Openreach Extend FTTP Uninhabitable Broadband Locations Pilot for 12 Months
Network access provider Openreach has decided to extend the ongoing UK pilot of Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based broadband lines for “Uninhabitable Locations” for a further 12-months (i.e. where the service is used to connect non-traditional end points such as CCTV cameras, bus shelter signs, EV charging points, lift lines etc.).
The pilot, which uses a “Ruggedised” Optical Network Terminal (ONT) for outdoor use (pictured above), originally began on 1st September 2024 (here) and was due to last for a year. Sites like those mentioned above might ordinarily be catered for by wireless solutions (e.g. 4G/5G small cells), but in some cases there may be a desire to use FTTP if the infrastructure is present nearby.
The pilot was intended to both confirm the viability of the new Uninhabitable Locations order journey with Ruggedised ONT and the estimated service costs. But Openreach has now extended this pilot to run for a further 12-months until 31st August 2026, although the operator added that it “may look to exit the pilot early” if it’s able to meet their objectives sooner (it’s unclear why the extension is necessary).
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The only change this time around is that the one-off connection charge (inc. 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, and multiport ONT) for speeds of 1Gbps (220Mbps upload) and 500Mbps (165Mbps), currently at £1,030 excluding VAT, will be reduced to £650 from 1st September 2025, aligning it to the connection charge for other bandwidths (slower ties exist down to 0.5Mbps). The fairly high cost reflects the fact that this isn’t intended for the domestic market, and such installs may have unique considerations.
ISPreview previously suggested that there may be scenarios where complex home or office installs might also benefit from a Ruggedised ONT deployment, such as for certain exterior installations. Openreach last year informed us that they were open to considering this for the future, but at present the focus remains on connecting uninhabitable locations/sites.
Fixing an ONT to the exterior of a building or structure typically adds complications, not least because you now need to consider the need for running power cables outside and adding extra protection for that, as well as the splice point of the fibre cable etc.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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Mark; FSP 150-GO102Pro only has 1Gb ports, do we know what they’d demarc on for say a 1800/120 service?
Tests, Pilots — Extending Tests, Pilots — that’s Openreach alright!
especially bus shelter signs needs 1Gig connections. Most of them have now solar panel with battery and e-papper displays + some kind of Rpi type board.
A flood of new bus shelters in my local area, all with power able to provide more advertising junk food, but not a single one with timetable information. One shelter in the local area was installed and the first bus to get into the lay by hit the shelter.
Openreach has removed FTTP from my address for the second times now. Saying not available. Really fed up of waiting.
Don’t think a hardened ONT is gonna help you in that situation
You could always pony up the cash via an FTTPoD order, Phil. That will be the only way to accelerate OR coming to you. And even then it will likely be a 6 figure quote designed to put you off as they are coming to you anyway ultimately.
Contrary to what the product name would seem to indicate, this is actually also Openreach’s new temporary (FTTP) data product, to go into site offices on building sites, moored ships etc.
At this point, those end users have been waiting an awfully long time for this product to come out of pilot.
Still no fibre in sr4 9jb area
Is that an uninhabitable area?
@Winston
It’s Sunderland, so … I couldn’t possibly comment … at least not without offending most of Wearside.
Openreach are building in the area but may not have permission to build there, ask Bernicia to give wayleaves to anyone who asks.
Does anybody know an ISP taking part in this trial?
If it’s uninhabitable, should it be called FTTT? Fibre To The Thing?
I’ll see myself out
@Cognizant
There is no way I can’t afford FTTPoD.
Stop emailing them. Stop checking so often. Might speed it along.
They’ve not started the main build in your area yet but still due to start going live on the exchange in the next 12 months. Will see lots of roadworks when main build starts, time to take an interest then.
I’ve no doubt you’ll see them when they start rodding and roping, you have a roadworks alert set up and will see lots of them. You’ll also see loads when VM do their FTTP build.