Does anyone know much about how Openreach connect up new properties?

[Gewber]

I’ve been with Virgin for over 20 years and I’ve been desperate to leave them for most of that time but there have been no other options for full fibre internet. In the last few weeks contractors for Openreach have been digging up the pavements in my area laying ducting (I think?) which got me pretty excited and the possibility of having an alternative to Virgin. I got an email from Openreach this morning saying they’ve added my address to their build plans and they will keep me updated but after checking their website it says my build will take place between now and December 2026 which was a bit gutting.

I’m just wondering if the fact they’ve been digging up roads and pavement outside my house means I might get connected sooner rather than later or does it not really work that way?

Thanks

 

[browney]

Check what's available or due on bidb.uk

You can also see planned works on one.network

 

[nickyboy4]

my BT full fibre 500 is being activated next week, they started putting the cables in around two months ago so i don't think you'll be far away, the girl on the phone told me you're getting close when the black plastic boxes start appearing on the top of the poles!

 

[bazcfc1]

If laying the relevant cables then shouldn't be much longer just before we moved house we only just had virgin cable run in our street and we had to make do with 36mbps for a good 10+ year.
If you've had an email from them then the plans maybe sooner.
Where we are now we have choice of you fibre virgin which we left and sky full fibre

 

[Tobias]

Their prices are way over the top

 

[kegnkiwi]

They pulled the cables through on our street and it went live a few weeks later

 

[jaymac]

The fact they’re digging outside your house is definitely a positive sign it usually means they’re making progress in your area.
That said, the timeline on their website is likely a worst case estimate to cover any delays like permissions or technical issues.
You might get connected much sooner if things go smoothly.
Worth keeping an eye on those updates.

 

[userlee5267]

Virgin have cabled up most of our estate. It's been months now probably going onto 5 months.

Cables to your doors.

But still can't get virgin.

Even phoned them not even on the system yet.

It's so odd

 

[moneybanks14]

We have just got BRSK in our area and they provide 2Gbps upload and download so I'm looking to switch to that as soon as my virgin contract runs out! Nice to have some decent completion in the area.

 

[ONeSide]

It sounds like you're in an exciting spot with the possibility of getting full fibre internet! 🚀

While it’s true that Openreach’s build plan could stretch until 2026, the fact that they’ve already started digging and laying ducting near your home is a positive sign. This typically means they’re making significant progress in your area, and there's a chance the connection could happen sooner than the projected timeline.

Openreach often updates their plans as they progress, so it might be worth staying in touch with them to get more accurate updates as they move forward with the installation work. It’s not unusual for timelines to get adjusted based on how quickly the groundwork is completed.

Fingers crossed that you get connected sooner than expected! If you can, keep an eye on any further updates from Openreach—it could be worth the wait! 🙌