Fiber optic not possible because of your downstairs neighbors? Here's how it works

You want fiber optic. You have signed up. Everything seems to be arranged. Until you hear: "It's not possible, because your downstairs neighbors are not cooperating." Huh? How can that be? It sounds strange, but it happens more often than you think. In some apartment buildings, you are dependent on each other. Jeroen Dangremond, manager of customer operations at Open Dutch Fiber, explains why sometimes you cannot be connected and what you can do instead.

Why do you need your downstairs neighbors for fiber optic? 

In many apartment buildings, the fiber optic cables run from bottom to top, through the utility closets of each unit. "For example, if you live on the fourth floor, we often have to pass through the utility closets on the floors below," explains Jeroen. "If someone on the first floor doesn't cooperate, we can't pass through there. This also means we can't connect the units above."

This is called passage dependency. If one resident does not agree, it can sometimes block the rest of the building. In the articleHow does an apartment get fiber optic? An expert explains Read more about connecting in apartments and high-rise buildings.

Neighbours below are not cooperating with fiber optic installation: what now?

It's annoying, but it happens sometimes. A resident says 'no' to fiber optic, while others in the building would like to have it. "We always ask residents if they want to think along," Jeroen explains. "For example: if you don't want a connection yourself, would you be willing to help with the connection of your upstairs neighbors?"

You can also initiate a conversation with your downstairs neighbor. Explain that it concerns the future-proofing of the building and that the connection is free of charge.

In some cases, the cable can also be installed externally, for example along the facade. "We do this in consultation with the VvE or landlord," says Jeroen. "Sometimes there is already a cable duct or one can be installed. Then we are not dependent on all residents."

It is not always possible to install externally, but Open Dutch Fiber looks at the options for each building.

What can you do if your downstairs neighbors don't want fiber optic internet? 

If your connection fails because of your downstairs neighbors, you can do three things:

• Contact the owners' association or landlord.

• Ask your downstairs neighbors if they still want to cooperate.

• Contact Open Dutch Fiber to inquire about alternatives.

"We always try to think along," says Jeroen. "It helps when residents reach out. Then we can look together at what is possible."

Do you want to know more about the installation of fiber optic in your apartment building or complex? Then read the article. Sure, please provide me with the text you would like me to translate into English.Fiber optic in your apartment or flat? 5 things to consider. 

Do the postcode check.

Do you want to know if your home is eligible for fiber optic from Open Dutch Fiber?postcodecheck You can quickly and easily see if your address is already on the schedule. You will immediately see if the installation has already started, or if we will contact you soon. This way, you know exactly what to expect.