Eir Fibre Install

robbie_63

Hi Folks,

Does anyone have any info on what needs to be done when getting Fibre to the Home?

Had a quick look on eir the other day and it says 1GB fibre is available at my home now,

I'm currently on Virgin 1GB Cable but its €90 p/m, Eir is only €50 p/m for 1gb and cheaper again for the lower packages.

I'm trying to find out how much work they need to do to get the Fibre connection installed,

Some houses I see have the Fibre termination box in the attic which would be my preferred option as I can reroute everything from there myself,

Cheers

Rob

The Cush

Are the eircom phone and fibre lines underground or overhead at your house?

Do you or did your house have a copper phone line connection?

If so, how did/does the line come to your house?

Is there a small white telecoms box, ETU, on your house, normally close to the meter box?

robbie_63

Yeah we have the comms box at the side of the House, Phone Lines & Virgin Coax cable come up through underground duct into this box.

This comms box then is connected to the attic, Virgin Coax runs up through to the attic and down into office upstairs where it is terminated and I have Modem.

I'd like to do the same with the Eir fibre but can't see any info whether this is possible or not, I don't want to chance it and then find they won't install it on the day

Alun

I'm interested in this too. I tried contacting eir to ask what exactly the installers (KN I think) are able and/or willing to do to accommodate customers' requirements and got nowhere.

I've read elsewhere that they're prepared to run fiber cabling up to 1m away from the entry point, which in my case, assuming the current ducting isn't blocked in any way, would be the ETU on the side of my house.

The problem is that behind that wall is our master bedroom and there's a full width fitted wardrobe on that wall, so any hole would end up in the back of the wardrobe which clearly cannot work, and even if it could there's no accessible power either.

The only feasible way to get it to work would be to run fiber for about 3 or 4 m along the side of the house and enter into my "study" where all my IT gear and current Virgin coax connection is currently, but I can't get eir/KN to say whether they'd do some kind of pre-installation check to see what the can do. I'm not going to sign up, and then have a discussion/argument with the KN guy on installation day and either end up with a useless installation or tell them to go away and cancel the installation, if that's even a possibility at that stage.

Thing is also, our estate has only recently been enabled and it's extremely likely that most houses in the estate will have the same issue, so it's actually in their best interests to do a little bit of investigation beforehand to resolve any issues before people commit to an install.

The Cush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119769951#Comment_119769951

Ok, the fibre will generally follow the route of the copper cable from the road, after that it will be up to the installer on the day, the rule is 1m from the entry point close to a power point.

Would it be possible to run a draw string from the ETU to the attic, if could make the job easier on the day? My brother recently did this in preparation for NBI fibre which is due here in 2025/26.

robbie_63

Yeah it's a waste scheduling an install and then getting told it can't be done,

I wouldn't mind even if they said standard install was free but you could pay extra to get cables run to other location

The Cush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119769967#Comment_119769967

They will run the fibre externally from the ETU to a point suitable and enter there.

No pre-installation check, they will assess the job when they arrive and discuss what's possible, from reports here they are generally quite accommodating.

Alun

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119770113#Comment_119770113

That sounds encouraging, but I'd like a bit more than that if I'm honest.

snapper365

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119770298#Comment_119770298

Is there an installation fee being quoted to you if you order? If not, then why not order and see what the engineer says on the day? Worst case scenario is you're not happy with their proposed solution and you can refuse the install. This won't be an argument, they'll just cancel the job.

I genuinely don't fancy your chances of getting an answer from Eir or KN over the phone as ultimately the engineer will make a decision on what is feasible, but as said, they are generally accommodating and I would be fairly certain they'll be able to work around your needs.

robbie_63

Yeah that's my thinking too, I have placed the order anyway so will see how we go, I think usually they have an install date within a week or so.

channelsurfer2

I had two different kn visits. The first lad didn't find the duct in the street as there was debris so left but was willing to install along window to my hall rather than drill directly into nearest room.total extra distance about 10 foot. Second guy wasn't as keen was his last install of the day and muttered about first guy but In the end he agreed and it's in the hall where my phone connection and fibre to the cabinet install was.

robbie_63

I have an install date for the 8th Nov so I will update this thread when\if the install is done.

ando

Ive just given 30 days notice to Virgin and going to order this fibre. See how it goes!

Rattlehead_ie

I have an OpenEir install, replaced my Siro install. Using Blacknight 2Gb internet connection. The KN guy that installed it was great and more than happy to help and accomidate my custom install and placement of the Huawei ONT

NSAman

2 years waiting, 10 visits and a host of excuses until it was finally installed. Happy with the service. Price of the phone is crazy though. Not to mention the fact your have to phone them for SIP service and cannot do it yourself.

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119789097#Comment_119789097

Do you have 2 ONT at the house then , OpenEir and SIRO ?

Rattlehead_ie

Yes and no. I took the Siro install ONT and unplugged and put it to the side. I recapped the Siro fibre line so the cable is there if its ever needed again. I have cancelled it all with Sky so whether they want to come take it all away thats up to them

robbie_63

Just got my 1gb fibre installed today,

I ran a length of spare CAT5 down from the attic into the Wallbox on the outside of the house so all they had to do was tape the fibre cable to it and I could pull it up into the attic and down into the office,

Technician installed a Fibre termination box which is then connected to a Huawei box, this is then connected to the Eir router so you need 2 power sockets

All working fine so far, I have ordered 2 of the Smart Wifi Hubs as I want to improve the signal quality in a few areas and the existing system I have is a few years old.

Pete123456

Can I jump on the back of this thread please…

I am in a new build and the duct is in place to the ETU. The builders have then run a length of Cat V and also a length of fibre from there to the comms cabinet in the utility.

There is no sockets the other side of the wall and it’s bottom of the stairs anyway so wouldn’t be feasible for the modem.

I had KN out to install for Eir and he said it was a no-go, the cat v and the fibre already installed were useless because he couldn’t join them, and from the road it had to be one continuous length of fibre.

Is this correct? If so, why would the builder wire it like that? I’ve another visit on the 16th - is it worth standing my ground?

thanks!

robbie_63

I think they are correct I know when they done mine it's one long run of fibre from the cabinet across the road underground to my house and up into the attic,down into my office where it is terminated

The Cush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119864568#Comment_119864568

Correct, one continuous fibre cable from the DP to the ONT inside, the ONT is the network demarcation point at your house.

Haven't heard of builders running fibre previously.

phog

They probably could splice eir supplied cables as the size would be standard but eir wouldn't want them splicing onto a private fibre cable because if there's ever a fault there could be an argument about who should maintain cables to the demarcation point.

Best bet for you is to have a think about how KN can get to a point within your house where they can fit the NTU and you can fit a modem.

Pete123456

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119865221#Comment_119865221

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119866353#Comment_119866353

Thanks both - I think it’s very odd that the builder would run a length of fibre to the ETU and not a duct of some kind but I guess it’s cheaper.

i must chat to a few neighbours as there are a good few that have had fibre installed…

it’s frustrating to have to drill through when there is supposedly a way of doing it cleanly in place if they did just connect them

phog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119867480#Comment_119867480

Could the fibre installed by the builder be used as a pull through for the eir fibre?

Pete123456

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119867503#Comment_119867503

Nah I doubt it - there would be a couple of corners and also I’d bet the builder has tacked it to the wall on the inside of the wall where the ETU is…

It’s pretty annoying to be honest. But then again a neighbour did say that they spliced into the cable at the ETU only last week so seems to vary between installers for sure. I might ask to take a picture of his install so I have something to go on

deafroadrunner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119864568#Comment_119864568

Yeah generally splicing is not to be done but depends on the installer aswell. Some will do it.

Tweeter

Does anyone know if they'd be prepared to run the cable over the roof and into the back of the house (it's a terraced house)?

When I got virgin broadband this is how they did it, but that was a good few years ago now. I'm hoping it won't be a problem.

phog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119874405#Comment_119874405

I think they'll bring it through the attic before going over the roof.

deafroadrunner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119874405#Comment_119874405

through the attic if possilbe otherwise defnitely not over roof

phog

One thing to consider about going over the roof is that unless the cable is secure then you'll have wear and tear and you'll fibre will go faulty in a short period of time.

robbie_63

Check where the phone cable comes in at the side of the house, you may have a pipe leading up to the attic, that's what the did for my installation

Tweeter

Thanks very much for the replies. I've heard that they won't get into your attic, so I've made it real easy for the installer. I've ran my own cable across the attic, so the installer will just need to attach their cable and pull it through. There won't be any need for them to get into the attic.

Or I don't mind if they go over the roof (which is what virgin did), so both options will be available to the installer.

It's due to be fitted tomorrow morning, so I'll let you know how it plays out when they do their pre installation inspection

robbie_63

I had 2 sets of kn guys out to do mine and in fairness they were very helpful, I explained where I wanted it to go at the start and they done it no problem,

One of the lads was telling me they get paid for each one they complete so they will do everything they can to get it in and working on the day

Tweeter

Just to follow up. The install has just been completed. Thankfully I ran the cable through the attic for them as going over the roof wasn't possible. Unlike Virgin, the cable is glass fibre so just not suitable for going over a roof (needs to be secure).

Thankfully there was no issues pulling the cable through the attic from front to back, so they didn't even need to get into the attic. Even gave me a box of cable clips so that I could tidy up the cable in the attic myself, when I get around to it.

And like they said there are certain things that can't be done but they're fully committed to working with you on the day to make sure you get your installation completed (even if it means bending the rules here and there). Very helpful and hopefully useful for anyone considering it.

Pete123456

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119868275#Comment_119868275

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119869549#Comment_119869549

just to follow up - different KN guy arrived today and more than happily spliced into the cable the builder had run and got excellent quality signal in the utility so all is good, up and running. He did mention the other guy mustn’t have known what he was doing because it was a very straightforward install…

phog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119881920#Comment_119881920

If the fibre cable is resting on the floor of the attic then be careful that you don't stand or store stuff on it in the future

Tweeter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119883929#Comment_119883929

I was aware of that alright, so they gave me a box of clips and I have it tacked overhead which is perfect

jhconnolly

When eir install fibre is there any digging of the drive etc ? just got gas in and had to dig some of the drive, all back to normal now, would hate to dig it again !!! I assume they use the existing copper wire conduit, but can they always use it ? what if is has sharp bends in it.

Thanks

WildCardDoW

The conduit can be broken / blocked and it's not their responsibility to fix it, or they have to engage that team at least to do it which can take time.

At least that's what my friend relayed to me (albeit via sky, but via open eir so much of a muchness). His ran under a drive that had been paved over (or cobblelock) and the conduit was blocked so they couldn't run the fibre wire into towards his house.

Now I don't know if they told him, he'd have to sort it or if they just said it would take a few weeks but he went with VM for internet instead.

shutterclick

Can anyone advise or guide me with this issue?

We moved house at the beginning of the month.

In our previous house the only service available was mobile broadband. We have been with Eir for 4g mobile BB.

When we moved here I began the search for a better, more stable service.

Eir told me that FTTH was available at this address. Great, I thought.

I was going to be able to change from mobile to ftth and the bundle price was actually going to be a few cents less.

The day came for the technician to come and hook us up.

Unfortunately, on arrival, the technician said that there was going to be no way of running the line to our apartment because there is a house on the property in front of the small apartment block we are in.

No way. No how.

So I began the headache of trying to get any kind of wired connection.

Despite the fact that the other 3 apartments have fttc broadband, Eir just kept telling me that the only option coming up for my eircode was ftth.

I explained that everyone else has that connection so it must be possible, but I just kept being told that ftth was the option on the system for my eircode.

Very much a 'computer says no' situation.

I gave them my neighbours eircode, and again, computer said no.

We share a wall with the neighbour and he most certainly has fttc.

He is with Vodafone.

So, I tried Vodafone.

It was the exact same. 'Good news you can get ftth!'. I explained, again, that I cannot get ftth despite what the system says.

The location of the apartment means that running the cable is not possible according to the technician.

Again, they told me that fttc is not an option.

I don't understand. How can a service that everyone else here has not be available? How can they say it's not even available at the eircode for next door, when they absolutely do have a connection.

There is a normal copper phone line in to the house.

We are still using the Eir 4g mobile broadband but it is not stable and at times it's nearly unusable. Speeds can be as bad as 0.something at times.

When I recontacted with eir in June, I did so after checking that I would be able to change the service without any issue if there was a better connection available at a new address. I knew that we would likely be moving within the year.

They say that FTTH is a available here, but as I have explained, I have been told it isn't.

Where do I stand in terms of the contract with Eir now?

Can I end the 4g mobile broadband contract without penalty because they cannot provide the upgraded service they state is available?

Or am I stuck with this crappy connection until the contract ends?

Is mobile broadband going to be the only option?

Vodafone have super 5g speeds here but Eir 4g/5g isn't good.

I can't get past the sales or customer care people. They just keep saying I can get ftth, no matter how I explain to them that it isn't possible, the technician was here, etc

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Gooser14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121158690#Comment_121158690

Why did you explain to Vodafone that you can't get FTTH? You should have let VF do their own installation survey.

shutterclick

A case of not knowing better, simply.To be honest I didn't know all that is involved in getting connected.

I'm not knowledgeable about fibre connections or wiring in general.

I took the technician at his word, and assumed that if he said it couldn't be done, that it couldn't.

There is a bungalow on the property in front of where our apartment is. The guy said he wouldn't be able to run cables because of the location.

I assumed that was that.

I should have read up on what is involved with installation, but I assumed that if eir were telling me I could get FTTH, that I could.

Always_Running

Do Eir have installation fee? already consumer and getting upgraded to Fibre.

RobiePAX

Usually yes €100 for install. €50 for activation.

They waive it normally only on 2 year contracts.

rachaelworld

Hi there,

I would be grateful of any of yous could help me get some clarity here so that I am prepared for when the installation guys come.

We are due to get Eir FTTH installed in a couple of weeks. We are in an older house, mid terrace. We have been with Virgin Media for the last few years but moving to Eir FTTH as they are a lot cheaper and Virgin not offering FTTH at the moment. I had hoped they would sling a line across the roof and go in through the wall to our office at the back like Virgin had done but I've read upthread that they won't go over the roof because of the glass cable?

Our attic has been lined with flooring and panelling etc as the Landlord actually used it as an office when he lived in the house (going up and down a ladder!) and at the front of the house it has the narrow part of the eaves boxed off with a low dry walled wall and the water tank is in there, so if they wanted to go through the front into the attic it would be a tad difficult although there is a hatch to access the water tank.

Would they drill through the wall into the main bedroom? The Virgin Media guys drilled through the wall at the back for the connection into the office so I know it can be done but not sure if they will? Or should I get them to drop the cable down the front of the house and go through a hole that was previously drilled into the house for TV cable? We have a very small open plan house downstairs and the stairs are open so do you think I would have many issues with the connection upstairs? We tend to use the internet more upstairs.

Thanks a lot for your thoughts