FTTP Timescales

I live in one of the areas mentioned here https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2020/07/ofcom-... due to get FTTP over the next 3 years (Article is dated July 2020 so should now be within 2.5 years). Is there any way to check the likely timescale for my area?

Also is there a way to find out how the current telephone line comes into the house? I believe it is underground but don't see any evidence of BT manholes or ducts around my property. I am just trying to workout what may be required when FTTP becomes available.

Thanks,
Paul

Think this is the latest update from Openreach, look from page 9 onward for your location

Full Fibre build programme - Feb 2021

An interesting update list.

The exchange/village that I am connected to is Hawarden WNHAW not listed, but totally surrounded by areas supplied by exchanges that are. Connah's Quay, Buckley, Chester South. Plus also the next layer out, Hope, Mold, Flint etc.

Is there any hope (not a pun) for Hawarden?

Cheers!

In reply to a post by Ancient_Mariner:

Is there any hope (not a pun) for Hawarden?

I wish I knew the answer

In reply to a post by dect:

Think this is the latest update from Openreach, look from page 9 onward for your location

Full Fibre build programme - Feb 2021

Thanks for getting back to me. Looking at the table (my exchange is Fauldhouse) it show a Yes for "Exchanges Currently Building In". What does that actually mean for likely timescales for premises being able to order FTTP?

Thanks,
Paul

In reply to a post by ceepan:

Thanks for getting back to me. Looking at the table (my exchange is Fauldhouse) it show a Yes for "Exchanges Currently Building In". What does that actually mean for likely timescales for premises being able to order FTTP?

The fact that they have started the FTTP build in your location/exchange area is extremely positive, there are lots of exchanges/locations on that same list that haven't started or will not start for at least 3 months. For timescales on when you will be able to order, no one is going to make you any promises on that as every build is different.

Build can be anything up to a year. Depends on the location.


The fact your exchange is in build is very encouraging.

Thanks DECT. Sadly I've just discovered that there is another village called "Kingsley".
John

ceepan

Can't help on timescales but you can track rollout at https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/index.php?tab=...

You are likely to notice when rollout starts in your area as there will be lots of work down manholes or up poles.

You asked how your service is delivered, you would know if it was overhead as you would have a cable from a pole. If no Poles it is underground and you may be able to find where the cable exits the duct and comes up the wall before entering the house. (or even inside the house).

Also: if there is no duct, and the cable is buried Direct-In-Ground, then they may decide to deliver FTTP from a pole.

I'm pretty certain that there's no FTTP in Mold, (except On Demand), doesn't seem long since they were adding G-fast pods. Maybe that's part of the rationale. Is there G-fast in Hawarden?

Spoke to an OR guy fitting a fibre drop line down the road yesterday and he said you won't be able to order a copper pair service in Flintshire soon. Think he said April next year. They'll need to get a move on if that's the case.

In reply to a post by Rhubarb:

Spoke to an OR guy fitting a fibre drop line down the road yesterday and he said you won't be able to order a copper pair service in Flintshire soon. Think he said April next year. They'll need to get a move on if that's the case.

He's being a bit ambitious there. Not a hope in hells chance of that happening by April 2022.

They are initially targeting the PSTN switch off. That's only for calls over copper with a dial tone.
VOIP over copper and copper broadband services will continue for some time.

The process for stopping to sell all copper services is going to take longer.

That process can only start once an area is 75% covered with FTTP.
Once that target is hit they will start with a "no move back" from FTTP to copper.
Then they will announce a "stop sell" on copper services, but with at least 12 months notice.
This will only affect those that actually have FTTP. Anyone who still has copper only will continue to be able to order FTTC/SOGEA/VOIP over a copper pair.
Even when the 75% target is hit there will be many properties that will be left behind.

They have announced a couple hundred exchanges where this will happen 1st. They are in the 3 articles below.

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2020/05/openre...

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2020/10/openre...

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2021/01/openre...

Even for the exchanges listed above the copper "stop sell" will be some time away.
For exchanges not on that list it will be likely be years away.

Edited by j0hn83 (Mon 15-Feb-21 18:29:58)

In reply to a post by j0hn83:

He's being a bit ambitious there...

No doubt. I understood him to say that it'd not be possible to order a new service by then and thinking back I think he probably said April 23 and not next year. I was just asking him about other stuff and it was mentioned in the conversation.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I live in one of the areas mentioned here https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2020/07/ofcom-... due to get FTTP over the next 3 years (Article is dated July 2020 so should now be within 2.5 years). Is there any way to check the likely timescale for my area?
Thanks,
Paul

As your link above mentions 'Rural' do check this list about gigabitvouchers. At the beginning of this year I'd also looked at OR to see if and when we might, if ever, get FTTP. Not even a glimmer. And Fibre On demand? Well, some might have big pockets. I don't.

Imagine my surprise when 3 weeks ago a leaflet popped through the door saying FTTP was being installed in the 7 villages around here by a relatively local company. Last week, I saw manholes being lifted with rods being pushed down (yes, in the snow). And today I've come home to find new cables dangling and new terminal boxes have appeared on various poles in a couple of the streets in the village.

So yes, you might find OR doesn't have plans but others might have. As to pricing. they do 120Mb/s (up and down) Unlimited at £29. 500Mb/s (which is what I've gone for) for £39. Its only £4 more than what I currently pay for a FTTC wire. Again same speed up and down, unlimited. 1Gb comes in at £60, which I really could not justify buying even if the thought is something I would love to have.

My brother in Liverpool was supposed to be done before March 2020. They actually put the fibre in before Christmas, and it was not till late January that it actually became available to order. Not that he can actually order it at the moment. So take that build program with a spade full of salt if you ask me.

Where I live in NW London, fibre rollout can be very fast indeed if the OR duct network is used.


Until blocked ducts have to be cleared.

In reply to a post by kitcat:

ceepan

Can't help on timescales but you can track rollout at https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/index.php?tab=...

You are likely to notice when rollout starts in your area as there will be lots of work down manholes or up poles.

You asked how your service is delivered, you would know if it was overhead as you would have a cable from a pole. If no Poles it is underground and you may be able to find where the cable exits the duct and comes up the wall before entering the house. (or even inside the house).

I just checked https://www.roadworksscotland.org/ and can see a few locations around the village with Openreach as the promoter with description like "BLOCKAGE CLEARANCE IN AN EXISTING BT DUCT LINE".

I don't see anywhere on the exterior of the house where the current cable enters the house. The master socket is located in the cupboard under the stairs in the middle of the house. It comes up from under the floor. There are poles close to us but none in our street.

I included Mold since Mold does appear on Openreach lists and also shown on Thinkbroadband mapping.

The whole situation can be a bit confusing to say the least. I live in Hawarden at CH5 3HS 2237 metres from the Hawarden Exchange and my FTTC is from CAB 2 on Park Avenue off Gladstone Way. There is another cabinet, CAB 15 located at the junction of Fieldside and Braeside Avenue. Where we live is about equidistant from both CABS. However CAB 15 also offers G.Fast to nearby property, whereas CAB 2 does not offer G.Fast to Park Avenue properties.

Looking at https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/index.php?tab=...

Playing with the tick box options, especially Openreach VDSL2/FTTP Postcodes, Openreach native FTTP & Openreach G>Fast Live Postcodes can be interesting. Ticking Speed Test Results will put some figures on the map. Clicking on those brings up the supplier and test results. You can see mine (28.1 Mbps within the 24 Mbps blue bubble. When I first had FTTC I was getting 37 Mbps but over the last few years cross-talk etc has taken m to the mid 20s. Being on rather old aluminium cable does not help. During dial-up days, I was lucky to get 9.6 kbps!

Driving around the area I keep an eye out for the small yellow labels affixed to poles carrying fibre!

Cheers!

Recently, Openreach have been installing FTTP in the Aston area (west of the A494) such as Aston Park Road.

ceepan

So definitely underground then, there should be a duct entrance in the cupboard that may have all the services coming through or just the BT one. If you are really lucky there will be a draw string in the entrance. You may need to lift a floorboard to find it !

You are likely to be ducted as just buried cable usually enters from outside a wall.

There should be a pavement cable chamber somewhere in the street where this is fed from.

As I understand it, ducts *shouldn't* come up inside a house - they make a great entry for rats and rainwater.

My duct ends next to the wall, and the cables (copper and fibre) exit from there. There's a rubbery bung-type thing to plug the hole around the cables.

In reply to a post by kitcat:

ceepan

So definitely underground then, there should be a duct entrance in the cupboard that may have all the services coming through or just the BT one. If you are really lucky there will be a draw string in the entrance. You may need to lift a floorboard to find it !

You are likely to be ducted as just buried cable usually enters from outside a wall.

There should be a pavement cable chamber somewhere in the street where this is fed from.

There are a couple of square metal chamber covers in the street but they aren't identified as BT. There are also square chamber covers on each driveway, but as all of the driveways are monoblocked, the chambers are hidden from view. I assume that some of these may be the access to the cabling.

Thanks,
Paul

In reply to a post by candlerb:

As I understand it, ducts *shouldn't* come up inside a house - they make a great entry for rats and rainwater.

I agree the most common place for an Openreach duct to come up is on an outside wall but I don't think its right to say it *shouldn't* come up inside a property. Openreach have released developer guides on what is required (including how to correctly seal it) if it does so there will be properties where this occurs.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

There are a couple of square metal chamber covers in the street but they aren't identified as BT. There are also square chamber covers on each driveway, but as all of the driveways are monoblocked, the chambers are hidden from view. I assume that some of these may be the access to the cabling.

What size are these? They smell like drains to me.

In reply to a post by Woolwich:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

There are a couple of square metal chamber covers in the street but they aren't identified as BT. There are also square chamber covers on each driveway, but as all of the driveways are monoblocked, the chambers are hidden from view. I assume that some of these may be the access to the cabling.

What size are these? They smell like drains to me.

They are approximately 50cm x 50cm. I always assumed they were for access to drainage but as they are mostly hidden by the monoblock I don't know.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

In reply to a post by Woolwich:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

There are a couple of square metal chamber covers in the street but they aren't identified as BT. There are also square chamber covers on each driveway, but as all of the driveways are monoblocked, the chambers are hidden from view. I assume that some of these may be the access to the cabling.

What size are these? They smell like drains to me.

I have noticed that there is a Openreach chamber cover at the end of the street. i have never actually noticed it before.

They are approximately 50cm x 50cm. I always assumed they were for access to drainage but as they are mostly hidden by the monoblock I don't know.

In reply to a post by kitcat:

ceepan

Can't help on timescales but you can track rollout at https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/index.php?tab=...

You are likely to notice when rollout starts in your area as there will be lots of work down manholes or up poles.

You asked how your service is delivered, you would know if it was overhead as you would have a cable from a pole. If no Poles it is underground and you may be able to find where the cable exits the duct and comes up the wall before entering the house. (or even inside the house).

Openreach have definitely been doing work around the village. Looking at https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/index.php?tab=... there appears to be no Openreach native FTTP showing for Fauldhouse (last update was the 18/04/2021). Does that suggest that they are still at the early stages of rolling out the infrastructure?

Thanks,
Paul

The same for where I live but the survey and install is primarily (I'm told) being completed by a contractor - maybe that's why it's not showing on the map?

We've had vans and roadworks all over for the last 2-3 weeks

In reply to a post by lostinthewoods:

The same for where I live but the survey and install is primarily (I'm told) being completed by a contractor - maybe that's why it's not showing on the map?

We've had vans and roadworks all over for the last 2-3 weeks

It is all Openreach branded vans round here. I wouldn't think the use of contractors should affect the map being updated. They will need to report progress to Openreach, which will result in an update to their DB, which I assume feeds that map.

There are currently 3 large Openreach vans at the end of the street. I hope that is good news.

Yeah, it shouldn't do. BNE are doing most of the deployment around here.

The Openreach vans were back at the end of the street on Monday and have been at other locations around the village the last few weeks. I have tried looking at https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/... for a few addresses round the village and all show that FTTP is NOT currently available. Is that normal? Are there any better sources of data to see how the rollout is going? https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/index.php?tab=... doesn't have anything for Fauldhouse. Does that show where FTTP is available to order, or where FTTP has been installed?

Thanks,
Paul

In reply to a post by ceepan:

The Openreach vans were back at the end of the street on Monday and have been at other locations around the village the last few weeks. I have tried looking at https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/... for a few addresses round the village and all show that FTTP is NOT currently available. Is that normal?

Yes that's normal: it's ready when it's ready. There's auditing to be done, and there's additional work at the exchange, which can take weeks or months. There may be problems with the upstream fibre path that may take time to resolve. Sometimes, fibre rollouts are abandoned without going live at all, due to unforeseen problems.

In reply to a post by candlerb:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

The Openreach vans were back at the end of the street on Monday and have been at other locations around the village the last few weeks. I have tried looking at https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/... for a few addresses round the village and all show that FTTP is NOT currently available. Is that normal?

Yes that's normal: it's ready when it's ready. There's auditing to be done, and there's additional work at the exchange, which can take weeks or months. There may be problems with the upstream fibre path that may take time to resolve. Sometimes, fibre rollouts are abandoned without going live at all, due to unforeseen problems.

Thanks for the information. I realise that there is no exact timescales on this, but was just wondering if there was a general rule on it. I had a a look at http://streetworks.org.uk/live-traffic-works-map/ and there are further works shown there in the next month (using the 3 months view it show works on or about the 19th May). There is nothing further out than that. I wasn't sure if that meant that they hadn't worked out all work required or if they only have to give a certain amount of notice that they intend to carry out work.

Cheers,
Paul

speak to openreach CEO. I live not that far from you and reached out to openreach CEO email who put me in touch with the project manager for this are and discovered my area in west lothian is due to be rolled out to by late 2021/early 2022.

Edited by deleted (Sat 01-May-21 17:11:07)

Yeah, that's what I did. They've been brilliant and keeping me up to date with the rollout here.

In reply to a post by wifigeek:

speak to openreach CEO. I live not that far from you and reached out to openreach CEO email who put me in touch with the project manager for this are and discovered my area in west lothian is due to be rolled out to by late 2021/early 2022.

Where did you get the contact details? Are they available on the Openreach website?

Cheers,
Paul

In reply to a post by ceepan:

In reply to a post by wifigeek:

speak to openreach CEO. I live not that far from you and reached out to openreach CEO email who put me in touch with the project manager for this are and discovered my area in west lothian is due to be rolled out to by late 2021/early 2022.

Where did you get the contact details? Are they available on the Openreach website?

Cheers,
Paul

Lots of threads on this Forum where the details are given or you can look it up using this website.

In reply to a post by GonePostal:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

In reply to a post by wifigeek:

speak to openreach CEO. I live not that far from you and reached out to openreach CEO email who put me in touch with the project manager for this are and discovered my area in west lothian is due to be rolled out to by late 2021/early 2022.

Where did you get the contact details? Are they available on the Openreach website?

Cheers,
Paul

Lots of threads on this Forum where the details are given or you can look it up using this website.

Thanks for that. I'll send an email to see if he can provided some further details.

Cheers,
Paul

I have been in contact with Openreach for the last few months. The build should have been completed by the end of September 2021, but for an unexplained reason a contractor failed to do this until a couple of weeks ago. They then completed the build on Friday. Openreach have said that it has been passed to the commissioning team and that I should be able to place an order by the end of this week.

What is involved in the commissioning? Should I expect to see much activity and engineers on site, or as it is build complete is the commissioning remote testing?

Thanks,
Paul

You're unlikely to see anything. This will be connecting up the fibre at the head-end exchange, adding the new OLT port into their provisioning systems, and updating the availability database.

Thanks for the information. That was the answer I was hoping for as I haven't seen any activity.

Paul

Any idea at what stage the information for below are gathered (for the DSL Checker) and if any light tests are done on the CBT's before the infrastructure goes live?

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-

I presume that their local copy of this data is captured early on (during planning phase) and then updated based on the as-builts they get back during construction. But you won't see this until they update the availability checker database.

Should be taking light loss readings at the CBTs

Random sample, one per CBT? They don’t loss test every port do they?

Port 1 I think

Thanks. Thought it was something like that.

In reply to a post by witchunt:

Should be taking light loss readings at the CBTs

Looks like that answers the second part of my question in bold too.

In reply to a post by dect:

Any idea at what stage the information for below are gathered (for the DSL Checker) and if any light tests are done on the CBT's before the infrastructure goes live?

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-

How often is the info on https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/... updated? Is it run a s a batch overnight? Just wondering the best time of the day to check to see when I will be able to order.

Paul

In reply to a post by ceepan:

How often is the info on https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/... updated? Is it run a s a batch overnight? Just wondering the best time of the day to check to see when I will be able to order.

No idea to be honest but I personally would do it once a day if you know its imminent as otherwise you will become paranoid and maybe addictive to pushing the button

There's no hard and fast guarantee that you will be able to order immediately from your ISP of choice (or any). Depending on where you are there may still be work for an ISP to establish or upgrade their backhaul at the headend exchange.

There may be a further delay due to this or indeed if their backhaul is all good it may take a little while for the ISP own ordering system to catch up.

So don't be surprised if you cant order immediately (or even for a few days, weeks or longer).

This appears to be the last street in the village to have FTTP completed. I will be going with Sky who are already up and running in the village. A friend who also stays in the village saw it available on Sky systems at exactly the same time as the Openreach checker so I am hoping I will have a similar experience. Openreach checker is still showing FTTP on Demand with speeds of 330/50.

Paul

In reply to a post by ceepan:

Openreach checker is still showing FTTP on Demand with speeds of 330/50.

A fair few people on here have said the DSL checker changes to FTTP on Demand speed 1000/220 before ultimately going to FTTP

That is what happened for my friends house, but he wasn't checking daily to see how long it had the 1000/220 speed for FTTP on Demand.

Edited by ceepan (Wed 09-Feb-22 11:44:31)

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

Openreach checker is still showing FTTP on Demand with speeds of 330/50.

A fair few people on here have said the DSL checker changes to FTTP on Demand speed 1000/220 before ultimately going to FTTP

The FTTP on Demand speeds are showing as 1000/220 this morning. Hopefully it won't be too much longer.

Still just FTTP on Demand this morning. The gut I have been dealing with at Openreach phoned yesterday to say that he was hoping it would be available to order this morning, but looks like a bit more of a wait .

In reply to a post by ceepan:

Still just FTTP on Demand this morning. The gut I have been dealing with at Openreach phoned yesterday to say that he was hoping it would be available to order this morning, but looks like a bit more of a wait .

May be a few more sleeps before it happens

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

Still just FTTP on Demand this morning. The gut I have been dealing with at Openreach phoned yesterday to say that he was hoping it would be available to order this morning, but looks like a bit more of a wait .

May be a few more sleeps before it happens

The guy from Openreach seemed to think this should be pretty quick. Really it should have been last September but the contractor seems to have failed to put up a pole. When the guy I have been contacted the PM about the complaint all the work was done over a 2 week period and the PM reported that commissioning should be quick as it started first thing on Monday morning.

He is now on annual leave but suggested I keep an eye on https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/... throughout the day as updates can take place at any time, and as soon as commissioning completes.

Paul

In reply to a post by ceepan:

updates can take place at any time, and as soon as commissioning completes.

Thats good to know

Openreach have completed commissioning and https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL showed as WBC FTTP this morning. I have placed an order with Sky with an install on 03rd March. It is showing as a 1 stage install. I hope that means that when the engineer arrives it should be simple to pull the fibre through using the current copper line as I previously said that just appears from the floor in the cupboard under the stairs. There is no entry through an external wall currently.

Paul

Great news that FTTP is now available to order.

If thats where the line comes in make sure the cupboard under the stairs is clear of stuff on the day so the engineer can work unhindered.

Edited by deleted (Wed 16-Feb-22 12:12:46)

The BT list is not complete. They have just rolled out fibre for a large area of the Rushden exchange during the last month or so but it doesn't appear on the list.

In reply to a post by dect:

Great news that FTTP is now available to order.

If thats where the line comes in make sure the cupboard under the stairs is clear of stuff on the day so the engineer can work unhindered.

After the length of time I have been waiting for this it will be spotless so there are no issues around that

I just rechecked the Openreach checker and noticed that it states:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage No Dig.

I assume that confirms that the engineer just needs to pull the fibre through the route of the existing copper cable?

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I just rechecked the Openreach checker and noticed that it states:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage No Dig.

I assume that confirms that the engineer just needs to pull the fibre through the route of the existing copper cable?

I interpret "pre-built to curtilage" to mean there's a small access box ("Toby box") right on the boundary of your property.

If that's the route the copper takes to you, then yes it will be the same. However in some areas where the copper was direct buried, they have installed new micro-trenching just for FTTP.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I just rechecked the Openreach checker and noticed that it states:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage No Dig.

I assume that confirms that the engineer just needs to pull the fibre through the route of the existing copper cable?

Doesn't sound like its ducted all the way to the property, do you have an existing or new Toby box (for Openreach) on the pavement outside your property?

Edit: just remembered this is a 1 Stage install which implies its all done on the one visit which is confusing me somewhat but others may have had experience of what happens in this instance.

Edited by deleted (Thu 17-Feb-22 09:19:10)

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I just rechecked the Openreach checker and noticed that it states:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage No Dig.

I assume that confirms that the engineer just needs to pull the fibre through the route of the existing copper cable?

Doesn't sound like its ducted all the way to the property, do you have an existing or new Toby box (for Openreach) on the pavement outside your property?

Edit: just remembered this is a 1 Stage install which implies its all done on the one visit which is confusing me somewhat but others may have had experience of what happens in this instance.

There is nothing on the outside of the property. The cable that goes to the master socket just appears through a hole drilled in the floor.

Well, Openreach still seem to think it's a 1-stage install, so let them sort it on the day. The connection descriptions aren't always 100% accurate.

If there's a problem using the existing route then they'll come up with a solution to route the fibre to you, and agree the details with you.

In reply to a post by candlerb:

Well, Openreach still seem to think it's a 1-stage install, so let them sort it on the day. The connection descriptions aren't always 100% accurate.

If there's a problem using the existing route then they'll come up with a solution to route the fibre to you, and agree the details with you.

I'll see what happens when they come out but hopefully it is a straightforward installation.

Edited by ceepan (Thu 17-Feb-22 10:17:51)

As expected the installation didn't go smoothly. The engineer arrived and said that the cable wasn't ducted. He got a track and locate engineer out who used his detection tool to identify where the cable was in relation to the house/street. He then attempted to lift some of the monoblock but said that it would require a specialist dig team.

I have been advised that will likely be 10 working days away, and once they have been out I will be able to place another appointment.

The engineers said that the other 7 houses in the street will have the same issue but will likely need to place an order to allow the issue to be identified for them. I hope that this is incorrect and that the information for those properties can be updated to allow my neighbours to avoid a similar frustration.

Paul

Really sorry to hear that it didn't go as was hoped

The install type current setup as '1 Stage' is clearly wrong with the additional information from today's visit but I guess no one is going to correct it for your neighbour's unless they email in to complain but I suspect no one will.

In reply to a post by dect:

Really sorry to hear that it didn't go as was hoped

The install type current setup as '1 Stage' is clearly wrong with the additional information from today's visit but I guess no one is going to correct it for your neighbour's unless they email in to complain but I suspect no one will.

I have spoken to Sky, who will be providing the service. They have said that they have been told that the system they can see states the 10 working days figure. I have just checked https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/... and it doesn't seem to have been updated in that it still states 1 Stage install. Should I expect that to update. Will Openreach be in touch before they come out to do any digging or will they just show up?

Thanks,
Paul

Personally I don't think your recorded FTTP install type will change from '1 Stage' on the DSL Checker, Openreach have got your FTTP install request and will add an extra task for the dig team to come out, don't expect anyone to tell you exactly when so make sure the front garden is clear for them to work if you're not normally at home during the day.

In reply to a post by dect:

Personally I don't think your recorded FTTP install type will change from '1 Stage' on the DSL Checker, Openreach have got your FTTP install request and will add an extra task for the dig team to come out, don't expect anyone to tell you exactly when so make sure the front garden is clear for them to work if you're not normally at home during the day.

Thanks for the information. The driveway will be clear for them, but I am WFH so I should be around when they appear.

The update that I got from Sky on the 9thwas that Openreach said all would be complete by the end of 14/03 (yesterday). Not a soul from Openreach has appeared. Sky are now attempting to contact Openreach for an update. This is extremely frustrating.

Silver lining: some compo

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

Silver lining: some compo

Is this a missed appointment? I was just told that the Openreach system said that the work would be completed by the end of the 14th March.

I have just had a phone call from Openreach to say that they will be out on Thursday to do the work. The person who called had no idea about the 14th March date.

Edited by ceepan (Tue 15-Mar-22 13:20:17)

The key date is that which you had booked in for the install with Sky.

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

The key date is that which you had booked in for the install with Sky.

So the install was supposed to take place on the 3rd March. The Openreach engineer did show up but then said install couldn't take place as he couldn't get the fibre into the premises. He then got the track and locate engineer to find where the copper cable was, sprayed some stuff on the road and drive and then said a dig time was required. They said within 10 days. Sky the told me that they had been advised that the work would be completed by end of 14/03. No show to that then Openreach phoned today to advise that the work would be done on 17/03.

12 days and counting at £5.08 per day…

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

12 days and counting at £5.08 per day…

That is at least something. Will this just be credited to my bill once the install actually takes place, no later than 30 calendar days?

Should be by rights. Worth reminding Sky that the clock is ticking…

Sky have actually been very good. The issue here is Openreach, as it was getting the build completed to actually allow me to place an order at all.

Once your FTTP is up and working these delays will be a distant memory

In reply to a post by dect:

Once your FTTP is up and working these delays will be a distant memory

I hope so! I am just dreading that once the digging work is completed, being told that I need to wait another few weeks for an appointment to get the ONT installed.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I am just dreading that once the digging work is completed, being told that I need to wait another few weeks for an appointment to get the ONT installed.

Sadly you're likely to get whatever the next appointment date is so try to be positive that the dig is completed rather than the additional time for ONT to be installed. If you're still unhappy try to politely put a bit of pressure on Sky when you get to that point and remind them about the compensation raking up.

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I am just dreading that once the digging work is completed, being told that I need to wait another few weeks for an appointment to get the ONT installed.

Sadly you're likely to get whatever the next appointment date is so try to be positive that the dig is completed rather than the additional time for ONT to be installed. If you're still unhappy try to politely put a bit of pressure on Sky when you get to that point and remind them about the compensation raking up.

I'm trying to stay positive. It just seems a poor system that I can't have an appointment for the ONT booked knowing that they are doing the dig tomorrow. If there are issues then the appointment can be cancelled.

You could find that Openreach compensation isn’t due…, when your area was surveyed for FTTP , your address should have been visually checked , if a potential issue was spotted , then the address is marked up as possible issues for ‘service delivery on the day ‘ and any date given is provisional…., if the survey got it wrong and marked the address as no issues but there is one , then OR are on the hook for compensation…as Sky are your provider , OR compensation is between OR and Sky…what ( if anything) you are entitled to is between Sky and you.

Edited by Iniltous (Wed 16-Mar-22 10:35:34)

In reply to a post by Iniltous:

You could find that Openreach compensation isn’t due…, when your area was surveyed for FTTP , your address should have been visually checked , if a potential issue was spotted , then the address is marked up as possible issues for ‘service delivery on the day ‘ and any date given is provisional…., if the survey got it wrong and marked the address as no issues but there is one , then OR are on the hook for compensation…as Sky are your provider , OR compensation is between OR and Sky…what ( if anything) you are entitled to is between Sky and you.

Clearly an OR mistake as should never have been '1 Stage' install for a property which needs a dig from boundary to property to get the fibre cable in.

In reply to a post by Iniltous:

You could find that Openreach compensation isn’t due…, when your area was surveyed for FTTP , your address should have been visually checked , if a potential issue was spotted , then the address is marked up as possible issues for ‘service delivery on the day ‘ and any date given is provisional…., if the survey got it wrong and marked the address as no issues but there is one , then OR are on the hook for compensation…as Sky are your provider , OR compensation is between OR and Sky…what ( if anything) you are entitled to is between Sky and you.

Openreach don’t come into it.

The Ofcom automatic compensation scheme applies between the ISP and customer. Of course the ISP must have signed up to the scheme. Sky have. My understanding is that Sky agreed an install date with the OP and it was not delivered on that date. Quite simply Sky are on the hook for that.

Matters beyond that (database errors, incorrect teams available on the day etc etc) are matters between Sky and Openreach to resolve amongst themselves and have nothing to do with the OP - certainly from a monetary/compensation perspective.

The Openreach dig team have arrived so at least that is some progress!

In reply to a post by ceepan:

The Openreach dig team have arrived so at least that is some progress!

Well that didn't take long. The appropriate work permit wasn't raised with the council so they aren't able to dig up the street until that has been sorted out. To say I am not impressed would be an understatement.

So the dig has got to go beyond your boundary?

In reply to a post by dect:

So the dig has got to go beyond your boundary?

It does, but they knew that given that they sprayed paint on my drive and the road a couple of weeks ago when they identified where the copper cable was.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

It does, but they knew that given that they sprayed paint on my drive and the road a couple of weeks ago when they identified where the copper cable was.

Keep an eye on the roadworks website for your address as its likely to indicate when they are planning to come back.

Nothing on it yet. I don't know how often updates go into it or how long it will take for Openreach to get permission from the council. I still can't believe that this wasn't done before they arrived today. Surely somebody should have ensured that the work detailed had all relevant permission.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

Nothing on it yet. I don't know how often updates go into it or how long it will take for Openreach to get permission from the council. I still can't believe that this wasn't done before they arrived today. Surely somebody should have ensured that the work detailed had all relevant permission.

It will appear their soon after the permit request has been submitted and will initially say 'Permit status: Application' once it has been approved it will change to 'Permit status: Granted'

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I just rechecked the Openreach checker and noticed that it states:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage No Dig.

I assume that confirms that the engineer just needs to pull the fibre through the route of the existing copper cable?

Why , if the FTTP build was upto the curtilage of you property , is any further excavation in the public highway necessary ?, presumably once the network is at the boundary, all that remains is to provide the means to get the fibre cable from the curtilage to the house wall, and any excavation in your property doesn’t need council notice

I think the accuracy/veracity of the database record for the property here is somewhat dubious...

In reply to a post by Iniltous:

Why , if the FTTP build was upto the curtilage of you property , is any further excavation in the public highway necessary ?, presumably once the network is at the boundary, all that remains is to provide the means to get the fibre cable from the curtilage to the house wall, and any excavation in your property doesn’t need council notice

Doesn't sound like there is a toby box on boundary so suspect its DIG all the way from footway box.

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by Iniltous:

Why , if the FTTP build was upto the curtilage of you property , is any further excavation in the public highway necessary ?, presumably once the network is at the boundary, all that remains is to provide the means to get the fibre cable from the curtilage to the house wall, and any excavation in your property doesn’t need council notice

Doesn't sound like there is a toby box on boundary so suspect its DIG all the way from footway box.

There is no Toby box on the boundary. The nearest Openreach chamber is in a neighbours garden a few doors down from us.

I haven't had an official updated from Sky yet but I have just checked https://www.roadworksscotland.org/ and can see that the work is scheduled between 22/03 and 23/03. Hopefully there are no more mistakes and they actually get it done this time.

Edited by ceepan (Fri 18-Mar-22 09:02:41)

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I just rechecked the Openreach checker and noticed that it states:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage No Dig.

I assume that confirms that the engineer just needs to pull the fibre through the route of the existing copper cable?

Interesting this post does not appear anywhere in flat mode for me and as I always view in flat mode only came to light when Iniltous reposted it as a quote.

Sounds like whoever it was in Openreach that updated the DB record for your property, royally stuffed it up.

At least they’re on the case now. Hope you get sorted in a timely manner.

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I just rechecked the Openreach checker and noticed that it states:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Pre built to curtilage No Dig.

I assume that confirms that the engineer just needs to pull the fibre through the route of the existing copper cable?

Interesting this post does not appear anywhere in flat mode for me and as I always view in flat mode only came to light when Iniltous reposted it as a quote.

You replied to it last Thursday?

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

You replied to it last Thursday?

OK that now makes sense I was looking for 17th March rather than 17 Feb

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

You replied to it last Thursday?

OK that now makes sense I was looking for 17th March rather than 17 Feb

Oops yes it was the 17th February.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by Iniltous:

Why , if the FTTP build was upto the curtilage of you property , is any further excavation in the public highway necessary ?, presumably once the network is at the boundary, all that remains is to provide the means to get the fibre cable from the curtilage to the house wall, and any excavation in your property doesn’t need council notice

Doesn't sound like there is a toby box on boundary so suspect its DIG all the way from footway box.

There is no Toby box on the boundary. The nearest Openreach chamber is in a neighbours garden a few doors down from us.

I haven't had an official updated from Sky yet but I have just checked https://www.roadworksscotland.org/ and can see that the work is scheduled between 22/03 and 23/03. Hopefully there are no more mistakes and they actually get it done this time.

I have just had a call from Sky to say that they still haven't had an update from Openreach. I informed them of the information on roadworksscotland and they are going to query this with Openreach.

Even though Sky kept chasing Openreach for an update and weren't given one, just that the work would be completed by 28th March, Openreach have appeared and are in the process of conducting the work. Hopefully no further issues arise.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

Even though Sky kept chasing Openreach for an update and weren't given one, just that the work would be completed by 28th March, Openreach have appeared and are in the process of conducting the work. Hopefully no further issues arise.

The work has now been completed and the fibre has been run to the outside of the house. I just need to wait for Sky to get confirmation of this before they can book an appointment to get the ONT installed. However no digging on the road was required. The guy today said that if the guys had actually read the documents correctly they should have seen that and completed the work rather than wasting time getting a work permit from the council that wasn't required.

There is no Toby box on the boundary. The nearest Openreach chamber is in a neighbours garden a few doors down from us.

To be fair, perhaps because the footway chamber was located where it was, the previous crew may have (mistakenly) thought a street permit of some sort to dig the footpath between your place and wherever the chamber was located was required. Anyway glad it’s sorted

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

There is no Toby box on the boundary. The nearest Openreach chamber is in a neighbours garden a few doors down from us.

To be fair, perhaps because the footway chamber was located where it was, the previous crew may have (mistakenly) thought a street permit of some sort to dig the footpath between your place and wherever the chamber was located was required. Anyway glad it’s sorted

The guy yesterday said that it should have been perfectly clear. He even suggested that the team last week may not have fancied the job so may have deliberately misread the job info.

Openreach or subcontractor doing the dig?

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

Openreach or subcontractor doing the dig?

Subcontractor

I have just checked with Sky and they haven't had an updated from Openreach. This could take 24-28 hours Until that happens they can't book an appointment for the internal install.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I have just checked with Sky and they haven't had an updated from Openreach. This could take 24-28 hours Until that happens they can't book an appointment for the internal install.

Sadly this is normal and can sometimes take longer for the task to be closed.

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I have just checked with Sky and they haven't had an updated from Openreach. This could take 24-28 hours Until that happens they can't book an appointment for the internal install.

Sadly this is normal and can sometimes take longer for the task to be closed.

That is disappointing. In this day and age, the guys on site yesterday should be able to make an update to a computer system that then notifies in almost real time to show that the work has been completed.

I have just had Openreach on the phone. They will have an engineer out tomorrow between 08000 and 1300.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I have just had Openreach on the phone. They will have an engineer out tomorrow between 0800 and 1300.

This is good news, surprised you got a call from Openreach rather than Sky.

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I have just had Openreach on the phone. They will have an engineer out tomorrow between 0800 and 1300.

This is good news, surprised you got a call from Openreach rather than Sky.

So was I. I phoned Sky immediately after and they hadn't heard anything.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

So was I. I phoned Sky immediately after and they hadn't heard anything.

Maybe Openreach are trying to make amends for their original mistake of the install type being set to '1 Stage'.

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

So was I. I phoned Sky immediately after and they hadn't heard anything.

Maybe Openreach are trying to make amends for their original mistake of the install type being set to '1 Stage'.

And not completing the work last Thursday when they could have. I was actually surprised when I got the appointment for tomorrow.

I received an SMS at 08:18 to tell me that the engineer is now working on your job. This maybe at our street cabinet, but work is underway. There is no sign of anybody. I assume that this is a generic message as with this being FTTP there is no work required at a street cabinet? Hopefully they show up soon.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I received an SMS at 08:18 to tell me that the engineer is now working on your job.

Did this come from Sky or Openreach?

In reply to a post by dect:

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I received an SMS at 08:18 to tell me that the engineer is now working on your job.

Did this come from Sky or Openreach?

It was from Openreach.

In reply to a post by ceepan:

I received an SMS at 08:18 to tell me that the engineer is now working on your job. This maybe at our street cabinet, but work is underway. There is no sign of anybody. I assume that this is a generic message as with this being FTTP there is no work required at a street cabinet? Hopefully they show up soon.

Generic message. "Engineer has gone to stores to buy Hobnobs" doesn't sound as good

The engineer has arrived! Lets hope this now runs smoothly.

Job completed! At last. The engineer today was really good.

Ceepan

Auto message when the engineer picks the job up from the queue., Then they have to get to you maybe via stores if the need additional kit from what it already on the van.

Glad your wait is finally over and hope it is now working beautifully

Nice. Now where’s the obligatory speedtest linkie

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

Nice. Now where’s the obligatory speedtest linkie

Here is one that I ran earlier. Just a Wi-Fi test as I haven't had a chance to try a wired one yet. I am pretty happy with that though

https://www.speedtest.net/my-result/a/8248438141