pruralist i understand the process completely this is not about what happens at the openreach level but you would have to tell you service provider you were moving provider and you would not start that process if you knew there was no spare ports in the cabinet (which is the point it was making)

OP is on Plusnet and says they "want to transfer and maybe upgrade"

In their position, I would stick with Plusnet; if an upgrade is required then do the upgrade with Plusnet, as that doesn't carry a risk of losing service.

Then stick until either an FTTC capacity upgrade comes along, or the arrival of FTTP (either Openreach or altnet) reduces the demand for FTTC ports.

Also, keep an eye on https://www.telecom-tariffs.co.uk/codelook.htm
- enter your exchange name or phone number, go to the exchange, and click the link "all <N> fibre cabinets". If upgrades are scheduled, they should appear here (eventually).

You misunderstand me, particularly given the infrequency of the OP's posts. (I realise he may visit more often, but we don't know whether he does or not).

The point I was making is that very few people know that a migration causes a cease and re-provide. So you saying he should not do a cease and re-provide was not a good way of putting your point. In particular:

In reply to a post by Fastman3:

you cant transfer an FTTC service from one provider to another without do a a cease and re provide (which you would be mad to do as you know the cabinet is full )

I'm sure you are well aware of the considerable number of posters who come on here having lost their FTTC by putting in a migration request to a new provider and calamity ensuing.

Particularly so as the number of FTTC cabinets at capacity is at record levels.

The Openreach database hasn't been updated since last November, so I'd be surprised if it ever does update again.