So, what exactly is a blockage?
First things first, in order to get you connected to lightning-fast internet we’ll need to install our fibre-optic cables either using overhead lines or underground ducting. The way we connect you up to your full-fibre connection depends on the existing infrastructure in your area – but, the blockages we’re talking about in this blog only happen if you need to be connected via underground infrastructure.
Full-fibre means that your internet connection is coming via a dedicated fibre cable straight from the source in a local telephone exchange to (fancy term ahead!) what we call a Connectorised Block Terminal (CBT). In some cases, installing your internet is a little bit more difficult than in other homes – and it’s because of some sort of blockage in the ducting beneath the ground leading up to your CBT or home. This can be due to typical wear and tear over time, debris, or tree roots, causing these underground ducts to become blocked.
The important bit: How and when will it be resolved?
Our engineers will try their absolute best to resolve these blockages on the day – for instance, we often use a rod to push through the blockage and get the cabling sorted if we can. These blockages can be located anywhere on the street, including in front of your home, garden, and even on another street!
If it’s a blockage located within your property boundary and we can't clear it on the day, our Customer Support team will be in touch to let you know a date for another team to come back with additional kit. We will need to dig down to resolve the blockage and we will ask for your permission and talk you through the plan of course, before doing any work.
If the blockage is in the public highway, it is a little more complex and we’ll need to get additional permissions from third parties like the local council or landowners. For instance, blockages in the carriageway or footpath on your road will need a permit to dig and fix the situation down there.
Don’t worry if it sounds a bit daunting, we know blockages like the back of our hand and we promise to treat your home and street with the utmost care, leaving it in the same condition as we found it. If you have any questions, your Lit Fibre representative will be more than happy to give you all the answers.
What do you need to do?
Either way, leave the blockage issues in the very capable hands of the Lit Fibre team and you’ll be contacted by our Customer Support team once the blockage is cleared to arrange a date to finish your installation and get you connected to our lightning-fast full-fibre internet.