topic Possible to request an underground connection? in Full Fibre

Possible to request an underground connection?

mullermn — Thu, 15 May 2025 17:44:22 GMT

Hi,

I've just ordered FTTP as it has just become available in our area. Our current broadband service is via overhead cable, but ideally I'd like the new connection run underground and I have had a conduit installed that runs from the pavement in which there is an underground comms conduit to the right place on the exterior of our building. We're an old farm so that's about 35m.

This conduit is over 30cm deep, smooth bore, 100mm diameter, with a draw cord and no sharp bends and is dedicated to this purpose - this is the best spec I could get out of any of the providers for what is suitable at the time this work was done (which was before the FTTP was available in our area).

At the point where this conduit terminates I understand there will need to be a wall box, and I have another conduit that runs through the wall and up to where I would like the router situated. Basically, I've done everything I can to make this as easy for them as I can - provided they're prepared to do the initial underground work to feed the fibre in in the first place.

Does anyone know whether Openreach are likely to be helpful about this, and if I contact Plusnet CS are they likely to be able to relay the request?

Many thanks for any info.

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

bmc — Thu, 15 May 2025 17:56:50 GMT

@mullermn

I would consider it unlikely but you never know.

Does the conduit end anywhere near the pole that curretnly supplies the property?

Put you phone number in the following to see what it says.

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

Against WBC FTTP what does it say to the right - specifically does it say KCI2?

Below the results window what does it say about the FTTP install?

Brian

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

mullermn — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:14:26 GMT

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

mystreet1 — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:18:00 GMT

The first line states OH Feed, overhead.

Best to put the order in and find one

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

mullermn — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:21:35 GMT

Thanks.

For further context the layout is like this. The overhead line runs along the ruler from a pole on the other side of the road. My in situ conduit terminates at the driveway at roughly the '40m' mark. Unless I'm very unobservant the nearest comms cabinet is out of shot in the direction of the red dot, and there is definitely a comms channel that runs along the red line (and actually may continue along the main road too).

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

mullermn — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:23:16 GMT

Sorry, one further question - is there an email address I can contact PlusNet CS on, please? I can only see a phone number on the website.

Thanks,

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

mystreet1 — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:27:31 GMT

Sorry, no email address for CS.

On the day of the install explain to the engineer what you have done, they may be grateful for not having to climb poles to install the cable.
Also, plenty of tea
Good luck and come back and let us know what happens

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

MisterW — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:40:34 GMT

If the feed is overhead , then the CBT will be on the pole. From the CBT it will be necessary to run an overhead fibre secured to a building. Only at that point can the fibre come down to ground level

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

bmc — Thu, 15 May 2025 20:43:41 GMT

@mullermn

FTTP doesn't go anywhere near the FTTC cabinets. It runs from a main Exchange all the way to your property. The network is also "planned" for capacity. Even if the is a duct along the red line it may or may not have fibre cable in it.

You could ask on the day of install and perhaps cancel the installation if the OR engineer thinks there may be a possible alternative route. They certainly would not be able to a take a decision there and then.

Try phoning the PlusNet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 to see what they say. You might be able to request a survey but I'd be doubtful.

Brian

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

mullermn — Fri, 16 May 2025 07:12:02 GMT

Thanks for your input, everyone.

Re: Possible to request an underground connection?

bmc — Fri, 16 May 2025 10:00:17 GMT

@mullermn

Always interested to heat how things wnd up when you get FTTP installed.

Brian