No previous broadband?

nportland

Hi my dad wants broadband to his flat. However we don't know if there was broadband or not previously to his flat. Is there anyway to check whether it had it or not. There appears to a connection on wall which may have been for broadband but have no way to tell if it was 'live' or not. Looked at few broadband suppliers but they seem to want you to give all your details first. I understand that it will cost more if there was no broadband there b4. Which don't mind but would like to know. Thank you any help

QrizB

Even if there is a legacy copper connection there's a fair chance it will need to be replaced by fibre.

Best to just put the flat details into a comparison site and see what's offered.

MSE has a comparison site which doesn't ask for anything other than your address:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/

flaneurs_lobster

Don't think a previous broadband connection (or not) will make any difference to pricing of a new contract.

Stick your address into one of the broadband comparison sites, MSE's is at

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/

and see what they say about broadband availability.

You could stick a picture of the box on the wall up, might help tell what sort of connection it is.

Talked to any neighbours? They might know what service(s) are supplied to the building.

Rodders53

Flats: How many in the same building? Can sometimes be difficulties with getting cabling into such Leasehold properties as the Freeholder / Building Management Co / Factor may need to give permissions…

BT Openreach Wholesale checker might be able to tell you something useful in terms of which exchange / speeds / services are available ? https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome

Especially if there's a live telephone line there. NB many ISP packages do not include a conventional copper landline and taking one on can cease the existing so do come back and say if a landline is needed (especially for alarm systems - burglar and health / fall related systems… they may need special efforts.).

AIUI it's rare for new BB connections to charge more for a new connection / install any more - but worth double-checking (and look for cashback / reward voucher offers as well!).

Cisco001

There also an option of mobile internet if he can get decent signal.