new build - odd sockets

My parents are moving in to a newly built block of flats. They are so new that paint is still wet in places.

What I don't quite understand is the socket arrangement and need some help please.

In each flat there's a stand-alone phone socket and, separately, a stand-alone RJ45 ethernet socket on the wall in the main living area. In the bedrooms there is only a phone socket.

Apparently this RJ45 socket is for Internet, but I don't understand how. The flats do not provide any sort of shared internet. You are expected to get your own phone line and internet sorted out.

It is definitely an RJ45 and not the smaller RJ whatever it is that you'd normally use to plug a router into a broadband filter or Socket 4/5.

For a while I entertained the idea that maybe there's FTTP, and there's a comms cupboard somewhere in the building and this socket is connected to something in that cupboard. But if there is then nobody there knows anything about it, and address checks on other flats within the building shows only FTTC available.

Having said that, the communal spaces in the building all have one or more RJ45 sockets too. These must all be connected into a patch panel somewhere, so there has to be a comms cupboard hidden somewhere. And I can't actually order broadband online for the flat in question, as it doesn't show up on BT's database (although three out of the 40 others do, and those were the ones I checked using the availability checker to see if FTTP might be available). The only way I've been able to may any progress is to actually call BT on the phone and explain it is a new-build.

Another thing that confuses me is the telephone socket itself. It isn't the usual BT master socket that I'm used to seeing. It looks like a totally standard type of almost flush-fit socket that you might buy for an extension. There is no hidden master socket - the flat is small and currently empty - there is nowhere to hide anything.

I would really appreciate some opinions on this. It is driving me potty. Obviously I'll find out one way or another when the engineer turns up to do the install - and the sales person I spoke to says they will need to send one - but I'd rather try to figure it out in advance if possible.

Is there a cupboard within the flat with a fuse box? If there is, is there a telephone socket there? I've seen developers putting the master socket in these cupboards, and then the RJ45 all feed into that and allow for good speeds throughout the premises.

I agree with Bryer. In the cupboard where the fuse board is would be the place to start.

I wonder if the developer has struck up with a supplier and the service is set up in the basement and shared out via ethernet from there to the flats ?

The ethernet cabling *could* be there to support an altnet provider like HyperOptic, who bring in a single fibre connection and distribute it using ethernet inside the building. HyperOptic do work mainly with MDUs (flats). It's worth checking availability on their website, but depending on the location there are other small providers it might be.

It *could* be to connect to fibre ONTs held in a central comms cupboard.

It *could* just be there for future proofing

Can the selling agency tell you? I would have thought it would be in the "Sale Particulars" if there is an installed supply that just needs signing up to.

In reply to a post by sfo32:

It is definitely an RJ45 and not the smaller RJ whatever it is that you'd normally use to plug a router into a broadband filter or Socket 4/5.

The OpenReach MK2/MK3/MK4 filtered faceplates actually have RJ45 ports.
It's just that ISP's tend to supply RJ11 to RJ11 patch cables and an RJ11 jack will fit into an RJ45 socket.

It's possible there's an ONT situated somewhere in the property for FTTP.
If that's the case then you can simply connect a router to the RJ45 wall socket.

It may be in the basement if it's Hyperoptic. They then feed Ethernet to your property.

In reply to a post by sfo32:

It isn't the usual BT master socket that I'm used to seeing. It looks like a totally standard type of almost flush-fit socket that you might buy for an extension. There is no hidden master socket

Could you upload a picture of the two sockets?

Thank you all for your input! I really appreciate it.

I think we may be getting close to an answer. I finally got through to someone at BT, who stated that there is FTTP at the premises.

I asked how confident they were, and they said 100%. They had no doubt, and that I could order the 330 option if I wanted to. And I would if it was for me, but not for my parents.

Anyway...it requires an engineer install, apparently, which is a good sign. Engineer turning up next week, so we'll see.

Just a quick explainer though -- this is a block of flats run by a charity. They are all rented. It is difficult to explain without going into details that I would rather avoid. There are building managers who are lovely but not at all technical.

I spoke too soon. My head is going to explode soon!

I noticed an oddity on the order that eventually arrived by email (it talked about taking over an existing broadband connection rather than a new supply thereof), and so I called BT up to ask about it. The person I spoke to said the order was a mess, did not have the correct full address, didn't have any billing info, and would have failed to progress.

She then cancelled that order and we tried again. Except now it is 100% absolutely not FTTP. Only FTTC is available according to this sales rep. So I asked her to check again, and explained the sockets and what the other rep had said. But she was certain -- no FTTP. She also pointed out that the previous sales rep had made a huge mess of the order, so I should not trust what she said. (wow -- claws out, eh?).

And worse still, rather than an engineer arriving next week, now I can't get one for three weeks.

The stupidity doesn't stop there. I received an email saying that the hub for the cancelled order had gone out, then literally 1 minute later another email saying I had to return it.

It is one big dog's breakfast. Serves me right for thinking BT was most likely to get it right, which is why I chose them to start with.

Anyway, I've looked again for a Master socket and there isn't one. Nothing near the fuse box or anywhere else. There are only four "rooms" (inc bathroom) and two cupboards. There's nowhere else for it to be hidden.

I will get to the bottom of this or die trying....

In reply to a post by sfo32:

Anyway, I've looked again for a Master socket and there isn't one. Nothing near the fuse box or anywhere else. There are only four "rooms" (inc bathroom) and two cupboards. There's nowhere else for it to be hidden.

In a block of flats, it's possible there is a central, shared utilities cupboard, locked and only accessible to the building manager. It could be in the basement, for example.

Once the engineer comes out they will likely make sense of it all - afterall they have too!

3 weeks is about average for an engineer unfortunately, if you pickup a BT WiFi With FON WiFi signal you may be able to log-in using your new BT credentials to tide you over. I've only used it during home moves hence I already had an account 100% setup.

EDIT: Can we get pics of the sockets please? You can upload them to https://imgur.com/ or similar and paste the links here.

Edited by ukhardy07 (Thu 14-Feb-19 21:59:36)

To get a 100% clear answer quickly why don�t you (or your old folks) get in touch with the building developer and ask them who installed the telephony/broadband cabling and what kind of technology was used? Or, politely ask one of the residents (if any have already moved) in what kind of connectivity exists. But really, the developer should be the first port of call.

I should also ask, have your folks not been given a tour of their new home yet by the developer? Once the keys have been handed over they should do that ASAP, even if they won�t be moving in anytime soon.

Edited by deleted (Thu 14-Feb-19 22:13:15)

If you private message the postcode may be able to look into it and see what is or is not available to order