Bringing fibre to your home
As the world becomes more and more digital, we understand our residents need access to super-fast broadband.
That is why we are working with cable providers and telecommunications consultants to devise a planned programme of works to put ‘fibre’ (the new cables replacing the old copper cables) in our blocks by 2025.
This means we will improve the quality and efficiency of the networks that bring internet and media content into your homes. It will also ensure you have a choice of internet provider, package and price.
The installation of cabling can be complex involving excavating trenches outside properties and drilling holes in walls and floors. We need to consider how and where holes are drilled in the building, how they will be fire stopped and whether they will be close to other electrical and mechanical installations. As there are many factors to consider, the cable providers must seek our permission before commencing any work.
Before any work can be approved, cable providers are required to provide us with technical, legal and health & safety information.
We need to ensure there are no inappropriate cable routes, excessive trunking or access hatches.
We have to receive details of what materials will be used, including details of fire stopping materials.
We have to receive method statements and risk assessments to ensure that works will be undertaken safely.
We need to receive a suitable wayleave agreement and confirmation that cable providers will cover our consultant’s reasonable fees for carrying out pre and post-inspection audits.
We have to receive consents from any third parties involved e.g. Local Authority planning consent for listed buildings and properties within conservation areas. Please note that it may not be possible to install fibre in some listed buildings. If this is the case, alternative solutions will be offered.
We understand this can feel like a long process for residents, which may cause delays to the installation. However, your safety is our top priority.
We must ensure every opening is correctly fire-stopped to prevent fire and smoke transmission - so that you and all building users remain protected in the event of a fire.
Moreover, we will only work with companies that deliver fibre connectivity to the highest standards of safety to maintain the fire integrity of our buildings.
If you have any questions about our programme of works, please contact us via ask@onehousing.co.uk or call 0300 123 9966.
You can also read frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.
We and/or the cable provider will contact you prior to the installation work.
To bring fibre to your home, the cable provider will bring the cable from the street to your building. They will then either run the cable within the communal areas of your building or externally along the outside of your building.
Depending on the size of your block these works can take from 1-6 weeks.
If you live in a block, access will not be required to your home for bringing cable to the block.
Once you have a contract in place, your broadband provider will need access to your home to connect you for internet, streaming services etc.
This will be dependent on the cable provider who will schedule it into their programme. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee the work will commence immediately, but you will be sent a notification 2 weeks prior to commencement.
Should the cable provider require access to balconies or gardens to fix cables to external walls, this will be stated in the notification. They will always knock and ask permission, and if you are not in, leave a postcard to let you know.
Please contact your provider and they should be able to confirm if and when they intend to bring fibre into the building. They can also confirm the status of their application to One Housing and whether they have committed to meeting our stringent safety standards. (Note – on contacting your provider, please ensure they are aware you are a One Housing resident as some providers have dedicated teams for Local Authority & Housing Association residents or where wayleaves are required).