Good news for fiber optic subscribers. Since January 1, the four commercial telecom operators must include a new mention on their invoices: the reference of your optical terminal socket (PTO). Made up of a two-letter prefix followed by two series of four numbers – FI – 1605 – 5745, for example – it can make your life easier if you want to change subscription or operator.
As a reminder, this PTO socket was installed by the technician when connecting your home or business to fiber. As Arcep, the supervisory authority for the telecoms sector, explains on its website, it is similar to a white box fixed to the wall, square in shape (approximately 8 cm by 8 cm) to which the box connects. to access the fiber optic network.
Photo credit: Arcep
Unique and durable, the PTO reference allows each fiber optic line to be identified. Since 2015, it should normally be mentioned on a label attached to the case. Which is not my case personally.
Furthermore, said box can be located in a difficult to access place, behind a piece of furniture or a desk. No need to contort yourself, the PTO reference is now available on your invoice next to the line number or customer account number but also, in a few clicks, in your online customer area.
Precisely identifying your accommodation, this PTO reference will be requested in the event of a change of telecom operator or to take out a subscription after moving into accommodation already equipped. It is, in fact, common to all operators who have listed it in their information systems.
As for gas or electricity networks
By making ordering a fiber subscription more reliable in connected premises, Arcep welcomes, with this PTO reference, a step forward for consumers. “Other networks such as electricity and natural gas energy supply networks also use a unique reference to identify the delivery point. »
Under the leadership of Arcep, Orange, Bouygues Telecom, Free and SFR have therefore committed to including their subscribers’ valuable PTO reference in their customer area from July 1, 2023, and on their invoices from January 1 2024. They had plenty of time to prepare since the decision of the telecoms policeman dates back to…. July 2015.