Very worried about 'fibre switch over day' - please help

[licquorice]

Its a bit technical, but FTTC uses higher frequencies than standard broadband so is more susceptible to interference on long lines. The same cables are used from the cabinet to your house regardless of whether you have FTTC or standard broadband. Unless the trees have chafed through the insulation of the cable they will cause no more problem with FTTC than standard broadband.

Its a difficult decision and the outcome cannot really be predicted as every line is different. Its perfectly possible that FTTC will give you a slight increase in speed and be totally fine but it can't be guaranteed.

[biscuitcase]

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.  I suppose the "on average 3x faster broadband speeds" mentioned in the letter is best case scenario sales guff.  I guess there wouldn't be much hope that if it's a complete shambles they'd switch us back to our old copper connection? 

Still have no idea what to do.  The letter mentioned sending me a separate "letter or email to let you know what speed to expect from your new fibre broadband," but I haven't received anything like that yet.  If I had a clearer idea of the outcome,  I'd be equipped to make a decision,  but seems like they're asking us to take a punt in the dark, and the fact that they don't mention possible downsides at all makes me sceptical. As does the mixed messaging from the BT agents I've spoken with. A free Smart Hub 2 and faster service out of the apparent goodness of their hearts? 

Tempted to say pull the other one it's got bells on, but trying not to be cynical. 

[pippincp]

Purely my opinion. As FTTP is available that is what you will be getting and that is an engineer install.

As Openreach have already gone to the cost of providing FTTP to the pole nearest you it would be rediculous not to use it. It would also mean you would be well over the USO.

When you get the next letter detail the speed you will be offered will confirm FTTP or FTTC and will allow us to better advise.

[biscuitcase]

Hi Sage, I tried calling the helpline again yesterday and the agent still wasn't clear what was happening. He said that no order had been made next to our account yet, and apparently a separate department was responsible for that, so basically the helpline number BT provide which is meant to be specifically dedicated to this issue is effectively useless.

The guy said he was just taking a guess but he reckoned we were going to be shifted over to FTTC as that's what this big switch over drive is mainly focused on. Makes sense, I guess. There's no way BT would offer a free FTTP upgrade with no increase in contract price just to be nice. So, still clueless about it all. He said we'd probably hear again in a few days, so I suppose I'll just have to keep calling until I get some answers. If this goes on too long I'll just call and ask to opt out.

[pippincp]

As I said previously, wait until you get the next letter then it can be taken from there. FTTP & FTTC prices are the same. The big switchover drive as you put it is focused on getting people off ADSL, not on getting them onto FTTC.