FTTP Installation Questions

[davrel101]

Hello all!

Recently ordered an FTTP package from BT because my current FTTC deal with another provider is ending in a couple of weeks.

I now have some questions about the installation process inside my house that I'd like some clarity on before the engineer actually turns up, so I can decide if I like what's going to happen before my pre-contract free cancellation period ends.

The current copper wiring enters the property via an underground duct attached to the wall at the rear of the house.  The problem is that the room on the other side is the kitchen and has no power sockets nearby, and the master socket is located in another room entirely (see the attached MS Paint drawing of the layout).

I know that they don't have to use the current master socket, but that location is otherwise ideal for the router, modem, and phone. We don't have the space, or the power sockets, to set things up in the kitchen; there's no obvious, easy way to run a cable through the kitchen (i.e. no skirting boards for cables to run along & there would be a wall to go through at the far end; and the living room (if they can connect externally from that side of the house) wouldn't be ideal either.

So, I was wondering: Is it possible to run the fibre cable along whatever route the copper cabling currently uses, so it would come out at/near the current master socket? That would be ideal, but I have a feeling the answer is no.

*Disclaimer* I know the following are not techincally about BT, but the OR 'Contact Us' page is entirely void of any actual contact details, so I thought I'd try here.

Is there any way I can hear from an installation engineer in advance?  I find it strange that you kind of just have to go with whatever they suggest on the day, without prior warning, completely unlike anything else.

And finally, can anyone point me to where I might be able to talk to OR about this?

Basically, I'm just at the point where if I can't find any clarity about what will actually be done to my property, then I'm going to cancel the order.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[Starwire]

Is the existing internal copper cabling surface mounted, i.e. along skirting boards, over door frames, etc or is it behind the wall?

There’s no reason the ONT couldn’t go where the existing NTE, Openreach are now in what they call ‘Green Working’ so can do internal cabling work, although if you get a Contractor out to do the fit they’ll argue otherwise.

Obviously they can’t magic the fibre behind the wall so it’ll have to be surface mounted. The Internal EZ Bend Fibre has a white Micro Core Coating that’s about the same thickness as an iPhone Charge Cable.

[davrel101]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply!

The existing copper wiring is in the walls somewhere - certainly not visible to the eye at any rate, so I guess that's a dud if they can't 'feed' it along the same route somehow.

And there's not really any skirting in the kitchen anyway - it's all gloss-effect **bleep** stuff from the floor up - the panels at the very bottom also unhelpfully have bits that stick out a few inches every couple of feet as well, just to make things worse!

Good news about the ONT being able have some flexibility in placement - that's half the battle.

Like I said earlier, I just wish I could have somebody come round and assess the situation before starting work...

[davrel101]

For some reason the BT forums filtered out 'kitted fitchen' (replace the first letters), from my previous post...

[licquorice]

Can you not run it along the wall in the garage and then through the wall adjacent to the current master socket.

[davrel101]

Hello! Thanks for the reply!

I did wonder about that actually, but forgot to put it in my first post. The garage wall is relatively clear on that side - a couple of pipes, but they're visible, so you could safely work out the correct height to drill through. Is that kind of thing (drilling through 2 walls) within the scope of what they're willing to do?

Again, I worry about getting there on the day and being told my only solution is one I don't want!

[Starwire]

I agree with Liquorice and run it through the garage if possible.

If that’s not possible is running it round the outside of the house and putting it in the living room not an option?