How to Check if you Got a Slot for PLDT Fibr

Edit: Now with Extra Tips for 2020

Hello folks, it’s been years since I’ve went back to checking this site and boy oh boy have there been changes. Covid-19 happened and we need Internet Connection more than ever, especially for us Filipinos.

With online classes going on and work from home in full swing, I can see why I’ve been getting so much comments lately for tips on how they should get connection.

Short tip: Don’t just stick with PLDT. Look for Converge too or Globe. More on this later.

That said, I’ve edited this to suit almost everyone’s needs – especially the concerns in the comments. You can skip ahead if you’re looking for other options aside from PLDT Fibr and to see more tips.

I’ll make a separate post soon for a focused approach, dear reader.

Survey Like a Technician – Updated for 2020

Tired of asking PLDT if you got a slot for a FIBR connection only to get a frustrating response that you can’t apply for a connection since it’s full?

Also tired of being asked if you want to upgrade your plan application so you could get a connection? Yep, we are too. Bummer right?

Well to save you the hassle, I can show you the way on how it works and how to check it without having to open the box.

But of course you’d be asking this first: What the heck should I look for?

Okay, lemme show you what you need to look at:

Network Access Points (NAP)

(Edit: his may also apply to Converge FIBER X if you know what their box looks like)

Yes, this black box right here is a Network Access Point. It houses all the fiber optic cables connected to it and that’s the conduit that makes the connection from there to your house then to the router. The old ones are usually made out of black plastic-y parts while the new ones are in shiny metallic gray – much cleaner looking too if I may add.

Now if you look here, you’ll see a field technician doing his work. He just opened up the box, this one’s silver and it’s a new one. Yep, there are newer NAP models out there so just check the coding that you saw above (LP 15 NP 7)

How many slots does it hold though?

Now we’ll take a closer look.

See those gray connectors on the right side? Yes, with those blue tips? Those are SC connectors or Standard Connectors/Subscriber Connectors which are connected to the ports as you can see.

You’ll count from the bottom and you’ll see eight of them connected. That’s the maximum capacity for a single NAP unless it’s a double NAP that houses 16 connections. Yes, that exists in some places, though rare.

So, why don’t they install double NAPs instead? The standard is only the 8 connection capacity since it’s not guaranteed that every subscriber would line up for a connection, building one and if it gets unused is just a waste of resources it seems.

Time to Think Outside the Box

Now for the main event, showing you the innards of the NAP might be nifty but you can’t just get a ladder and try to pry it open.

The law would be on your behind, or your chismosa neighbor would be having none of it if you try to do just that. So, we’ll try an easy method that would require your 20/20 eyeballs and sun glare resistance.

See those loops down there? Yeah, those dangling wires. That’s the secret to knowing if you still got a slot.

If you count them above you’ll get either 5 or 6, depends on how well your eyesight is. I count 5 dangling wires.

A close approximation is enough. If you count 5 or 6 then that’s good to go. Immediately apply for one. And if you count 6-7, Your chances may be slim, but there is hope, go ask your neighbors if they still use that line so you could get a connection, you could trace it from there to their homes.

That would save you time taking a trip to PLDT’s business offices or calling to know if you got a slot. THIS IS IMPORTANT –  If you’re applying for a connection, list down the LP and NP and how many slots there is so you could get a technician to install your fiber connection ASAP.

Out of Slots – Help

That’s a pretty common topic raised in the comments. For this scenario, you can do the following:

• Trace a Fiber cable to a neighbor’s home and try to ask a neighbor if they’re still subscribed. If not, you can immediately tell your contact about it.
• Keep on the lookout for PLDT/ProTek vans. If they circle around multiple times in a week, they might be rolling out the new NAP box.
• If there are no NAP box available nearby and the nearest one has no slots, ask your neighbor if they’re looking to subscribe for a connection. Get their names on a list and addresses – You might convince the business department to consider putting up a new NAP if more people in your neighborhood are interested.
• Simply find another ISP. Converge had a pretty decent start with their new sparkly shiny Fiber X. Heard good stuff about it too and I’ll be doing a review soon.

  Globe is pretty decent now, or so they say.  We’re talking about their Globe Home Fiber service. I have to talk to people about it and see if it’s really that good. Most of us didn’t have a great track record with Globe really.

• Consider trying DSL like Air Internet. Not the best option but there are ways to make sure you’ll get the most and best out of it. I myself is subscribed to Converge’s Air Internet plan Php 1250  for 10 mbps.

  There are a number of factors we have to discuss about DSL and how to make it viable, but that’s for another topic.
  TL;DR –  DSL’s not all that bad.

  See: ADSL2+ vs NBN

  This is a handy guide to see how Fiber Optic internet and DSL works. Way back when I took a gander at Australia’s internet situation.

Note: I’ll make a review for Converge and Globe’s services. Let’s see which we can recommend in these trying times.

I Finally Got Connected – but not with PLDT (Other Options & More Relevant Tips)

Though handy as this may seem, I myself couldn’t  get a connection years ago since the slots are full around our place. I opted for Converge’s Air Internet service (DSL) but it ended up being better.

Good for Liza Soberano that PLDT did prioritize her right? She immediately got connection.  Where’s the justice in that amirite?

Trying to apply for NAPs that are further away would cost me extra if I want a connection. I simply don’t have the cash for it.

You can read on ahead if you’re interested why it may cost extra.

Span: One Major Deciding Factor for Your Application

How? It’s the distance from the NAP Box to your home.  Technicians measure the distance from the box to your home by Spans.

It’s the line of wire between the telephone/electrical posts.

Let’s use this stock image for example:

The wire in between the post would equal to 1 span. Say from the NAP box to your home you have like 5 – 7 spans away (also depends on the length between spans) – Your Php 1,299 application would need to be upgraded for them to consider your application.

If it’s going to be a Kilometer away from your house, you could forget about it. It’s a business driven policy and for them to even consider longer spans, you’d best have a business and opt for a pricier business plan connection.

Let’s just say the priority level scales this way:

10 Mbps – Php 1,299 – 1-3 spans

25 Mbps – Php 1,699 – May be offered if it’s 4-5 spans away

50 Mbps – Php 2,399 – Sure to be prioritized even if it exceeds 5 spans but less than 8 perhaps.

100  Mbps – Php 2999 – Oh you’ll certainly be prioritized for sure. That’s relatively big bucks talking.

Price Reference for 2020: https://pldthome.com/fibr

This should cover everything you need to apply for an internet connection.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Well it’s been a fun update since 2018. I just hope this updated guides help out more than it did previously.

Really, thank you my dear readers for the comments. That helped me realize how vital these pieces of information are during the Pandemic.

Please don’t hesitate to leave a like or comment and I’ll give you a reply whenever I can. Stay safe out there folks and seeeeya!