Openreach equipment in your home

If you've spotted a small box on your wall, it's likely to be Openreach equipment. Here's what it is, why it's there, and what to do if you're switching provider or moving home.

What is Openreach equipment in your home?

Openreach builds and maintains the UK's broadband network. The equipment in your home is where that network connects to your property. It belongs to Openreach, not your provider, and not you, and in almost all cases, it should stay exactly where it is. 

Why you have Openreach equipment in your home

The box was installed when Full Fibre broadband was set up at your address. Because multiple providers use the same Openreach network, it can support whichever provider you're with, making switching simpler and avoiding repeat engineer visits. 

What is the Openreach box on your wall?

It's called an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT. It converts the fibre signal entering your home into a connection your router can use. It's not a router, and it's not a traditional modem. It’s specific to Full Fibre broadband, and it's completely normal to have one. 

What Openreach equipment you may have in your home

Optical Network Terminal (ONT)

The Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is the main connection point between the fibre network and your home. Essential for Full Fibre broadband to work. 

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is essentially a plug that powers the ONT. If it's unplugged, your broadband stops working, so please leave it as it is.

Internal fibre cabling and wall fittings H

The cable and fittings that bring fibre into your property. Fixed infrastructure that shouldn't be moved or altered.

What does Openreach equipment do?

The ONT converts the incoming fibre signal. Your router plugs into it and creates and distributes the internet signal around your home. That's it - you don't need to do anything to the ONT itself.

Do you need Openreach equipment for broadband?

Yes, if you have Full Fibre. The ONT does the job a traditional modem used to do. You'll still need a router from your broadband provider, that connects to the ONT to create your WiFi. 

Why this equipment must stay in place

Removing Openreach equipment can cause delays and costs for you and future occupants. Leaving it in place means easier switching, faster connections for the next resident, and no unnecessary engineer visits. 

Switching broadband provider (you don’t need to remove anything)

When you switch, just leave everything in place. Your new provider will use the same ONT and fibre connection. There's nothing to unplug, remove or return. 

Moving home

Moving out: Leave the ONT, PSU and cabling behind. They're part of the property's infrastructure and belong to Openreach. 

Moving in: If equipment is already installed, your new provider should be able to activate your service using it, often without an engineer visit. 

What if another network asks you to remove Openreach equipment?

Please don't remove it as it belongs to Openreach, and unauthorised removal can cause delays and extra costs. If you're asked to do this, question the request and check with your provider before taking any action.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Openreach box on my wall called?

    The box on your wall is called an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT for short. It’s a small piece of equipment installed by Openreach, the company that owns and maintains the UK’s broadband network, and it acts as the entry point for your Full Fibre broadband connection. Think of it as the bridge between the fibre optic cable coming into your home and the rest of your home network. 

  • Can I remove Openreach equipment?

    No, Openreach equipment should always remain in place. The ONT belongs to Openreach and is essential for your broadband service to work. Removing or tampering with it could interrupt your connection and could even result in a call-out charge to have it reinstalled. If you have concerns about where the equipment is positioned, contact your broadband provider in the first instance. 

  • Do I need a router with an ONT box?

    Yes. The ONT on its own doesn’t provide Wi-Fi or a usable internet connection. You’ll need to connect a broadband router to the ONT using an ethernet cable. The router then distributes the internet signal around your home, either wirelessly or via additional ethernet cables. Most broadband providers supply a compatible router when you sign up. 

  • Can WiFi work without an ONT?

    Not if you’re on a Full Fibre connection. Full Fibre broadband (also known as FTTP - Fibre to the Premises) relies entirely on the signal from the fibre optic cable. Without it, there’s no connection for your router to work with, and your Wi-Fi will not function. The ONT is a core part of the infrastructure, not an optional add-on. on the ONT to receive 

  • What do I plug into the Openreach ONT box?

    You plug your broadband router into the ONT using a standard ethernet cable. The ONT will have at least one ethernet port (sometimes labelled ‘LAN’ or ‘Data’), and you connect this directly to the WAN or internet port on your router. Your provider’s setup guide will show you exactly which ports to use if you’re unsure. 

  • Do I take Openreach equipment when I move house?

    No, the ONT stays with the property. It is fixed infrastructure that forms part of the building’s broadband setup, and the next occupant or owner will need it to get connected. When you move, leave the ONT exactly as it is. If you’re setting up broadband at your new address, an Openreach engineer will install a new ONT there if one isn’t already in place. 

  • What happens if I unplug the ONT?

    If you unplug the ONT, your broadband connection will stop working immediately. This includes your Wi-Fi and any wired connections in your home. In most cases, simply plugging it back in and waiting a few minutes will restore the connection, but this isn’t always guaranteed. To avoid any disruption, it’s best to leave the ONT plugged in and always switched on. 

Returning Openreach equipment (only if advised)

In most cases, your Openreach equipment should stay exactly where it is. The ONT is fixed infrastructure that belongs to the property and is needed by anyone using a Full Fibre broadband connection at that address. Returning equipment is not something most customers will ever need to do, and doing so without being asked could disrupt your service and cause unnecessary delays. 

There are rare circumstances where you may be specifically advised to return Openreach equipment, for example, if major works are taking place at the property or if an Openreach engineer has confirmed it needs to be replaced. If you’ve been told to return your equipment, you can do so free of charge using the Royal Mail returns process below.

How to return your equipment

  1. Visit the returns portal. Go to the Royal Mail returns portal using the link provided to you. You don’t need a printer or a pre-paid label. 
  2. Generate your QR code. The portal will create a unique QR code for your return. Save this to your phone or take a screenshot (you’ll need it at the Post Office). 
  3. Pack the equipment securely. Place the ONT (and any other equipment you’ve been asked to return) in a sturdy box or padded envelope. Make sure it’s well protected for transit. 
  4. Drop it off at your nearest Post Office. Show your QR code at the counter. The Post Office will scan it and generate a label on the spot. The return is completely free. 
  5. Equipment is responsibly recycled. Once received, all returned equipment is processed and recycled through an approved partner, in line with current e-waste regulations.