Does fibre availability lie? What happens if it does?

BT Openreach and all the ISPs tell me that fibre is available at my location - except I'm almost certain it's not.

It's very obvious where the fibre's been laid in my town - strips of sidewalk have been repaved, with conduits leading to edges of homes as seen here: https://ibb.co/mTHzmdL This strip passes right by the row of (old) homes where I live without turning in, so I'm 99% certain that I cannot get FTTP without further construction work.

What is likely to happen if I apply for fibre then? Any chance (maybe I'm dreaming) that they'll actually dig across and set this right, even if it takes a month or two? Or will I just get downgraded to an FTTC plan and that's that?

Looks like Toby box has been installed against the exterior wall. That is where the cable will appear from the underground network. The installer will then bring the cable into the property from there.

I think it looks like a Zzoomm Toby pot. Can you check to see if you can order from them ??

What does the wholesale checker return for your address?

I think the OP meant that as an example of where they have laid it to the curtilage. Rather than bring a photo of the footpath outside their actual property. I may be wrong, but that’s how I read it.

Order and see what happens

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

I think the OP meant that as an example of where they have laid it to the curtilage. Rather than bring a photo of the footpath outside their actual property. I may be wrong, but that’s how I read it.

correct - you have forum glasses on 😁😋

Doesn’t change the fact that the pictured Toby pot may very well belong to an Altnet provider …. so they may not have checked with them

I think the OP meant that as an example

You got it! Unfortunately the closest Toby pot (learned a new word!) is a good 30 metres away.

It's branded KCOM. I looked them up, and my availability doesn't sound very promising. Guess I should have a chat with them...

What does the wholesale checker return for your address?

FTTC install process is "1 Phase". Would be happy if one of you chaps could explain exactly what it's telling me here https://ibb.co/FWPwPqH

Order and see what happens

I'm worried that what would happen is me losing my internet for weeks while the hard facts of the situation make their way through multiple layers of customer support.

In reply to a post by stanbsky:

FTTC install process is "1 Phase". Would be happy if one of you chaps could explain exactly what it's telling me here https://ibb.co/FWPwPqH

I'm worried that what would happen is me losing my internet for weeks while the hard facts of the situation make their way through multiple layers of customer support.

That’s basically saying FTTP is available to order. “1 Stage” is normal / expected. The notes indicate the feed will be via pole / OH (overhead) and there may be some tree trimming required. Again not the end of the world. All doable.

If you put this in as a new (standalone) order, rather than a migration of the existing service, then there is no risk of losing anything on the existing copper service. Just cancel it after the FTTP is installed, up and running. Presumably you are not in the minimum term of a contract.

You might otherwise have a few weeks of dual running cost, but that’s no so bad in the grand scheme.

Edited by Pheasant (Fri 16-Jun-23 22:12:30)