FTTP ordered! A few basic questions about installation..

Having received the Openreach email on Christmas Day (!), I have put my order in for FTTP install.

1. BT wholesale checker confirmed available - says KCI2 Assure, and "Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG congested duct". Is there likely to be an issue, or does this just mean they haven't inspected the duct yet?

Here's the current duct into the house:
https://imgur.com/HmqW6mU

Some of my neighbours appear to have different ducts to their house. Checker calls them "2.5 Inch plastic duct 56." Seems odd for there to be variance - it's a relatively new housing estate - all houses built same time, 2007.

2. When they install and fit the ONT, I've seen threads discussing preferred locations. I'm thinking just into the same spot suits fine? I can easily then run some cat 6 cable and site the router more centrally in the house, I assume?

Here's the current box for FTTC:
https://imgur.com/Wwp3SPh

Can they just put the new box in its place, and avoid drilling another hole through the wall?, especially when there are some likely power lines running very close to that spot!!

3. Approx how long does installation take? Does the engineer test the connection with their own equipment, or get me to connect a device via ethernet, and run a speedtest, or something like that?

Thanks for any help!

I'll try to answer some of these

In reply to a post by iDoccy:

1. BT wholesale checker confirmed available - says KCI2 Assure, and "Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG congested duct". Is there likely to be an issue, or does this just mean they haven't inspected the duct yet?

Someone must have identified some congestion for it to be in the comments, its hard to say if it will be an issue or not. You will have at least two visits and they will tackle getting the fibre cable through the duct on the first visit which will be done before the appointment date they have given you.

In reply to a post by iDoccy:

Some of my neighbours appear to have different ducts to their house. Checker calls them "2.5 Inch plastic duct 56." Seems odd for there to be variance - it's a relatively new housing estate - all houses built same time, 2007.

BT duct 56 is the standard, yours may not say it is but its highly unlikely it would be anything else.

In reply to a post by iDoccy:

Having received the Openreach email on Christmas Day (!), I have put my order in for FTTP install.

1. BT wholesale checker confirmed available - says KCI2 Assure, and "Single Dwelling Unit Residential UG congested duct". Is there likely to be an issue, or does this just mean they haven't inspected the duct yet?

Here's the current duct into the house:
https://imgur.com/HmqW6mU

its hard to tell untill the day of the install, you may find as its KC12 assure, an OR bod around your area or street a few days ahead. do go an discuss your install.

You should get a small external box to the side of that called a csp. Its there to resolve a number of issues, mainly if theres a break in the fibre.

In reply to a post by iDoccy:

2. When they install and fit the ONT, I've seen threads discussing preferred locations. I'm thinking just into the same spot suits fine? I can easily then run some cat 6 cable and site the router more centrally in the house, I assume?

Here's the current box for FTTC:
https://imgur.com/Wwp3SPh

Can they just put the new box in its place, and avoid drilling another hole through the wall?, especially when there are some likely power lines running very close to that spot!!

If you are not keeping your normal phone line, then yes they can use the existing hole.

Thanks both!

In reply to a post by iDoccy:

3. Approx how long does installation take? Does the engineer test the connection with their own equipment, or get me to connect a device via ethernet, and run a speedtest, or something like that?

...and in answer to your final question;

Installation time varies! Wooly answer but that's the truth, and mostly depends if they have issues getting through that duct from the street. With no issues, they could be done and dusted within an hour, but more likely 1 to 2 hours. If they have issues, need to get someone else out to help, it could stretch further into the day or they may have to come back another day to complete it.

They will test the light levels with their own equipment. They will usually wait around for you to connect the ISP-supplied router (or your own if you've set it up) to the ONT to test you have connectivity etc.

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

In reply to a post by iDoccy:

3. Approx how long does installation take? Does the engineer test the connection with their own equipment, or get me to connect a device via ethernet, and run a speedtest, or something like that?

...and in answer to your final question;

Installation time varies! Wooly answer but that's the truth, and mostly depends if they have issues getting through that duct from the street. With no issues, they could be done and dusted within an hour, but more likely 1 to 2 hours. If they have issues, need to get someone else out to help, it could stretch further into the day or they may have to come back another day to complete it.

They will test the light levels with their own equipment. They will usually wait around for you to connect the ISP-supplied router (or your own if you've set it up) to the ONT to test you have connectivity etc.

Also if the ont doesn't play ball, that may take up another 30 mins or more. Typically a firmware update is done and then the pon config (which includes a phone call) to add the ont into the existing pon that you will be in.

Okay.
Thanks again, everyone.

I've experienced the sub-one hour install with one technician and the 4 hour plus long haul with two or three techs.

Indeed, like other things (a) really depends on who you get; some are super organised efficient and could do it in their sleep. Others not so much (b) what snags they encounter and how good the centre are at helping them sort it.

I’ve had, shall we say mixed luck with ONTs over the years. Didn’t want to jinx the OP. Sometime the gods are with you and sometimes not.

Should really be fine though 🤞😎