Bell is coming to install fibre at our new house, what should i expect?

Same path from the pole to the demarc as the telephone cable. From there things get a bit more complicated. The fibre modem (ONT box) needs to be installed inside, both for protection from the elements and because it needs a 115vac power plug. Usually the fibre is fed through the wall, drilling a new hole if necessary, and the fibre modem is installed on the inside wall right there - often a garage wall. The output is ethernet (and analog telephone jacks to connect phone service to fibre if you still have regular phone service). You have to run ethernet to your router location in the house. The fibre installer will do this, but only if it's simple. They won't crawl through attics or fish cables through complex paths inside walls or floors. They would prefer that you have ethernet pre-installed.

There is an alternative: some routers offered with fibre service allow a fibre modem SFP card to be inserted directly in the router, and the fibre can then be run through the house all the way to the router instead of using ethernet. The phone company prefers not to offer this option because if doesn't provide for regular phone service via fibre. They would prefer to provide for phone service even if you're not using it.

Generally, where does the fibre drop come from, a pole?

Generally yes. Street pole to roof edge of your house to down

I presume they are going to 'professionally install' by drilling right through the exterior wall into the interior space?

I might not be there when they show up so I'd like some idea as to what they are going to do.

Yes, but you should be there to guide where you want the fiber to drill to. As your modem will sit on the interior - so it has to be a desirable location for you. An adult needs to be present, but I would never let an installer do this type of work without me being there. Make sure they install a slack loop box outside and silicone/caulk the hole, the exposed fibre is very frail/sensitive.

breakfasteatre wrote: ↑ I presume they are going to 'professionally install' by drilling right through the exterior wall into the interior space?

We had fibre installed at our house a few months back. In our case, the fibre line was trenched in underground. The old telephone dmarc enters into a finished area of the house, so it was decided to enter at a different location where there's t-bar and accessible ceiling. The "professional installer" missed drilling into the basement ceiling space and instead drilled a hole into the side of my living room. There was nothing professional about the whole install. I'd highly recommend you be home if they're going to be drilling any new holes. Double check their measurements. And keep a very close eye on them.

Thanks for the replies guys

In-laws will be there but I will make sure I am there as well.

Thanks!

Nothing professional about Bell. Watch them like a hawk!

breakfasteatre wrote: ↑
background: I am an electrician of 12 years so i am a bit hesitant about the installer being there while I am not there.

Yeah, don't let them drill. Guaranteed you're better at pulling wire then they are. Just have them leave lots of slack outside so you can pull the wire yourself. Call in sick if you have to.