In 90%+ of cases the way the existing copper service is delivered is how FTTP is delivered, so live in an area with existing overhead service from a pole , that’s how FTTP will be delivered, live in an area that’s ducted (as stated housing build 1990’s onwards ) the FTTP will be ducted , the exceptions can be housing areas that are underground (so no poles) but no duct either , the copper ‘phone’ cables were buried directly in the ground when the houses were constructed…..these areas are very expensive to retrospectively supply with duct , and poles where there weren’t any previously are generally unwelcome by the residents …hence these areas generally are low priority….some will get ducts (if there is money in the budget to do it ) many will simply be left alone for the time being, a very small number may get poles if the residents don’t object, and a somewhat politically incorrect point of view , if the area is mainly transient type residents , council tenants etc where no one is likely to complain they may put poles up as it’s unlikely to negatively impact the area like it would in a leafy suburb.
As far as not knowing when you order , you can check online but easier than that , look outside, if you can see a pole and yiur copper connection comes from it , then that’s also how FTTP will be delivered…it’s pretty obvious if an area is overhead service or underground, it’s not as easy to know if underground is DIG , or ducted , that’s why knowing the approximate date the housing was built is a massive clue …..1960s to very early 1990’s will be DIG .
