Can I remove an old OpenReach socket myself of do I need to contact them?

GrouchMarx

Hi there - quick question, I have an old OpenReach socket in the house which has not been in use for over 5 years (we just use a separate Gigaclear fibre for broadband and have no landline at all) and I'm wondering given the copper phase out whether I can remove it myself or need to contact OpenReach?

Thoughts?

Boohoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6671950/can-i-remove-an-old-openreach-socket-myself-of-do-i-need-to-contact-them

There was a post on here about getting old line removed by BT/Open reach.

A neighbour opposite me has 3 lines going into her property and thought they would remove the BT one 1st but was told they can't do that and when the 3rd line was put in they used the original BT line and the 2nd line to the new line to the ONT box so now she has 2 ONT boxes outside and the old BT box inside.

You could try to find the old thread on here for the number to call but another MSE user will have better knowledge than me.

molerat

You mean CSP - the grey 6" ish (almost) square box, I hope they haven't installed an ONT outside !

If OR have not installed the new service then technically they have not disconnected the old line. I very much doubt there would be any come back though if it was removed. When my daughter's FTTP was installed they fitted the ONT to the old NTE back box and just cut the wires right back but left all the wire from the pole in place.

flaneurs_lobster

Just the so-called Master Socket, the square box on your skirting board?

No-one is going to know if it falls off accidentally. Blame the dog. Keep it in a draw if you like, in case they ever want it back.

GrouchMarx

Yes - it's the internal Master socket (white square back on the skirting board) which was used for landline/ADSL. I've seen a couple of other posts indicating that there may still be some voltage on the line so I am looking to ensure it's removed safely (although I've seen other posts indicating people have just cut the wires off).

I was also wondering with the copper disconnect coming next Jan then aren't all these connections going to be dead anyway and so it's very unlikely OpenReach will be removing them en-masse.

flaneurs_lobster

I've seen a couple of other posts indicating that there may still be some voltage on the line so I am looking to ensure it's removed safely (although I've seen other posts indicating people have just cut the wires off).

The correct way to test for live voltage on that phone line is with your tongue

Very unlikely, you could test with a multimeter but anyway just put a bit of insulating tape around the individual wires having cut them back to the insulation..

Rather think that there will be many Cu connections continuing beyond next January.

michael1234

I can only speak for myself and I would have no problem removing it. Is BT/OR going to start suing ex customers for something of miniscule value? Both the bad publicity that would gather and the fact surely any court wouldn't bother with such a frivolous claim would be more than enough for them not to bother I think.

Ib06

As I understand it the Line and Master Socket are BT's property and legally you shouldn't do anything to them. You should get a BT engineer in to remove/disconnect them…. however in the real world….

Yes the line may still be connected at the exchange and have 48V on a pair of the cables, be careful not to short them or shock yourself especially if you cut the cable. If you decide to remove the master socket, as said, insulate the wires when you disconnect them. Despite BT turning off the copper phone network in their exchanges the lines may still be connected for a while yet and, in cases where FTTP optical cables aren't available yet, may be used for internet connectivity for some years yet.

flaneurs_lobster

You should get a BT engineer in to remove/disconnect them

Openreach standard callout charges

£175 for the first hour, £90 per subsequent hour. Plus VAT.

As @Ib06 says "in the real world…".

Clive_Woody

I removed mine a few weeks ago as it hasn't been used for years. No live wires that I noticed…

littleboo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82030277#Comment_82030277

To be pedantic, it's the PSTN phone system which is being switched off in January, the Openreach copper network will be in use for some years to come.