Is self install likely to reduce the minimum contract length down to a rolling month?

It's child's play to fit the VDSL faceplate, and you could have an option of sending a VDSL router (and/or modem), or allowing the customer to provide.

What testing is needed? Is it the BT provisioning process?

Cheers,
AP

In reply to a post by AndyPandy:

Is self install likely to reduce the minimum contract length down to a rolling month?

No. BT Openreach's minimum term (who supply the last mile in all FTTC connections) is 12 months. Until they reduce their minimum term, you are unlikely to see any ISP offer a term shorter than that.

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

Can I recommend adding an option to post out a VDSL faceplate with a sheet of instructions.

Seconded - AND a plastic/disposable IDC tool.

However please ensure you can package them to fit through a standard letter box...

Is that likely to change with self install though? As there's no engineer visit, so less money to recoup.

IDC shouldn't be necessary with the V2 faceplate, it has a slot to allow you to fit it without disconnecting extension wiring.

Indeed. I recently swapped a Mk1 for a Mk2 faceplate on an existing FTTC service to see if it made a difference and in this instance it didn't. It took no time at all and the only tool required was a small screwdriver to undo the two screws holding the lower section on.

Engineer still needed to visit the cabinet. reflected in the wholesale pricing

~£50 for self-install FTTC
~£90 for engineer to visit

But give it another year or so and regulatory pressure may produce shorter contracts from Openreach.

The £90 has either being charged or absorbed by the retail providers largely, hence why some have 18 month contracts on FTTC, and sometimes 24.

Surely the same is true for new ADSL provisioning - engineer to the exchange, though not the cabinet.

Strange behaviour from Openreach as many will be wary of signing up for a 12 month contract.

Cheers,
AP

And many exchanges have a resident engineer to do the job. Which avoids a truck roll which costs.

In reply to a post by Geordish:

In reply to a post by AndyPandy:

Is self install likely to reduce the minimum contract length down to a rolling month?

No. BT Openreach's minimum term (who supply the last mile in all FTTC connections) is 12 months. Until they reduce their minimum term, you are unlikely to see any ISP offer a term shorter than that.

Ofcom are supposedbly going to enforce monthly wholesale contracts, but its not happening as of yet, I am guessing BT are fighting this one very agressively as they are addicted to long contracts. when it does get announced then expect a leniant grace period before they have to comply. (probably 18 to 24 months) and of course it wont affect any existing contracts.

Edited by Chrysalis (Wed 12-Feb-14 12:47:15)