Virgin Media Community

[marcsazy]

Hey all!

I'm a renting tenant, and I currently only have a virgin wall socket in my bedroom, but I'd like one in my living room. I have permission from the landlord to install a new socket in the living room, as long as there won't be any damages (basically, I assume this means a free-standing socket that's not drilled to a wall).

There already is a black (albeit dead-end) cable pretty close to where I'd like the new socket to be, but I don't know whether or not this is fibre optic. I've attached some photos of it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZEhc8iAB_Q-OJO_q7IVIpW8iWrIq3S3N/view?usp=sharing

If drive links aren't allowed, here: possible cable - inside

possible cable - outside

possible cable - zoomed in

The GDrive link also has the current cable/socket that is working, if you need a reference

For a Virgin engineer to come and evaluate—even just an exploratory visit to see if it's viable—would cost 99GBP, which is a steep price to pay for something that might not even happen.

So, I'm here to ask the forum: does this cable look viable, and am I able to install the Virgin socket with the above restrictions (free standing, non-invasive)? Any other renters that are/were in a similar position to me? Are any damages at risk when installing, either internally/externally to the building?

If it is possible to be done without damage to the apartment's integrity, but a new cable is needed, can working around this be arranged?

Thanks!

[nodrogd]

VM will not use any existing coax cabling. Cable services re-use frequencies that are already allocated both to broadcast channels & mobile phone services. In order to prevent ingress of these & therefore disruption to their services, specialised coax has to be used.

Any incoming cable must also have a safety isolator fitted to protect both Virgins & your connected equipment from any electrical surge down the coax.

Other things to point out are that VM installers are only equipped & insured to work up to 1st floor heights. Anything above this will be refused unless the building is wired internally.

Damage incidents are rare. Most of the installs I have seen have been done in a competent manner.

[marcsazy]

Hi nodgrod

My apartment is both ground and 1st floor (i have basement flats underneath me, but the side of the room I'd like it installed is fully exposed so that would technically make it first floor). I would assume this means the installers would be insured. (that existing cable however runs up the building to the roof, so I'm not sure if that implies anything?).

Given your note about existing cabling not being used, will the integrity of the apartment be affected at all in your opinion? i.e. I don't know if I have clearance to damage the walls in any capacity—including 'puncturing' the wall to fit a socket on to it, if that makes sense. 

I really wish an engineer could come evaluate in person but unfortunately exploratory visits are charged at full price regardless if installation occurs or not.

[-tony-]

to get a tech out they are going to charge you £99 i think - whether he can do what you want depends on the cable run - if it could be done internally then it would probarbly happen - as you cannot allow holes to be drilled even that could be difficult - if the black cable you show goes from A to B then that could possibly be replaced with VM cable

there is another alternative - you could not get VM involved and use the £99 to buy a 3rd party router - put the hub into modem mode - site the new 3rd party router where you want it and connect between the hub and the new router with a lan cable - you can run that cable yourself thus ensuring no damage is done

[marcsazy]

Hi Tony

Since the current socket is in the bedroom and id like the new one in the living room (separated by a hallways), I'd rather not have wiring run inside the flat as it would be quite long and not look good.

So I'm assuming it'll either have to be:

• Done through the living room window (the one where the cable runs up the building (assuming that's even a fibre optic cable, and is even possible?)
• Done by doing it inside the walls and drilling the socket onto the wall (need to see if the landlord will okay that)

Am I right in thinking these are my only options?

[jbrennand]

You could leave the Hub where it is and get a decent Mesh system to provide full wifi coverage across the property with no extra cables to be run.

Once you have bought it - it is yours to keep forever of course and so you can take just it with you if you move properties

Look at the TP-Link Deco M4/M5/M9 ranges for an idea - others are available too.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deco-M4-Seamless-Coverage-Replacement/dp/B07NH1J543/

Powerline adapters may also be an option assuming the electrical cabling in the property is contiguous throughout the property (go through the same Consumer unit/fuse box).   Look at the Devolo Magic system (albeit its pricey) as a good example

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deco-M4-Seamless-Coverage-Replacement/dp/B07NH1J543/