New Build Home - FTTC/FTTP?

Hi all,

We’re just in the process of reserving a new build property. The developer has confirmed ‘full fibre’, but given other communications I’m not 100% they know what they mean...

I’ve used the Openreach checker with the address they’ve provided and can see FTTC of around 60 mbps, which would seem correct given the distance from the cab. The property also appears on an adjacent postcode with no details when selected. (see below)

Postcode 1 (given by developer) address, postcode, WN, A{11 digits}
Postcode 2 (next one over) address, postcode, {11 digits}, XX

The first postcode gives a normal check result, the second gives the following error:

Address elements that you entered did not match a specific address. Please amend your details and try again.

The house is a corner plot and most of the road that leads to it is FTTC, this was was built before the next one over which has FTTP, the plot we’re reserving is on the road at the bottom of the two.

Can anyone advise what this may mean? Thanks in advance!

If the postcode and address are correct for the property and its saying FTTC available then FTTC is what is available NOT FTTP

It may be the property is set to be in a different postcode (postcode 2) but changes have not trickled through systems yet, ie. assume FTTC for now

Keep the letters and documents from the developer and when it turns out to be FTTC only you will have a case against them. If they are promising Full Fibre then that is what they should ensure is available and if it is not could be forced to cover the costs of an install.

checkers don't help on newbuid

tell then you want to see where the ONT will be in the House (normally in a cupboard hidden away ) you also need to check who is providing the FTTP - is it openreach or has the developer done a deal with INFL or GTC or someoense - that means no openreach network on the site - if they are vague about any of the above id be nervous and ask for a conversation with the site technical director

Is it possible that you're getting a strange altnet service run by the builder - e.g. Persimmon's FibreNest?

Edited by jpm (Sat 09-May-20 12:46:08)

That is another possibility

Get your solicitor to raise specific supplementary pre-contract enquiries to answer all your questions.

These must, of course, be raised before exchange of contracts. All is not lost however if contracts have been exchanged, but you won't be able to assert later that these were terms of the contract.

I am sure you know the questions to be raised. Preparing drafts for your solicitor to submit will save fees, and speed up the process.

Don't be fobbed off, make sure the developer is aware that this could be a deal breaker.

Also consider whether you want to be locked in to an ISP selected by the developer, if this is the case.

Find out how & when you can migrate to an "ordinary" ISP.

Good luck.

NJSS

if this is not an openreach provided FTTP Development you will only be able to have what is available from the the Operator the developer has agreed with . this is a fundamental quesion you ned to ask who is providing the FTTP

Thanks all for the info and insight!

We are happy with the property and will be proceeding, the developer never committed to anything and we have a meeting set up with the site manager to discuss, amongst other things, the broadband installation.

It is confirmed as BT/Openreach supplying the network.

The only thing confusing me is the multiple entries on the checker, which as above, may just be migration that is yet to complete.

The house is just starting the internal fit, is it normal for the broadband to be installed and ready to order at this point?

As I say, we’re happy regardless as the speed is double what we get now on FTTC, and we’ve had countless issues due to the age of the network in our current house!

In reply to a post by adammjones:

The house is just starting the internal fit, is it normal for the broadband to be installed and ready to order at this point?

It is not normal for it to be installed at that point. The FTTP will be commissioned a matter of days before the property is complete as it requires electricity, painted wall to be mounted on, fibre splicing, etc.

In the case of the new builds here they were connected up a few days before the properties were occupied.

Until that's been commissioned the checker is unreliable, if it provides anything at all on the property itself. Don't go via plot numbers of whatever, the final address is what we're looking for.