Full fibre install

[Axx]

Hi ... I have just renewed my contract with EE was a BT FTTC customer and I will be getting FTTP on the 26/03/25 . I just wanted to check/make sure that Openreach can place the ONT where my router is currently in the hall way and place the wire from the front door wall. I live in an old brick house and it's imperative my router box stays in the hallway so I get the best WIFI signal throughout. Please can anyone help with my concerns. I don't want the ONT box in the front rooms as that will cause issues with WIFI.  The telegraph pole is right outside my house. I just want to keep my router where it is currently and don't want it moving. Thank you.

[Minkey1]

@Axx 

I’ve always found OR to be reasonably amenable, although that’s not always the experience of others. Sometimes they use third party installers.

As you’ve experience with your existing router in the hall, I’m guessing your FTTC service comes in that way now? In which case, I’d have thought they’d use the same entry point, assuming there’s a handy power socket - the ONT needs one. If that requirement is met I cannot see why they’d want to drill a new entry hole somewhere else🤷🏼

What fibre plan will you be on? It may cater for WiFi extenders on request, or available to rent. In a world of hurt following the transition to EE, I’ve found the SH+ and smart extenders (2) to be better in our situation than the BT SH2 and one disc I had before. It’s the one bright spot.

Again, others have different views.

Hope it all goes well 🤞

[Axx]

Hi Mike.

Il be on the 900Mbps package.

I don't mind if they want to drill another hole but it has to come via the front door hallway entrance and not through my front rooms. It will be a lot easier for the engineer as well. I am hoping the engineer will leave my router where it is and just place the ONT near it using more cable from the outside box.  From past experience Openreach engineers tend to be good.

[JimM11]

@Axx OR have a video explaining what is involved with the FTTP side of THERE installation, the OR contractors DO NOT play well for them time is money even though they get 4 hours per install time, as long as you have power for the ONT modem and your Router BT or EE, NO sharp cable bends involved as Fibre cable is way more delicate then an understanding install engineer may accommodate your request.

If you look at it this way, an Ethernet cable run from an ONT placed elsewhere to the Router/Hub, would be the same as a fibre run to the ONT next to your Router, if you are happy with that, fibre cables OR/Contractor are 3 lengths so as long as one of those reaches your placement position.

Be prepared to stand your ground, i did with the contractor so he p'd off, 21 day's later OR did the install NO Issue what so ever.

[Axx]

Hi Jim,

Ye I will tell them it's imperative router stays there  if not il just cancel and stick with FTTC. Only issue is my last day with BT is the 26/03 I wonder if I can revoke the cancellation with them that late.  I don't want to lose internet access.

[Minkey1]

@Axx 

Sounds logical to me. You’d have power already for your existing router - just bear in mind the ONT needs power too. Good luck.

[JimM11]

@Axx You should not lose anything, EE keep the lights on until for FF goes live, even if there is a installation oops that can happen from time to time. Fibre get's tested OR side, when they are happy, fttc cable get's pulled out Ethernet gets plugged in and the systems swap over, fttc dies then NO returning.... If you have a landline takes a little time for that to all gel together incoming and outgoing calls.

[Axx]

I've watched several videos from EE/City fibre/lighting fibre and OR and they all say I need to decide where the ONT box goes and the router. I've seen videos on YouTube too and seen some very complicated installs done but mine will be easy compared to them.  If they can't complete the install to my satisfaction then il call BT and tell them I'm not leaving and stayon FTTC or maybe try another network.

Il let you guys know what happens on 26/03 no doubt il be stressing up until the point.

Many thanks!!

[JimM11]

@Axx I fitted mine up in the dormer of the house same run as the original copper the BT junction box, then I ran the Ethernet cable to MY Router position same as you KNOW where the best location is. Even did all the prep work for Contractor who just did not want to know, OR when in/done/out in 30 minutes happy as larry the pair off them, extra lunch time as far as they were concerned...

[Axx]

Just called BT customer service and the lovely chap said he is sure the engineer will put it where I want it (as it's my house and i told him about WIFI issues if the router goes elsewhere) and if he doesn't then to call back. Plus my BT Internet won't turn off on the 26/03 until the migration to EE is done. That's gave me some piece of mind at least.

Thanks guys