Ordering BT broadband and moving master socket

[amankahlon]

Hi guys

We have just bought a property and looking to move in hopefully by the end of the month. I would like to order BT broadband but have a few questions:

1. Can I set an activation date when I order the broadband? The people living there currently have internet and want to keep it until they move out. Ideally, I would like our internet to be activated towards the end of the month which is when we move in.
2. The current master socket is in an awkward place. I would like to get it moved to somewhere a bit more practical/sensible i.e. the living room. When I was going through the BT broadband order process online (I haven't ordered it yet), it said there is an active line in the house which can be taken over or I can have a new line installed at no cost. Which option should I go for - take over existing line or get a new line installed by an engineer visit and have the new master socket in the living room?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Aman

[Keith_Beddoe]

@amankahlon 

A working line takeover is the quickest option, provided that the current occupiers have not placed an order to cease their service. Just specify the date that you want to takeover the line.

They will receive a letter from BT saying that someone wants to takeover their line. If they just allow that to go ahead, then you will takeover the line on the date you specified.

If you want the master socked moved after you have moved it, then you may have to pay for that.

There is always some installation charge, even if there is an existing working line. It usually depends on what you have ordered, and how long the contract is.

[amankahlon]

Hi @Keith_Beddoe

Thanks for your reply.

So does that mean the current occupier don't have to tell BT that they are moving out?

Also, I noticed that when I was looking to get another new line installed, there was no installation charge.

Not sure if anyone thinks that's a good idea to get another line installed and ask BT engineer to put the master socket where I would prefer? Thoughts?

[Keith_Beddoe]

If the current occupier is moving their service to their new address, then that process would already in place anyway.

If they are not moving their service, then you will takeover the line on the agreed date, and if they are still in a BT contract, they will receive a final bill with any cancellation charges.

I would wait until you move in before arranging any socket moves, as you may simply be able to use an extension, or add your own extension to your preferred location.

Any changes at the point of ordering, is likely to cause the order to fail and you could be left without service for weeks.

[amankahlon]

@Keith_Beddoe Thanks very much.

I will call the current occupier this evening and ask them not to cease line, just to move it to their new address.

I will then place an order with BT to takeover existing line and wait regarding socket move until I am in the property.

Is that all that's required for now?

Thanks again for your help.

[Keith_Beddoe · Accepted solution]

That would be the best way, otherwise if there is a pending cease, it can prevent you from taking over the line, and can delay any orders.

Mention to them that they may receive a message from BT to say someone wants to takeover their line. They do not need to do anything about it, as that it what is supposed to happen.