Monopoly on Broadband Providers in new build estates

iniltous

If a ‘new build’  development’s  roads and footpaths have not yet been adopted, then Openreach have no right to install anything , and although they could enquire with the developer ( who still own the roads/footpaths ) what would be the point , the entire reason OR were not allowed on site at the beginning of construction, was so that the developer had  no competition as far as FTTP , and the householders are effectively a ‘captive audience’ , if the developer were amenable to OR network , they wouldn’t have locked OR out of the site initially, but had both networks, or possibly three if Virgin were not also locked out at the outset, or even more if Alt Nets were in the area.

The problem is that even after the local authority adopt the roads and footpaths, that ‘site’ is an unattractive proposition for other networks , because Fibrenest are under no obligation to allow access to their ducts and joint boxes, it’s an expensive option for Openreach , Virgin or an Alt Net ,to duplicate the existing joint boxes and ducts with their own ( and with OR the added injustice that if they did build new boxes and lay new ducts  those Alt Nets and Virgin could say ‘thanks very much ‘ and use them immediately, even before OR get to use them themselves ) so chances are they will not bother ( especially OR )

If the Government ever , at some point , decide that much like Openreach, the first provider on site has to make physical infrastructure access available ( duct sharing ) then there may be the possibility of competition, but until then , it’s a bit of a forlorn hope , ever wondered how much the construction industry donate to the Conservative Party ?

wongataa

Tobermory69 said:

Hi There, just thought I would add my 10cents worth.

I moved in to a Persimmon Home 13 months ago and at the time I was aware that I was being supplied by Fibrenest and that they were owned by Persimmons.
What I wasn't aware of was that they had the monopoly (for Fibre) in the estate.  The signal I get through the WiFi router is quite quick (I pay for 500MB and routinely get around 250MB) but it is intermittent, stopping working and forcing me to remove the WiFi acount from a device and re-connecting, then it works again for a while.

If Fibrenest is delivering the required internet into the router then that is all that matters for them.  Wi-Fi performance is not their problem.  Wi-Fi is affected by many factors outside of ISP control so that is up to the user to resolve.  It can be resolved with things like mesh systems or even using wired networking instead (which is more reliable).

JSmithy45AD

Tobermory69 said:

Hi There, just thought I would add my 10cents worth.

I moved in to a Persimmon Home 13 months ago and at the time I was aware that I was being supplied by Fibrenest and that they were owned by Persimmons.
What I wasn't aware of was that they had the monopoly (for Fibre) in the estate.  The signal I get through the WiFi router is quite quick (I pay for 500MB and routinely get around 250MB) but it is intermittent, stopping working and forcing me to remove the WiFi acount from a device and re-connecting, then it works again for a while.
Fibrenest say they cant find evidence of any issues and that the devices must need updating etc.
But all the devices (TVs, Laptops, Tablets and phones) worked perfectly well without cutting out at my last house.

It now appears the only options I have are :-
1. Put up with it.
2. Sign up to a Copper based broadband with another company.
3. Start using Mobile data for the devices on which this is possible.
4. Buy a 5G Data router with WiFi that gives better stability

I have posted messages on the local Facebook page and there is an employee from Virgin on the estate that believes there is a limit to how long FibreNest can hold the Monopoly for Fibre, but there are people on this estate that moved in over 3 years ago and are still constricted with their Fibre Broadband options.
Sorry about rambling on!

If all of your issues are actually WiFi issues rather than the connection to the house, then the easy solution is to buy a Netgear or similar WiFi capable router. Disable the WiFi from the Fibrenest router and connect the two with a cable. If the house is causing an issue as well then look into a mesh system or similar.

JSmithy45AD

WhoLivesInAPineapple said:

Can anybody tell me how it is allowed that if you live on a new build estate it is ok for the developers to force you to use their chosen broadband provider? I thought we had protection in this country against monopolies? I live on an estate which has been lived in for at least 3 years and still we can only get FibreNest broadband. I have no quibbles about the speed they provide but if they put my bills up, which I am sure they will do soon, I have no choice but to pay it. Surely this is not allowed? 

A 3G/4G/5G broadband would be an option if the price for Fibrenest is unreasonable.

IanMSpencer

Whether other suppliers are interested in laying cables (once the estate is adopted) depends basically on whether they think there is money in your estate. CityFibre have laid fibre to the home last year by our house, when we were already on VM and also had OpenReach fibre available.

Basically, if there are enough homes to make a business case, and the profile of the estate is one where they believe they will get the money in they'll do it, but CityFibre were doing this rollout across a wide area (all completely duplicating existing networks).

danco

My recently built block of flats started off with FTTP from only one company. A year or so later OpenReach FTTP lines were introduced after pressure by one resident, though I shall always wonder how she manage to get a copper line in her flat (and why she wanted it).

It did cross my mind that maybe OpenReach did not want to provide new lines initially, and that they changed their mind once FTTP was in the process of becoming the norm.

alanwarwic

For small households it might be best to switch to mobile broadband. Three do a £10 per month offer with it being £20 after 6 months.

Worth testing before you buy though. Ask a few neighbours, them possibly having/had the same problems.

Nortodd

WhoLivesInAPineapple said:

Can anybody tell me how it is allowed that if you live on a new build estate it is ok for the developers to force you to use their chosen broadband provider? I thought we had protection in this country against monopolies? I live on an estate which has been lived in for at least 3 years and still we can only get FibreNest broadband. I have no quibbles about the speed they provide but if they put my bills up, which I am sure they will do soon, I have no choice but to pay it. Surely this is not allowed? 

They do put up the prices. I could easily save the cost of the winter fuel allowance I have just lost by going to a cheaper provider. But like you I'm stuck with an expensive slightly unreliable BB provider. It would help if everyone in a Persimmon home would write to their MP about the injustice of this.