Get FTTP but leave existing FTTC untouched?

Is it possible to get an FTTP connection from a different ISP at a property while keeping the existing broadband in place? Then, at a later date, port the number out and terminate the copper connection?

Yes.
Just be there on install date, and be very clear to whoever comes to install it, the the existing FTTC service is working , and you need to keep it so. Don’t muddy the waters telling them what you plan to do later …just that it is in service, and you need both that and the FTTP at the same time.

From my experience you actually have to request the removal of the old equipment otherwise it is left. As recommended be there on the day, ask what they are going to do, routes etc. and confirm that's what you want.

Yes.

Do not use the switching service.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

Yes.
Just be there on install date, and be very clear to whoever comes to install it, the the existing FTTC service is working , and you need to keep it so. Don’t muddy the waters telling them what you plan to do later …just that it is in service, and you need both that and the FTTP at the same time.

yup and don't use the switching service. the fttp account is a whole brand new service

From my experience you actually have to request the removal of the old equipment otherwise it is left.

Without expressly telling the installer what you currently have, and wish for to be working before you leave … you leaving yourself open to possible ‘misunderstandings’ and contractors who are paid per completed tasks, cutting any number of corners to make their time on the task as quick as possible. Up to, and including, just [censored] off, if the job appears ’a bit involved’.

Yes. And if for any reason they do mess up your copper line, then immediately raise it as a fault - you may be entitled to compensation if it's not fixed within a few days.

But better to be up-front and explain that there is active service on the copper line, and you're keeping it.

That is what I thought; I just wanted to check I wasn't imagining things. I have been telling my brother this for nearly two years now, but he doesn't seem to believe me.

In reply to a post by jabuzzard:

Is it possible to get an FTTP connection from a different ISP at a property while keeping the existing broadband in place? Then, at a later date, port the number out and terminate the copper connection?

Yes, I've done this. I ensured I was at the property on the day of the installation to ensure that the existing copper line was kept in place.

The FTTP installation was done by a contractor on behalf of Openreach - I think there was some possibility that they may have otherwise cut the copper line, but I simply made clear that the copper line had to remain as there was an active service on it, and they were fine with that. Re the installation - the main guy was actually very friendly, and they did a good job of it all.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

Yes.
Just be there on install date, and be very clear to whoever comes to install it, the the existing FTTC service is working , and you need to keep it so. Don’t muddy the waters telling them what you plan to do later …just that it is in service, and you need both that and the FTTP at the same time.

This - they don't need a long and complex story, all they need is clarity that the copper line has an active service on it that is being kept.

Someone I know who was doing exactly what the OP wants to do satisfied the FTTP installer's curiosity by vaguely saying something about how the service on the copper line was to do with the employment of one of the other residents of the house, hence it had to stay live. (There was perhaps the implication it was paid for by said person's employers.)