From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband


Quick rant first.

About a month ago I switched to a new digital switchover service from
Plusnet that took away my landline and cost u1 a month more with a speed
of 11 Mb/s against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago,
I was assured it was the absolute maximum the line would support. They
also posted me the latest modem/router that turned out to be exactly the
same as the one I had and have now billed me u6.49 for it.

Today I saw an offer of an upgrade on their website, my page so addressed
to me personally, to the same service with a minimum guaranteed speed of
16.6 Mb/s and u1 a month less. Tempting to just click the button to accept
it and see what happens.

I want to check again how mobile Internet works, there was a lot of good advice on the earlier thread but I want to try and be sure I understand.

Currently if my wire based Internet goes down I can set up my mobile as a "hotspot" and connect my laptop to it by WiFi.
If I get an Archer MR2000 (which takes a SIM) or similar can I just treat
that as a mobile hotspot and use it in the same way or do I need a mobile Internet service for it to dial?

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their unlimited
data SIMs in a modem but frankly I seemed to get better replies from the
bot who eventfully handed me over to a human who didn't seem to understand what I was asking!

Many thanks.
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
640k ought to be enough for anyone.
(Bill Gates, 1981)
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took
away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s
against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 5 Jun 2026 12:10:38 GMT
"Jeff Gaines" <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their
unlimited data SIMs in a modem but frankly I seemed to get better
replies from the bot who eventfully handed me over to a human who
didn't seem to understand what I was asking!

My usual conversation with a chatbot goes something like:

Me. What is 2 plus 2?
Bot: I don't understand your question, please rephrase it.
Me: I wish to speak to a human.
Bot: All agents are busy, current waiting time is approximately 40
minutes. What kind of background music would you prefer?
--
Davey.

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8ft0uFplgbU1@mid.individual.net> Andy Burns
wrote:

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took >>away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s >>against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it
then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked and it
was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
This mess is what happens when you elect a Labour government, in the end
they will always run out of other people's money to spend.
(Margaret Thatcher on her election in 1979)
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

Quick rant first.

About a month ago I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed
of 11 Mb/s against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago,
I was assured it was the absolute maximum the line would support. They
also posted me the latest modem/router that turned out to be exactly the same as the one I had and have now billed me -u6.49 for it.

Today I saw an offer of an upgrade on their website, my page so addressed
to me personally, to the same service with a minimum guaranteed speed of 16.6 Mb/s and -u1 a month less. Tempting to just click the button to accept it and see what happens.

I want to check again how mobile Internet works, there was a lot of good advice on the earlier thread but I want to try and be sure I understand.

Currently if my wire based Internet goes down I can set up my mobile as a "hotspot" and connect my laptop to it by WiFi.
If I get an Archer MR2000 (which takes a SIM) or similar can I just treat that as a mobile hotspot and use it in the same way

No need to hotspot with the router, it'll work exactly the same way within
your LAN as with a broadband line. I don't know whether the Archer will
fail over to mobile automatically or not, but the only different is that
the WAN side will be via a 4G/5G network rather than Plusnet.

or do I need a mobile
Internet service for it to dial?

There are data-only SIMs, but they aren't necessary. I just use a SIM I got from the local shop.

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their unlimited
data SIMs in a modem

Correct except it doesn't need to be an unlimited SIM. You can use any
level of data service.


--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8ft0uFplgbU1@mid.individual.net> Andy Burns wrote:

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took
away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s
against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it
then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked and it was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuk36$16a2m$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8ft0uFplgbU1@mid.individual.net> Andy Burns >>wrote:

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took >>>>away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s >>>>against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it >>then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked and it >>was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years,
once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of 4 bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch it.
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
There's 2 typos of peoples in this world.
Those who always notice spelling & grammatical errors, & them who doesn't.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuik2$15rmv$1@dont-email.me> Chris wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

Quick rant first.

About a month ago I switched to a new digital switchover service from >>Plusnet that took away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed >>of 11 Mb/s against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago,
I was assured it was the absolute maximum the line would support. They
also posted me the latest modem/router that turned out to be exactly the >>same as the one I had and have now billed me -u6.49 for it.

Today I saw an offer of an upgrade on their website, my page so addressed >>to me personally, to the same service with a minimum guaranteed speed of >>16.6 Mb/s and -u1 a month less. Tempting to just click the button to >>accept
it and see what happens.

I want to check again how mobile Internet works, there was a lot of good >>advice on the earlier thread but I want to try and be sure I understand.

Currently if my wire based Internet goes down I can set up my mobile as a >>"hotspot" and connect my laptop to it by WiFi.
If I get an Archer MR2000 (which takes a SIM) or similar can I just treat >>that as a mobile hotspot and use it in the same way

No need to hotspot with the router, it'll work exactly the same way within >your LAN as with a broadband line. I don't know whether the Archer will
fail over to mobile automatically or not, but the only different is that
the WAN side will be via a 4G/5G network rather than Plusnet.

or do I need a mobile
Internet service for it to dial?

There are data-only SIMs, but they aren't necessary. I just use a SIM I got >from the local shop.

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their unlimited >>data SIMs in a modem

Correct except it doesn't need to be an unlimited SIM. You can use any
level of data service.

Many thanks Chris :-)

Excuse my naivete but does that mean I wouldn't actually have an ISP?
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
The facts, although interesting, are irrelevant
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuk36$16a2m$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8ft0uFplgbU1@mid.individual.net> Andy Burns
wrote:

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took >>>>> away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s
against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it
then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked and it >>> was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years,
once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of 4 bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch it.

How does your existing phone wire get to you? Direct buried, underground
duct or overhead?

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 5 Jun 2026 13:01:42 GMT
"Jeff Gaines" <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

I was standing in the park wondering why Frisbees got bigger as they
get closer.
Then it hit me.

There was an episode of 'The Brokenwood Mysteries' recently that covered
that concept, only it was a discus. Bang.
--
Davey.

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuqg2$18b1f$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuk36$16a2m$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8ft0uFplgbU1@mid.individual.net> Andy Burns >>>>wrote:

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took >>>>>>away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s >>>>>>against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years, >>>>>or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it >>>>then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked and >>>>it
was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years,
once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of 4 >>bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch it.

How does your existing phone wire get to you? Direct buried, underground
duct or overhead?

Buried somewhere, we have no pylons or telegraph poles.
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
Thanks for teaching me the meaning of plethora, it means a lot.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On Fri 05/06/2026 15:56, Jeff Gaines wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuik2$15rmv$1@dont-email.me> Chris wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

Quick rant first.

About a month ago I switched to a new digital switchover service from
Plusnet that took away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed >>> of 11 Mb/s against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years
ago,
I was assured it was the absolute maximum the line would support. They
also posted me the latest modem/router that turned out to be exactly the >>> same as the one I had and have now billed me -u6.49 for it.

Today I saw an offer of an upgrade on their website, my page so
addressed
to me personally, to the same service with a minimum guaranteed speed of >>> 16.6 Mb/s and -u1 a month less. Tempting to just click the button to
accept
it and see what happens.

I want to check again how mobile Internet works, there was a lot of good >>> advice on the earlier thread but I want to try and be sure I understand. >>>
Currently if my wire based Internet goes down I can set up my mobile
as a
"hotspot" and connect my laptop-a to it by WiFi.
If I get an Archer MR2000 (which takes a SIM) or similar can I just
treat
that as a mobile hotspot and use it in the same way

No need to hotspot with the router, it'll work exactly the same way
within
your LAN as with a broadband line. I don't know whether the Archer will
fail over to mobile automatically or not, but the only different is that
the WAN side will be via a 4G/5G network rather than Plusnet.

or do I need a mobile
Internet service for it to dial?

There are data-only SIMs, but they aren't necessary. I just use a SIM
I got
from the local shop.

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their unlimited
data SIMs in a modem

Correct except it doesn't need to be an unlimited SIM. You can use any
level of data service.

Many thanks Chris :-)

Excuse my naivete but does that mean I wouldn't actually have an ISP?

A similar line of talk has been going on lately on a caravanning forum.
I picked up one item, tried it out and it works well.

ATM Smarty (uses 3) will do you 80GB for 30 days for -u10 which
autorepeats every month. However if you dig around after signing up
there is an option of no auto-renewal so after 30 days the SIM will go
to zero data remaining but the card/number/account will sit there
dormant. When you need to use it again simply go on line (which you can
do on your phone) and set the auto-renewal on which will immediately
nick a tenner out of your wealth. When you find the account is active
again, just go back in and turn the auto-renewal off until next time you
need it.

In terms of a static device/hotspot there are plenty of such devices
around - look at this item on ebay 168361465595. Put a SIM in it and set
it going. It will radiate wifi locally and send it out via its Ethernet socket.

A small caravan site (known as a CL) that we stay at occasionally has
wifi provided entirely by this method. The original provider was EE for
one part of the site and a second unit on VF was added for the other
part. The owner has unlimited data in both units.The local EE/3 site is
about 1.1Km away in one direction and the other providers (VF and O2)
are on a 275KV electricity pylon about 650m away in the opposite
direction. Both are line of sight and receive stonking signals.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 15:09, Jeff Gaines wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuk36$16a2m$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8ft0uFplgbU1@mid.individual.net> Andy Burns
wrote:

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took >>>>> away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s
against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it
then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked
and it
was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years,
once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of
4 bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch
it.

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road
would have to agree to the installation before they would do anything,
and presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the
end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us.
It could be because we are the first in the private road section or it
could be that the rules have changed. There are so many private roads
around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.
--
Clive Page

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuik2$15rmv$1@dont-email.me> Chris wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

Quick rant first.

About a month ago I switched to a new digital switchover service from
Plusnet that took away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed >>> of 11 Mb/s against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago, >>> I was assured it was the absolute maximum the line would support. They
also posted me the latest modem/router that turned out to be exactly the >>> same as the one I had and have now billed me -u6.49 for it.

Today I saw an offer of an upgrade on their website, my page so addressed >>> to me personally, to the same service with a minimum guaranteed speed of >>> 16.6 Mb/s and -u1 a month less. Tempting to just click the button to
accept
it and see what happens.

I want to check again how mobile Internet works, there was a lot of good >>> advice on the earlier thread but I want to try and be sure I understand. >>>
Currently if my wire based Internet goes down I can set up my mobile as a >>> "hotspot" and connect my laptop to it by WiFi.
If I get an Archer MR2000 (which takes a SIM) or similar can I just treat >>> that as a mobile hotspot and use it in the same way

No need to hotspot with the router, it'll work exactly the same way within >> your LAN as with a broadband line. I don't know whether the Archer will
fail over to mobile automatically or not, but the only different is that
the WAN side will be via a 4G/5G network rather than Plusnet.

or do I need a mobile
Internet service for it to dial?

There are data-only SIMs, but they aren't necessary. I just use a SIM I got >> from the local shop.

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their unlimited
data SIMs in a modem

Correct except it doesn't need to be an unlimited SIM. You can use any
level of data service.

Many thanks Chris :-)

Excuse my naivete but does that mean I wouldn't actually have an ISP?

Yes, it'll be whichever mobile provider you choose. You'll effectively have
two going through your router either Plusnet or Three/Vodafone/O2/whatever. Only one will be active at a time.

In practice, it's all a lot easier than thinking about it in theory. You
can also use a couple of 30-day SIMs to have a play before you settle on a provider.

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 15:56, Jeff Gaines wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuik2$15rmv$1@dont-email.me> Chris wrote:

Excuse my naivete but does that mean I wouldn't actually have an ISP?

Your ISP is the provider of the SIM - e.g. ID Mobile. The only
difference is that you can change ISPs more easily than you can with wired/fibre internet, simply by buying a SIM from a different provider -
e.g Smarty. This assumes, of course, that your 4G/5G router is unlocked
and not tied to a single provider.
--
Cheers,
Roger
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 18:53, Clive Page wrote:

On 05/06/2026 15:09, Jeff Gaines wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuk36$16a2m$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8ft0uFplgbU1@mid.individual.net> Andy Burns >>>> wrote:

Jeff Gaines wrote:

I switched to a new digital switchover service from Plusnet that took >>>>>> away my landline and cost -u1 a month more with a speed of 11 Mb/s >>>>>> against the 30 Mb/s I got when I first moved here 4 years ago

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it >>>> then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked
and it
was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years,
once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first
of 4 bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will
touch it.

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road
would have to agree to the installation before they would do anything,
and presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the
end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us.
It could be because we are the first in the private road section or it
could be that the rules have changed.-a-a There are so many private roads around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.

Just to confirm that being in a private road appears to be no problem,
here is what City Fibre say now: https://cityfibre.com/help-support/how-can-i-get-full-fibre-broadband-installed-if-i-live-on-a-private-road
<quote>
How can I get full fibre broadband installed if I live on a private road?

While most of our work happens on public highways, we sometimes need to
cross private land to bring the network within your reach.

If you live on a private road yourCOll need to sign a Wayleave agreement,
that grants us permission to install to your home. ThererCOs no cost to
you, and you have no obligation to buy a full fibre broadband package.

Giving permission is easy - just enter your details into our form and
werCOll be in touch to bring our full fibre network within reach of your home.

For more information and support if you own multiple properties, please
visit our landlords enquiry page and complete the form which can be
found at the bottom of the page.
</quote>
--
Clive Page

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8gsmiFu651U1@mid.individual.net> Clive Page
wrote:

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years, >>>once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of 4 >>>bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch >>>it.

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit >>called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road would >>have to agree to the installation before they would do anything, and >>presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the >>end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us. It >>could be because we are the first in the private road section or it could >>be that the rules have changed.-a-a There are so many private roads >>around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.

Just to confirm that being in a private road appears to be no problem,
here is what City Fibre say now: >https://cityfibre.com/help-support/how-can-i-get-full-fibre-broadband-installed-if-i-live-on-a-private-road
<quote>
How can I get full fibre broadband installed if I live on a private road?

While most of our work happens on public highways, we sometimes need to >cross private land to bring the network within your reach.

If you live on a private road yourCOll need to sign a Wayleave agreement, >that grants us permission to install to your home. ThererCOs no cost to
you, and you have no obligation to buy a full fibre broadband package.

Giving permission is easy - just enter your details into our form and >werCOll be in touch to bring our full fibre network within reach of your >home.

For more information and support if you own multiple properties, please >visit our landlords enquiry page and complete the form which can be found
at the bottom of the page.
</quote>

Many thanks :-)

I too am the first property and if I was so vulgar I could spit on both
the Giganet and BT main manholes from where I am sitting. I think they
have done the easy ones first, question is will I still be here when they
get round to those requiring more thought...
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not
expect to sit.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8gsmiFu651U1@mid.individual.net> Clive Page wrote:

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years, >>>> once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of 4
bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch >>>> it.

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit >>> called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road would >>> have to agree to the installation before they would do anything, and
presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the >>> end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us. It >>> could be because we are the first in the private road section or it could >>> be that the rules have changed.-a-a There are so many private roads
around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.

Just to confirm that being in a private road appears to be no problem,
here is what City Fibre say now:
https://cityfibre.com/help-support/how-can-i-get-full-fibre-broadband-installed-if-i-live-on-a-private-road
<quote>
How can I get full fibre broadband installed if I live on a private road?

While most of our work happens on public highways, we sometimes need to
cross private land to bring the network within your reach.

If you live on a private road yourCOll need to sign a Wayleave agreement, >> that grants us permission to install to your home. ThererCOs no cost to
you, and you have no obligation to buy a full fibre broadband package.

Giving permission is easy - just enter your details into our form and
werCOll be in touch to bring our full fibre network within reach of your
home.

For more information and support if you own multiple properties, please
visit our landlords enquiry page and complete the form which can be found >> at the bottom of the page.
</quote>

Many thanks :-)

I too am the first property and if I was so vulgar I could spit on both
the Giganet and BT main manholes from where I am sitting. I think they
have done the easy ones first, question is will I still be here when they get round to those requiring more thought...

https://www.openreach.com/forms/fibre-broadband-availability---customer-form

I canrCOt remember if IrCOve recommended this form to you in the past. It worked for me, but in a bizarre fashion. My situation was that the
telegraph pole feeding my property was not fibre enabled but one further
down the street was. I completed the form and got a response stating I
wasnrCOt going to get fibre. But then the fibre checker changed to saying available. The upshot was that they fitted an extra long drop wire from the enabled pole. Filling in the form made someone do a local boots on the
ground check. Worth a try if yourCOve not already done it. The details field
is probably the place to make your case about how close you are to their service.

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 06/06/2026 in message <1100kmk$1n39t$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8gsmiFu651U1@mid.individual.net> Clive Page >>wrote:

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years, >>>>>once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of >>>>>4
bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch >>>>>it.

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit >>>>called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road >>>>would
have to agree to the installation before they would do anything, and >>>>presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the >>>>end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us. >>>>It
could be because we are the first in the private road section or it >>>>could
be that the rules have changed.-a-a There are so many private roads >>>>around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.

Just to confirm that being in a private road appears to be no problem, >>>here is what City Fibre say now: >>>https://cityfibre.com/help-support/how-can-i-get-full-fibre-broadband-installed-if-i-live-on-a-private-road
<quote>
How can I get full fibre broadband installed if I live on a private road? >>>
While most of our work happens on public highways, we sometimes need to >>>cross private land to bring the network within your reach.

If you live on a private road yourCOll need to sign a Wayleave agreement, >>>that grants us permission to install to your home. ThererCOs no cost to >>>you, and you have no obligation to buy a full fibre broadband package.

Giving permission is easy - just enter your details into our form and >>>werCOll be in touch to bring our full fibre network within reach of your >>>home.

For more information and support if you own multiple properties, please >>>visit our landlords enquiry page and complete the form which can be found >>>at the bottom of the page.
</quote>

Many thanks :-)

I too am the first property and if I was so vulgar I could spit on both
the Giganet and BT main manholes from where I am sitting. I think they
have done the easy ones first, question is will I still be here when they >>get round to those requiring more thought...

https://www.openreach.com/forms/fibre-broadband-availability---customer-form

I canrCOt remember if IrCOve recommended this form to you in the past. It >worked for me, but in a bizarre fashion. My situation was that the
telegraph pole feeding my property was not fibre enabled but one further
down the street was. I completed the form and got a response stating I >wasnrCOt going to get fibre. But then the fibre checker changed to saying >available. The upshot was that they fitted an extra long drop wire from the >enabled pole. Filling in the form made someone do a local boots on the
ground check. Worth a try if yourCOve not already done it. The details
field
is probably the place to make your case about how close you are to their >service.

You have and I did complete it, they just said I couldn't get FTTP. I
have submitted it again with a (hopefully) more persuasive argument, thank
you :-)
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
The only thing Flat Earthers fear is sphere itself.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 06/06/2026 in message <1100kmk$1n39t$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8gsmiFu651U1@mid.individual.net> Clive Page
wrote:

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years, >>>>>> once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of
4
bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch >>>>>> it.

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit >>>>> called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road >>>>> would
have to agree to the installation before they would do anything, and >>>>> presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the >>>>> end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us. >>>>> It
could be because we are the first in the private road section or it >>>>> could
be that the rules have changed.-a-a There are so many private roads
around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.

Just to confirm that being in a private road appears to be no problem, >>>> here is what City Fibre say now:
https://cityfibre.com/help-support/how-can-i-get-full-fibre-broadband-installed-if-i-live-on-a-private-road
<quote>
How can I get full fibre broadband installed if I live on a private road? >>>>
While most of our work happens on public highways, we sometimes need to >>>> cross private land to bring the network within your reach.

If you live on a private road yourCOll need to sign a Wayleave agreement, >>>> that grants us permission to install to your home. ThererCOs no cost to >>>> you, and you have no obligation to buy a full fibre broadband package. >>>>
Giving permission is easy - just enter your details into our form and
werCOll be in touch to bring our full fibre network within reach of your >>>> home.

For more information and support if you own multiple properties, please >>>> visit our landlords enquiry page and complete the form which can be found >>>> at the bottom of the page.
</quote>

Many thanks :-)

I too am the first property and if I was so vulgar I could spit on both
the Giganet and BT main manholes from where I am sitting. I think they
have done the easy ones first, question is will I still be here when they >>> get round to those requiring more thought...

https://www.openreach.com/forms/fibre-broadband-availability---customer-form >>
I canrCOt remember if IrCOve recommended this form to you in the past. It
worked for me, but in a bizarre fashion. My situation was that the
telegraph pole feeding my property was not fibre enabled but one further
down the street was. I completed the form and got a response stating I
wasnrCOt going to get fibre. But then the fibre checker changed to saying
available. The upshot was that they fitted an extra long drop wire from the >> enabled pole. Filling in the form made someone do a local boots on the
ground check. Worth a try if yourCOve not already done it. The details
field
is probably the place to make your case about how close you are to their
service.

You have and I did complete it, they just said I couldn't get FTTP. I
have submitted it again with a (hopefully) more persuasive argument, thank you :-)

If I remember correctly the response comes with a route to a complaints process. It might be worth making a nuisance of yourself via that if your latest attempt comes back negative. Perhaps requesting a site visit.

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 06/06/2026 in message <1100kmk$1n39t$1@dont-email.me> Tweed wrote:

Jeff Gaines <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

On 05/06/2026 in message <n8gsmiFu651U1@mid.individual.net> Clive Page
wrote:

Is there any hope of getting a full fibre service?

If only :-(

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years, >>>>>> once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of
4
bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch >>>>>> it.

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit >>>>> called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road >>>>> would
have to agree to the installation before they would do anything, and >>>>> presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the >>>>> end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us. >>>>> It
could be because we are the first in the private road section or it >>>>> could
be that the rules have changed.-a-a There are so many private roads
around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.

Just to confirm that being in a private road appears to be no problem, >>>> here is what City Fibre say now:
https://cityfibre.com/help-support/how-can-i-get-full-fibre-broadband-installed-if-i-live-on-a-private-road
<quote>
How can I get full fibre broadband installed if I live on a private road? >>>>
While most of our work happens on public highways, we sometimes need to >>>> cross private land to bring the network within your reach.

If you live on a private road yourCOll need to sign a Wayleave agreement, >>>> that grants us permission to install to your home. ThererCOs no cost to >>>> you, and you have no obligation to buy a full fibre broadband package. >>>>
Giving permission is easy - just enter your details into our form and
werCOll be in touch to bring our full fibre network within reach of your >>>> home.

For more information and support if you own multiple properties, please >>>> visit our landlords enquiry page and complete the form which can be found >>>> at the bottom of the page.
</quote>

Many thanks :-)

I too am the first property and if I was so vulgar I could spit on both
the Giganet and BT main manholes from where I am sitting. I think they
have done the easy ones first, question is will I still be here when they >>> get round to those requiring more thought...

https://www.openreach.com/forms/fibre-broadband-availability---customer-form >>
I canrCOt remember if IrCOve recommended this form to you in the past. It
worked for me, but in a bizarre fashion. My situation was that the
telegraph pole feeding my property was not fibre enabled but one further
down the street was. I completed the form and got a response stating I
wasnrCOt going to get fibre. But then the fibre checker changed to saying
available. The upshot was that they fitted an extra long drop wire from the >> enabled pole. Filling in the form made someone do a local boots on the
ground check. Worth a try if yourCOve not already done it. The details
field
is probably the place to make your case about how close you are to their
service.

You have and I did complete it, they just said I couldn't get FTTP. I
have submitted it again with a (hopefully) more persuasive argument, thank you :-)

If I remember correctly the response comes with a route to a complaints process. It might be worth making a nuisance of yourself via that if your latest attempt comes back negative. Perhaps requesting a site visit.

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On Fri, 5 Jun 2026 18:53:35 +0100, Clive Page <usenet@page2.eu> wrote:

We also live in a private road and some years ago when some fibre outfit >called around (Virgin I think) they said that all of us in the road
would have to agree to the installation before they would do anything,
and presumably at least one of our neighbours didn't do so.

Same here when the cable TV was installed. Six houses affected but
only one or two, including me, said yes, so we were in a cable-free
zone until tthree of the houses changed hands, when, at different
times, Virgin agreed to connect in exchange for the customer taking an internet/phone/TV package. Their contractors routed the cables at
about 3in depth below the council's green. The original cable co had
been intending to trench along the block-paved roadway.

But last year City Fibre installed their ducts and fibres right to the
end of our private road and they seem to be happy to install it to us.
It could be because we are the first in the private road section or it
could be that the rules have changed. There are so many private roads >around that I suspect that a solution just needed to be found.

When City Fibre came they were able to use the BT ducts to three of
the houses that wanted their service.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 05/06/2026 in message <10vuh4s$158oo$1@dont-email.me> Davey wrote:

On 5 Jun 2026 12:10:38 GMT
"Jeff Gaines" <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their
unlimited data SIMs in a modem but frankly I seemed to get better
replies from the bot who eventfully handed me over to a human who
didn't seem to understand what I was asking!

My usual conversation with a chatbot goes something like:

Me. What is 2 plus 2?
Bot: I don't understand your question, please rephrase it.
Me: I wish to speak to a human.
Bot: All agents are busy, current waiting time is approximately 40
minutes. What kind of background music would you prefer?

:-)
--
Jeff Gaines Dorset UK
I was standing in the park wondering why Frisbees got bigger as they get closer.
Then it hit me.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

Jeff Gaines wrote:

[snip]

Are you saying the speed slowly reduced from 30 to 10 over 4 years,
or it instantly dropped when you changed from FTTC to SoGEA?

I didn't check it. I know it was 30 when I move in because I checked it
then and when PN said I was being digitally changed over I checked and
it was 11 Mb/s. I don't know if it was gradual or happened overnight.

You router will show you the sync speed for downstream and probably
upstream. If this is significantly more than 11 Mbits/sec then you need
to find out why the speed has apparently reduced.

If you tell us the make and model of router, we may be able to guide you through getting information from it. You should at least be able to see
the up/down sync speeds, SNR margin and Loop Attenuation.

If you measure the speed with for example <https://www.speedtest.net/>
be sure to measure using a wired connection between computer and router,
and ensure that only one computer is connected to the router - nothing whatever by WiFi.
--
Graham J
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On 2026-06-05 15:09, Jeff Gaines wrote:

I put up with the pavement being dug up twice over the last 2-3 years,
once by Giganet and once by BT to install fibre. I live in the first of
4 bungalows service by a private driveway and neither company will touch
it.

What are your neighbours' thoughts about it all? Any chance of your
clubbing together to fund a trench to be dug and laid with the sort of conduiting that BTOR/Giganet would be happy to use?

You'd have to find out:

1) What specs BTOR/Giganet would require.
2) What services are already buried in the private driveway,
because:
* You may be able to use existing conduiting if physically
and legally possible.
* You'd have to know how to lay a trench to avoid it if not.
3) Assuming you'd be able to do the conduiting yourselves, how much
it would cost to hire a JCB driver to dig the trench and come back a
couple of days later and fill it back in.
--

Fake news kills!

I may be contacted via the contact address given on my website: www.macfh.co.uk

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.telecom.broadband

On Fri, 5 Jun 2026 13:58:04 +0100, Davey <davey@example.invalid>
wrote:

On 5 Jun 2026 12:10:38 GMT
"Jeff Gaines" <jgnewsid@outlook.com> wrote:

I checked with ID Mobile who confirmed I can use one of their
unlimited data SIMs in a modem but frankly I seemed to get better
replies from the bot who eventfully handed me over to a human who
didn't seem to understand what I was asking!

My usual conversation with a chatbot goes something like:

Me. What is 2 plus 2?
Bot: I don't understand your question, please rephrase it.
Me: I wish to speak to a human.
Bot: All agents are busy, current waiting time is approximately 40
minutes. What kind of background music would you prefer?

When I needed to contact eBay recently I just said 'I want to talk to
a person' and was offered a callback which was quite quick, about ten
minutes I think. Not that the person was any better at understanding
the point of my complaint than the chat bot had been.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2