CityFibre availability

Hi,

I have been looking forward to signing up with a broadband provider on CityFibre's network since learning they will eventually be available in my area (Gillingham, Kent). My current contract with Virgin ends in about a month and I was wondering if anyone here has any info, inside or otherwise of when I can expect them to be available in the ME7 2JJ area.

If it is just a matter of a few months I can continue out of contract with Virgin but if it is more than that I might have to find something else but the issue is that most broadband providers have minimum terms of 18-24 months which is a lifetime away.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

I can't help on the CityFibre availability, but for FTTC, Cuckoo broadband do month by month. Also, JohnLewis broadband do a 12 month contract which might be a good stop gap.

Hi Miles,

That is a great idea, I really like the idea of the rolling monthly contract. If I sign up for a 12-month contract then there is no setup fee but if I fail to complete my contract then I will be charged a £60 early termination fee so it works out the same in the end. Thank you for the recommendation!

Now, the question is whether it will be an issue having OpenReach built into the house when I plan on moving CityFibre once it is available due to their faster upload speeds. It will just be a matter of inconvenience right? Such as drilling and stuff. It won't make me ineligible to sign up with CityFibre?

In reply to a post by Chengiss:

Hi Miles,

That is a great idea, I really like the idea of the rolling monthly contract. If I sign up for a 12-month contract then there is no setup fee but if I fail to complete my contract then I will be charged a £60 early termination fee so it works out the same in the end. Thank you for the recommendation!

Now, the question is whether it will be an issue having OpenReach built into the house when I plan on moving CityFibre once it is available due to their faster upload speeds. It will just be a matter of inconvenience right? Such as drilling and stuff. It won't make me ineligible to sign up with CityFibre?

Yep, would just be a matter of inconvenience to you.
CityFibre wouldn't care what you had going in to the property as long as they can get the cabling in.

I'm basing the assumption that you can get FTTC off the fact you mentioned looking already. Is OpenReach not planning a FTTP deployment in your area?

Okay great, it's just a little box isn't it just like the old phone line boxes so I'll plan to put it in a low traffic area haha!

So, Openreach just became available in my area while CityFibre is still only in the planning stages - it is confirmed they will cover all of Medway by the end of 2023 but as for when specifically each area will be covered is what we are unsure about.

I want the upload speeds mainly due to my video editing work for my drone as it will speed things up by a crazy amount!

Ah ok, fair enough.

In terms of the FTTC install, then yes should just be a traditional little phone socket on the wall somewhere.
Remember the VDSL modem / router will need to be close to it (along with a power socket nearby).

Just another point to note, BT are also now installing FTTP to most of Medway! Have seen quite a lot of enablement works including some poles with both CF and BT kit now (in Gillingham)

Looks like BT woke up and a lot of parts are going live already!

*EDIT* Oh just re-read and seen you have it already haha, nice to have the choice of both!

Edited by kjwkjw (Mon 24-Jan-22 12:17:23)