already have an FTTC-compatible VDSL2 wireless modem/router from Netgear.

Thanks for any help.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

bmc — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:55:04 GMT

@symmetry

Have a look at the following.

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

Full Fibre shows up as WBC FTTP. Can't remember what FTTC is but I think it includes VDSL in the left hand column. The results will also tell you expected speeds.

If Full Fibre is there, look below the results window to see if the Exchange is labled a Priority Exchange.

Brian

Edit : Do nothing about the phone until your internet is sorted. You then have 30 days to port the number.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

jab1 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:58:13 GMT

Purely out of interest, @symmetry , what is the difference between an FTTC and an FTTP connection which is causing you so much concern?

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:04:26 GMT

FTTP requires digging a channel from the street to the premises, and drilling a hole through the wall to run a fibre cable, which is impractical in this case.

FTTC terminated the fibre at the nearest street cabinet, and uses existing copper wire onwards to the premises.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:07:58 GMT

Thanks for the helpful link.

In my case it shows this is not a priority FTTP exchange, but also shows VDSL as unavailable. The only option marked as available is WBC FTTP.

Do you think this means when I ask PlusNet for FTTC options, they're just quoting me for an FTTP connection?

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

bmc — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:08:35 GMT

@symmetry

If the copper cable is run through a duct then the fibre will use this. They may also be able to use the existing copper entry point rather than drilling a new hole.

On the Checker I previously mentioned if WBC FTTP is listed below the results window there will be a narrative on the FTTP install. What does this say?

Brian

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

bmc — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:09:43 GMT

@symmetry

Does it show that a SOGEA connection is available?

Brian

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

jab1 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:10:07 GMT

How does the copper come into your house. Are you on an overhead or underground feed? - the FTTP cable will follow the same route.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:16:44 GMT

Copper is all underground, but AIUI it still needs an ONC box for full fibre. And really, I just wanted to know what FTTC upgrade options are available from PlusNet

In case it help, the full footnotes from the BT broadband checker site are as follows --

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage Hard.

FTTP is available and a new ONT may be ordered.

The exchange is not in a current fibre priority programme

As a WLR withdrawal exchange, product restrictions apply

SOADSL is restricted at the exchange

For all ADSL and WBC Fibre to the Cabinet (VDSL or G.fast) services, the stable line rate will be determined during the first 10 days of service usage.

For all SOADSL services,the stable line rate will be determined during the first 10 days of service usage.

Actual speeds experienced by end users and quoted by CPs will be lower due to a number of factors within and external to BT's network, Communication Providers' networks and within customer premises.

If you decide to place an order for a WBC fibre product, an appointment may be required for an engineer to visit the end user's premises to supply the service

In order to be eligible for handback, downstream speed should be less than Downstream Handback Threshold values.

Ends.

ADSL, ADSL2+ and SOADSL availability: If shown at FTTP or SOGEA premises,ADSL, ADSL2+ and SOADSL are not available to order due to WLR Withdrawal stop sell rules. CPs should order FTTP or SOGEA. Copper products are only available by exception.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:20:53 GMT

Sorry for the typo -- ONC should read ONT

And the only mention of SOGEA is on the final line.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

jab1 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:23:54 GMT

The ONT is about the size of your current master socket, and could conceivably replace it.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

RealAleMadrid — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:28:46 GMT

@symmetry If the checker does not show VDSL / SOGEA availability your only upgrade path is full fibre (FTTP) Have you ever checked for FTTC previously, some places have never had it?

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

bmc — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:36:03 GMT

@symmetry

My reading of the narrative is that your current copper cable is buried directly in the ground therefore digging would be required for Full Fibre.

Can you post a screen image of the results window, after hiding your details. This would tell us what's available and what isn't.

It's just possible FTTC isn't available.

Brian

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

Baldrick1 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:12:25 GMT

@symmetry

The info is telling us that Full Fibre is available up to the edge of your property. From here there is the need for a 'hard dig' team to dig a trench, presumably over a drive to the property. If it's across a lawn it is designated, 'soft dig'.

I can't confirm it, but suspect that as standard practice Plusnet do not offer FTTC if FTTP is available. Your best bet is to ring the Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 and clarify just what they are prepared to offer.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:07:55 GMT

@bmc

This is the image. I hope it's legible, but any larger and it gets truncated on upload

BT Broadband Checker

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

bmc — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:28:56 GMT

@symmetry

Others might have better eyesight than me but it's double dutch to me.

When you added it did you state small, medium or large for the image.

Either way, can you attach it as a file (click on the paperclip below trhe Reply window).

Brian

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

MisterW — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:34:36 GMT

I think its also missing the rh column which will give the SoGEA availability for VDSL

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:55:41 GMT

@bmc

I did select the large option, but the uploaded image was still truncated at any size larger than this one. I may be hitting the 21Mb limit. I'll try the paper clip icon option asap, but the broadband checker site is now saying 'currently unavailable' (probably because I've used it multiple times today).

Meantime, I've now spoken to the Customer Options Team who say they can offer PlusNet Fibre (FTTC) at £24.99 for 72Mb (which is very close to Full Fibre, but without the digging). I just have to suffer the landline going into quarantine for a few days. I do still need to confirm this is ok with the new voip provider for our landline, before I pull the trigger.

So thanks for all the helpful advice, and it looks like my issue might now be addressed.

I'll post a larger broadband checker image for completeness when it's available, but I think the main lesson here is to call the Broadband Options Team in preference to the normal Sales & Support number for FTTC issues.

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

symmetry — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:04:44 GMT

I've tried to attach the broadband checker image as a paperclip attachment.

There is no column for SOGEA on this report, at least.

Sorry, there is an SOGEA column, just not on the far right

Re: Upgrading from ADSL to FTTC

bmc — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:14:52 GMT

@symmetry

COTS was going to be my final suggestion once we'd figured out what was available.

Have a look at the image on your computer / laptop. It may already be complete.

If the phone option isn't available on the Checker you could aways try the Address version.

Your transfer to a SOGEA line will automatically cancel your BT line and contract so ETC's may be payable to BT. Do not speak to BT in case they take it as an instruction to cancel your phone line, which then cancels your PN internet (no line, no ADSL).

Confirm with your chosen VOIP supplier they can handle "ceased" lines. Do not place an order until PN confirm your SOGEa connection (and do not use One Touch Switching). You can use the time to look at your phone and any work needed to get it to work with VOIP.

Brian