Kitz Forum
Broadband Related => FTTC and FTTP Issues => Topic started by: wytco0 on November 25, 2013, 10:48:32 AM
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I have checked my phone number and its shows that I am connected to Cabinet 11 at my exchange (Costessey in Norfolk) however there are 2 cabinets called cabinet 11 and I am about the same distance from both of them, I don't know which one I am connected too. One of the cabinets has recently be joined by a nice shiny new FTTC cabinet but the other has not and there have been no signs of anything happening with it.
I have been in touch with NGA but they seem to have stopped providing any useful information and take 15 days to respond so they are of no help.
BT OpenView checker does say that I will be able to get VSDL in March 14.
Does BT Openview have some way of linking the old cabinets together or to a single FTTC cabinet? and is there anyway of know for certain which cabinet I am attached to?
Thanks
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There will only be one cabinet 11 for your exchange, I suspect the number on one them has faded.
Easiest way to find out which one your connected to is to use the BT wholesale checker, but use the address checker option. Now enter just the postcode for a house near to either of the cabinets. You can get a postcode from the post office postcode finder facility. Now submit the page on the checker and it should give a drop down list of all addresses in that post code. Select one and check the cabinet number, if it's the same as yours see what the speed estimate is, if it's close to 80 then you know the address is very close to the cabinet.
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@ wytco0,
Just to add a bit more to Ronski's excellent answer; the fact that you are provided with the date of March 2014 is good news, at least in part.
It's as near as you'll get to a guarantee that you will eventually get a VDSL FTTC service, but it's quite possible that the date will slip initially by three months and then possibly by one month every month until suddenly you will see "Available". On the other hand you may be lucky and get an available date slightly earlier.
Another clue will be provided when you see larger BT Openreach vans pulling the empty sub duct into the sections between road or pavement covers. These sections are then connected with joiners similar to garden hose joiners. After that you will probably see another group blowing the fibre into the subduct. E.g.
http://www.ewhurst-broadband.org.uk/?p=2846
Finally you will often see a single BT van parked for several hours making off a fibre joint.
We also have single cabinets in that condition too, but we have others where the FTTCabinet is installed but no forecast date is entered. In these conditions, the cabinet itself may well be finished but it lacks the vital fibre cable to a working distribution node (or aggregation point as BT sometimes call it). We assume that the date will be after March 2014 which is as far as BT seem to predict at present.
Lastly I do not believe that BT will ever interconnect two PCPs to provide VDSL services to both. Apart from the significant work involved FTTC's don't usually have even the capacity to provide for anywhere near the full compliment of twisted pairs in one PCP. In any case you would not expect anywhere near 100% take-up (unless you are in Lancashire in the B4RN.org.uk area where they have already had a few areas at over 90% take-up).
Kind regards,
Walter
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There will only be one cabinet 11 for your exchange, I suspect the number on one them has faded.
Easiest way to find out which one your connected to is to use the BT wholesale checker, but use the address checker option. Now enter just the postcode for a house near to either of the cabinets. You can get a postcode from the post office postcode finder facility. Now submit the page on the checker and it should give a drop down list of all addresses in that post code. Select one and check the cabinet number, if it's the same as yours see what the speed estimate is, if it's close to 80 then you know the address is very close to the cabinet.
Well I was originally told there were 2 cabinets called Cabinet 11 by an BT Engineer, I didn't know about the second one so I had a look and they definitely both say 11 on them. I have looked at the checker and it just say cabinet 11.
I have just checked Google Streetview and you can see both cabinets and their numbers:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=nr8+5df&hl=en&ll=52.663453,1.215554&spn=0.001484,0.004128&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.852959,33.815918&hnear=Costessey+NR8+5DF,+United+Kingdom&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.663453,1.215554&panoid=qg6UaImS04xOW0uFNqqQFQ&cbp=12,285.7,,0,17.49&z=19 (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=nr8+5df&hl=en&ll=52.663453,1.215554&spn=0.001484,0.004128&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.852959,33.815918&hnear=Costessey+NR8+5DF,+United+Kingdom&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.663453,1.215554&panoid=qg6UaImS04xOW0uFNqqQFQ&cbp=12,285.7,,0,17.49&z=19)
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=nr8+5df&hl=en&ll=52.664717,1.21923&spn=0.001484,0.004128&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.852959,33.815918&hnear=Costessey+NR8+5DF,+United+Kingdom&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.664656,1.21917&panoid=q8gUjUqhtuDDxNcy6ozMGQ&cbp=12,275.9,,0,12.52&z=19 (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=nr8+5df&hl=en&ll=52.664717,1.21923&spn=0.001484,0.004128&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.852959,33.815918&hnear=Costessey+NR8+5DF,+United+Kingdom&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.664656,1.21917&panoid=q8gUjUqhtuDDxNcy6ozMGQ&cbp=12,275.9,,0,12.52&z=19)
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Granted, when looking at those Street View images, one can see the number 11 marked on each cabinet. Although they are both of the same era, the first is a single door cabinet whilst the second is a double door cabinet and the latter has had its right-hand door replaced. I suspect that is the source of the confusion. ???
My predication is that the double door cabinet is not number 11 and it is this double door cabinet that has been given a new FTTC.
The only way to be absolutely sure would be to enter the known telephone numbers of two separate properties, which are adjacent to each of those two cabinets respectively, into the BT Wholesale Broadband Checker (http://www.dslchecker.bt.com/adsl/adslchecker.welcome) and compare the results. One will show cabinet number X whilst the other will show cabinet number 11.
Without disclosing any private information, through which one of those two cabinets do you think your line is connected? Would you be able to trace the route from your property? Is it an aerial or an underground D-side feed to the DP?
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You could always email, BetterBroadbandforNorfolkProject@norfolk.gov.uk
They will be able to find out for you.
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Looking at your map and using the following addresses, picked due to their location next to the cabinets give:
94 The Street, 80/20 estimate cabinet 11 PCP (Primary Connection Cabinet)
2 St Edmunds Close 55/18 estimate cabinet 11 SCP (Secondary connection cabinet)
Even Carrs Hill Close is served by cabinet 11
It's entirely possible that the cabinet opposite St Edmunds close is a secondary PCP
The Harte Pub is served by PCP 4
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Granted, when looking at those Street View images, one can see the number 11 marked on each cabinet. Although they are both of the same era, the first is a single door cabinet whilst the second is a double door cabinet and the latter has had its right-hand door replaced. I suspect that is the source of the confusion. ???
My predication is that the double door cabinet is not number 11 and it is this double door cabinet that has been given a new FTTC.
Actually the new FTTC Cabinet is next to the single door Cab 11 its about 30 meters away though, is roughly next to the lamppost in this view. https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=nr8+5df&hl=en&ll=52.663243,1.215295&spn=0.001484,0.004128&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.852959,33.815918&hnear=Costessey+NR8+5DF,+United+Kingdom&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.663243,1.215295&panoid=5JTy_jsPDKklsnwrPs8PrQ&cbp=12,333.74,,1,21.35&z=19 (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=nr8+5df&hl=en&ll=52.663243,1.215295&spn=0.001484,0.004128&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.852959,33.815918&hnear=Costessey+NR8+5DF,+United+Kingdom&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.663243,1.215295&panoid=5JTy_jsPDKklsnwrPs8PrQ&cbp=12,333.74,,1,21.35&z=19)
The only way to be absolutely sure would be to enter the known telephone numbers of two separate properties, which are adjacent to each of those two cabinets respectively, into the BT Wholesale Broadband Checker (http://www.dslchecker.bt.com/adsl/adslchecker.welcome) and compare the results. One will show cabinet number X whilst the other will show cabinet number 11.
Yes I don't have phone numbers but I did a similar check to the one that Ronski did below and both showed as Cab 11.
Without disclosing any private information, through which one of those two cabinets do you think your line is connected? Would you be able to trace the route from your property? Is it an aerial or an underground D-side feed to the DP?
I really don't know as I am in the street and about the same distance from both cabinets.
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You could always email, BetterBroadbandforNorfolkProject@norfolk.gov.uk
They will be able to find out for you.
Yes they were very helpful and gave me better info than NGA although not the cabinet details.
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@wytco,
I should have mentioned SCPs (Secondary connection point).
These are usually ignored by BT but you can get a VDSL service even if you are connected to the SCP as your line is then routed to the PCP and can be interrupted at that point just as if you were directly connected.
This assumes a standard connection method as used in Surrey, but perhaps BS can tell us if there are ever any unusual configurations.
Kind regards,
Walter
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A SCP would normally be marked with the number of its parent PCP, followed by a solidus and a number that relates to how many SCPs are connected to the parent PCP.
In the example images, attached below, the PCP (numbered 3) has (at least) two SCPs (numbered 3/1 & 3/2) . . .
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Somewhat OT, but I hope not too much. I pass two PCPs that are pretty well in sight of each other. The roads about are served by those cabs (8 & 12) yet there are established roads close to one of the cabs, that seem not to be able to get fibre. However starter homes on ex pub lands on the other side of the road can.
Strange, but it is BT! ;D
Attached map.
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A SCP would normally be marked with the number of its parent PCP, followed by a solidus and a number that relates to how many SCPs are connected to the parent PCP.
In the example images, attached below, the PCP (numbered 3) has (at least) two SCPs (numbered 3/1 & 3/2) . . .
We've got a few what I presume to be SCP around here, but none are marked with anything.
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Ronsk's first advice was excellent.
Put in address in BT wholesale checker. It will know which cabinet you on and tell you estimated data, if it brings up FTTC info then it would seem you on the good cabinet 11.
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Looking at your map and using the following addresses, picked due to their location next to the cabinets give:
94 The Street, 80/20 estimate cabinet 11 PCP (Primary Connection Cabinet)
2 St Edmunds Close 55/18 estimate cabinet 11 SCP (Secondary connection cabinet)
Even Carrs Hill Close is served by cabinet 11
It's entirely possible that the cabinet opposite St Edmunds close is a secondary PCP
The Harte Pub is served by PCP 4
Um I am a bit confused, maybe I am using the wrong checker as when I enter my address it just says cabinet 11, I don't get anything about PCP or SCP.
I am using this one https://www.btwholesale.com/includes/adsl/main.html (https://www.btwholesale.com/includes/adsl/main.html) and then selecting address check
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Sorry for confusing you, that information is what I've worked out by using the same checker as you, which should be giving you an estimated speed, as it does for others on the cabinet.
I believe the cabinet opposite St Edmunds Close is a SCP (Secondary Connection Point) supplied from the main PCP (Primary Connection Point) with the FTTC cabinet, which is outside 94 The Street, as that address gives an estimate of 80/20.
It wouldn't matter if you were connected to either cabinet in this case, you will still be able to get FTTC, obviously though the longer your line the lower your speed will be.
What is your speed estimate?
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Sorry for confusing you, that information is what I've worked out by using the same checker as you, which should be giving you an estimated speed, as it does for others on the cabinet.
I believe the cabinet opposite St Edmunds Close is a SCP (Secondary Connection Point) supplied from the main PCP (Primary Connection Point) with the FTTC cabinet, which is outside 94 The Street, as that address gives an estimate of 80/20.
It wouldn't matter if you were connected to either cabinet in this case, you will still be able to get FTTC, obviously though the longer your line the lower your speed will be.
What is your speed estimate?
Ah OK I understand now, I get an estimate of 41.3/6.5.which s very dissapointing.
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I can appreciate it would be disappointing, but bare in mind that the estimates seem to be really low now.
My original estimate was for 57/20, highest I ever got was about 50 and I was the first on the the carpet. I'm currently getting 47/9 and my current estimate is 33/6.
I highly suspect you will get higher, but if you get the estimated then it's still a very good speed for now. ,Even when I had just below 40 the speed was very good,
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Out of nosy interest, what speed do you get from your ADSL connection; are you disappointed because of the estimated speed uplift, or justbecause you would not get near 80?
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Out of nosy interest, what speed do you get from your ADSL connection; are you disappointed because of the estimated speed uplift, or justbecause you would not get near 80?
I currently get about 3/0.3 and agree vsdl qotes are a big improvement on that.
But we also have another place in Hastings and there I get 60/23 against a quoted 80/20 for infinity 2. There the cabinet is about 50m from the flat.
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Out of nosy interest, what speed do you get from your ADSL connection; are you disappointed because of the estimated speed uplift, or justbecause you would not get near 80?
I currently get about 3/0.3 and agree vsdl qotes are a big improvement on that.
But we also have another place in Hastings and there I get 60/23 against a quoted 80/20 for infinity 2. There the cabinet is about 50m from the flat.
wow
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So Hastings is more Cossee-ted than Costessey as far as fibre is concerned. :D
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I have been watching and checking the wholesale checker and it been showing an Availability Date of 31/3/2014 for fibre for some time, but this evening I checked again and now its showing 31/12/2014.
I can't help but think that BT and BT Openreach are incompetent in the way that they handle these upgrades, BT hides behind BT Openreach and BT Openreach refuses to comment. They must have know that they were not going to make 31/3/ yet they were still showing it early this week.
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Sad and obviously annoying. :(
That said, just one minor correction -- it is Openreach and not Openview. ;)
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Sad and obviously annoying. :(
That said, just one minor correction -- it is Openreach and not Openview. ;)
Oops now corrected... Thanks
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I have been watching and checking the wholesale checker and it been showing an Availability Date of 31/3/2014 for fibre for some time, but this evening I checked again and now its showing 31/12/2014.
I can't help but think that BT and BT Openreach are incompetent in the way that they handle these upgrades, BT hides behind BT Openreach and BT Openreach refuses to comment. They must have know that they were not going to make 31/3/ yet they were still showing it early this week.
Well I have been watching the checker for my phone line since BTO changed the availability from 31/3/2014 just before 31/3/2104. A couple of weeks ago I worte to them to ask if they would meet the 31/12/2014 date and they just ignored my email.
The date is still showing as 31/12/2014 but I have no confidence at all that they will meet it, I fully expect them to slip the data by many months a few days before 31/12.
The most annoying thing is that BTO think this is OK behaviour, they must know now if they are going to meet this date and they also know that by showing dates in the near future none of their competitors will consider an alternative service which is exactly what WiSPire have done.
I hope I am wrong and that BTO have everything ready for the end of December ...