Tricky FTTP install, ONT placement, ISP choice

Hi - hoping for some advice for my forthcoming BT FTTP install.

We recently moved into a new-build, end terrace town house. In our old place, we were with Sky on a FTTC set up and have been relatively happy with the service (about 60 down). We still had some months remaining on our contract so were happy to continue. However, our new place has no phone line - I've looked, but can't find the usual master socket anywhere.

We spoke to Sky who have said they can upgrade us to ultrafast fibre (which I assume to be FTTP). We have an Openreach appointment next Monday, but I'd like some information before as to how they'll do the install. Sky were vague and not helpful on this. Via Google, I came across the BT wholesale checker, I understand Openreach will need to run a cable from a pole to our house (though apparently there are some issues with trees), then run the cable inside and install an 'ONT' box? Deep in the Openreach website there is some guides as to what this looks like. We're renting, and the landlord has kindly given us fairly broad approval to install some cables - but how much choice might we have with the placement of the ONT box? The wall of the living room behind the TV is an outside wall, so this probably makes sense? We have a downstairs cupboard next to the living room - presumably the only way to have it here would be to have cable around door frames etc?

Separately - once Openreach have installed this kit - what would stop me from ringing Sky and cancelling my contract (and paying any fee) and going with an alternative provider? Zen Internet look pretty good and their lifetime price guarantee is appealing. If I did this - surely Openreach wouldn't come back and remove/replace the ONT box? Is the box specific to each ISP?

apologies for the lengthy post - this forum has been incredibly helpful to me in recent weeks - so hoping I can get some advice here! Thanks.

Openreach engineers are pretty amenable to siting the ONT in a position of your choosing within reason (rules state around 10 metres from where the cabling enters the building). Speak with them before the install and they should generally agree a mutually convenient location and cable route.

The ONT, once commissioned, always remains ‘part of’ the property. Don’t be tempted to take it with you if/when you move. It’s effectively like the master socket of old. It belongs to Openreach and is within their service demarcation. Your point of connection (service boundary) is the copper RJ45 Ethernet port on the ONT. They are generally very reliable devices that use minimal power. Which also brings up location, which ought to be near to a double socket to power it.

Your current and future ISP may supply their own routers/WiFi hubs etc to plug into the ONT, but you can always use your own gear too - within reason.

Edited by Pheasant (Mon 15-Nov-21 13:57:28)

In reply to a post by captainfalcon:

Separately - once Openreach have installed this kit - what would stop me from ringing Sky and cancelling my contract (and paying any fee) and going with an alternative provider?

Sure you can. The only thing that stops that is your contract with Sky, as they may require you to pay the remaining 18 months of service.

All Openreach-based service providers use the same OR-installed ONT, but will provide their own router for you to plug into this (unless you ask your ISP not to provide a router, because you're using your own and you know how to configure it).

I don't know if a voice phoneline matters to you, but Sky will provide this via a port on their router - Zen and BT do the same, although those will also sell you data-only FTTP without voice if you choose.

Thank you, that's really helpful - appreciate the speedy response

Good to know the ONT is a standard bit of kit for Openreach-supplied ISPs. I was toying with the idea of going with Virgin Media as the process for install of the cable would be same as provider (rather than Openreach>Sky) - but I think the broader choice for ISPs is preferable.

My 'report' on the openreach wholesale checker says 'single dwelling unit residential oh feed with line of sight problems trees'.

I don't think there is particularly problematic tree coverage from the pole to the house - but I'm not an engineer! If they arrive next week and the job is difficult - presume they'd have to come back to remove trees/vegetation? Would Sky charge me for this?

thanks again - really appreciate the help here.

Generally speaking, generally, they will find a way through the trees. If they do need to trim branches etc. they might to call in (or return schedule a visit with) a hoist/cherry picker.

They may ask if the trees belong to you. You may wish to check with the landlord / etc / any tree preservation orders etc. Reckon you’ll be fine though.

Thanks - I'll wait and see what happens next week. The trees (not ours) in question are next to a pole which is on the other side of the road, about 40-50m away. We're the only house in our row that doesn't have a line from this pole, so I assume it's doable...

Thanks again!

You should have fibre by the end of the visit. We have FTTP at work and both the copper and fibre cable go through a LOT of trees!

Here's just some of the trees the cables go through (Streetview as I'm not at work today haha) Photo 1 (You can just about see the thin fibre cable above the copper one) and here's a different angle Photo 2

Very helpful, thanks! There is one(!) tree which is quite near the pole, so perhaps it's access to the pole which is the issue rather than running the cable itself.

If they protest - I'll show them your very helpful photos!

In reply to a post by captainfalcon:

My 'report' on the openreach wholesale checker says 'single dwelling unit residential oh feed with line of sight problems trees'.

In your original post you said it was "new build". Overhead feed to a new build seems unlikely unless there is alt-net provision.