BT Fibre monopoly on my property

mlaf

My new build property has been supplied by BT. I've been here a couple years and I'm out-of-contract and due to pay £52/mo so I spoke with BT retentions, was offered a mediocre deal and decided to switch to PlusNet. But as it turns out, apparently I can't switch because BT are the only ones who can provide service to this property... ?!?

According to PlusNet--who I believe phoned Openreach to confirm--there is no broadband "cabinet" in my area. The fibre line has been installed "directly to premises" rather than to a "cabinet", which means that most providers can't provide service, only BT and Virgin would be able to service the property in this way. I phoned Virgin who stated they only use their own network and have not yet set up their network in this area.

I complained to BT about this, which in hindsight was probably a mistake as now they are aware I can't switch and am forced to pay their high prices. They claim my complaint should be with the other providers for not investing in the area, or with the housing developer for having agreed some kind of arrangement that allowed BT an exclusive service (I was forced to go with BT when I first moved in, but assumed I could switch after an exclusive 12mo period).

Has anyone encountered this? BT is claiming the fault lies with other providers, but PlusNet made it seem like the way the cables have been installed, their hands are tied. It also seems like an unfair, non-competitive deal has been struck between the developer and BT. It doesn't seem right but I don't know who to complain to.

BT offered to re-contract me for 18mo at the laughable to the cost of £48/mo, but I don't have any options! The only thing I can think of now is threatening to outright cancel and go without internet and hope for a deal via retentions.

littleboo

Check similar threads, with identical titles. Its not BT's fault. There are other providers that offer FTTP, but the main stream providers, TT, Sky etc, currently don't. That's their business decision not to offer services over the latest technology, although Sky are due to start offering it later this year.

JJ_Egan

No Monopoly see multiple identical posts .
Your broadband over FTTP is supplied to all ISPs who want to use it .So far none do want to supply you .
VM do not use OR services only over their own cables .


Some new build estates do have a certain lockdown on services by the installer Vodafone Persimion Homes to name to .You would need to ask the developer and if true lockdown complain to Ofcom .
But if BT and no lockdown then complain to every other ISP who dont want to offer the service.That by the way is almost non of them want to according to OpenReach FTTP .



BT FTTP retentions may offer a deal if you cancel .Beware

Pay cancellation charges then pay new set up charges .
OR Try asking for a downgrade in service speed .


To sum up Lockdown thats down to the developer .
Standard OpenReach FTTP thats down to the only ISP that want to use the service is BT none of the others want to supply you via FTTP /

AndyPK

I believe 3 providers can service you (however BT is the cheapest)

JJ_Egan

I can get ZEN or A&A and others on a very brief look .
However this is not a new build developer but standard OR FTTP rollout upgrade exchange area .


https://www.homeandbusiness.openreach.co.uk/fibre-broadband/ultrafast-broadband/

Croft12

mlaf wrote: »

My new build property has been supplied by BT. I've been here a couple years and I'm out-of-contract and due to pay £52/mo so I spoke with BT retentions, was offered a mediocre deal and decided to switch to PlusNet. But as it turns out, apparently I can't switch because BT are the only ones who can provide service to this property... ?!?

According to PlusNet--who I believe phoned Openreach to confirm--there is no broadband "cabinet" in my area. The fibre line has been installed "directly to premises" rather than to a "cabinet", which means that most providers can't provide service, only BT and Virgin would be able to service the property in this way. I phoned Virgin who stated they only use their own network and have not yet set up their network in this area.

I complained to BT about this, which in hindsight was probably a mistake as now they are aware I can't switch and am forced to pay their high prices. They claim my complaint should be with the other providers for not investing in the area, or with the housing developer for having agreed some kind of arrangement that allowed BT an exclusive service (I was forced to go with BT when I first moved in, but assumed I could switch after an exclusive 12mo period).

Has anyone encountered this? BT is claiming the fault lies with other providers, but PlusNet made it seem like the way the cables have been installed, their hands are tied. It also seems like an unfair, non-competitive deal has been struck between the developer and BT. It doesn't seem right but I don't know who to complain to.

BT offered to re-contract me for 18mo at the laughable to the cost of £48/mo, but I don't have any options! The only thing I can think of now is threatening to outright cancel and go without internet and hope for a deal via retentions.

You've misunderstood the situation, as explained by others below.



You could get decent prices from other providers but if you stay with bt they offer far lower than you are quoting. 80/20 fib + weekend calls and line rental is £39 and frankly with even the slightest effort you can get much lower than that

Owain_Moneysaver

You have Fibre to the Premises (FTTP or FTTH). BT Retail do not have a monopoly, but most consumer ISPs do not resell BT Wholesale FTTP. They could, but they choose not to at the moemtn.

Visit https://www.homeandbusiness.openreach.co.uk/fibre-broadband/ultrafast-broadband/ultrafast-fibre-buy-it-now

and there are links in "Get Ultrafast to your home"

Freeola now offer Ultrafast and Sky may soon.

[Deleted User]

Do your research on mobile internet, especially prices and then go back to them. Can you get Virgin Media?

JJ_Egan

OP needs to find out first .
If the estate is developer locked service and how long for .
Or if its OpenReach FTTP open to all but nobody wants to serve them bar BT .

onomatopoeia99

JJ_Egan wrote: »

OP needs to find out first .
If the estate is developer locked service and how long for .
Or if its OpenReach FTTP open to all but nobody wants to serve them bar BT .

The "developer locked" new builds all seem to be using a non-Openreach infrastructure provider. I'm not aware of any substantiated claims of Openreach infrastructure being locked by the developer to BT Internet only, I can't see how, given the terms under which OFCOM require Openreach to operate this would be possible.


I would certainly be interested to hear of a confirmed, documented case of BT Internet being the only provider of FTTP over Openreach that is available (rather than the only bargain bin provider available).

littleboo

There is no need for BT to have an exclusivity arrangement - there is no serious competition for OR FTTP at present as witnessed by these threads. I'm not sure that any ISP has an exclusivity arrangement with OR who have been offering FTTP for sites with >30 new builds for some time now.