A question about FTTP installation

[#1]

@njay 

That would be the worst case scenario!

No electrical sockets in the garage, so the obvious (and neatest) solution would be to install through the dining room wall.

But how to route the cable under the driveway???

[#2]

@H3len1707 The fibre cable will go through the current conduit, the same way as your copper cable does, and if you get a reasonable engineer they will use your already available drilled holes internally to route the internal cable. To be honest, you will have to see what the installer says on the day. Most of them will do their best to complete the job. 

[#3]

@H3len1707 

In all the noise it appears that post #11 has been ignored, maybe because you do not like the answer to your question?

You do not need two fixed mains sockets, an adapter or extension lead will work fine.

[#4]

@Baldrick1 

Thanks Baldrick1.

It's not a case of my ignoring or disliking answers.This is all new to me and I'm just trying to make sense of it.

I've seen two references to a requirement for a double socket and was hoping that an extension lead would be ok. Thank you for confirming that.

I'm just being cautious because if I get it wrong I'm going to be offline for an unknown length of time... to be honest I wish BT wasn't switching off the copper network. I'm perfectly happy with the way things are and I'd rather not be going through this learning curve.

M

[#5]

@H3len1707 

By far the biggest risk there is to you finding yourself without a connection is if the duct is blocked and the installer tries to get the fibre through by attaching it to the copper and pulling it through with that. This is fine providing the two don't separate underground ore the copper gets damaged. I would be watching and considering refusing this to be tried if it is suggested by the installer.. Have you got a decent mobile connection that could be used in an emergency?

Regarding the switch off of the copper network. If you have an hour to spare this gives a really good explanation of the reasons, be there some techy input as well: https://youtu.be/KkL-9O-FAzo?is=X4Sn7C54a9lwsviR 

[#6]

@H3len1707 

Run your telephone number through this Checker and then look at the results. Below the window is a narrative about various things, including the FTTP install.

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

As to how the fibre is connected the two pictures I posted shows the answers. The Fibre cable is plugged into the CBT and then run through the duct. Once a location is settled for the CSP the cable is "spliced" to an internal cable which then connects to the ONT. The second picture shows a cable with a Green plug - this is the fibre connection.

As you have no power source in the garage and the copper cable follows a route the fibre almost certainly won't follow then you need to discuss with the engineer on the day possible routes. For example the external cable can be "tacked" to the external wall and run to a suitable location for the CSP and house entry.

A power adapter is suitable short term (perhaps even long term) but at the very least gives you time to think about about it.

The worst case is where the ONT can't go in the front room. Short term you'd need to move the router while you sort out internal cabling.

You just don't know until the day.

Brian

[#7]

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@H3len1707 wrote:

I'm just being cautious because if I get it wrong I'm going to be offline for an unknown length of time... 

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I don’t see how you getting it wrong will result in you being without a connection. As explained, the risk is if the installer makes a mess of it.

What you have to accept is that the installation is unlikely to replicate what you have now. The fibre will have to enter your property in a room that has power available, this is where the ONT will be installed. Getting to that room may require the fibre to be clipped to the outside of the property.

You then have two choices. Either install the router in this room using a short Ethernet cable or install a longer one between the ONT and where you wish to locate the router. DIY kits are available from the likes of EBay. Using standard CAT5e cable this can be any length up to 100m. This internal wiring is your responsibility.

[#8]

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@H3len1707 wrote:

I'm just being cautious because if I get it wrong I'm going to be offline for an unknown length of time... 

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This shouldn't happen. If the ONT is successfully commissioned your landline account will be terminated shortly afterwards - on the same day. BT/Openreach do not want to risk leaving customers incommunicado so they will ensure your router is connected and working via the ONT and you have an operating IP connection before they leave. However, after that, whatever your private domestic arrangements are wrt any existing home telephone service is not their concern.

[#9]

Thank you everyone, and apologies for my silence lately. I've been distracted by other problems..

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that there's no choice. Copper will be turned off soon and we all have to switch to FTTP.

Is there any alternative?

Obviously FTTP is very desirable but I don't relish the idea of our front garden being dug up and cables all over the house, inside and out.

Thanks in advance for any help.

M

[#10]

@H3len1707 Is true that the PSTN (phone over the copper wires) will be effectively turned off come the end of January 2027, but the copper network will be in place for a few years yet for internet connections.

Having said that, the intention is to get as many people on to Full Fibre as possible, as the copper infrastructure is old, creaking and was never designed for data transmission.

[#11]

Thanks John.

If copper is going to be available for some time yet, I'll look for an ISP who's offering FTTC, with the intention of avoiding all the physical disruption involved with FTTP.

I may move house or drop dead in the meantime!

M

[#12]

@H3len1707 Your choice, but I think you are making a mistake. Because Openreach are doubling the cost of the copper line, FTTC prices are going to be much higher than FTTP, where available, and reliability is nowhere as good, and it will get worse as the equipment ages. 

[#13]

My understanding is that openreach is doubling the WLR pricing by the end of the year (its gone up 20% already with further 40% increases july and end of year)

OR are offering discounts to isps who migrate their customers from WLR+FTTC to SOGEA

However if in a FTTP priority exchange area then ISPs can only offer FTTP. Even without that, many ISPs have dropped FTTC/SOGEA from their online offerings meaning phoning each ISP up may be the only way to see if they still offer it.

[#14]

@jab1 

I believe it's only the WLR charge that's going up. The line rental charge for SOGEA remains the same.

@H3len1707 

You must look at the Checker I linked to earlier. Below the results window will be a line - Fibre Priority Exchange (Y / N)

If this says yes then you will not be able to order SOGEA (FTTC) - it'll be Full Fibre or nothing. If it's no, then you should be able to order SOGEA from PN.

As the the FTTP install - there's little disruption and might take about 1 - 2 hours to do. The fibre cable will be run along the underground duct already in place with a box attached to the wall where it appears above ground (unless you want it elsewhere and the engineer agrees). Internally there's just one box which is about the size of the Master Socket. The router connects via ethernat cable (replacing the phone one).

Brian

[#15]

Thanks all,

OK I'm going to bite the bullet. FTTP it is.

I must admit I'm looking forward to the speed, though strictly speaking I don't really need it...

M