Query about ONT Installation

[#1]

Although yet not imminent I am thinking ahead to the installation of FTTP at my home (due "from now to December 2026").

Presently, my Openworld NTE 5C master socket is situated in a small lobby behind my front door. There is a short distance of only a few feet to the BT access hatch for my property in the ground immediately outside, presumably via a wiring duct. Currently (beyond lighting) there is no electrical power outlet in the lobby.*

To me, the obviously easiest and simplest route in for the FTTP fibre to my home would be the same route as the existing landline; from the BT access hatch, through the existing landline wiring duct, to an ONT replacing the existing NTE 5C socket on the wall of the lobby. Perhaps the existing landline armoured cable could be used to pull the fibre through the landline  wiring duct and then discarded.

Does this sound the most plausible approach for Openreach to take?

The point being, if this is indeed so, it would make sense for me to look into getting a power point installed in the lobby before hand. I just don't want to waste my money if Openworld do not use this route, as I have no other need for electrical power in the lobby.

* For the curious, my router is currently not attached to the existing NTE 5C master socket in the lobby, it is instead attached to an LJ10 phone extension socket (which is itself a master socket 😄), connected from the NTE 5C.

[#2]

@pvmb 

You never actually know how an installation might be done until the day of install unless there's a survey done before to check possible problems.

One possible problem with what you describe is a Customer Splice Point box (CSP) is usually attached to an external wall. Where that would go is anybodies guess.

There is a bit of leeway in the location of the ONT so you should have a think about where you might want it to go. I wouldn't do anything about power at the monment unless you're having other work done.

Note that the router is connected via ethernet cable so can go anywhere you're happy to run cable.

Brian

[#3]

Thanks for you reply, bmc.

I just wonder, is there any reason the Customer Splice Point box can't be attached to an interior wall, next to the ONT?

This just leaves me confused: https://community.bt.com/t5/BT-Fibre-broadband/Opnreach-CSP-Why/td-p/2247426

[#4]

@pvmb 

I believe there have been a handful of occasions where a CSP is installed internally, often in a loft (with easy access) to facilitate a customers desired location. However, you wouldn't know until the day of install if OR are happy to do this for your property. I assume there's easy access behind the door.

I come back to my earlier question - is the lobby your desired location?

Brian

[#5]

...The lobby would seem to me to be the most direct and easiest for Openworld to install (but I don't know all the ins and outs of FTTP installation). It would also be the neatest from my pov - simply replacing the NTE 5C with the ONT etc. The problem, for me, is no existing power point. Of course, I could provide power on the day via a dis board - and arrange permanent wiring to be installed later.

If installed through a main wall, power (via a dis board) would be available already. But Openworld would have to install new ducting under paving stones and earth, plus the inconvenience of drilling through walls etc.

[#6]

@pvmb 

"Perhaps the existing landline armoured cable could be used to pull the fibre through the landline  wiring duct and then discarded."

Are you sure that the cable is both armoured and in a duct?

I thought that armoured cable was only used when the cable was buried directly in the ground, with no duct to protect it?

.

[#7]

It is armoured cable. I assume there is a duct, but perhaps there isn't. Anyway, it is no more than about a 6/7 feet run to the BT hole in the ground, as far as I can tell. Even if no duct I assume pulling the existing cable could be used to pull in the fibre.

[#8]

@pvmb 

Don't worry about what OR have to do for the installation - that's their problem. If you want the ONT elsewhere and are happy for them to do the work (lifting paving slabs etc) then ask for it.

Which room is your current router in? With FTTP you'll need to connect via an ethernet cable which might be difficult from the small lobby.

I very much doubt OR would pull a fibre cable through "open" earth - even with a cable already there. They may say no, can't do which would force the ONT elsewhere.

The sneaky way to do it is to wait for one of your neighbours to get FTTP installed then nab the engineer on the day for a "bit of advice"

Brian

[#9]

@pvmb 

Just another thought.

When the main network team are installing the backbone network they check access to properties as much as possible. With o/h connections this might be line of sight issues or pole problems. With u/g feeds it's whether or not the duct is blocked or exists.

When FTTP becomes available and shows up on the Checker there is a narrative shown which states if there's a possible install problem. https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

If a problem is shown then there's usually a survey done in advance - if so you might be able to catch them at it and have a chat about the install.

If the final few feet of your current connection is indeed buried without a duct then I reckon that qualifies as a problem.

Brian

[#10]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Full Fibre to Everything Else

[#11]

I subscribed to the Openworld Full Fibre information system, for my address.

"Once you've placed an order with your service provider of choice, we'll send an engineer to connect your Ultrafast Full Fibre – and it's a one-off installation. They may need to drill a small hole in your wall, or they may be able to use the same access point as your current line."

So it looks like I will just have to wait and see.

[#12]

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@bmc wrote:

I very much doubt OR would pull a fibre cable through "open" earth - even with a cable already there. They may say no, can't do which would force the ONT elsewhere.

---

I'm still fretting about FTTP installation!

Yes, I can now see an additional issue with using the existing pathway through the ground to the existing NTE hole in the wall.

Openreach policy with FTTP installs is to minimise disruption to the consumer, so that existing customer network comms. are not disrupted during installation. i.e. They expect to install FF in parallel with the existing landline based system. To do it the way I would like as explained above, even if physically possible, would mean the FF install would have to be done in series, after first removing the existing landline - against Openreach policy.

Now I wouldn't be bothered by a few hours disruption to Internet access myself but, unless I could arrange a 'custom install', this route starts to seem more unlikely.

[#13]

@pvmb What does the narrative at the foot of this: https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL say for your phone number say?

[#14]

"FTTP is not available.

The exchange is not in a current fibre priority programme

As a WLR withdrawal exchange, product restrictions apply

SOADSL is not restricted at the exchange

For all ADSL and WBC Fibre to the Cabinet (VDSL or G.fast) services, the stable line rate will be determined during the first 10 days of service usage.

For all SOADSL services,the stable line rate will be determined during the first 10 days of service usage.

Actual speeds experienced by end users and quoted by CPs will be lower due to a number of factors within and external to BT's network, Communication Providers' networks and within customer premises.

If you decide to place an order for a WBC fibre product, an appointment may be required for an engineer to visit the end user's premises to supply the service

In order to be eligible for handback, downstream speed should be less than Downstream Handback Threshold values.

ADSL, ADSL2+ and SOADSL availability: If shown at FTTP or SOGEA premises,ADSL, ADSL2+ and SOADSL are not available to order due to WLR Withdrawal stop sell rules. CPs should order FTTP or SOGEA. Copper products are only available by exception.

Thank you for your interest"

[#15]

OK - so, do you know when FTTP is likely to  be available? Until then, there is little point in fretting.