New FTTP line order: Installation & porting landline number

Ordered VF FTTP via the phone after the online order I placed was inexplicably cancelled. I have discovered that the new order placed is for a new line and therefore I will receive a new phone number and the existing service(PN VDSL2) won't be cancelled. This is undesirable and raises two concerns:

1. About the fibre optic installation. The existing copper line goes to a difficult to reach location on the premises and ideally I would like to use that copper to pull the fibre cable through. Will the OR engineer refuse to do this if that line is still in service?

2. Is there a particular technique for porting the number after installation and closing the old account? VF have told me it won't be an issue. Assume this will be similar to porting the existing provider to VOIP. If #1 is possible will that interfere with this?

Many thanks.

Once the new line is working then port the old landline number to a Voip provider other than VF, next change of FTTP ISP ie away from VF will not link the FTTP with the old landline which will stay with the Voip provider making a switch much simpler and you can go FTTP only.

That is what I would do.

To clarify though: you will need some sort of SIP client to handle the voice calls to and from your 'landline' number. This could be a smartphone app (e.g. Acrobits Softphone or Groundwire); a SIP ATA into which you plug your existing analogue phone; a SIP DECT base station; a SIP phone (ethernet or wifi connected); or any combination of these.

Not only will your future broadband swaps be hassle-free, but you'll also be able to receive calls on your 'landline' number when anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.

Regarding the method of installation: that will be up to the engineer on the day. If they do decide to use the existing copper cable to draw the fibre, they could draw it back again (by pulling a drawstring through at the same time as the fibre). They might also come up with a better route for the fibre.

I'd say it's worth keeping the copper cable in place, even if you don't intend to use it right now, just in case - unless your area has already reached the copper "stop sell" phase.