What is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)?
Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is a part-copper, part fibre connection. Fibre connects the cabinet to the exchange, then the connection from the cabinet to the premises is normally completed using copper. It offers faster broadband speeds, but not as fast as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).
FTTP is a pure fibre connection from the exchange, into your business. It offers higher broadband speeds to specific premises in areas that have been enabled for FTTP (speeds up to 330/50MB/s).
Once installed, FTTP is far more stable than alternatives and delivers committed speeds irrespective of the cable run distance.
FTTP and FTTC can occasionally be available in the same areas. Recent commitments by Openreach to increase the FTTP footprint will increase the overlap of FTTP and FTTC. So, there will be more premises that can have both FTTC and FTTP. At the moment, we support and sell both.
Find out more about our fibre broadband products online.
FTTP on Demand
FTTP on Demand, also known as FoD, is often shown as available in areas where FTTC exists. It is NOT the same as FTTP although it appears similar on Wholesale and Openreach checkers: It’s very easy to mistake for FTTP.
We don’t sell FoD at this time.
What’s the difference between Brownfield and Greenfield sites or premises?
Brownfield sites have existing copper lines in place and have Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) available.
Greenfield sites don't have any copper lines, so FTTP is your main option.
Some new housing developments and Fibre-only multi-tenant buildings are Greenfield.
How quickly can I get FTTP installed?
Installation times for FTTP can vary, depending on how close the fibre cable is, and whether you already have an Optical Network Termination unit (ONT).
We’ll let you know how quickly you could be up and running when you order fibre broadband. But here’s a quick guide to the different installation terms we use, and the average timescales.
0 stage install – between 1 and 3 working days
If you already have an ONT, it’s very quick to get connected. We’ll remotely activate a port on the ONT. Then just follow our step-by-step guide to install your broadband yourself.
1 stage install – between 9 and 18 working days, depending on availability
An engineer will install an ONT at your premises to connect to the nearby fibre cable. We’ll arrange a convenient appointment when both you and the engineer are available.
2 stage install – timescales depend on the external work needed
If the fibre cable is not near you, it may need major external work (involving road closures for example) before an engineer can install an ONT.
- First, Openreach will send an engineer to assess how much work is needed. They’ll aim to do this within 5 working days of you placing your order.
- Within 10 working days, Openreach will have completed their survey. If the work is not complex, they’ll carry out all the external work required. Openreach will then be in touch to arrange when they can complete the work at your premises.
- If the work is complex, Openreach will take longer to do all the external work. It can sometimes be a few weeks before they’ll contact you to arrange when they can complete the work at your premises.
Frequently asked questions
Will you give me a definite installation date when I order FTTP?
If an engineer’s needed to install FTTP, we’ll be able to estimate your installation date when you place your order. You’ll need to arrange the actual installation date with the engineer, based on when you’re both available for the work to take place at your premises.
Do I need to be at my premises when the engineer is installing FTTP?
Yes, please make sure you – or someone in your business – is available to give the engineer access to your premises. They’ll need to get in touch with you, so please give us your mobile number for us to share.
Could an FTTP installation date be delayed?
In a complex 2 stage install, engineers might need to dig up roads or put in overhead cable across a road. To comply with the Traffic Management Act, local authorisation is needed, and this can cause delays.
Could there be extra charges to install FTTP?
Extra construction charges only apply in exceptional circumstances – such as where there is more external work required from Openreach than was initially estimated. If installing your FTTP needs Excess Construction Charges, we’ll let you know before starting work.
Could an FTTP installation be cancelled?
Very rarely. If, following their survey, Openreach decide that a 2 stage install is too complex, they might advise that FTTP cannot feasibly be installed.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Service Identifier
An FTTP service identifier is a unique reference number which helps you and our teams identify your FTTP service. This will be an 11 digit number beginning in 062.
Keep it safe as we'll ask for it if you ever need to contact us.
Getting FTTP in 'Listed' buildings
When we install FTTP, we have to drill through the walls of your premises, so you'll need to check that you're allowed to do this with your Local Authority. FTTP is provided both underground and over-ground via poles, in exactly the same way as copper wire phone line.