In scope FTTP now reverted back to 'exploring solutions'

The openreach fibre checker has been returning 'exploring solutions' for years, with numerous holes in the FTTC coverage in the area but for some, in those unserved area several months ago it suddenly changed to :

'in scope for FTTP'

"Your area is currently in our plans to be upgraded with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), however we follow a different design and build process for FTTP so you won't see updates at each stage."

The area is a mix of underground (1970 onwards) and overhead infrastructure dating from the 1940's

A large number (as in maybe 100 or more over several months) excavations and permits for duct clearing were seen on roadworks.org

'light source' vans were all over the area for months and parked up working near BT poles chamber and duct routes. Large reels of what may have been fibre were seen near existing BT chambers, some possibly being pulled through ducts

Someone in plain white vans, maybe a contractor for openreach dug numerous neat holes from 30cm square to well over a metre square near a large number of existing openreach chambers either in the roadway or the pavement and then reinstated them (totally unsure exactly what they were doing, the work was always complete by the end of the working day)

Numerous new poles have been installed some with either a catenary or fibre between them, many with nothing, the latter being located overhead close to the existing route (presumably openreach don't want to dig and install a duct to replace a loose lay cable)

It's possible some new poles with fibre or a catenary are sited to bridge pinch points where road layouts have changed .

Now, after all that work and expense the fibre checker for all those areas not served by FTTC returns

'exploring solutions'

We're working with government and industry to explore ways to bring Superfast fibre to as many people as possible but don't have a plan for your area yet.

You might consider co-funding fibre access in your community. Knowing there's a healthy demand in your area can also really help.

Is this an indication of another 10 year wait for fibre coverage?

Or just the checker flipping between its many states i.e. do not take the Openreach checker as the gospel

Quite, the OR fibre site is a weird beast.

Updating the network to FTTP, is sometimes a long and painful experience. But one thing you haven't explained what cab you are on so that some in here can dig further.