Hi All,
We’re thinking of moving from Sky to BT and the obvious choice seems to be full fibre. However, we’ve recently had the house rendered and I’m not keen on the idea of holes been drilled and cable drops and wondered if BT/Openreach offer a pre install survey so we could determine an install option that works. I’d be happy to pay for scaffolding or alternative cable runs but thought it would be more efficient to discuss first before ordering.
Any advice and help appreciated.
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How is your broadband provided currently - from a pole or underground?
It’s from a pole across the street. It’s probably worth mentioning that they’ve recently installed a new pole right beside our house so I’m not sure if it’d be from the existing pole or the newer and closer one.
Thanks
Going to be tricky to get through a wall without drilling a hole.
No there is no pre-installation option , but if you already have an overhead cable , Openreach FTTP service usually would follow the existing route, the same ( existing ) fixing bracket on your wall also used for the new optical cable , unless you have a chimney bracket or the existing fitting is now inaccessible ….extra holes are unavoidable as Openreach use a ladder fixing system Tetra , to make ladder working safer ,this requires fixings put into the wall to secure the ladder , they remove the fixings and fill the holes .
Are you sure the new pole is an Openreach one ?, some alternative networks install their own poles even if Openreach poles are already present in the area to save renting space on the OR pole , if it’s a new pole it should have a notice on it , explaining what to do if you object to it’s location etc.
If it is an Openreach pole , and outside your property then it probably will be used to provide service to your address
Didn’t realise this was a comedy club!
The holes im referring to are the ones required to secure the ladder etc. I’d like to explore the options for minimising the disruption, not make the install invisible.
Thanks for an actual useful response.
To be honest I’m not sure who owns it, as far as I know the only options in our area are BT or virgin but something to investigate.
Thats fair enough if that’s the system they use, I’m not expecting anyone to do something dangerous but thought I’d explore any options I had. The current cable comes straight from the pole and into the loft space where its terminated. I wasn’t sure if they’re still follow this route as I understand they need to terminate it to an external box and then have a short dropper to the router.
It is the case with most overhead feeds , that the cable attaches at height, runs down the wall to a low level where the CSP is fitted ( external splice box ) then an internal cable is ran to the ONT location, Openreach do have an internal CSP but they seem pretty rare , but there is no harm in you asking for one to be used and then the cable rather than running down the wall, can be taken inside the property at height , and the CSP and ONT provided on the first floor , it may or may not be doable .
If you require the installer to enter a loft space, it would need to be boarded , have adequate lighting and a proper staircase to it , otherwise the installer is within their rights to refuse to enter it , you won’t really know until an installer is on site …..FWIW , there are many examples of customers unable to agree with the installer the method of provision, and basically refusing to allow any work, in those circumstances the order is cancelled, presumably without penalty
If you’re referring to the Tetra Hole then options are;
1. Fit the CSP over the Tetra Hole to hide it.
2. Is there something alternative they can anchor the Ladder too? It would have to be something secure and well grounded. Obviously sticking say a wooden steak in the ground wouldn’t be suitable.
3. Openreach don’t necessarily need to drill the Tetra Hole. They do now have this Anchor Suction Pad they can use. Never used one personally though so I’m unsure of its limitations and when or where it can be used.
This is what they’re using, a Grabo Device.
Thanks very much for the detailed response.
With the info I’ve gained from (most) of the replies on here I think I’ve got plenty of options for the installer to securely install the fibre line without drilling into the render, so I really appreciate that.
Thank you very much all those involved.