How Full-fibre into new build block of flats? - Campbell Park, Milton Keynes

[#1]

Hi

I hope someone could help with a query.

My son is shortly to move into a new build block of flats (built 3-4 years ago). According to Plusnet (and other suppliers), there is full-fibre broadband available for his flat. General address is: Canal Street, Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, MK9 4BX.

Question: how does the full-fibre connection get into the block of flats (without external boxes being fixed to the outside wall and holes being drilled through the wall). There is some form of socket on the wall in the flat (see attached photo), but we can't tell what it's used for.

Unfortunately, the landlord isn’t able to explain how the flat is connected to various supplier’s broadband, other than people have broadband in the flats and you’re not allowed to drill holes or attach boxes to external walls.

Thanks

[#2]

Ask other tenants how they are connected, and to what? That socket is nothing to do with any form of telecoms.

[#3]

Thanks. I think that’s we’ll have to do. Cheers.

[#4]

@duncanda59 

Is it definitely Openreach fibre in Campbell Park, and not CityFibre?

Campbell Park is only a short distance from me, and for us, the only FTTP is currently from CityFibre.

Also, when I put "MK9 4BX" in to the BT Availability checker, it didn't give any results:

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

However, the CityFibre checker does:

https://cityfibre.com

Plusnet, (and also BT and EE), will only use the Openreach network.

.

[#5]

Hi. When I select his flat, the Cityfibre site states this, “THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST, WE HAVEN'T PLANNED YOUR AREA AT THE MOMENT.” Whereas the Openreach says “Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband” is available. Thanks looks like a really nice area.

[#6]

@duncanda59   is it Regents Court by any chance?

If so if there is not already an ONT there they may struggle as it appears Openreach has no network capacity for new ONT's at the address. 

[#7]

Yes, it’s Regents Court. Thanks

[#8]

@duncanda59  and to answer your original question. There will be a central distribution point and if each flat is not already prewired they would use service ducts and panels to get fibre into each flat, in the same way electric and water get there.

No need to run a new fibre to an outside wall.

[#9]

The flat was previously let and we’re hoping that the cabling is all there and that there’s a patch panel somewhere in the basement that the supplier hooks up. Thanks

[#10]

@duncanda59 

Use the Address version of the following. Enter the post code and select the address from the drop down list.

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

If you can post a screen image of the results after hiding your details it would be of assistance in providing advice. Of particular interest is the narrative below the results window.

Brian

[#11]

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@duncanda59 wrote:
... Whereas the Openreach says “Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband” is available.

@duncanda59 

Did the narrative under the results table not say whether an ONT is already installed in the flat?

IIRC, you're looking for a line which begins "ONT exists ... "

[#12]

@RobPN  Openreach does not go to that level of detail, it is the BTW checker that does.

[#13]

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@Mustrum 

Oops, yes - not paying attention, I posted too hastily thinking the OP had used the checker referred to in Message #4 above.  

[#14]

@duncanda59 

You say the property is 3 to 4 years old, it could be that full fibre as been laid to the flat as around 2020 all new build properties were mandated to have fibre rather than copper. I did a random check on a few flats with the post code you provided, using https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome  this is the result.

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Multi Dwelling Unit Residential UG Feed with no anticipated issues.

ONT exists with active service. A spare port may be available or a single port ONT may be swappable to a multiport ONT. Network is at capacity so a new ONT cannot be ordered.

In the flat have you seen a Openreach ONT see https://www.bt.com/help/broadband/whats-an-openreach-modem-ont for various models that could have been installed.

 It could be the previous owner removed the ONT when they moved out.

HTH

[#15]

@duncanda59 

Your photo is not very clear. Is one of them a shuttered Ethernet socket? If so it is quite likely that this is directly connected to an ONT located in a distribution cabinet in the building. If so, all that is required is a router plugging in here once you have an active ISP service.