Can my property be served from an alternate telegraph pole?

In recent weeks, Openreach have been carrying out works to enable FTTP in our area.

Our property is currently served from a telegraph pole, which also then feeds the next pole along and so on.

From what I can see, the pole that serves us doesn't have a CBT fitted, but the next one along does. Given that the next one along is actually closer to our property, would be a neater installation, and also isn't obscured by trees (our current copper wire goes through a tree), I assumed the survey had identified that as a better option.

The openreach database has just updated to say we have access to FTTP, and I have just ordered the upgrade with our ISP. Installation is in two weeks.

However, I note on the BT Wholesale checker, that the property notes state:-

'Single dwelling unit resodential oh feed with line of sight problems trees'

This therefore suggests they intend to use the same pole as we currently use, and the fibre will have to go through a tree.

What is the possibility the engineer could just instead look at the situation, and decide to take the (logicial for a layman) step of sending a new line from the next telegraph pole which has a clear line of sight, and instead of a 30m line, will be about 5m?

In theory, yes, they installer would take this ‘easier’ route. BUT, this is my guess, based on what you say. There may however be other issues you are unaware of, can’t see.

But on paper, if the CBT on that other pole is the planned CBT, then they ought to be happier not to go through the trees.

Time to think where you want the ONT to be sited

Many thanks for your reply.

I can't see a CBT on the pole currently servicing our property, which has a long cable run to the corner of our house, before the cable then runs right along the front wall to the other corner where our phone line enters.

However, the next pole (which has no trees nearby, is much closer, and is much better for where the ONT is to be located) has the CBT.

Everything suggests the next pole is the better (and planned) option. But the notes on the BT wholesale site create the confusion, as it mentions the trees.

I think my question is whether the engineer has discretion over which pole he can use, or if the CBTs are fixed/provisioned already and so he is bound to use a CBT/pole that is allocated to our property.

You're overthinking it, if you can order FTTP then order FTTP. If they need to hop via another pole they can, or if the trees are on public land they will arrange to have them pruned to be able to get your fibre in.

You're probably right. And I have already ordered it.

I think my concern is the fact they will turn up and have an issue so I need to book a second day off work.

I suppose I was simply hoping to know whether the engineer has the option to choose which CBT to use, or if the CBT is preconfigured in some way so he is forced to go through the trees.

The CBTs are preplanned and each served property is assigned a CBT. However, I believe it is possible for an engineer to request a property be assigned another CBT but that will likely mean a delay and may not be granted.

Edited by witchunt (Fri 30-Jun-23 22:09:04)

That's perfect thanks

Depends if the ‘other’ CBT is routed to the same sasa as the originally planned one, then the routing can be amended on the day .

My betting is the one the OP has spotted is the correct one anyway, so the installer will be happy not to have to do two spans through trees

My neighbour has the fibre cable run from the CBT to the next pole along and then back to their house to enable enough clearance under the cable. Initially it was run from pole with CBT straight to house but was found to be too low so was redone. I am sure OR would rather go from a different pole if easier than fight a cable through trees.