This topic

Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

Stuart111 — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:00:26 GMT

I have FTTP and now on Digital Voice, which makes my old plug in phone sockets redundant, how do I get rid of them and any wiring?

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

jac_95 — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:02:39 GMT

Hi Stuart111,

Thanks for the post and welcome to the Community.

This is an automated response as I can see you have a question about BT’s Digital Voice service. Rather than waiting for a response from the Community, you may find an answer to your question by using the search bar on the Community homepage. We also have a thread that contains a wealth of info related to BT’s Digital Voice, click this link to take a look, Digital Voice FAQs.

Got some questions or want to learn more about BT’s Digital Voice rollout? BT are running localised events as part of the regional rollout of Digital Voice - Click here to view the Digital Voice events

To learn more about the nationwide change to this Internet based voice service visit landlinesgo.digital

If you have already looked for the answer to your question and have not found anything that can help, then please ignore this message. One of our Community members will be along shortly to help you further.

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

imjolly — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:13:49 GMT

any extension sockets and wiring is property of homeowner so you can just disconnect and take out if you want. the main/master socket is property of openreach but unlikely if you nowe have FTTP that openreach are going to come and inspect your property for the master socket so up to you

you can rewire the master to give access to phone calls at other sockets if you wanted posts on forum explain how to make minor changes

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

Colin_London — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:27:25 GMT

When I got FTTP the copper cable to the house was removed. The Openreach engineer told me to remove my internal cable inc. old connection box and master socket myself!

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

Stuart111 — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:27:25 GMT

It is a relatively new house and only had FTTP installed, so no copper. I have no idea what to disconnect from where?

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

licquorice — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:30:16 GMT

I'm totally confused. You ask how to get rid of your copper wiring and then say you haven't got any copper wiring

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

Stuart111 — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:36:36 GMT

I’m confused as well. I am assuming that as a new house which came with FTTP, the old phone sockets would not be copper, I don’t know whether they are or not.

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

WSH — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:43:42 GMT

If it’s like the last new build I looked at, the phone socket is next to the ONT. This dates from when the phone was going to be delivered via the ONT and the socket was to connect the ONT to the internal phone extensions. It’s an idea that is obsolete now, as the phone is delivered through the Smart Hub 2.

However, if this is the case, (and it may be a big if without seeing it), you could potentially connect the Smart Hub DV to one of the sockets and use it as an extension to a phone in another room.

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

iniltous — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:01:12 GMT

Are you sure they are phone sockets and not an Ethernet distribution network , often with properties on new sites , the developer puts the ONT location in a awkward place ( cupboard under the stairs for example ) but they also provide Ethernet connectivity from under the stairs to several places , like behind the TV location, or into a bedroom ( or other rooms ) …that way , if the customer wants , they connect the ONT under the stairs , to the appropriate Ethernet socket ( also under the stairs ) and at the other end of that Ethernet extension , they can plug in the router into that Ethernet socket in a better location , basically so the router doesn’t need to be next to the ONT ….sometimes the developer provides the sockets but it’s a paid for extra , so if the client didn’t pay for Ethernet, the sockets exist but are not connected.

Similarly , if they are phone sockets , you may find that you can plug the phone port ( with the appropriate cable ) of the SH2 into one of the wall sockets near the ONT , and plug your home phone into a socket at the other end of that extension cabling ( in the bedroom or living room etc ) that way you don’t have to answer the phone by climbing into the under stairs cupboard , but have it in a more convenient location.

Ultimately though , they are your sockets , nothing to do with BT or Openreach, and if it’s a new build , the cabling will not be visible ( installed before the interior walls were put up ) so why would you want to remove something hidden from view anyway , if the sockets themselves are not wanted you could remove them and re plaster but that seems somewhat unnecessary

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

licquorice — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Phone sockets by definition can only be copper.

What is it you actually want to do?

If you have no incoming external copper service, the sockets are your responsibility to do with as you wish.

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

Stuart111 — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:12:48 GMT

I am trying to find out how to safely remove the old phone plug-in sockets, as I now have Digital Voice and they are redundant. I want to take them out and patch the wall as they are unsightly.

Re: Redundant plug-in phone socket removal

licquorice — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:16:27 GMT

Then just remove them if you don't want them. If there are any wires connected, simply cut them.