Additional ONT

Hi everyone

Quick question, does anyone know how to get BT to install a second ONT (or a 4 port one - I heard those were coming back)?

I've tried to order a second connection for another family member (long story, wants their own connection - other more sensible suggestions have fallen on deaf ears), but the only option it ever gives me is to take over the line that's currently there.

Thanks

Although there was a media launch / release of the new Nokia 4-port ONT’s last year, I don’t think that there have been any actual deployments of them yet.

So if you order an additional FTTP service, Openreach would have to provision another drop cable from the street and install another ONT.

You basically need to pick a provider that can place a manual order with Openreach.
Most of the big players have their ordering systems setup to treat all orders as migrations/line takeovers.

When the order is placed correctly a new 1 port ONT will be ordered. Eventually the intention is this should trigger a 4 port ONT.

An issue with the 4 port ONT is some providers will only supply a service on port 1 of the ONT. BT Retail is 1 such provider. Sky and Talktalk (residential) also wouldn't provide on anything other than port 1 though that may have changed.
Part of the reason for this is simply that 4 port ONT's aren't common so the big players don't cater for them in their ordering systems.
Another reason is the likes of BT use Multicast which is only supported on port 1 of a 4 port ONT.

Edited by j0hn83 (Thu 27-Jan-22 10:07:17)

Just curious - how would this appear on www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com if there were 2 ONTs installed at same address? And if the CBT is at capacity, would they install another CBT on pole?

Makes you wonder how many 4-port ONT are in service and how many are actually being used to deliver more than one active service. The numbers must be relatively tiny (less than 1% ??)

In reply to a post by craigski:

Just curious - how would this appear on www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com if there were 2 ONTs installed at same address? And if the CBT is at capacity, would they install another CBT on pole?

I don't know. I've never seen it in the wild. Saying that the checker isn't without it foibles and inaccuracies, so it may not even mention a second ONT...

And if the CBT is at capacity, would they install another CBT on pole?

If the CBT is at capacity, Openreach could theoretically provision another CBT if there was sufficient capacity at the splitter. There's usually some spare capacity during a roilout, but later developments and subdivisions (e.g large house into flats) could put pressure on the available capacity.

In reply to a post by craigski:

Just curious - how would this appear on www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com if there were 2 ONTs installed at same address? And if the CBT is at capacity, would they install another CBT on pole?

If CBT at capacity a new ONT cannot be ordered.

My own record from the wholesale checker is informative, and looks as though the multiport ONTs are imminent and this'll be what's shown where the CBT is full.

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Feed with no anticipated issues.

ONT exists with active service. A spare port may be available or a single port ONT may be swappable to a multiport ONT. Network is at capacity so a new ONT cannot be ordered.

It would inform that a new ONT may be ordered if there are CBT ports available.

Thanks. Hypothetically looking at my CBT on pole its a 4 way, and there are 4 properties, so I assume even if only 2 are live, the others may be 'reserved' for existing properties with no FTTP currently connected rather than providing additional ONT to existing FTTP enabled properties.

In reply to a post by CarlTSpeak:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Feed with no anticipated issues.

ONT exists with active service. A spare port may be available or a single port ONT may be swappable to a multiport ONT. Network is at capacity so a new ONT cannot be ordered.

That's very interesting. Mine just has the old wording:

Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:-Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG Proven Clear.

ONT exists with active service. No spare ports are available. A new ONT may be ordered.

It might be that it doesn't get the new wording until the database record is touched for some other reason. Or it might be that the OLT in my exchange doesn't support the 4-port ONTs.

My ONT is Huawei, service installed Aug 2019, so I'm presuming the OLT is Huawei too.

I'm using a multiport already and have no service on port 1 but a service on another which might explain things.

Edited by CarlTSpeak (Thu 27-Jan-22 11:43:19)