Keeping a Static IP address if I move to Fibre?

[#1]

Hi all

    I have an ADSL connection but am thinking of moving to FTTP (74).

I think(*) that I have a static IP address currently; this was set up a long time ago (my account is actually an f9 one).

I know that Plusnet are not allowing new Static IP addresses - but If I move to FTTP with the same account, would I be able to keep my current one?

    Thanks, J^n

(*) I am trying to check my records to confirm this. I presume that I should be able to see this via my account dashboard; however I have a long-standing issue with this account whereby I cannot see or control anything useful via the portal. This might be a reason to cancel this account and get Fibre with a 'new customer' account; in part that depends on the Static IP address situation.

[#2]

@jkn If you upgrade, using this account, you should retain the static IP - if you encounter the remote possibility that somehow you lost it, requesting its restoration, via the forum is easy.

If you go the 'new account' way, you will lose it.

[#3]

@jab1 - thanks, that is useful. I should double-check that I still have this address.

It is annoying (what with me being a cheapskate) that it seems cheaper to get Fibre74 as a new customer than as an existing one...

[#4]

@jkn phoning up and going through the "I'm thinking of leaving" equipped with the best price comparison offer for your address might get you a better offer from Plusnet.

Often now, the Openreach 150Mb/s product is acually cheaper than the lower speeds but see what a price comparison site says.

Remember that Plusnet full fibre doesn't come with a phone service.

[#5]

@markhawkin thanks - yes I started talking to them about leaving etc, and then forgot to ask about my Static IP address. I want to be clear about the situation before I contact them again.

Yes, the speed/pricing curve does seem pretty weird at the moment. I actually don't need very much at all (famous last words) but that may not mean that the slowest is the one to go for.

[#6]

If you have a static IP address, as far as I know, it persists over a product change where you keep the same account going.

Incidentally, if you are really still on ADSL, any product change will be the end of your copper landline and associated number.

This may not be a problem but is worth knowing.

[#7]

Yes, I realise that I will lose the landline, thanks. Like many, we hardly use the landline nowadays. My plan is to transfer the number to a VOIP Provider (A&A) and use a VOIP Client on smartphones - at least for a year or so.

(Our fibre will come in via telegraph pole. I see that at the next door neighbours installation they have not physically removed the copper line, which surprised me a little. They have two lines from the telegraph pole to their house...)

[#8]

@jkn Unless you specifically ask them to remove the copper cable between your property and the pole, they usually don't. I got a good (Quinns) installer for my FTTP, and he did ask me if I wanted it taking down, but it is no standard procedure.

[#9]

That is interesting re. Quinns. I presume you get no say as to which (sub?)contractor you get to do your install? There are two obvious possibilities as to where to put the OMT in my property and I am hoping to have a proper conversation with someone about the options...

[#10]

No - you get whoever Openreach have available in your area, and different engineers will have different ideas s to what hey are prepared/able to do.

As to where the ONT goes - that is up to you and the installer to work out between you on the day.

[#11]

I've found Acrobits Softphone good as a VoIP client.

As for the ONT placement, I had mine put where the meters are (I could have power there easily) and the router is elsewhere with a cable between the two locations.

The fibre installers typically drill from inside to out.

If you want a neat job and you can, it might be worth drilling the hole in the place you want it.

There is a small fibre joint box to accomodate outside near the hole.

[#12]

Thanks @markhawkin, that is exactly where I am at!

* I was thinking of drilling my own hole - the neighbour's looks to have been botched (a lot of spalling on the outside)

* I was originally going to ask to have the fibre come in close to the copper cable on the first floor, and put the ONT near the NTE5. But (a) I understand they will want to put the splice point at a 'non-ladder' height, and (b) I would probably have to use PoE to power the ONT in this position

* The alternative is at the ground level, coming in close to the electricity meter. I have cleared some wall space there and could drill a hole in advance. Do you know the diameter? I have 14mm in my head for some reason, but that seems very large. The advantage of this position is that there is a spare mains outlet nearby; the disadvantage is that I have to run a long-ish (10m?) Cat6 cable to my router. However I think that will not be too difficult.

* The Acrobits client was one I was going to look at, thanks.

    J^n

[#13]

I suspect the limitation will be the diameter of a long enough drill.

A 6mm hole looks like it might be OK, perhaps 8mm to be on the safe side. The outside cable clips say 6mm.

The fibre Openreach used in my case is "Dexgreen Inside/Out". https://dexgreen.com/blogs/dexgreen-news/inside-outside-cable. A different fibre with a supporting wire is used from the pole to the external splice box.

I was happy with the ONT by the meter but it depends on the practicality of cable runs in your house.

[#14]

Hi @markhawkin, thanks for your reply

Having done a bit more reading ... I now think/hope that the fibre is not put through the wall 'bare'. Instead, a sort of 'tube' known perhaps a CLI (Customer Lead In), in which the fibre sits, goes through the wall. I see one of these in page 3 of this

   https://www.ofsoptics.com/ip-ofs/EPT-COF-D888%20CSP%20Issue%202%2002%2006%2014.pdf 

This is mentioned as having a diameter of 12mm. I have a long 12mm SDS drill bit; I will have that ready for the day of installation.

[#15]

@jkn you are correct. A CLI tube is used. I have one that the engineer left behind!. If I can find it amongst the rest of the rubbish in my garage, I'll measure the diameter but from recollection 12 mm sounds about right.