FTTP installation: what happens and how should you prepare?

Confirm the date, contact number and whether an adult must be present throughout. Clear access to the likely cable route and the preferred equipment location. If the property is rented or managed, obtain any permission needed for drilling, external cabling or a new wall-mounted box.

The fibre may arrive through an underground duct or from a pole. An engineer may fit or use an external connection point on the property. Some external work can be completed before the main appointment; difficult access or a blocked duct may require additional work.

The engineer will agree where the fibre enters. Openreach guidance notes that drilling may be required. Think about the route before the visit: the shortest route is not always the best location for the router, office network or future furniture.

The Optical Network Terminal is the powered unit where the fibre service enters the premises. It should be near a mains socket and somewhere dry, ventilated and accessible. The router connects to the ONT using Ethernet.

The ONT and router do not have to provide perfect Wi-Fi coverage from the same corner. Where possible, place the router centrally or use Ethernet cabling and additional access points. Avoid hiding networking equipment inside metal cabinets or behind large appliances.

Confirm the ONT status, router connection and service activation. Test with Ethernet where practical, then check Wi-Fi in the areas that matter. Keep the provider's order details and report any activation issue to the provider, because Openreach does not manage the retail account.

Openreach says most installations take between two and four hours, but blocked ducts, access constraints or extra external work can extend the process. Your provider should communicate revised appointments or next steps if the service cannot be completed on the first visit.