Getting FTTC/ VDSL2 Internet to un-enabled line

I’ve just viewed a beautiful apartment and propose to put in my offer next week.

The only problem is there is no current Internet access. In fact, the line has never been enabled for BT Wholesale broadband. There is no phone number associated with the property, as it’s been almost a year since the previous residents went to live with their family.

The copper line is still in situ and there is a very new looking BT Openreach master socket in the hall.

How difficult/easy is it to get this sorted out? There’s no full fibre option. The product would FTTC VDSL2 with the cabinet being about 480 metres away.

Thanks.

Is FTTC/VDSL available? In theory it's just a case of ordering from your chosen provider. They can show what's available to your address

Edited by witchunt (Sat 20-Jan-24 14:11:34)

Yes. FTTC 80/20 is definitely available.

Unlikely as FTTC was withdrawn from new supply last September. The replacement is SOGEA, it utilises the same VDSL2 technology as FTTC and is delivered in exactly the same way, but without any PSTN voice service.

As you don't have a phone number or access line ID the most accurate results would be from entering the UPRN in this checker https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/ or if you don't have the UPRN use the Address Checker option, enter the postcode only and select the premises from the list returned.

If the line has been inactive for some time providers may require a new line installing as part of the order process, although the existing line ends up being reactivated.

Thank you for that info. The Wholesale checker is probably more reliable than that of my ISP. It reports that the best product available is up to 17 mbps. I couldn't live with that.

In reply to a post by tdw42:

Unlikely as FTTC was withdrawn from new supply last September. The replacement is SOGEA, it utilises the same VDSL2 technology as FTTC and is delivered in exactly the same way, but without any PSTN voice service.

For many people this is immaterial, as ISPs will offer "Fibre broadband" and an optional voice service.. which Openreach product is used to deliver is not relevant.

In reply to a post by ARD:

Thank you for that info. The Wholesale checker is probably more reliable than that of my ISP. It reports that the best product available is up to 17 mbps. I couldn't live with that.

This implies perhaps that the local cabinet is full and no space, or there is an odd wiring length.

Worth checking the postcode on site such as https://bidb.uk and see if any other providers show up, including Virgin Media or any of new Alternate Networks (alt-net) building their own fibre services. Both of these are separate to Openreach.

There's no Virgin Media in the road. The flat is leasehold. I don't think Full Fibre is permitted. I'd be
e OK if the line had been FTTC enabled but it's never been used for broadband.

In reply to a post by ARD:

There's no Virgin Media in the road.

Ok!

The flat is leasehold.

So is mine, I had Virgin Media installed; and will get FTTP when an appropriate provider arrives. Check with owner/landlord, most are helpful.

I'd be OK if the line had been FTTC enabled but it's never been used for broadband.

My guess is lack of capacity on the DSLAM cabinet. (for either FTTC or SOGEA, same cabinet used).

In reply to a post by ARD:

Thank you for that info. The Wholesale checker is probably more reliable than that of my ISP. It reports that the best product available is up to 17 mbps. I couldn't live with that.

The wholesale checker should tell you what cabinet and exchange you are on.

Then visit Codelook and enter the postcode, do a postcode lookup and see if that particular cabinet is FTTC enabled.

That site seems very elderly. I know the exchange and cabinet number and FTTC had been available for several years. It still says it is on several providers' checkers but not the BT checker.