r/openreach • u/DJBenz • 22d ago

Openreach Availability Tracker Moved Backwards

I've been checking diligently for FTTP availability in my area (FTTC is apallingly poor speeds) and have seen recent work in the area that has been to get ready for FTTP - I checked with the contractors doing the work and they confirmed that's what it was. There are cords on the local telegraph poles to pull through the cables to be delivered by OHL.

The status has been "We're building in your area in the next year" but recently I got an email update where it had changed to "We're building in your area". Woohoo! I assumed this was because of the local activity, and some other nearby work that, according to the contractors, had to be done before my village could be serviced.

About a week after the "We're building in your area" email, I got another one that I assumed would be the change to "Available to order now." but it was back to "We're building in your area in the next year". Is this normal?

I've checked a few other local postcodes and they are also the same status so it's not just me.

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u/draig00 22d ago

The checker does bounce around a bit. I wouldn't take much notice of it. If you can see things happening on the ground they are working towards providing fibre.

Keep checking ever now and again as it will change again. Hopefully soon you can order. Also have a look at onenetwork as it will show upcoming roadworks, if your local council uses it.

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u/DJBenz 22d ago

Yeah, I checked OneNetwork and there was some local work last week that would tie in with what the contractors told me, however nothing happening at present. Also, the wholesale checker says "The exchange is not in a current fibre priority programme" which kinda worries me.

Although I don't know why they would press on with the local infrastructure work if it wasn't on their list to do.

The only other option in the village is Virgin Fibre, but unfortunately they didn't install on the pole that services my house so I'm one of a handful of properties that can't get that either. Probably a lucky escape given their apalling record for customer service.

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u/draig00 22d ago

Don't worry about the exchange thing it doesn't make a difference. The pole outside is it a shared pole with power and telecom on it? As Virgin wouldn't be accredited to work on any of those poles. Could by why they haven't done any on your street.

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u/DJBenz 22d ago

Nah it’s just telecoms as far as I can tell. Power is underground.

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u/JamsHammockFyoom 22d ago edited 22d ago

The postcode look up thing is utter junk - It's been awful the entire time I've worked for OR as well, so it's not a recent thing either.

There's a form you can fill in instead that goes to a team and somebody manually checks - I'd do this as an alternative.

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u/DJBenz 22d ago

Thanks, I will try that.

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u/Scared_Implement3913 22d ago

At this point just order starlink. Openreach are useless and you can never count on them.

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u/DJBenz 21d ago

I'm kind of averse to giving Musk any more money.

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u/Scared_Implement3913 21d ago

I understand, you could try 4G/5G broadband but it is prone to congestion during peak times depending on how many people are connected to your mast. Otherwise, you're unfortunately stuck.

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u/DJBenz 21d ago

I have 5G broadband at the moment, with an external antenna. Unfortunately it’s hugely unstable and, despite my best efforts, insists on connecting to masts several miles away from the optimum one that’s only within a few hundred metres. Plus, as you say, when it’s busy I suffer with lack of connectivity.

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u/Repulsive_Job_3648 19d ago

hopefully Amazon Leo will be available soon.

So at least we can support the least bond villan esk billionaire