Confused about FTTP availability ?

[#1]

So I just ordered Full Fibre 500 from Plusnet. Got an ETA for an engineer visit and everything, so all looks good. But I just checked with the BT Broadband availability checker and it says my exchange isn't on the FTTP priority list and the status for FTTP connection at my address is 'waiting list' which according to them means it's not available yet. 

So I'm a bit confused right now because Plusnet thinks I can get FTTP but the BT checker says I can't, and the Openreach checker says 'Available to order now' which apparently means the fibre is installed all the way from the exchange to somewhere near my property.

So which should I believe ? Because my fear is that I'm possibly going to be left in some sort of limbo land, and I'd rather just continue with an ADSL service from Plusnet if that's the reality. Mainly because I'm about to go out of contract with my present supplier, and delays which force me to stay with them out of contract are going to cost me dearly.

Anybody know where I actually stand ? The exchange in question is Thatcham Berks.

[#2]

@PH63 The fact that your exchange isn't on the priority list doesn't really matter - the roll-out means that even areas not on there can sometimes still get it as they do the work in a slightly strange way.

For us to help, can you please attach a screenshot of the full result from https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome , obscuring personal details.

[#3]

@PH63 

Continuing with your ADSL service isn't really an option. If depends on a phone line which will be turned off by Jan 2027 at the latest though there are possible ways past that (time will tell).

I think it's going to be a waiting case and see what OR say. You can keep an eye on Open / Closed tickets on PN here

https://www.plus.net/wizard/?p=search

Brian

[#4]

deleted

[#5]

Hi, this is the output when I check my specific address-

[#6]

Waiting list suggests to me that the infrastructure is there but just needs the capacity increasing.

Maybe that is now complete and Plusnet has more up to date information? The Availability database can be out of date. My neighbour had Full Fibre installed a few weeks ago and it’s not yet showing on this database.

[#7]

Thanks, I wondered the same myself, ie- they haven't updated the entry lately ? The I guess supporting evidence is that checking other addresses on the same road (same postcode for all of them) gives mixed results between 'available' and 'waiting list'. So I think I'll just wait and see.

[#8]

@PH63 

The availability database for some reason does noy define whether you have an underground or overhead connection. Either way, you need what is called a CBT at the top of a nearby pole or in a nearby underground chamber into which the fibre is connected to your property. It could be that at the time of the latest database update the street had not been fully populated with CBTs

[#9]

That availability checker looks strange - if an area has been surveyed, it usually gives more detail in the narrative, and I've never seen FTTP on a 'waiting list' before.

[#10]

Everything is underground, telephone, power, cable tv etc. We don't have any utility poles. There are approx 1m x 0.5m BT marked manholes every 30m or so along the pavements but I have no idea if they contain fibre breakout connections or not. I guess I'll find out.

[#11]

Sounds to me as though they have just started the survey process, so it could be a while yet. Have you noticed an unusual number of Openreach vans in the area recently? 

[#12]

@PH63 

Have PN got any Open / Closed messages on you account for the order?

Brian

[#13]

No, nothing of note. Only messages are; Engineer is booked for Dec 1st with completion expected Dec 2nd. Plusnet hub to be delivered shortly. I was asked to take some photos and a short video of the route from the nearest BT manhole to my house, which I did, but that is fairly standard these days afaia. 

As I say, I hope it goes through as after the 7th of Dec my existing FTTC/ADSL contract runs out and I'd hate to be left in limbo.

[#14]

@PH63 You will not be 'left in limbo'  if anything does go wrong,but you will be paying 'out of contract' prices. Are you on ADSL or FTTC - they are rather different beasts.

[#15]

@jab1 

No, haven't noticed any intense or unusual openreach activity lately. But I have a job, so if they were working normal hours I'm not sure I would have noticed anyway.

Added- I'm on FTTC with copper wires from there to the house. It's a standard phone line 'last link' in other words.