Can Plusnet be connected to existing Talk Talk fibre installation?

[#1]

Hi there - I'm moving into a new flat soon, and was informed that the current tenant has a "Fibre 150 VoIP" plan with TalkTalk. I took that to mean (to the best of my knowledge - I am NOT tech-savvy, so please bear that in mind...:)) that the flat already has full fibre installed. However, when I went to purchase a PlusNet plan and entered my address, it said they'd have to make an appointment for an engineer to come drill holes in the wall etc etc in order to install full fibre...

Am I somehow entirely mistaken, and it's possible the existing tenant has a 'fibre to the cabinet' installation? As far as I can see, Talk Talk only offers their Fibre 150 plans with full fibre, direct to the premises.

And if I'm right, and there is full fibre already installed in the property - shouldn't the Plusnet technician just be able to connect my new router to the existing fibre? As far as I can tell, both Talk Talk and Plusnet use the same full fibre network, Openreach.

[#2]

150mbps is not FTTC so it is one of the various FTTP services.

Talk Talk use two infrastructure providers - their own and BT Openreach. Plusnet (and most ISPs) are not permitted access to Talk Talk’s infrastructure in the same way that BTOR are obliged to provide access to all.

Consequently if you want service from a supplier other than Talk Talk the connection would need to be on BT’s network, which if it’s not there, needs to be installed. You need to find out whose network is installed already. There have been even some cases where BT’s installation records are incorrect.

[#3]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Full Fibre to Everything Else

[#4]

@cemcgill 

This link https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome provides an overview of what services are available to the property.

The narrative at the bottom should indicate if a Openreach ONT is already installed

Take a screen shot of the page if you require any help

[#5]

If the OP's intended new home has FTTP from TT, I would have thought that they already have a 'BT' connection - unless I am totally mistaken (possible), TT use BT 'wires', even if they have their own equipment upstream?

Even if I am mistaken, and TT work like an altnet, surely all that is needed is the replacement of the cable and associated ONT, which can surely follow the existing route?

[#6]

Even if I am mistaken, and TT work like an altnet, surely all that is needed is the replacement of the cable and associated ONT, which can surely follow the existing route?

@jab1 as @Townman said  above TT can supply FTTP using an altnet ( CityFibre I believe )

If thats the current installation then I suspect any Openreach installer is not permitted to remove any part of the existing equipment and so a totally new installation and route must be established. 

[#7]

TT use City Fibre in some areas.

I’m sure that when one of the alt nets (Zzooom or Whoosh) was installing on my street they said it was TT’s own network.

[#8]

@MisterW Apologies - I read @Townman 's comment to imply they had their own full network - didn't realise they used CF. If that is the case, then I apologise for my error, and shall cease from further comment. 😀

[#9]

John,

On good days we learn something we did not know previously!

Though I could not find an explicit reference I think TT do have their own network, or at least a substantial investment in one. You are though correct where “wires” are concerned - copper borne FTTC is over BT Openreach infrastructure to the exchange.

[#10]

Just checked and Uswitch state ; 'As with many of the broadband providers in the UK, the majority of TalkTalk's packages rely on the Openreach network. But for its full fibre connections, it shares the full fibre networks of Openreach, CityFibre and Community Fibre' - so they do not have their 'own' network, apparently, but rely on those quoted. Obviously, if they use either of the last two, and the OP wants PN, then it will need to be a new install. More detail is needed.

[#11]

See https://www.talktalkgroup.com/newsroom/2020-TalkTalk-launches-new-company-FibreNation-

[#12]

And https://cityfibre.com/news/cityfibre-completes-its-acquisition-of-fibrenation-increasing-its-rollout...

So the connection with City Fbre has its origins in TT launching its own network … in your neck of the woods! That said I’m certain the local installer of one of the above brands claimed it was for TT.

[#13]

@Townman 

That's a very old story, think you'll find they are now part of City Fibre

https://cityfibre.com/news/cityfibre-completes-its-acquisition-of-fibrenation-increasing-its-rollout... 

[#14]

FibreNation acquired by City Fibre in March 2020 - see https://cityfibre.com/news/cityfibre-completes-its-acquisition-of-fibrenation-increasing-its-rollout...

[#15]

Hi, all - thanks so much for your responses! So if I'm understanding correctly, the property definitely has full fibre currently, but depending on what network TalkTalk is using in my area (if it's not the Openreach network shared by Plusnet), I'll require a new install...

I suppose it's hardly the end of the world if that is the case, but I'd rather not wait in for an engineer appointment and have extra holes drilled in my walls if it turns out it's not necessary.

I checked my address using https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome as @Dan_the_Van recommended, and these were the results - unfortunately, I'm rather at a loss as to what any of this means. 😅 You've all already been very helpful, but is there any chance someone could have a look at this and see whether it indicates if Openreach fibre is currently in place?

Thanks very much!