Why does it take 5 - 7 working days to activate broadband?

[#1]

Just a quick question (see title).
Spoke to an engineer today - asked the same question and he said it shouldn't. It's a case of activating the account at plusnet. Is this true?
thanks

[#2]

Not really
It needs to be activated at the exchange first by BT Openreach or BT Wholesale as appropriate and that is what takes the time

[#3]

So if he's gone off to activate my line today, could he theoretically activate my broadband while he's there?
thanks

[#4]

Depends on whether that is part of his job sheet
If it is he will do his bit then sign it off
Once this is done then Plusnet will be informed and they will activate at their end
You could always plug the router in and if all lights except the internet one are green give Plusnet a call to activate early
However - from the times given to you by Plusnet is it the phone today and broadband a week later.
If this is the case he may well be connecting the phone only

[#5]

Yeah he is installing the line today. The house had no active line before today.
But when i asked him this question he said he can test to see if the broadband is working when he gets back (does he mean from the exchange or green box? - he's been gone a while).
So you think it will be another week before broadband activation?
thanks

[#6]

Yes, quite simply as we haven't placed the ADSL order yet. We can't place the order until the line is active, it then takes 5 working days.

[#7]

Does the order for the broadband get placed automatically or does someone manually do that?
thanks