Re-used for a different customer != need to replace all the way to the chamber, which means run new cable.

That is way outside an engineer's remit and more likely to end up with no line supply at all, or phone only. There is no reason at all to think that is the situation, unless we automatically worry about it whenever anyone wants a new connection.

Runnng out of PCP<>FTTC cabinet tie pairs, or ports in the FTTC cabinet is a different question, which arises quite often.

I thought Chocolate Hobnobs were the optimum bribe for Openreach bods

In reply to a post by IanBB:

I thought Chocolate Hobnobs were the optimum bribe for Openreach bods

I hear that too, but I just love Chocolate Hobnobs more than JD's

Paul

Newton fig biscuits.

You're also unlikely to have an engineer visit if there's only exchange work required.

But the OP mentions that the Virgin installers dissed off the fit, so even if just 'switched on' the line will test dis and raise a new line fault for service to be provided.

Newton fig biscuits.

Ah bless you Bob, you remembered.

Aside from the serious issue of biscuit choice .....

If it's easier for an engineer to run a new lead in from the eaves to a first floor bedroom to restore service they will if asked.

In reply to a post by fishpan:

Due to incompetent Virgin installers removing my BT master socket

Surely they are not allowed to do that, is that a common issue within Virgin installations I wonder? If you incur any additional expense as a result of this, Virgin should be liable.

Surely they are not allowed to do that,

Correct.

is that a common issue within Virgin installations I wonder?

I wouldn't say common, but more than it ought to be seen.

I reported the issue of the BT master socket being removed to the CEO of VM via email. Received a phonecall from executive complaints team who sent out their installation manager for the area who verified the issue. They saw that the damage couldn't be repaired and will be in touch with next step.

Back to the issue of the BT line coming into the house, am I right in thinking that the dropwire's first termination point at the house would be this grey BT80 junction box i found on top floor (against the front wall)? Or would there be an external box of some sort I should be looking for?

So far all I can see is the wire coming to the eaves and then curling around a hook of some sort before disappearing into the house.

If this BT80 junction box is indeed the first termination point for the dropwire, am I correct in thinking that only the wire from this junction box to the new master socket should be replaced? Or should I bribe BTOR engineer be bribed with sufficient biscuits to replace the wire further back than this BT80 box?

Thanks all who've replied so far