UFB install options

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anatokidave

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#258712 16-Oct-2019 21:18

What happens once the Govt subsidized UFB install period ends? In some areas, I think this occurs as of 31 Dec 2019 (according to Enable).

I have a house in an Enable serviced area. However, it is currently rented and the tenants are using Voda HFC.

I would like to have an ONT installed because I want a range of ISP options when/if I eventually return to that address.

1. I have no need to use the fibre connection yet, so are my options?

2. Should I wait until I need a connection and sort it then (and be liable for whatever the install will cost once the subsidy disappears), or

3 Can I have an ONT installed in the interim?

4. I note that Enable states I must go though an ISP, but situation described in '1' makes this seem a bit pointless eg - I would have to sign up with an ISP just to get an install, and then ditch them (making sure that I've signed up on a non-fixed term contract)

Thoughts?

timmmay

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#2338449 16-Oct-2019 21:39

You could sign up with an ISP that doesn't require a contract, then cancel. It's maybe not a nice thing to do as then the ISP has to wear all the on-boarding and off-boarding costs.

zyo

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#2338454 16-Oct-2019 21:50

timmmay:
You could sign up with an ISP that doesn't require a contract, then cancel. It's maybe not a nice thing to do as then the ISP has to wear all the on-boarding and off-boarding costs.

I thought once you have fiber installed. RSP will no longer be able to supply copper service into the premise? Does OP need copper (phone line) at the address?

anatokidave

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#2338514 16-Oct-2019 22:18

There is no live copper connection at the house -(so copper is not needed) - Prior to moving out, I had a naked VF cable broadband connection for over 10 years.

Wellingtondave

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#2338530 16-Oct-2019 22:35

Unless you've got a super complex install, one could imagine that any ISP will still subsidise a "standard" install if you're willing to sign up for a year or whatever the minimum term is.

In the meantime if you're really keen to get it installed then how about talking to your tenants and seeing if they can A. Save any money or get a better service or B. Sweeten the pot a bit by offering to pay any reasonable cancellation or migration fees if they want to stay with their current provider.

Jase2985

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#2338564 17-Oct-2019 07:26

a open term contract ISP will normally have a connection cost associated with getting a new fiber connection

eg bigpipe - $49 on Open Term plans

littlehead

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#2339691 17-Oct-2019 11:58

Enable do, or at least used to do, Non-ISP led installs. My parents had Enable door knock last year, I think, about getting just the ONT installed with no connection. They were and still are on Vodafone cable for Internet and TV with the old T-Box. They thought they might as well so arranged and time and had it installed. It's sitting there now, doing nothing, having never been used. Now that the new Gen2 Vodafone TV is around, they are now considering stopping the cable and switching to another ISP and buying a VTV Gen2. As the ONT is there, its no hassle at all.

Maybe contact Enable and see if they will do the install anyway?

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dt

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#2339698 17-Oct-2019 12:14

Was just about to say what littlehead mentioned, enable are pretty decent to deal with give them a call

phantomdb

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#2339744 17-Oct-2019 13:20

ring enable and enquire about there proactive install, all the hardware is installed but no ISP is required.

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Wheelbarrow01

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#2339962 17-Oct-2019 23:34

Wellingtondave:

Unless you've got a super complex install, one could imagine that any ISP will still subsidise a "standard" install if you're willing to sign up for a year or whatever the minimum term is.

This seems unlikely. In a 2016 media article, the gross 'average' standard connection cost was reported to be approximately $1100.

Given that some RSP's are often operating on very tight margins that can be as little as a few dollars a month, and some offer generous joining incentives on top (account credits, appliances, 3 months free etc), I think they'd have to lock you in for many years just to recoup those installation and incentive costs, let alone actually making any profit out of you. Either that or they would need extremely high early termination charges.

In my personal opinion (I'm not at all speaking for my employer) I can see future installation costs falling on either the customer or the property owner once any government subsidies end.

As others have eluded to, Enable may very well be happy to install an ONT now at no cost to you as they know it will eventually earn them revenue down the track. It's certainly worth contacting them to ask.

Just to reiterate, my comments above are my own opinion, and I have no inside knowledge of if/when government subsidies will end, or what my employer's future plans might be if/when that happens.

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd

hio77

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#2339964 18-Oct-2019 00:17

Wheelbarrow01:

In my personal opinion (I'm not at all speaking for my employer) I can see future installation costs falling on either the customer or the property owner once any government subsidies end.

no need to look at the future, look at the past, or even current... what happens with new copper installs ;)

Costs really aren't that much different...

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

darkasdes2

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#2339989 18-Oct-2019 08:34

dt:

enable are pretty decent to deal with give them a call

Most of the time.