Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
Network operator Openreach (BT) has begun inviting broadband ISPs (CPs) to help test a new ‘Standard‘ install process for their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) lines, which will go beyond the existing method that largely runs an optical fibre cable into your home and then connects that up to an internal Optical Network Terminal (ONT / optical modem).
At present Openreach are investing up to £15bn to deploy their new multi-gigabit speed capable full fibre broadband technology to cover 25 million UK premises by the end of December 2026 (currently passing over 23m). After that, there’s a further ambition to reach up to 30 million premises by 2030, but the build plan for the 2027-2030 period and their final coverage target for this has yet to be confirmed.
Most home installations for this new service typically fall under the operator’s ‘Standard Install‘ process which, as above, brings the fibre into your property and connects it up to an ONT (pictured) on the wall. The Standard install process attracts a connection charge of £127.26 ex. VAT at wholesale, although after special offers many retail ISPs will often cover this for “free“.
In addition, Openreach also offer a ‘Premium Install‘ and ‘Advanced Install‘ at extra cost, which usually goes a bit further and includes some extra work / testing. But the operator has just announced a new Proof of Concept (PoC) test that will slightly extend the Standard process scope to “offer connection of a CP-provided set-top box and/ or a Wi-Fi extender as well as the 1 device currently included“.
The move is likely to reflect the fact that a lot of ISPs now ship packages with bundled TV boxes and Wi-Fi mesh/extender systems. At the time of writing, we’ve only seen the public briefing for this, but we hope to have extra details soon. As this is part of the ‘Standard’ process then Openreach’s efforts may not involve detailed testing and setup of all the extra kit, which can in any case often be handled remotely by the ISP / Communications Provider or customer.