yeah the reason for the redesigned faceplate is exactly so that end users can fit them in future. OR have stated they would be willing to allow CPs to provide integrated vdsl modems in their own routers rather than use the OR modem once OR / CPs agree a standard (i.e. they accept to use similar chipset etc to the current modem).

In the meantime the engineer visit ensures that early adopters get a good service and the fttc doesnt get any needless bad press from EUs with [censored] diy wiring etc..

Give it a couple of years and it will be a self install with an engineer flying around between cabs changing jumpers.

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

Give it a couple of years and it will be a self install with an engineer flying around between cabs changing jumpers.

Just think how much more efficient it would be to have the fibre connections centralised at the exchange and going all the way to the user's place. Or that, plus all pre-connected and controlled by software. FFTF? It would save billions.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

Then a test. IIRC they used to do that on 512kb early ADSL as well.

they did - I had engineer fitted 512k *business* from BT with the forced USB modem. My employed paid the bill (I wasn't going to stump up £200 for install). I had NTL's 512k ethernet offering at the time.

It wasn't until NTL's proxies finally got me down and my employer stopped paying (change of job role) that I cancelled NTL and took over the BT line myself and moved to 2mbps with the original metronet.

And Bill - 1200bps? wasn't 1200/75?, and you didn't use 300/300 ?

In reply to a post by jchamier:

And Bill - 1200bps? wasn't 1200/75?, and you didn't use 300/300 ?

I had to go and dig out my first modem to be sure what it was- I've still got it upstairs

It was a Hayes V.22bis, ie 1200/2400 baud, full duplex. The 75 baud back channel was part of V.23, which was 600/1200 baud, half duplex.

I think I was only on 1200 baud for a couple of weeks, then BT upgraded their modems to 2400. But it was a long while ago, so I could be wrong on that.

And no, I didn't use 300/300 . Though acoustic couplers were still around!

Just to be pedantic- baud is not (quite) the same as bps

moved to 2mbps with the original metronet

I started with them and did a runner when Plusnet bought them. It was that that brought me to this site, so it's all Plusnet's fault

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

OR have stated they would be willing to allow CPs to provide integrated vdsl modems in their own routers rather than use the OR modem once OR / CPs agree a standard (i.e. they accept to use similar chipset etc to the current modem).

I'm quite happy with the OR modem, it seems to do its job competently. And it gave me a wider choice of router.

I just wish they'd let me see the line stats

In reply to a post by billford:

I'm quite happy with the OR modem, it seems to do its job competently. And it gave me a wider choice of router.

To me it seems the best approach. Should a CP and OR agree to use a different device then the end user would be unable to easily replace this, if they wanted more features. Just look at the hassle VM is having with the new Hub / SuperHub products, which integrate the cable modem into a fairly basic router.

The original BT idea of ADSL to a USB plug was generally accepted as insane (USB being a troublesome software interface). Now that OR supply FTTC customers with a VDSL modem the interface is standard ethernet. Anyone know if its FastE or GigE ?

In reply to a post by jchamier:

Anyone know if its FastE or GigE ?

What's the difference ?

In reply to a post by jchamier:

Anyone know if its FastE or GigE ?

As far as I know it's gigabit.

I'm sure I saw it stated somewhere or other, but don't ask me for a link

FastE is 100Mbps.

In reply to a post by billford:

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

OR have stated they would be willing to allow CPs to provide integrated vdsl modems in their own routers rather than use the OR modem once OR / CPs agree a standard (i.e. they accept to use similar chipset etc to the current modem).

I'm quite happy with the OR modem, it seems to do its job competently. And it gave me a wider choice of router.

I just wish they'd let me see the line stats

That's the only drawback with the OR modem Bill. Not being able to monitor your line stats is a real downer

Being able to see your line stats could also possibly reduce the time taken to fix/diagnose faults.