Rules of thumb:
1. if the OP is outside of FTTPoD coverage, then CFP is the only option. To find out, OP should put their phone number or exact address into
dslchecker) and look for "FTTP on demand: available"
2. for Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU) or Multi-Occupancy Units (MOU), then again CFP is the only option.
3. if the OP is only interested in service for themselves, or maybe joining with one other property, then FTTPoD will be the simplest option.
4. if the expected costs are high, and the only option is to share costs between users and/or pool gigabit vouchers, then CFP will be the best approach.
The FTTPoD process is as follows.
1. You pick an FTTPoD
provider and ask them for a free desktop quote. This will give you a near-random estimate of the cost, normally an over-estimate.
2. You place the order and pay £250+VAT. Openreach will perform a physical survey and tell you the final exact cost to be paid on top of this - this stage normally takes 2 or 3 months. Meanwhile, if you are eligible for a business gigabit voucher, you can apply for it.
3. You have 30 days either to accept the quote and pay the full amount (less gigabit voucher if approved), or to withdraw (and forfeit the original £250+VAT paid)
4. Openreach builds and delivers the service.
5. For the first year, you pay an elevated price (e.g. Cerberus: £100+VAT per month for 330/30)
6. After 12 months you can regrade to a regular FTTP service from any provider of your choice.
You cannot use residential gigabit vouchers for FTTPoD unless you are linking orders with a business, and linked FTTPoD orders make things complicated.
For CFP, the step-by-step process is described
here. It's more complex but there is some flexibility, e.g. if your community wants to do some self-dig of ducts, this can be incorporated.