Troubles ordering a second FTTP service

Hello, My brother is looking to get another ISP for FTTP and i was wondering if this was even possible as i currently have BT Full fibre service at the same address?

After contacting multiple providers they all seem to say that it's not possible to place an order for an additional fibre line to be installed to the property as an existing ONT/Fibre drop cable exists, But after reading a fair few posts online some seem to have multiple Single port ONT's installed.

My BTWholesale checker states; "ONT exists with active service. No spare ports are available. A new ONT may be ordered."

I've tried to even ask if they can place an order for a multiport ONT and they seem to have no idea what that even means and some just straight up say no, The CBT on the pole is not full and i am currently the only customer on FTTP in my area.

If anyone has any info with this please let me know, Thanks.

Yes it's possible but your choice will be limited.
Many providers only support services over a single port ONT or port 1 of a multi port ONT.

You won't be able to specifically order a 4 port ONT.
You simply order a new service, which should provisionally book Openreach out to install a new ONT and drop cable.
Openreach pick up on this and should swap that for a 4 port ONT switch., provisioning the new service on port 2 of the 4 port ONT.
At this stage any providers who only support port 1 of a 4 port ONT will cancel the order.

So you need to find a provider who can place an order for a new FTTP line (specifically not an upgrade, migration or working line takeover etc) and also a provider who supports more than port 1 of a multi port ONT.

If he is set on a provider who doesn't support port 2 of a multi port ONT then he will need to migrate his FTTP to them, and then order a 2nd service from someone who does support it

Last I looked in to this BT (retail), Talktalk and Sky all only supported port 1. Their ordering systems just don't (or didn't) have the options for other ports.

Most business providers and smaller niche providers will support this no problem.
Just don't expect the main players or most of the budget suppliers to support it.
As above they usually need ordered on port 1.

Part of the reason for only supporting port 1 of a 4 port ONT is because that's the only port that supports Openreach's multicast service which many providers use for their tv offerings.

Edited by j0hn83 (Sun 29-Jan-23 12:45:48)

Thanks for replying, So do you think Zen would be a good company to check? I've already tried others and on there website when trying to order another service it recognises the existing line and gives an options to; "I authorise Zen to take over the service at this address" or "I want Zen to provide an additional broadband service".

And if they do say they can do it, Do you know if they support being the 2nd port on the ONT if they upgrade the ONT (or better yet install a new line)?

Thanks again!

Yes Zen support both ordering a 2nd FTTP service and being port 2/3/4 of a multi port ONT.

Okay thanks, I'll give them a ring now and see if i can place an order!

Also if they do accept the order and the single port ONT has to be upgraded how would that be done? Is it straight forward as removing the single port on the wall and installing a multiport?

Thanks!

In reply to a post by Thanosfibre:

Okay thanks, I'll give them a ring now and see if i can place an order!

Also if they do accept the order and the single port ONT has to be upgraded how would that be done? Is it straight forward as removing the single port on the wall and installing a multiport?

Thanks!

I'm not sure if there's now a specific order form for providers to order a multi port ONT or if they simply order a 2nd line and Openreach take care of the rest. I believe it's the latter of the 2.

A provisional date will be booked for Openreach to come install a 2nd ONT and drop cable. Openreach pick up on this and arrange a 4 port ONT.
The engineer should simply bring a 4 port ONT and swap them round.
It definitely needs done by an engineer and there's no chance of them sending 1 out and getting you to do it.
The ONT needs registered/authenticated after being installed.

Ask Zen about it. Just don't be surprised if the sales rep has no idea / hasn't dealt with this before.
I would continue to liaise with them after ordering to ensure they do indeed bring a 4 port ONT rather than a 2nd 1 port ONT.

Only way i could contact them was via webchat and they didn't seem to know if i could have an additional FTTP service and to contact the sales team tomorrow (closed on sundays) So i thought i'd give them a try and seems like they where unsure and didn't know.

I'll try giving the sales team a ring tomorrow, Somethings telling me they won't do it but hey who knows lol.

If there's no joy from Zen, try a clueful small ISP like Aquiss (who are in any case giving a good deal: 12 month contract, first 6 months half price)

I've not done this myself but bearing in miond they are business provider and what you've seen on the order page, they've probably got more of a clue than a provider that just serves the consumer market.

I'd place the order and then speak to order management (numbers are all here https://www.zen.co.uk/contact-us) who will likely be able to adjust any order details with Openreach.

Always found them to be knowledgeable which is why I've stayed with them since 2014.

Good luck

I used to have BT & Zen on FTTP. BT on port 1 and Zen on port 2. I did have the 4 port ONT installed when I ordered FTTP in the 1st place though, so didn't have any issues ordering a 2nd connection.