# How to Prepare Your Home for a Fibre Installer

Source: https://urbanx.co.za/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/prepare-home-for-fibre-installer

**Answer:** Before the installer arrives, confirm the exact order and property permission, appoint an adult who can approve the route, identify a suitable powered ONT position, disclose known hazards, clear the work area, arrange gate or building access and establish which work is standard. Keep your existing internet service until the new line is confirmed live if continuity matters.

Part of [Fibre Coverage, Installation & Home Readiness](https://urbanx.co.za/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness) · 9 min read · by UrbanX Knowledge Hub

**Last reviewed: 26 August 2026 · 9 min read**

### One week or several days before

#### Verify the order details

Check:

- exact street address;
- complex, estate, block and unit;
- FNO and ISP names;
- package and order type;
- primary contact number and email;
- order and appointment references;
- whether a new installation or existing-equipment activation is expected.

Correct an address error before the team is dispatched.

#### Secure written permission

If you rent, obtain owner or managing-agent approval. If the route crosses common property, confirm the HOA, body-corporate or building process. Share conditions with the installer.

Use [Do Tenants Need Landlord Approval for Fibre Installation?](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/tenant-landlord-approval-fibre-installation) for a permission-request template.

#### Confirm who will attend

Choose an adult who can:

- grant access;
- identify property hazards;
- approve wall penetrations and visible cable routes;
- approve or reject quoted extra work;
- inspect and sign the completed installation.

Do not leave route approval to a child, domestic worker, neighbour or security guard unless that person is genuinely authorised and briefed.

### Plan the likely route

You do not need to design the optical installation, but you should know the property.

Walk from the road, pole, boundary or building distribution area toward the preferred equipment position. Note:

- paving and landscaped sections;
- existing conduit;
- water pipes and irrigation;
- electrical supply, gate motors and outdoor lighting;
- alarm, intercom and electric-fence cabling;
- recent renovations or hidden services;
- asbestos-containing or specialist building materials if known;
- restricted rooms or common areas.

The installer must still survey and approve the technical route.

### Choose an ONT area—not only a Wi-Fi spot

Identify one or two acceptable positions that have:

- power for the ONT and router arrangement;
- dry, protected conditions;
- access to labels and status lights;
- a route that does not expose fibre to impact;
- landlord or building approval;
- a practical Ethernet handoff to the router or later network.

Read [Choosing the Best ONT Location](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/choose-ont-location-before-installation). Do not force a poor fibre route solely to place one Wi-Fi router centrally.

### Ask what “standard installation” includes

Before the appointment, request the current FNO or ISP scope. Clarify:

- included route distance;
- trenching or ducting included;
- treatment of paving and specialist finishes;
- wall penetrations;
- equipment supplied;
- whether activation is a separate fee or stage;
- how additional work is quoted;
- whether relocation after sign-off is charged.

The answer varies by network and offer. Do not use a neighbour’s installation as your contract.

### The day before

#### Clear access

- Move furniture, pot plants, boxes and vehicles away from the likely route.
- Make communications rooms, passages, garages and gates accessible.
- Arrange visitor codes, security lists or key collection.
- Tell the managing agent or reception which contractor is expected.

ISPA identifies property access as a common cause of installation delay.

#### Prepare the work area

- Protect delicate furniture and finishes from drilling dust.
- Identify where shoes, ladders and tools may be placed safely.
- Provide enough clear wall space around the proposed equipment.
- Do not cover unknown electrical or plumbing routes with furniture.

#### Secure pets and people

Keep dogs and other animals away from gates, trenches and open work areas. Keep children away from tools, fibre scraps and equipment.

#### Keep your phone available

Installers or coordinators may call from an unfamiliar number. If you miss a call, respond through the official appointment channel.

### When the team arrives

#### Verify the visit

Confirm company, FNO, order reference and address. Ask for identification if needed.

#### Walk the route before work starts

Ask the installer to show:

- where the FNO network connection begins;
- all planned visible ducting or cable;
- trench and paving sections;
- each wall penetration;
- termination and ONT positions;
- work outside the included scope;
- expected reinstatement.

#### Point out hazards

Tell the team what you know about utilities and hidden services. Do not pretend to know a route if you are uncertain; say so.

#### Approve changes consciously

If the original route is not feasible, review the alternative. Obtain a written price before non-standard work and record any property-owner approval.

### What not to do

- Do not pre-cancel a connection you still need based only on an appointment estimate.
- Do not submit duplicate fibre orders.
- Do not prepare or open a public-road trench.
- Do not open FNO chambers or boxes.
- Do not disconnect or move existing fibre equipment.
- Do not conceal the ONT position before handover.
- Do not sign while significant concerns or undocumented return work remain.

### Installation-day packing list

Have available:

- ID or account information required by the provider;
- order and appointment references;
- written owner/building permission;
- property contact details;
- photographs of pre-existing damage or finishes;
- phone charger;
- pen or digital note method;
- copy of any non-standard quote;
- the [handover checklist](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/fibre-installation-handover-checklist).

### Sources

- [ISPA FNO and ISP Best Practice Recommendations](https://ispa.org.za/about/working-groups/best-practice-recommendations/)
- [Frogfoot Networks installation process](https://www.frogfoot.co.za/faqs/)
- [Openserve fibre hardware guide](https://openserve.co.za/hardware-guide)
- [Octotel installation contact channel](https://octotel.co.za/contact/)

### Related guides

- [All Fibre Coverage, Installation & Home Readiness guides](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness)
- [Choosing the Best ONT Location](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/choose-ont-location-before-installation)
- [Fibre Installation, Activation and Router Fees](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/fibre-installation-activation-router-fees)
- [Fibre Installation Handover Checklist](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/fibre-installation-handover-checklist)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Must I be home for the installation?**

An authorised adult should be present to grant access, approve the route and inspect the result. Follow the FNO’s appointment requirements.

**Should I buy conduit before the installer arrives?**

Only after confirming the FNO specification and route. Incorrect, blocked or incomplete conduit may not be usable.

**Do I need my router on installation day?**

It depends on the workflow. The FNO can sometimes complete physical work without the ISP router, but service testing or handover may require it. Ask the ISP.

**Should I move heavy furniture myself?**

Clear the proposed area safely before the visit. Installation teams may be instructed not to move personal property and may not accept liability for doing so.

**Can I ask for a different route after installation?**

Yes, but an equipment or route relocation may require a new FNO visit and fee. Resolve preferences before accepting the first installation.