Moving house, considering FTTC

silverblade · Oct 30, 2011, 01:31:33

I generally like to pick and choose my own modem/router but understand that FTTC services come with a BT VDSL modem. Is this any good? Aside from the overheating issues ive read about.

How close to the master socket do they need to be?

Rik · Oct 30, 2011, 10:11:04

I've not got fibre yet, BT are only 18 months late.

Most installations I've seen, though, have the modem adjacent to the master socket (which means there needs to be a power socket handy too). As to the modem quality, no-one really knows, as there's nothing to compare it with. My sense, though, is that it's cheap and cheerful.

Steve · Oct 30, 2011, 10:18:17

Apparently they will install a data extension cable of up to 30m if the master socket is inaccessible.

Rik · Oct 30, 2011, 10:18:46

Thanks, Steve.

Steve · Oct 30, 2011, 10:19:43

Not sure whether that's an additional charge or not though.

Rik · Oct 30, 2011, 10:20:23

Come on, we're talking about BT here.

Steve · Oct 30, 2011, 10:28:13

I can't see a fee mentioned, I did notice my number is now on the list for the end of December.

Rik · Oct 30, 2011, 10:28:49

So's mine, but then it was last December too.

Steve · Oct 30, 2011, 10:30:31

There is evidence of Openreach Activity , new cabinets, men in vans reading newspapers etc.

Rik · Oct 30, 2011, 10:33:40

Same here, Steve - and last year we didn't see a thing, so maybe...

Steve · Oct 30, 2011, 10:37:12

It's only in the last few days that I've seen my telephone number given an FTTC availability date and projected speeds (30,10) on the BT website.

Rik · Oct 30, 2011, 10:38:51

I keep wondering whether to go for it, but for the amount of use I make of my connection, it seems a bit daft to upgrade.

mervl · Oct 30, 2011, 11:07:30

Since I got IDNet FTTC at the beginning of August, no problems. Modem has been continually connected to the exchange, got warm when laid flat but has stayed cool after I put it on the wall (easy using the fixing slots, I used tacks as it's lightweight). As the dodgy bit of the local loop is between me and the cab I was a bit worried, but the only noticeable effect is that my profile at 750m (my guess) is around 30 (varies 29-32Mbps against an estimate of 26), and after a couple of weeks the stable average ping went from 9 to 16. Actual speeds are remarkably consistent compared to ADSL, according to TBB meter; and on the BT speedtester are up to and sometimes exceed the BTW-reported profile. Modem doesn't look sturdy, but is basic kit that does the job. I bought a Fritzbox as my native inquisitiveness got the better of me to find out more about the connection, but haven't connected it due to the powerful "if it ain't broke don't fix it" argument.

Worth it: yes as ADSL gave me from 2-4.5Mbps; though it wasn't prone to disconnects (ave. say once a month), just slow speeds. Compared to a (free) Fixed WiFi subscription I have which runs at around 10Mbps, probably not, but it was a case of abandoning the phone line or using it, and I've found ways to make some serious beneficial use of it. My feeling is that VDSL deals with the poor line better than ADSL2/+, but I don't think there's many people on the new cab, most seem to find their ADSL speeds OK for their use.

EDITS: Timing: found that once the cabs appeared, it was 3 months until I could order, a couple of weeks after the availability date. Took about a month to connect the electricity to the cabs, then 1m-6weeks to availability. Electricity supply co's and blocked ducts seem to be the bugbear.

Data cable: as I recall you have the option to request this on the order and it doesn't affect the price. How far the Engineer will go to fit it around/through obstacles I suspect depends on their time and co-operation and your social skills. Basic modem cable is <1m, though I use a short multi-socket extension cable (via an APC power back up unit) for the electricity supply to the separate modem and router transformers.