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Self install ONT?

WSH — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:46:23 GMT

Now this is an interesting move:

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2026/10/openreach-to-test-customer-self-install-onts-on-uk-fttp-broadband-lines.html

Re: Self install ONT?

36ULW — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:11:55 GMT

Stupid move.

Guarantee the ones who will duck it up the most are the, ‘I Work in IT, so have Forgotten More than you’ll Ever Know’ brigade.

Re: Self install ONT?

Kimberlin — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:20:20 GMT

I think it’s more the case that a majority of customers are literally clueless about anything at all to do with equipment provided by ISP’s.

You only have to read a lot of the posts in this forum whereby customers ask the most mundane of questions about their set up and quite literally do not have a clue how to even operate the router that is provided to them. Self installation of an ONT is therefore likely to be beyond the capability of most of those customers.

I guess the whole premise is to save money whilst actually still increasing the price that customers will pay in the long run.

Re: Self install ONT?

WSH — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:43:04 GMT

@36ULW Ha ha ha .... oh, harsh!

Re: Self install ONT?

Kimberlin — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:49:33 GMT

But undoubtedly, very true. I retired from my profession 16 years ago. I know full well I could never return to it without going back to college for full retraining. Too many people who are ‘ex’ something but still believe they know everything but in reality their skill set has faded to the point of being less than useful.

Re: Self install ONT?

Colin_London — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:05:56 GMT

This is only being proposed for box swaps, not first time installs. Most people are capable of removing two plugs, hanging a device on some wall screws and plugging the two cables back in again.

Re: Self install ONT?

Kimberlin — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:11:26 GMT

Hah! Your really think so? Some folks can't even wire a 3 pin plug, I know, because I've had to do it for people because they couldn't even figure out which colour wire went to each pin.

Re: Self install ONT?

Crimliar — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:05:05 GMT

Hmm, you'd probably have to pass a verbal quiz before they let you try - with the right kit/fixings, just swapping over the ONT will be within some peoples abilities.

As for peeps not being able to wire a 3 pin plug - it's hard to describe how dire the electrics at my current workplace (big big company) are!

Re: Self install ONT?

WSH — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:12:17 GMT

@Kimberlin A bigger issue than the three pin plug wiring, is the total lack of understanding of load vs flex diameter and correct fuse usage that most people seem to display today. This is why so many extension leads are catching fire.

Re: Self install ONT?

Kimberlin — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:28:38 GMT

@WSH And I bow to your knowledge. I can do basic stuff, but of course I'd better not say because another contributor might just jump on that stating I'm making another post all about me and then listing all of the stuff I've ever said about myself 🤣

Sorry @WSH you don't deserve that in any response I give to you, but I do get what you're saying. Perhaps it's time for me to change out the 2 core lamp flex I've got attached to that angle grinder that keeps catching fire.

Re: Self install ONT?

WSH — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:55:48 GMT

No problem, mate. It wasn’t meant as a dig at you.

Re: Self install ONT?

Kimberlin — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:59:50 GMT

No worries, I know that 👍