Why can't they just follow the existing copper?

I just got enabled for FTTP, placed my order, and then I got this email from Openreach. Why can't they just follow the existing copper?

Hi, it's Openreach.

We came to see if we can connect your property to our Full Fibre network, and found that more work outside is needed.

The good news is we can, but our engineer couldn't locate an existing underground cable duct, so we need to install a new section of underground ducting to connect your new fibre, which involves some groundwork on both public and private land.

We're really sorry for the delay, but we're on it and will update you again in the next 10 days (we're usually much quicker).

In reply to a post by keymoo:

Why can't they just follow the existing copper?

How is your existing service feed? is it pole delivered? duct delivered? or direct in ground?

Edited by PCJM40 (Tue 23-Jun-26 12:58:50)

The usual reason is because the existing duct is blocked, or collapsed, its entry or exit has been buried.

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

How is your existing service feed? is it pole delivered? duct delivered? or direct in ground?

ducted

>>Why can't they just follow the existing copper?

ummmm....

In reply to a post by keymoo:

... our engineer couldn't locate an existing underground cable duct, so we need to install a new section of underground ducting to connect your new fibre, which involves some groundwork on both public and private land.

The answer is in their letter really - they would have used the duct if it was suitable but it wasn't either suitable or available for use, so they have to put a new one in which will result in a delay (sorting out wayleaves is often a PITA and involves all sorts of people with more or less interest in sorting it quickly)

If you mean "why can't they pull the fibre with the copper" then the short answer is "it doesn't work like that"; Others, way more knowledgeable than I, can explain the long answer

Openreach FTTP I think is independent of the landline network including cabinets and runs straight from the exchange and then splits to premises. While it may share a main duct I think it isn't necessarily the case they can replicate the last leg poles/ducts. Our FTTP comes from a new street pole sited by a main exchange duct. The old landline ran through back gardens.

Edited by stamford13 (Tue 23-Jun-26 14:57:33)

In reply to a post by keymoo:

Why can't they just follow the existing copper?

COST! EXPENSIVE!

If you mean "why can't they pull the fibre with the copper" then the short answer is "it doesn't work like that";

You can, but often it needs to be pulled back through, as unless it’s off a stop sell exchange, you leave both in situ.

The contact I got saying that the engineer (contractor) had no light at CBT, passed back to Openreach … was BS yes, no light, but that’s because the light from the head end to the splitter had been toggled off. So could have been sorted with a phone call.

You gotta love a contractor

They prolly are following the copper and the copper has been found to have a section that is not ducted.

Thanks everyone, I never even considered that the fibre might take a different route than the old copper. Maybe that's what it is, I'm just curious. Hopefully they can complete the work at some point this summer. 😁

In reply to a post by stamford13:

Openreach FTTP I think is independent of the landline network including cabinets and runs straight from the exchange and then splits to premises. While it may share a main duct I think it isn't necessarily the case they can replicate the last leg poles/ducts. Our FTTP comes from a new street pole sited by a main exchange duct. The old landline ran through back gardens.

Their you go, guess work at its best. Very helpful.

Have a watch of this. It's from a few years ago and some of the tech is out of date but you should get the idea.
https://youtu.be/2Ef3iiY3K4s?si=-hxldQ1BxAR4Mgsw

Edited by stamford13 (Wed 24-Jun-26 22:24:41)

In reply to a post by stamford13:

Have a watch of this. It's from a few years ago and some of the tech is out of date but you should get the idea.
https://youtu.be/2Ef3iiY3K4s?si=-hxldQ1BxAR4Mgsw

Its always worrying when (former) telecoms regulator's are getting their technical knowledge from YouTube videos. We are all in safe hands 😎

I wasn't a 'regulator' but covered regulation in work on telecoms and media analysis.
Why don't you ask Openreach if you can have a personal tour of an FTTP exchange and street infrastructure if you don't believe what they say on YouTube.
For others here's another made-up video.
https://youtu.be/6595-Xv-pZk?si=SUky8bg5vFo4tTzC

Edited by stamford13 (Thu 25-Jun-26 10:55:05)

I got this further update and signed a form to allow them to do the work. I guess this is good news. The form had this bit of text in it:

Customers copper service is buried no duct at the property. Tried to pull the existing copper and see if I could find the duct mouth but the copper is not pulling and unable to expose the duct. The maps say that the copper is buried. The distance between the customer and the joint box is 52m 30m soft 22 hard on footing. Permission to work needs to be signed to expose the duct or install new duct from the customer to where it starts in the network on route to the connectorized block terminal.

So there’s the answer. Some, or all, of the route is direct in ground cabling.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

So there’s the answer. Some, or all, of the route is direct in ground cabling.

No idea why they did that in the first place. Cost cutting by the builders? I've owned the property from new since 2002.