Kitz Forum

Broadband Related => Broadband Technology => Topic started by: adslmax on February 12, 2018, 03:43:39 PM

Title: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on February 12, 2018, 03:43:39 PM
Openreach are now racking it up in Telford for a new g.fast pods. Just saw it today when I went for a walk for 2 hours.

Is that g.fast pods below for cabinet 1 and 3

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Mark07 on February 12, 2018, 04:00:19 PM
Yes, those look like g.fast extension pods.

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2016/06/bt-openreach-reveals-g-fast-broadband-cabinet-extension-pod.html
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on February 12, 2018, 04:16:20 PM
Right ok but strange nothing was report on roadwork.org
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on February 12, 2018, 04:39:27 PM
Pod installation doesn't involve street works so no need for notices.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: ktz392837 on February 12, 2018, 05:21:14 PM
Does anyone know what happens if the PCP is on a corner?  The gfast pod would stick out into the pavement if the pod can't articulate?  Thanks
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on February 12, 2018, 06:24:17 PM
The gfast pod would stick out into the pavement if the pod can't articulate?

skyeci has shown me a photograph of an example of a pod in exactly that scenario.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on February 12, 2018, 06:34:34 PM
Openreach rolling out g.fast pod in Dawley area (Telford) at present as I was surprised as I thought it would be in Wellington (Telford) area first then later last one around Madeley (Telford)?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on February 13, 2018, 12:18:39 AM
My telephone exchange Cuckoo Oak

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on February 15, 2018, 06:42:19 PM
Early this afternoon b*cat was slowly plodding home with the week's grocery shopping. The route taken passes a PCP & it's associated Huawei MA5603T equipped twin. What was seen bolted onto the right-hand side of the PCP? I shall not be giving out pre-licked kitteh-treats to the first person who responds with the sentence: "A Huawei equipped ITU-T G.9700/1 pod."  :D

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on February 20, 2018, 11:27:10 PM
My node, the one I took a picture of and placed on here, has had a pod on it since August. It still ain't live.

Don't hold your breath, could be a while for a few reasons, though at least that pod is in the checker :)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: garypower on February 21, 2018, 12:02:49 AM
I am in Luton - another one of the listed "trial" areas and we have had the g.fast pods fitted since June last year.

Still no sign of them being activated, not that I hold out much hope being ~ 450m from the pcp!
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: gt94sss2 on February 21, 2018, 01:55:42 AM
In Wandsworth, another trial area, G.Fast has started to show as available on the DSLChecker - many months after they were fitted.

However, I understand that even if Openreach install and activate a pod, BT Wholesale don't show it as active on their systems until they have upgraded their exchange links.
 
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on February 23, 2018, 07:20:55 PM
Bath, another trial area, we have the G Fast pods, but still nothing, couldn't even get on trial. :sob:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: skyeci on February 23, 2018, 07:33:10 PM
bit of a pointless exercise in combe down.VM are in the process of doing many streets where the g.fast pods are & expanding their network ::) Probably beat OR to it considering the pods were fitted last summer and still not active.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on February 23, 2018, 07:48:21 PM
bit of a pointless exercise in combe down.VM are in the process of doing many streets where the g.fast pods are & expanding their network ::) Probably beat OR to it considering the pods were fitted last summer and still not active.

Wonder if VM will finally find their way to Bathampton, we also had G Fast pod install last summer.

Checking the post code BA2 4DB (Holburne Museum) on link below, it is showing cab 31 is live & apparently accepting orders for for G Fast.
As is Cab 28 & post code BA24EZ, 17 Pultney Road.


https://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/home/index.do
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: smallal on March 07, 2018, 01:40:54 PM
GRAYS.ESSEX.
Engineers fitted a G.FAST pod onto my local street cabinet this morning, though they didn't do any wiring.
They had a van full of them so I presume all boxes in my area are getting one.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on March 07, 2018, 01:48:08 PM
We've had them for ages round here (one of the original trial areas), still no sign of them going live though....
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 11, 2018, 12:31:55 PM
BT Wholesale has updated dsl checker for my cabinet saying g.fast as planned as 217/35 for my estimated speed on g.fast but there is no g.fast pod on the pcp cabinet 8 yet.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: skyeci on March 11, 2018, 01:03:26 PM
I wouldn't get too excited  ;) Mum's cab had a g.fast pod fitted nearly a year ago. They have just updated the btw and it still says planned even though it's in the trial area..

the planned rate for her is 200/28 or there abouts......
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 11, 2018, 01:08:43 PM
I think BTw data is in the messy up incorrect speed estimated because I have checked next door to my both neighbours on the same terraced houses.

Left is next door is 330/50, Middle is my house is 217/35, Right is next door is 330/50 - doesn't make any sense at all in these three speed estimates compared?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on March 12, 2018, 07:25:27 PM
Yeah looks like Openreach have provided some data to CPs and Wholesale have updated their checker accordingly.

A neighbour 150ft away has a downstream handback of 330 on G.fast.

I can confirm based on my own address that a ~500m line is not eligible for G.fast at this time.

If I weren't on VM and weren't to have FTTP next year I'd be modestly sulky.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 12, 2018, 08:03:52 PM
I just checked all terraced houses and there are four houses are not G. Fast planned and some houses are 330/50 estimated speed but few houses are less than 290/45 as how on earth does openreach can work it out on each houses who will get G. Fast and some are not but all houses are the same side and the same street fibre cabinet 8. Don't understand really how does it work out? Does Openreach know the estmated speed due to LIVE BT Line active while the other isn't (probably using cable virgin media?)

House 1 get 330/50 (Street Fibre cabinet stood there)
House 2 get 286/43
House 3 get 330/50
House 4 Not Planned ** no g.fast
House 5 get 330/50
House 6 get 246/35 (mine house)
House 7 get 330/50
House 8 Not Planned ** no g.fast
House 9 get 281/42
House 10 get 230/30

These 10 houses are closer to the street cabinet 8 approx 250m away.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: kitz on March 12, 2018, 09:05:30 PM
I've no idea of your street layout, but I wonder how much location of the DP is making to those estimates.

You will likely have many scenarios where someone has a DP at the end of their drive so only need a few final meters of copper, whilst someone on the same cab, but furthest from the DP may need say 50m. 

It all depends upon the layout of the cable, in just the same way as with how on FTTC you have some people very close to the exchange, yet the line distance to the cab is more than double.    Just because you may be nearest to the cab, doesn't mean you have the shortest line length than someone who may live further away, but nearer to the UG joint box.   

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 12, 2018, 09:13:21 PM
Thanks kitz. Is it normal for BTW to show up G. Fast on checker even thought the cabinet isn't fitted any G. Fast pod yet. Nothing yet. I thought btw wouldn't updated on the checker until G. Fast pod has installed first and ready for service as planned. Last time I spoken to openreach they say my cabinet will be ready around summer 2018 for G. Fast.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on March 12, 2018, 09:34:57 PM
I've tried to locate WNCKO P8 but it is proving to be a rather difficult cabinet to find.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 12, 2018, 10:08:16 PM
WNCKO P8 isn't on google map because the cabinet is right in front of the public footpath way as the cabinet is behind the house wall there as my house is further down there about 6 houses down the footpath by the fence. See photo attached as it was taken in Feb 2014 when the fibre cabinet has finally stood up and has finished installed.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Black Sheep on March 12, 2018, 10:31:34 PM
I've tried to locate WNCKO P8 but it is proving to be a rather difficult cabinet to find.

If you 'Google Maps' ..... Willowfield and/or Wellsfield at Cuckoo Oak ..... the Cab is basically opposite where it shows the 'Spar Self-Service' on the Willowfield side.

It should make sense, if you try the above ??.  :)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 12, 2018, 10:36:59 PM
Yep the cabinet stood by opposite of the spar self service shop by Wellsfield in there.
Address R/O STREET SIDE DSLAM CAB NNAYKN, WILLOWFIELD, TELFORD, TF7 5NT on Exchange CUCKOO OAK is served by Cabinet 8
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on March 12, 2018, 10:54:54 PM
Thank you, both.  :)  I'll take another look, probably tomorrow, and see if the location gives some hints as to the variations in output from the checker.

Of course, as we know, the checker will only output an estimate based on information that has been put into the database. So it would need someone to actually subscribe to a service for "real world" data to actually appear.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 12, 2018, 11:16:10 PM
To be honest 6 houses down the footway path is much closer to the cabinet should getting full speed of g.fast 330/50 but like kitz already told me that mine closer to the cabinet isn't always the case. But 246 down and 35 up from 80/20 is a massive different improvement. I think I have to wait until go live with g.fast to see what my real true speed is like.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 13, 2018, 05:01:52 PM
Here is layout of where the cabinet pcp 8 by the spar self service. Marked Dark Green is FTTC Cabinet and Light Green is PCP 8 and Dark Purple is where my house is.
As you can see it not that far from the street cabinet with a distance walk away. So, these first 7 houses should be the same estimated speed of VDSL2 80/20 in Range A and G.Fast Range A should be 330/50. Bit further away from this house would get less!

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on March 13, 2018, 05:53:13 PM
Ah, thank you for that map. I see what you mean.

As a result of the topography of the area, I was not able to "walk" around for a "look" but but had to resort to "flying overhead" and then "looking down".

I'm sure that once the service is live and end users begin to purchase it, we will then see the BT Wholesale database reflecting real data rather than the current estimates.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 13, 2018, 05:59:57 PM
Very strange odd as 13 houses won't get g.fast but the rest of 27 houses does! Every houses do not get 330/50 (one house get 330/50 the next door get worse case 150/19. All houses doesn't have any telephone poles at all. All houses in this area are underground copper cable to the street cabinet.

I agree with you Kitz and Burakkucat - it best wait until it went live and connected as BT database isn't always spot on with estimates like Plusnet saying my line cannot go above 70.5 say BTw checker but that rubbish as my line was full sync at 80/20 for so long. :)

What is I don't get it, why is 13 houses are not g.fast planned? Really weirdo.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on March 13, 2018, 06:15:11 PM
What is I don't get it, why is 13 houses are not g.fast planned? Really weirdo.

The only suggestion I can make is, perhaps, the person responsible for entering the information into the database was just as confused as me (when I initially tried to understand the layout of the area)!
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Dwight on March 13, 2018, 09:56:19 PM
There is another way to look at this! How about getting a services map from the council? This should show water gas electric and hopefully phone. Then you could may be trace the route better. Looking at the map Willow field is made up of three closes! Which begs the question if they're all from Cab 8 and the rest of the area. How did the estate get laid out?
Regards.
David
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 13, 2018, 10:13:58 PM
All houses in willowfield and other area are from cabinet 8 as it probably over 250 houses in this area. Very large area with too many terrace houses.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 14, 2018, 02:31:24 PM
Updated:

Got email reply from Openreach:

Quote
Hi,

In summary yours should be the same not sure why its reading differently unless it’s a data anomaly.

The only other actual factor could be the wiring in your home depending on layout this can generate some speed loses.

However estimated speeds from the checkers should be the same based on your house distance to cabinet and the network resistances/line loss.

 

My home wiring to master socket from outside below:



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: kitz on March 15, 2018, 12:30:24 AM
OMG Max.   Do you actually listen to a word I said or am I just wasting my breath.  >:(
You are getting OCD about something that isn't yet available and over estimates.

Did you actually take note of the fact that I said its not just distance from the cab, but distance from the DP or UG joint box.   When it comes to g.fast you are going to get houses which are nearer the cab, but wont get as much speed because their actual line length will be several meters longer. 

I can't believe you've contacted Openreach about this.  Why some houses haven't got an estimate I've no idea, perhaps the data isn't available yet, but why are you concerned at such an early stage?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: kitz on March 15, 2018, 12:40:31 AM
I'm going to repeat for the final time that distance from the cab is not the only factor, You need to know what route the U/G cabling takes, and where the DP's and JBs are.

It's even possible that line lengths have been estimated from say any attenuation records they may have, or likely based on estimated line length to the entrance of the property.   If the line is with VM then they won't have any data, which is why some houses may not have an estimate, or the line length may be too long to be of benefit.

Now I'm going to try again put it in simple terms, but you have been hanging around DSL forums long enough to be able to know the basics.

This is the BTw estimates for my daughters street..  on first glance it doesnt look logical.  <-- signifies my daughters house. NH = some new builds.   The cab is around the corner & 2 streets away from #1.   I'm only doing one side of the street.

Code: [Select]

1 330
3 330
5 238
7 245.2
9 150.4
11 249.1
15 264.9 <---
17 273.2
19 281.2
21 228.6 NH
23 264.9 NH
25 256.9 NH

So how can my daughters estimate of 265Mbps be 115Mbps more than a house which is nearer the cab. And how can a house further away from the cab than she is get 16Mbps more?  It doesn't make sense when you look at it like that.


Next... It's really easy to see why when you start filling in the blanks.   They have telegraph poles and using g.maps I can see that certain premises are on a DP which is further away from the cab..  but then the distance from the pole back to the house can add quite a bit of line length.   Now Lets add the locations of the DPs.

Code: [Select]

1 330 DP Corner of street which is also serves some houses on the main road.
3 330
5 238
7 245.2
9 150.4
11 249.1
15 264.9 <---
17 273.2
19 281.2 DP I can see that this pole is serving #19,17,15,11 & #9 
21 228.6 NH
23 264.9 NH
25 256.9 NH

Now lets fill in the blanks and it all makes perfect sense, why some lines get more and some less despite the house distance from the cab.


Code: [Select]

1 330 DP DP[a]
3 330 DP[a]
5 238 DP[a]
7 245.2 DP[a]

9 150.4 DP[b]
11 249.1 DP[b]
15 264.9 <--- DP[b]
17 273.2 DP[b]
19 281.2 DP DP[b]

21 228.6 NH DP[c]
23 264.9 NH DP[c]
25 256.9 NH DP[c]


#9 has a much longer line length than #19 despite it being nearer the cab, because it has to go all the way to the pole outside no #19 then loop back on itself which another length of cable from the pole back to the house.

Whilst its easy to see when on OH cable, similar will be happening on your estate just that its hidden UG.  There will be lots of houses nearer the cab but with longer line distance due to location of the JB.

Honestly max if you can't get this theory which has taken me ages to type out, then I give up all hope.   Please make sure you read it properly and try to digest the info or else there is absolutely no point me wasting my time trying to explain.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on March 15, 2018, 10:21:50 AM
Yikes, Phil, you really, really don't like the idea of not synching at the full rate, do you?

Could be worse.

Someone 30 seconds walk from me:

Code: [Select]
Address *snip* on Exchange HUNSLET is served by Cabinet 82
Featured Products

Downstream Line Rate(Mbps) Upstream Line Rate(Mbps) Downstream Handback Threshold(Mbps) WBC FTTC Availability Date WBC SOGEA Availability Date

High Low High Low

VDSL Range A (Clean) 80 68.4 20 19 60.7 Available Available
VDSL Range B (Impacted) 80 65.1 20 18.4 49.5 Available Available
G.fast Range A (Clean) 330 330 50 41.6 330 Planned Planned
G.fast Range B (Impacted) 330 293.2 50 29 274.3 Planned Planned

I have nothing returned for G.fast at all.

Why? Their line takes the shortest path to the cabinet that roads make possible. Due to the order in which the network was built on this development mine does not - it takes a diversion that adds over 300m to line length, meaning their line is 150-200m, while mine is half a kilometre.

Far more extreme than the above but chill, fella. The product hasn't even rolled out and you're already writing to Openreach apparently seeking an explanation why you won't get the full 330.

If you ever get FTTP you're going to be really bored. It'll just.. work. No line stats, no power levels to see, no concerns over distance.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: renluop on March 15, 2018, 12:06:26 PM
Maxnirvana! I hope he'll be blissfully happy. :)

I'm not sure I should say this, but reading his posts, I'm not sure he writes English as a first language.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on March 15, 2018, 12:16:05 PM
loladslmax.

Why do you even care about anyone else's speed?


I can't believe you've contacted Openreach about this.

I can.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Browni on March 15, 2018, 05:44:49 PM
Almost there!

According to this link (https://www.homeandbusiness.openreach.co.uk/fibre-broadband/when-can-i-get-fibre) it should be available but it's not showing in the dsl checker yet.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/kcm9mc.jpg)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Dwight on March 15, 2018, 09:45:23 PM
Almost there!

According to this link (https://www.homeandbusiness.openreach.co.uk/fibre-broadband/when-can-i-get-fibre) it should be available but it's not showing in the dsl checker yet.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/kcm9mc.jpg)

Some can but only dream! :sleep: :sleep:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on March 16, 2018, 09:00:52 AM
Drama for adslmax over.

Openreach have been updating their database, it was a bit of an early revision that was released earlier in the week and had discrepancies all over the place. A data cleanse has been done and his new clean estimate is..... *drumroll*

330-322.3  down, 50-30.7 up with handback threshold 278.5.

So, with the knowledge that the G.fast estimate is at the high end, the man's life can go on.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Browni on March 23, 2018, 12:05:03 PM
And it's here!

(http://i64.tinypic.com/ruzghi.jpg)

For reference I am 175m straight line from the cab and a GEA test gives an estimated line length of 283m.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Dwight on March 23, 2018, 06:06:37 PM
And it's here!

(http://i64.tinypic.com/ruzghi.jpg)

For reference I am 175m straight line from the cab and a GEA test gives an estimated line length of 283m.

You lucky man Browni! :fingers:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: kitz on March 23, 2018, 06:13:17 PM
 :thumbs:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 23, 2018, 07:25:19 PM
Mine G. Fast has been removed from btw checker. :(
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on March 23, 2018, 08:27:26 PM
My cab 39, still not active with G Fast here in Bath. :(
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: NewtronStar on March 23, 2018, 08:39:33 PM
Very nice that is 7.3X faster than a 40Mbps service it took me 1 hour to download a 16GB file from a site this week  :ouch:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on March 23, 2018, 11:40:24 PM
Mine G. Fast has been removed from btw checker. :(

lol. Sorry, but that is kind of funny.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on March 24, 2018, 11:08:09 AM
Very nice that is 7.3X faster than a 40Mbps service it took me 1 hour to download a 16GB file from a site this week  :ouch:

I can only dream of speeds like either right now, taking me 10-20 minutes to download a gigabyte.  ;D
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 24, 2018, 05:52:19 PM
lol. Sorry, but that is kind of funny.

It's ok as BTw has updated of re-correct g.fast as Openreach has contact BTw to correct my g.fast speed from 246/35 to 330/50 :)



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: j0hn on March 24, 2018, 06:27:36 PM
It's ok as BTw has updated of re-correct g.fast as Openreach has contact BTw to correct my g.fast speed from 246/35 to 330/50 :)

They didn't do this for you btw.... they did it for the whole country. The estimates were all redone to fix the anomalies.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on March 24, 2018, 06:44:24 PM
It's ok as BTw has updated of re-correct g.fast as Openreach has contact BTw to correct my g.fast speed from 246/35 to 330/50 :)

Thank God for that, I was worried. *mops brow*
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: renluop on March 24, 2018, 10:09:52 PM
@ V-R Will Max be satisfied with Gfast, if something faster comes along? :-\ ;D
May be you should hold on to that brow mopper. ;)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: jelv on March 25, 2018, 09:50:14 AM
I'm presuming he's already sent emails to the CEO of Gigaclear demanding to know why they are not in his area.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on March 25, 2018, 06:10:54 PM
He's writing to Salt, Switzerland I imagine. https://fiber.salt.ch/en/offer-en/

Thought G.fast sucked, Max? You've been ranting about it on ISPR a ton?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on March 25, 2018, 06:31:34 PM
So interestingly, according to the OR 'When can I get Fibre' site my new place is only FTTC no mention of G.Fast, but if I go direct to the BT website it tells me I can order Ultrafast Fibre 2....

This is done by using the address of one of the other flats, but should still be right, right?

(https://i.imgur.com/0Qb7q8o.png)


*Sorry Max.


EDIT:

(https://i.imgur.com/j9lw52g.png)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: renluop on March 25, 2018, 09:37:20 PM
A little digression, but the percentages of min to max estimates get wider from Gfast to ADSL. In order lower is 88,75,33% of top.
Same applies to minimum guarantees. What's the explanation; anyone know?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on March 26, 2018, 12:26:18 AM
@ V_R

Interesting as mine is coming soon



Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Bowdon on April 07, 2018, 01:55:02 PM
I was just searching youtube to see if there was any recent videos of G.fast setups but came across this interesting video from a few years ago.

#CES2015: SCKiPIO G.fast Demo with 4K Streaming TV
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEV17NgewhM[/youtube]

Michael Weissman and David Baum demonstrate SCKiPIO's G.fast and reverse power technology.

It's interesting that it mentions reserve power technology. I remember this being one of the hurdles mentioned with OR using pods closer to the premises.

It's such a shame really that OR are hampering G.fast so much that its probably going to be a financial loss  :(

I guess the video is one of those "..and here is what you could have won!" videos.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on April 07, 2018, 03:55:53 PM
G.fast is not being released to make a ton of money. It's being released to reduce the amount of FTTP Openreach have to deploy and make some savings on interest payments on the money they'd have had to borrow.

G.fast is there to tick a box. The government demanded x million premises of 'ultrafast' and that's what G.fast will deliver. It's literally there to buy time with the politicians and defer larger investments.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: PhilipD on April 11, 2018, 08:50:48 AM
Hi

Could it be the case there is a team of people going around attaching the G.Fast pods but they are simply nothing but empty shells, and are just waiting for some future date when an engineer will appear and add the kit and connect things up?  Does this explain why some people are seeing them appear but then never see service enabled?

It would make sense to have a separate team just specialised in attaching empty pods, given there is drilling involved and metal shavings, having an empty pod that is light in weight is safer and easier to attach, then it's ready for an engineer at some future date, which could be some way in the future.

Therefore seeing a G.Fast pod appear is no guarantee of G.Fast anytime soon, and it wouldn't surprise me if there are a number of G.Fast pods that never get kit installed.

Regards

Phil

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: skyeci on April 11, 2018, 09:09:13 AM
pcp in Bath that was done last summer and is now finally live to order the service, took about 7 months from fitting of the g.fast pod to going live  ???
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: bkehoe on April 11, 2018, 09:32:38 AM
They've fitted G.Fast pods to every PCP around me except my own one here in Glasgow in the last few weeks. Unfortunately i think the issue with mine is that its on a steep hill and the PCP cabinet sits low in the footpath and the new pod won't fit on the uphill side due to the rising ground (extension to the PCP on the downhill side). Or maybe because my FTTC cabinet is 150m from the PCP due to a conservation area has something to do with it too.

My PCP; https://goo.gl/maps/Ao5YFWgVMNx

However I did see a nearby PCP getting its G.Fast pod fitted and the pod was very much full of equipment. The engineers also had the associated existing FTTC cabinet on the other side of the road cordoned off and opened up and were working at both, presumably to run a fibre/power connection between the G.Fast pod and FTTC cabinet. The work was done in just a few hours.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: j0hn on April 11, 2018, 11:17:14 AM
Could it be the case there is a team of people going around attaching the G.Fast pods but they are simply nothing but empty shells, and are just waiting for some future date when an engineer will appear and add the kit and connect things up?  Does this explain why some people are seeing them appear but then never see service enabled?

They all have their inner gubbins.
They need to wait for 10Gbit handover links to be installed at the exchange before activating them.
That's why entire exchanges of G.Fast pods are sitting idle for months then suddenly they all get activated.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on April 11, 2018, 11:24:14 AM
pcp in Bath that was done last summer and is now finally live to order the service, took about 7 months from fitting of the g.fast pod to going live  ???

I'm in Bath, which cabinet & where is it.

Cabinet 31 is apparantly enabled for G Fast according to checker,I can't find cabinet, but it's somewhere around Sydney Place, Bathwick.


Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Black Sheep on April 11, 2018, 12:22:50 PM
I'm in Bath, which cabinet & where is it.

Cabinet 31 is apparantly enabled for G Fast according to checker,I can't find cabinet, but it's somewhere around Sydney Place, Bathwick.

PCP31 (Bath), is right outside the 'Church of St Mary The Virgin', at the roundabout where Darlington St meets Vane St. So, near to Sydney Place but not, if you know what I mean.  ;) :)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: skyeci on April 11, 2018, 01:22:01 PM
I'm in Bath, which cabinet & where is it.

Cabinet 31 is apparantly enabled for G Fast according to checker,I can't find cabinet, but it's somewhere around Sydney Place, Bathwick.

cab1 combe down exchange
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on April 11, 2018, 03:35:57 PM
PCP31 (Bath), is right outside the 'Church of St Mary The Virgin', at the roundabout where Darlington St meets Vane St. So, near to Sydney Place but not, if you know what I mean.  ;) :)

Thanks BS, much appreciated, seen that cabinet at bottom of Bathwick Hill out side the Church  of St Mary,, hasn't got a number on it, just across road is Cabinet 1 at start of Vane Street.

Link (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.3840166,-2.3514901,3a,55.6y,164.54h,101.86t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1smwrDfwRjM7O3OSJFT8CKtg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DmwrDfwRjM7O3OSJFT8CKtg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D4.9343386%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656).

[Moderator edited the link.]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on April 11, 2018, 06:49:42 PM
cab1 combe down exchange

Also cab 7 by Hadley Arms.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: skyeci on April 11, 2018, 06:52:49 PM
yes and the other one by the chip shop and the one by the exchange / church  field was also done some time ago.  odd though the one just along by the cross keys has not so far been fitted..
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on April 11, 2018, 08:03:41 PM
Cab 13 opposite to Shaft Road hasn't been done.

And at Bathampton they are adding another cabinet to exisisting Cab 39 to meet demand, acording to roadworks.org.
Just a shame they didn't put it at bottom of Dark Lane,it would be then just a few metre from me then. :D
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: PhilipD on April 12, 2018, 10:02:08 AM
Hi

They all have their inner gubbins.
They need to wait for 10Gbit handover links to be installed at the exchange before activating them.
That's why entire exchanges of G.Fast pods are sitting idle for months then suddenly they all get activated.

Well that's good to know, so if a pod appears it is likely to be activated at some point as it's a considerable expense sat there being unused otherwise.

Not that I will see one anytime soon where I am and may be too far from PCP to benefit from faster speeds on G.Fast anyway.

Regards

Phil



Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on April 19, 2018, 07:39:12 PM
Still no news of anyone being connected?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Black Sheep on April 19, 2018, 07:56:23 PM
In what sense, Alex ?? There are people connected to G.fast ....... maybe not on this forum, but there are people connected. 
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on April 19, 2018, 08:55:40 PM
Look like G.Fast won't happen for many months due to trial pilots still ongoing.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on April 19, 2018, 11:35:17 PM
It is available in places, like the cab I'm connected to. (see my previous posts in this thread)

If I weren't in contract with Zen I'd have gone with BT on their ultrafast package.

Zen did say to me that they are running internal G.fast trials with staff only. Once they are happy it will be made available. I said to keep me in mind.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on April 20, 2018, 10:08:18 AM
It's in commercial rollout. Pilot areas and others are being worked on.

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on April 20, 2018, 11:38:58 AM
Then why isn't plusnet and other ISPs don't offer any G. Fast product?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on April 20, 2018, 12:02:09 PM
They will in time I'm sure.

The only one I can order from if I wanted to is BT. But as I said, when I spoke to Zen to move my service to my new address they said they are doing internal trials of G.fast with employees and it will be coming to consumers in time.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on April 20, 2018, 12:58:32 PM
Very strange as I did emailed via openreach a few weeks ago of when will g.fast release to all isp's as a commercial rollout and they reply below:

Quote
Hi,

No not yet the full roll out has not been confirmed yet for this financial year.

The program start was April.

 
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on April 20, 2018, 01:37:19 PM
The lines between commercial and pilot are blurred but there are a bunch of areas not named in pilots with pods. It's gone much the same way as FTTC did.

The correct answer from Openreach should have been that it's none of your business, good of them to comment.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: j0hn on April 20, 2018, 02:06:02 PM
Very strange as I did emailed via openreach a few weeks ago of when will g.fast release to all isp's as a commercial rollout and they reply below:

OpenReach cannot answer this.
It's entirely up to the ISP if/when they choose to sell G.Fast. They are all able to sell it now, but many have choose not to yet.
Plusnet could sell it tomorrow if they wanted.

Back when FTTC was rolled out the likes of Talktalk didn't offer it for many months.

The trial is technically still ongoing. Pods in some trial areas aren't even live yet.
The commercial rollout has begun though, with lots of exchanges not in the trial having had G.Fast pods installed. Some of these are already live, before some trial areas.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on April 22, 2018, 01:18:24 AM
In what sense, Alex ?? There are people connected to G.fast ....... maybe not on this forum, but there are people connected.

It was just with all the discussions on here talking about pods being fitted but not live, I was wondering if ANYONE had been connected.  Guess now I know.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: gt94sss2 on April 22, 2018, 10:43:55 AM
They all have their inner gubbins.
They need to wait for 10Gbit handover links to be installed at the exchange before activating them.
That's why entire exchanges of G.Fast pods are sitting idle for months then suddenly they all get activated.

This.

My understanding is that OR install the pods and they are ready for service as far as they are concerned.

The delay is that BT Wholesale won't mark them active for service until they install sufficient additional backhaul and before allowing CP's to order services on behalf of end users.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on April 22, 2018, 09:21:35 PM
I am not bothered about g.fast anymore. Because it will be expensive to pay monthly charges. I have signed up new renewal contract with PN 18 months of fixed price on FTTC 80/20 £8.01 for next 18 months plus line only £18.99. I only pay £26 a month until June 5th then afterwards will be £27 a month. Plus referral scheme discount of £12.50 off to reduced the bill from £27 to just £14.50 per month. Happy with the new deal and happy to stay with FTTC 80/20 for next 18 months. In two years time FTTPoD could be lots cheaper or g.fast lots cheaper.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Sniper on April 23, 2018, 08:30:42 PM
Hi, not quite sure when the pod was installed (maybe middle of last year) but they are being activated for sure, plus they installed another cabinet as the area seems quite popular I guess (Heywood, Manchester).

I ordered on 14th march and was up and running on the 19th so quite speedy setup, no issues so far other than being stuck with the BT Ultrafast Hub.

I was the only g.fast connection on the cabinet at the time not sure if thats changed. Installer said I was under 150m from the cabinet. I get the full speed when downloading files but speed tests tend to be under 300 Mbps.


Have attached my adsl check result and heres links to speed tests.

- https://www.thinkbroadband.com/speedtest/1524511201635444555
- http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest/31268149
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Ronski on April 23, 2018, 09:04:51 PM
Nice result there Sniper, I believe you're the first on the forum with G.Fast
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Chrysalis on April 23, 2018, 09:46:50 PM
looks pretty solid, congrats on the good line :)

given g.fast has vectoring, hopefully that sync speed should be a solid for the future.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on April 23, 2018, 09:57:40 PM
I doubt it, not with DLM on it.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: sotonsam on April 23, 2018, 10:03:48 PM
Perfect speeds there! Impressive, fully adverised speeds.

Out of interest, what is the 'Ultrafast' hub? With g.fast, can you still use a sperate openreach modem, or do you HAVE to use their hub?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: gt94sss2 on April 23, 2018, 10:10:18 PM
Out of interest, what is the 'Ultrafast' hub? With g.fast, can you still use a sperate openreach modem, or do you HAVE to use their hub?

BT Smart Hub X (https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/01/uk-isp-bt-launch-new-smart-hub-x-router-g-fast-broadband.html)

If you're not using BT, then the engineer should leave a standalone openreach modem instead unless your ISP offers their own combined unit.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: sotonsam on April 23, 2018, 10:21:00 PM
BT Smart Hub X (https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/01/uk-isp-bt-launch-new-smart-hub-x-router-g-fast-broadband.html)

If you're not using BT, then the engineer should leave a standalone openreach modem instead unless your ISP offers their own combined unit.

Cheers. By the time it's available to me, I imagine this will be a self-install job anyway. Still amazed they still ship those rubbish filter things, they could at least offer the option to ship a SSFP.
 I think the HG612 modem is already G.Fast ready, so if I already have this and I get g.fast enabled then I should be able to continue to use it?

I've never been a huge fan of ISP's who force you to use their own kit etc.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: gt94sss2 on April 23, 2018, 10:30:59 PM
I think the HG612 modem is already G.Fast ready, so if I already have this and I get g.fast enabled then I should be able to continue to use it?

Afraid the HG612 is quite an old model now and doesn't support G.Fast.

I am sure there will be quite a few 3rd party G.Fast modems going forward but as its early days I would actually prefer to use either ISP kit or the supplied OR modem (the new equivalent to the HG612B).

If someone is really lucky, I guess an OR engineer might leave both an OR modem as well as any ISP kit supplied.

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: sotonsam on April 23, 2018, 10:44:24 PM
I've actually seen a new ASUS one out which is already offering G.Fast support - it's around £300 though!

One bonus of having to wait is that at least it will be bedded in with plenty of options...
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: smallal on April 25, 2018, 10:01:32 AM
STEER CLEAR of the ASUS (DSL-AC88U) VDSL/G-FAST wireless router, it's a nightmare, full of bugs which they are taking AGES to fix.
I have one which I tried to use on BT Infinity 2, but it's currently back in it's box as it won't work properly with the BT-TV IPTV channels.
The streaming SD channels are ok, but HD is iffy & UHD doesn't work at all, with my TP-LINK router however all channels work perfectly.
It's been nearly a year now since this bug was acknowledged by ASUS but they just keep saying it WILL be fixed in a future firmware update.
Also lots of DHCP issues which are ongoing, many people are complaining that their Amazon wireless devices don't like it either, frequent drop-outs.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Ixel on April 25, 2018, 11:35:18 AM
STEER CLEAR of the ASUS (DSL-AC88U) VDSL/G-FAST wireless router, it's a nightmare, full of bugs which they are taking AGES to fix.
I have one which I tried to use on BT Infinity 2, but it's currently back in it's box as it won't work properly with the BT-TV IPTV channels.
The streaming SD channels are ok, but HD is iffy & UHD doesn't work at all, with my TP-LINK router however all channels work perfectly.
It's been nearly a year now since this bug was acknowledged by ASUS but they just keep saying it WILL be fixed in a future firmware update.
Also lots of DHCP issues which are ongoing, many people are complaining that their Amazon wireless devices don't like it either, frequent drop-outs.

ASUS never fixed the issues with the previous DSL series (e.g. DSL-AC68U). I'd stay away from ASUS modems full stop. They make good motherboards, graphics cards, or such, but when it comes to networking equipment it's certainly questionable.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: V_R on April 25, 2018, 01:13:05 PM
It the modems that let them down, their routers are fantastic, but the modems are not. :)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Browni on April 25, 2018, 03:12:36 PM
STEER CLEAR of the ASUS (DSL-AC88U) VDSL/G-FAST wireless router, it's a nightmare, full of bugs which they are taking AGES to fix.
I have one which I tried to use on BT Infinity 2, but it's currently back in it's box as it won't work properly with the BT-TV IPTV channels.
The streaming SD channels are ok, but HD is iffy & UHD doesn't work at all, with my TP-LINK router however all channels work perfectly.
It's been nearly a year now since this bug was acknowledged by ASUS but they just keep saying it WILL be fixed in a future firmware update.
Also lots of DHCP issues which are ongoing, many people are complaining that their Amazon wireless devices don't like it either, frequent drop-outs.
I'm using one on Plusnet 80/20 with no problems whatsoever.

It's currently on 106 days uptime with numerous WiFi devices connected including a couple of Echo Shows.

Now TV & Amazon Prime work fine and Youtube 4K plays without issue.

I'm running a debug version of the firmware which gives telnet access thus monitoring capabilities via DSLStats.

No complaints here.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Black Sheep on April 25, 2018, 03:43:34 PM
No complaints here.

You'll get yourself thrown off the forum with that attitude, Browni !!!

 ;) ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: j0hn on April 25, 2018, 04:38:22 PM
Quote
Now TV & Amazon Prime work fine and Youtube 4K plays without issue.

None of which are Multicast, like Youview IPTV channels (Talktalk TV, BT TV, Plusnet TV). I returned mine to Amazon within a few days after failing to get any of the HD channels working. That was over 6 months ago but still they haven't got it right.

I've been following the DSL-AC88U on the Asus forums and the device was released while the firmware was alpha at best.
There's still a number of issues with the most recent firmware.

It's a huge improvement on the DSL-AC68U but Asus just don't seem to give the same amount of resources to the DSL models that they do their RT counterparts.

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Bowdon on May 07, 2018, 12:17:31 PM
I was looking at the G.fast map here: https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/broadband-map#9/53.8023/-1.5841/gfast/ (https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/broadband-map#9/53.8023/-1.5841/gfast/) I had to zoom out to see entire UK.

I was surprised at how few G.fast pods are on the map! It's hardly anything. I assumed the G.fast dots would have been nearly everywhere, at least all over the inner cities.

I know the map relies on either active pod knowledge or people doing a speed test and it won't be 100% up to date. But I would say the people likely to get G.fast are the more knowledgable customers and so are more likely to be checking their speeds.

In Greater Manchester there are G.fast pods in these areas; (North East) Rochdale, (North West) Bolton, (South East) Droylsden, and these general areas; Longsight and Levenshulme, and Rusholme.

Considering there is a 40 KM ring of dark fibre (now bought by CityFibre) thats been around since Manchester hosted the Commonwealth games in 2002 I'm surprised there isnt more of a presence of at least G.fast pods and maybe too FTTP.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on May 07, 2018, 01:53:57 PM
I wouldn't trust these map from thinkbroadband because MrSaffron think he is 100% spot on right, he isn't! More likely 80% he got it all wrong! Only Openreach has the real data live, no ones else not even MrSaffron himself!
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on May 07, 2018, 05:51:43 PM
I was looking at the G.fast map here: https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/broadband-map#9/53.8023/-1.5841/gfast/ (https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/broadband-map#9/53.8023/-1.5841/gfast/) I had to zoom out to see entire UK.

I was surprised at how few G.fast pods are on the map! It's hardly anything. I assumed the G.fast dots would have been nearly everywhere, at least all over the inner cities.

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that data represents those live services which have interacted with the TBB utilities. (I.e. Throughput speed tester, etc)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Bowdon on May 07, 2018, 06:53:29 PM
I asked him on his tweet about the map and he replied;

Quote
All the ones that we know about that are live and taking orders. If you know of ones that are live (rather than just pod attached but otherwise dormant) then let us know

So I guess by that he means when the pods become live it should light up the map.

Is there any switch-on date for pods? Is it being done in groups based on geographical area? We know some are live, and we know the service is available for some.

I have to say, technical debate about G.fast aside, the marketing for G.fast so far seems like a bit of a shambles.

1. ISP's reluctant to offer it.
2. It only being available to a very limited market.
3. No big switch-on, no progress report.
4. No promotional materials, tv adverts, flyers etc.

Unless a person knows what G.fast is, AND happen to be looking at the dsl checker or go to a ISP offering the service, AND of course happen to be very close to a cabinet, then even if you see G.fast the average person wouldnt know what it is.

For a service that only has a limited potential customer base the lack of promotion will make a bad situation worst.

Sorry for going on a bit of a rant. But I am passionate when I don't see the potential of technology or people being fulfilled to the max.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: gt94sss2 on May 07, 2018, 07:34:56 PM
So I guess by that he means when the pods become live it should light up the map.

It won't be an automatic process - it will be when TBB are aware they have gone live via speedtests or external information.

Looking at the map, there are no cabs listed in Wandsworth (for instance) showing as live and taking orders though I know some are.

Quote
Is there any switch-on date for pods? Is it being done in groups based on geographical area? We know some are live, and we know the service is available for some.

I have to say, technical debate about G.fast aside, the marketing for G.fast so far seems like a bit of a shambles.

1. ISP's reluctant to offer it.
2. It only being available to a very limited market.
3. No big switch-on, no progress report.
4. No promotional materials, tv adverts, flyers etc.

The pods appear to be being installed at quite a rate by OR and are RFS immediately. However, until BTW upgrade their backhaul capacity, they are not being shown as RFS on BTW's systems.

On the marketing side - don't forget that g.fast is still officially in a trial/pilot deployment stage - its not been 'officially launched' or 'switched on'. I suspect BT are waiting for more pods to be installed/ready before they officially do this and start marketing in earnest.

Even then, both BT and TalkTalk (https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/04/isp-talktalk-launch-150mbps-and-300mbps-g-fast-broadband-packages.html) have launched their packages - along with some smaller ISPs - and are already taking orders
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on May 07, 2018, 10:42:25 PM
I asked him on his tweet about the map and he replied;

So I guess by that he means when the pods become live it should light up the map.

Is there any switch-on date for pods? Is it being done in groups based on geographical area? We know some are live, and we know the service is available for some.

I have to say, technical debate about G.fast aside, the marketing for G.fast so far seems like a bit of a shambles.

1. ISP's reluctant to offer it.
2. It only being available to a very limited market.
3. No big switch-on, no progress report.
4. No promotional materials, tv adverts, flyers etc.

Unless a person knows what G.fast is, AND happen to be looking at the dsl checker or go to a ISP offering the service, AND of course happen to be very close to a cabinet, then even if you see G.fast the average person wouldnt know what it is.

For a service that only has a limited potential customer base the lack of promotion will make a bad situation worst.

Sorry for going on a bit of a rant. But I am passionate when I don't see the potential of technology or people being fulfilled to the max.

I am in a trial area,Bath, G.Fast cabs all around the city,it was installed last summer on my cabinet, still not live, can't even get on trial, proper shambles.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: smallal on May 12, 2018, 10:51:47 AM
It would be nice if BT Wholesale would update their phoneline checker site with proper information.
Under 'availability date' for the various services they never actually post any dates!
All you get is 'available' - 'planned' - or left blank.
My line has had G-FAST listed as planned for months.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Ronski on May 12, 2018, 01:50:44 PM
They used to have dates for FTTP/C but they would more often that not slip, so I guess it's just better for them not to put dates up.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on May 13, 2018, 12:05:24 AM
Or BT Wholesale could put G.Fast as showing Planning in processing 90%....80%....70%.....60%.....50%....40%.....30%.....20%....10%....Available instead of dates
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: j0hn on May 13, 2018, 04:33:41 AM
As Ronski says they used to put dates months in advance.
It likely just caused them to get dozens of messages when the dates weren't met.
For whatever reason they no longer put dates a long time in advance.

A date does often appear within a week of a cabinet going live. I had a date appear on my cabinet 1 day before it went live (https://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,18678.msg340992.html#msg340992). That was back in Jan 2017.

I've seen a couple G.Fast pods do the same, showing a date 1-2 days before it goes live.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: gt94sss2 on May 13, 2018, 02:21:53 PM
As Ronski says they used to put dates months in advance.
It likely just caused them to get dozens of messages when the dates weren't met.
For whatever reason they no longer put dates a long time in advance.

Someone complained to the Advertising Standards Authority about the availability dates BT/OR used to publish:

Quote
Three complainants challenged whether the estimated dates in ads (a) and (b) were misleading and could be substantiated, because in their experience the quoted dates were frequently put back.

In one of their more questionable rulings (https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/british-telecommunications-plc-a14-273451.html), the ASA upheld the complaint on the basis that:

Quote
We considered that, although the original advertised dates were based on a likely estimated timescale to completion, the revised dates were likely to mislead consumers, because they were not based on an analysis of how long the delays might possibly take. We therefore concluded that the revised dates presented on both availability checkers were misleading.

and ordered:

Quote
We told Openreach to ensure that estimated dates displayed on their checker were based on a robust calculation, and were not routinely rolled back without specific information being taken into account. We told BT Consumer not to display estimated dates on their checker unless they could substantiate that Openreach, as the provider of the fibre broadband infrastructure, were using a robust method to calculate those dates.

hence Openreach decided it was simply easier not to publish dates.

Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on May 14, 2018, 11:10:31 AM
Guys. Openreach have some delays sourcing 10Gb parts for switches for 10Gb CableLinks. It's one of those things. It's not going to hold things up much in the grand scheme as they continue to deploy pods at a rapid clip and will activate them as and when the switches are ready to go.

Having percentages complete isn't feasible, and how many people are really going to benefit from:

'Awaiting Pod installation on PCP'
'Awaiting siamese power/fibre link installation'
'Awaiting additional fibre to parent DSLAM installation'
'Awaiting upgrade of L2S reference xxxxx to support 10Gb CableLink'
'10Gb CableLink capacity available, awaiting 10Gb CableLink delivery'
'Ready for service'

There's really not much that can be done other than what Openreach are. The delays are outside of their control and providing accurate timescales is problematic.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Chrysalis on May 14, 2018, 11:35:50 AM
Still no pods anywhere near my area. 
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on May 14, 2018, 06:45:25 PM
I'm sure there are plenty of areas with no pods. They're going to be on about a third of the UK's cabinets by end of 2020 so given we're less than half way through 2018 and not into the 'official' commercial rollout yet lots to happen.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: ktz392837 on May 14, 2018, 11:04:39 PM
Is there any method to know if you have a chance of getting a pod or not?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Browni on May 14, 2018, 11:10:36 PM
There's a list of pilot locations here (https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2017/08/openreach-extend-330mbps-g-fast-broadband-pilot-1-million-uk-premises.html).
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on May 14, 2018, 11:13:08 PM
And here: https://www.homeandbusiness.openreach.co.uk/fibre-broadband/ultrafast-broadband/ultrafast-fibre-g.fast
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: ktz392837 on May 14, 2018, 11:53:17 PM
So basically unless you are in a pilot area, no method of knowing / guessing you should end up with it at your exchange?
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on May 19, 2018, 03:28:59 PM
Well, well. Not a surprise at all. Got email saying from follow that page via BT Wholesale dsl checker:

The page http://dslchecker.bt.com/pls/adsl/ADSLChecker.AddressOutput?postcode=******&buildingnumber=*** has changed since the previous check.


Removed:
-    G.fast Range A (Clean) 254.2 224.4 37.2 17 188 Planned --
-    G.fast Range B (Impacted) 186.9 130.7 23.5 11.9 118.5 Planned --

------------------- End of page report -----------------------

And the street cabinet 8 also removed too

The page http://dslchecker.bt.com/pls/adsl/ADSLChecker.AddressOutput?postcode=******&buildingnumber=*/*** has changed since the previous check.


Removed:
-  G.fast Range A (Clean)    330 330   50               43.4 330      Planned   --
-  G.fast Range B (Impacted) 330 330   50               31.7 330      Planned   --

------------------- End of page report -----------------------
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: sotonsam on May 19, 2018, 04:27:29 PM
G-Fast 'planned' notices have also vanished from my DSL checker results.

Not sure what that means.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on May 20, 2018, 12:06:01 AM
Oh well I ain't bother to be honest. I knew openreach failed on G. Fast planned. Not good enough in my view. Plus G. Fast are expensive anyway as I would not order it if it was available.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Black Sheep on May 20, 2018, 08:39:11 AM
Oh well I ain't bother to be honest. I knew openreach failed on G. Fast planned. Not good enough in my view. Plus G. Fast are expensive anyway as I would not order it if it was available.

You're making a lot of noise about something you're "not bothered" about ??  ;)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on May 20, 2018, 10:41:44 AM
There's a list of pilot locations here (https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2017/08/openreach-extend-330mbps-g-fast-broadband-pilot-1-million-uk-premises.html).

And I'm in Bath, a pilot area,with G Fast pod on my cabinet & still not live. :no: :rant:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on May 20, 2018, 12:03:25 PM
It means they are doing checker updates behind the scenes. Database maintenance. Nothing too interesting, wait and see when it comes back.

I was so close to saying that maybe it meant they had changed their mind on G.fast for those areas and were hoping to deploy FTTP instead but had a flash of conscience.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: kitz on May 20, 2018, 12:10:40 PM
I was so close to saying that maybe it meant they had changed their mind on G.fast for those areas and were hoping to deploy FTTP instead but had a flash of conscience.

Don't you dare!   Someone may take that seriously  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KingJ on May 20, 2018, 01:23:00 PM
I happened to be in Tunbridge Wells/Southborough yesterday, when I saw what looked very much like a G.Fast pod attached to one of the PCP cabinets. I wasn't 100% sure at the time if it was a G.Fast pod but now that i've compared pictures, it does indeed look like one. And indeed, checking on BT's DSLChecker on connection availability at nearby addresses, G.Fast is live!

I was very surprised to see this - i've not seen any mention of Tunbridge Wells/Southborough getting G.Fast, nor does it appear on ThinkBroadband's Map or OpenReach's list of pilot locations!

I'm not sure how recent it is, Google Streetview's most recent imagery from June 2017 doesn't show it (https://goo.gl/maps/caG8pRmFfam) however as you can see in my photo it's already started to get a bit of cobweb buildup on it. Looks to be Cabinet 50 on the Tunbridge Wells exchange.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Browni on May 20, 2018, 04:16:00 PM
I've been live on G.fast since Wednesday but unfortunately the speed isn't even reaching the handback threshold speed so I'm in the process of getting an SFI arranged.

I'm currently connected through an OR G.fast modem so stats aren't available but the latest collected stats from an Asus DSL-AC88U can be seen here (http://browni.co.uk/dslstats/Webserver/).
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on May 20, 2018, 04:39:50 PM
. . . the latest collected stats from an Asus DSL-AC88U can be seen here (http://browni.co.uk/dslstats/Webserver/).

I'm not too sure what to make of the FEC plot for the US.  :o
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Browni on May 20, 2018, 05:22:02 PM
I changed the graph to logarithmic and got this!

http://browni.co.uk/images/fec.png

(one of these days I'll get around to finding an easy way to shrink image size, today is not that day)
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: burakkucat on May 20, 2018, 06:19:49 PM
I changed the graph to logarithmic and got this!

http://browni.co.uk/images/fec.png

 :hmm:  Hmm . . . I am uncertain how to interpret that plot.  ???
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: Browni on May 20, 2018, 06:45:08 PM
It's a pretty good graphical representation of differences between VDSL2 on the left and G.fast on the right  :graduate:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: smallal on May 21, 2018, 11:00:38 AM
It looks like the "BT Wholesale Broadband Availability Checker" has removed all references to G.FAST availability previously listed as PLANNED.
No idea why they would do this unless they were getting too many enquiries asking for start of service dates.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: niemand on May 21, 2018, 01:01:21 PM
Indeed they have. I was somewhat mystified as to why they were there to begin with. Having them there leads to a certain class of people contacting BT complaining about the estimate or wanting to know when exactly the build is due.

Will be added back when they're ready. The issues slowing it down in the head ends persist.
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: adslmax on May 21, 2018, 01:07:33 PM
I did complain to ofcom and openreach of why both of mine neighbour houses get 330/50 except mine only get 181 as this probably the reason of removed it off.  :P :fingers:
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: re0 on May 21, 2018, 01:59:29 PM
Having them there leads to a certain class of people contacting BT complaining about the estimate or wanting to know when exactly the build is due.
Guilty. :blush: Though I was not complaining since for myself the high of the clean and impacted range was 330/50, but rather just curious and made enquiries about approximately when (without success).
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: NewtronStar on May 21, 2018, 11:13:05 PM
The Kiss of Death brothers  ::)

"an action or quality, often seemingly helpful, which is actually harmful or ruinous"
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on June 11, 2018, 09:44:30 AM
Here in Bath, I'm still waiting for G Fast pod to go live. :(
Title: Re: G.Fast Pods
Post by: KIAB on June 24, 2018, 12:36:20 PM
Just checked Roadworks.Org & there a lot of OR activity in next few weeks,including removing disused phone boxes.
G.Fast might just be one step closer after this work,whether I benefit is another thing. :yay:

2 July

High Street, Bathampton, Bath, Bath and...
Responsibility for these works
BT    BT
Information for Road Users
Location:    High Street, Bathampton, Bath, Bath and North East Somerset
Traffic lights, etc:    Traffic control (multi-way signals)
Information for Operational Teams
Highway Authority:    Bath and North East Somerset Council
Location:    Opp Mount Pleasant, high street, bathampton

Description:    Accessing BT chamber to cable duct, no excavation and to complete termination of cable inside cabinets + pod install.
Works ref:    BC005HU789W000CMG-NMAHLP


And this.

Information for Operational Teams
Highway Authority:    Bath and North East Somerset Council

Location:    FROM BRIDGE OVER KENNET AND AVON CANAL TO JUNCTION OF HARBUTTS ON HIGH STREET, HIGH STREET
Description:    lay cable in existing BT duct
Works ref:    BC006TI003SW50024752070