Is there already a phone line in a property or do BT have to physically install the line?

[keithp]

Ok - we are buying a house that was built in 2006 but does not have a phone installed. It was used as a holiday home. The house has two internal sockets - both marked BT. I have struggled to get answers  to the question of getting  a line installed. but have another question that might help.

As there sockets in the property, does that mean the cabling is also likely to be there, so to get a phone line - is it the case that all BT or Openreach have to do is connect something up in a box? Or do they have to lay cables etc?

Does anyone know how it works?

[licquorice]

It is not your concern.

Just order whatever service you require and whatever is needed will be provided.

[iniltous]

As already stated , it’s not your problem if the socket ( or sockets , presumably only one will be a master socket ) is connected all the way back to the exchange from a previous service, or is only connected part of the way  and needs Openreach intervention , you simply raise an order, you will be asked to be available during the appointment slot , if the physical line is intact, you may not see an installer, even though you were at home  , as checks/ remote testing indicated access would not be needed , if access is needed the installer will visit you  , if you get a message saying ‘ you are now connected’ but you are not , you reply to  them that service isn’t working and another visit is arranged, many  providers don’t even charge directly for this connection or reconnection, they simply absorb the cost into the monthly rental, to get you signed up.

[keithp]

There has never been a phone connected, so its a bit like moving into a brand new house. 

I am hoping all the lines are there - so it is just a matter of punching a button somewhere. They will also need to make one of the sockets live for broadband.

[Crimliar]

Things change over time but when we moved into our newly built house in Jan 2017 sockets were already installed inside the house and there was already an Openreach service box on the front wall.  If that box is in place then it's likely that there are cables in there a run to the Master Socket.  However, here at least when we signed up, it literally required an Openreach engineer to visit the property and press the wires into the push-fit terminals in the socket and just quickly test the socket was working!  So everything was in place (the builder had mounted the wall box at 90 degrees) but not connected.  Total time: under 10 minutes!

[iniltous]

If this is one of many similar properties built on a ‘modern’ development where the developer engaged with BT/ Openreach ( 2006 was pre OR so it would have been BT ) , then even if whoever bought the property never ordered service from anyone , the cabling from the PCP , via the DP to the master socket would be connected anyway, it’s done in advance of the developer selling the property …the tell tale signs for this are the ‘BT’ grey plastic items , connector bend 4a , capping 25 and cover 101a on an external wall ( where the external duct from a jointbox appears at the external wall ) and where the cable within the duct enters the property, the master socket usually immediately opposite this on the internal wall,

If the property was a one off build , on a vacant plot , or on a plot that had a property that was demolished to make way for it , then this may not be the case, but if that is in an overhead area , and can be reached from an existing telegraph pole , overhead is the method of service, if there isn’t an existing overhead wire to the property the installer climbs the pole and provides one.

How do you know in the last 17 years there has never been a working service ?

[pippincp]

All you have to do is go to the CHECKER and enter the address. (at the top) That will tell you which broadband service is available to you.

[keithp]

Nothing appears.

[keithp]

"How do you know in the last 17 years there has never been a working service ?"

The present owner has confirmed that.

[licquorice]

You're overthinking this. It matters not a jot what does or doesn't exist. Just place an order with your chosen supplier, they will provide whatever is required.