What to expect on FTTP installation day
At DuoCall MSP we’re often asked about what a Fibre installation involves. So to help you prepare for the deployment of your new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) connection, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide. In this post you’ll find information about the installation process, considerations you should make and what to expect before, during and after the installation of your new FTTP connection is complete.
Before your FTTP installation
Depending on your availability, you will have selected a morning installation or an afternoon installation. Morning installations usually take place between 8am and 1pm, whilst afternoon installations usually take place between 1pm and 6pm. On the day of your FTTP installation, the engineer will contact you with a more accurate time for when they will arrive at your premises.
FTTP installations usually take between 2 and 4 hours to complete, however, we would recommend allowing extra time just in case the engineer comes across any unforeseen complications. It’s important to think about where your FTTP equipment will be located in your premises so that you can clear a path and a working space for the engineer. This way they will be safer and much less likely to run into complications.
FTTP installation day
On installation day, the engineer is required to gain permission before completing any work. It’s vital that someone above the age of 18 who has the authority to sign off your installation is present at your premises. In most cases, this is the business owner or landlord. They will be required to sign off exactly where your FTTP equipment will be located within your premises, inside and out. Without a valid signature, the engineer will not be able to get started on your installation.
During your FTTP installation
During the external part of your FTTP installation, the engineer may need to dig a duct from the nearest network point to your premises. This will be used to feed Fibre to your premises. Once the fibre has been laid, the engineer will then make the surface good again and mount a box on the exterior of your building. During this process a hole will be drilled all the way through the external wall.
Alternatively, the engineer may be able to install the Fibre via the nearest pole to your premises. In this instance they will bring the Fibre down from your eaves and install the box at ground level. Again, a hole will be drilled all the way through the external wall.
If a ladder is required to access the Fibre from the overhead feed, temporary holes will need to be drilled into the exterior of your building. These will be used to secure the ladder in place. Once the work has been completed, the engineer will make these holes good again.
Once the external work is complete, the engineer will feed the Fibre through the exterior wall and attach an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) on the interior side of the wall. This will be located no more than 10 meters from the entry point of the Fibre and as close to a power socket as possible (preferably within 1 meter).
It’s important to note that this equipment is the property of DuoCall MSP/Openreach and you must not move it or remove it, even if your business relocates.
If you have purchased a router with us prior to your FTTP installation, we may need to request for the engineer to connect it to the ONT. This will be connected using CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cabling.
FTTP installation process
Things to consider
Voice and FTTP
It’s important to remember that FTTP connections don’t enable traditional telephony services. If you require voice services at your premises and you haven’t already sorted out a solution, our team would be more than happy to talk you through your options and point you in the right direction.
Free review of your business’ communications
We care about the future of your business’ communications, and with the 2025 switch off looming, we want to make sure you avoid any unnecessary disruption to your services. That’s why we’re offering a free, no obligation review of your existing setup. Our team will help you prepare for the switch off and recommend a future proof solution that works for your business, should you need one. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
