topic Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall? in Broadband

Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

ap122 — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:30:07 GMT

Hello!

I moved into a new flat and would like to get Sky Broadband.

My landlord does not allow drilling into the wall or modifications to the outside of the building, and I have noticed there already is a socket with a "BT" symbol on it, and one port (which I believe is for the phone landline). I believe this is where I plug in the broadband hub once I receive it?

I just don't want to make a contract with Sky, only to find out that the lamdlord won't allow me to install the broadband if it involves drilling.

I tried finding out how to phone Sky but there doesn't seem to be a phone number.

Thank you in advance.

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

Sayek — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:02:20 GMT

You should post a picture of the socket here 😊

But if the logo is "BT" then most likely a very old phone socket for FTTC.

Even the recent phone socket I removed from my wall had "Openreach" like this.

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

TimmyBGood — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:20:12 GMT

@ap122

If it's in the UK, putting the address into the BT Wholesale Availability Checker should indicate which broadband provisioning type is applicable.

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome

It's the table and the two text lines below it which are most useful.

Remove any personal information (such as the address itself) if you post an image.

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

ap122 — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:30:42 GMT

Hi @Sayek,

This is the socket picture. Would this work for Sky Broadband?

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

TimmyBGood — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:06:36 GMT

@ap122

For ADSL, G.fast or FTTC. It cannot work for FTTP, which is why the results of the lookup I posted a link to above are important.

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

ap122 — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 18:16:24 GMT

Hi @TimmyBGood ,

According to the Sky Superfast Broadband offer, it does support FTTC technology, which is available at my address. However, I am unsure if they will need replacing the master socket or rewire something, because it seems quite old. My landlord isn't happy to support any changes to the sockets, wires or the wall, so I'm worried to enter the contract without knowing for sure. I would appreciate anyone's advice on this, please.

Thank you in advance.

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

daveNOS — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 18:47:45 GMT

@ap122 wrote:
Hi @TimmyBGood ,

According to the Sky Superfast Broadband offer, it does support FTTC technology, which is available at my address. However, I am unsure if they will need replacing the master socket or rewire something, because it seems quite old. My landlord isn't happy to support any changes to the sockets, wires or the wall, so I'm worried to enter the contract without knowing for sure. I would appreciate anyone's advice on this, please.

Thank you in advance.

@ap122 As mentioned in the previous replies you need to use the link that will tell you what services are available, if it's only "normal" broadband(ADSL or FTTC) then you may be fine(although Openreach may insist the socket is updated), if you are in a full fibre area then drilling will be required.

Your landlord is being very short-sighted by not allowing old equipment to be upgraded.

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

Sayek — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:42:08 GMT

Will the landlord have any issues removing this socket from the wall and re-use the existing hole for new FTTP socket.

Its not like you are using this old socket for anything now.

I removed my Virgin Media cables/socket and used that existing hole and location for Openreach FTTP socket. I also did not want extra holes on the wall.

Speak to your landlord that you plan to reusing the hole and he maybe fine. But he will need a new CSP box fitted outside thats 12cm x 12cm.

Re: Does broadband instsllation require drilling into a wall?

JimM1 — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:50:42 GMT

@ap122 Until you go look at what is available to the address no more guessing what you have, and the socket that you are showing may not or maybe the master socket from way back in time, and with twin cables on it there will be a possible ectension somewhere, so OR will no doubt look to correct the cabling that you require even if fttc is to be connected up again!

BT Broadband