Install to new home with no BT socket

We're moving to an (almost) new home and will want FTTP. Currently there is currently no BT socket as the builder didn't believe "people wanted landlines any more".

What is the quickest/cheapest/easiest way to get service? AIUI a new voice line is 15 working days to install but a new fiber install could take much longer.

I've heard that Openreach are stopping installing new copper lines so if we place an order for a voice line do they just install fiber which gets us the FTTP install quicker and cheaper? No, thought not...

For reference Openreach recently installed FTTP to the area, the fiber tails are hanging on the pole in the street and they recognise the address as being one they can install to.

Just go for FTTP.

Having just ordered and it is under 20 working days. Suffer with mobile for voice and limited data until then.

If you order a copper line you get a copper line.

If you order full fibre you get full fibre.

Nowhere has stopped selling copper services yet. They can still be ordered if available.

1 doesn't necessarily take longer than the other. Local workforce demands will dictate how long each will take to install.

If there's no master socket then both types of install may need a home engineer visit.

Some new builds have access to FTTP only and will never be able to order a copper line.

Some ISP's sell FTTP as data only.
Some ISP's also sell a voice service over FTTP.
Some ISP's sell data over FTTP and Voice over a copper pair.

What you order depends on what your want and which ISP you choose.
Options are extremely flexible.

Thanks, that is helpful. So on a new install ordering FTTP won't also get us a voice line unless the provider decides to offer a SIP-style product with it, that makes sense.

There isn't an existing BT duct into the property so I guess they're going to have to dig up the driveway to install one. Would that affect the choice of provider or install cost/options?

In reply to a post by cng1:

Thanks, that is helpful. So on a new install ordering FTTP won't also get us a voice line unless the provider decides to offer a SIP-style product with it, that makes sense.

With FTTP you can use VOIP which would give you a landline type phone number. If you port an existing landline number to VOIP you can then use it anywhere that you have a connection to the internet.

In reply to a post by cng1:

There isn't an existing BT duct into the property so I guess they're going to have to dig up the driveway to install one.

What was the developer thinking? Brain dead or just about the extra few pounds profit!

Did he bother with water and electricity connections?

If the FTTP infrastructure is on a pole then you'll get an overhead install

In reply to a post by MHC:

In reply to a post by cng1:

There isn't an existing BT duct into the property so I guess they're going to have to dig up the driveway to install one.

What was the developer thinking? Brain dead or just about the extra few pounds profit!

Did he bother with water and electricity connections?

+1

PSTN services are being turned off by Openreach in the not far distant future. December 2025. Copper phone lines won't work.

See what the providers offer when looking at their FTTP products. AIUI you can take phone services from anyone, but maybe some want to tie you in like they do with xDSL.

Edited by RobertoS (Sun 20-Dec-20 12:59:51)

Out of interest, RobertoS, do you know how broadband will be provided to houses that have no fibre connection in 2025?