19/09/2023

For information

This briefing is for all Communications Providers (CPs).

This briefing is to inform CPs about updates to the DFX External Termination Service, which can be used where there is no suitable Space / Power via our Access Locate product located in a DFX qualified exchange and associated revised pricing.

To access our Dark Fibre inter eXchange (DFX) service CPs must have suitable Access Locate space in a DFX qualifying exchange building prior to ordering the DFX circuit.   However, in certain circumstances where there is no suitable Space / Power for a CP in a DFX qualified exchange, Openreach will provide a DFX External Termination service to an external street location.   This is currently set out in the DFX Contract and supporting Product Documentation.  This briefing provides CPs with the additional information on how to order a DFX External Termination, the supporting order process and how the appropriate DFX charges will be presented on your bill.  Full details can be found in the updated Dark Fibre Product Description on the Openreach Portal.

Qualifying Orders

Where a CP wishes to order DFX at a qualified exchange but is in receipt of a rejected Access Locate Order (because there is insufficient space/ power/cooling in the relevant exchange) the CP is requested to email the Dark Fibre product line at dark.fibre@openreach.co.uk confirming the cancelled order. The DFX Product Team will then review the cancellation details and provide authorisation of the CP’s request to place the alternative DFX External Termination Service order.

Order Process

Once approved and confirmed by the DFX Product Team, the order for a DFX External Termination Service circuit should be placed via the existing standard DF1AL order process but with 2 additional actions to correctly identify it as a DFX order:   

1. As part of the location details of the end where external termination is required, please input “see notes”.
2. In the in the special arrangements notes field input the following note:
   

‘This is a DFX External Termination Order, please contact dark.fibre@openreach.co.uk before taking any actions on this order’.

Once you have successfully placed the DFX External Termination order via the DF1AL order process you must then also send an email back to dark.fibre@openreach.co.uk with the following information to enable manual validation of your order:

• DFGB order reference of circuit requiring the DFX External Termination Service.
• APO order reference of the cancelled licenced facility order made, and the details why we are unable to provide e.g. lack of space/power;
• CP name and contact details of requestor (Name, email address and phone number);
• Address details and associated site plan of the street furniture which will be used to terminate the DFX service (please refer to and ensure compliance with the DF physical and Electrical requirements for Street furniture August 2021 published on the Openreach portal www.openreach.co.uk/cpportal/products/passive-products/darkfibre#Documents); and
• Required termination equipment (aligned to one of the options available in Figure 38, Section 5.1.8 of the Product description)

Billing

The product line will monitor your order throughout the process, and once completed, your bill will be manually adjusted to the correct DFX Rental and Connection (dependant on whether single or fibre pairs) charges (and not DF1AL), plus the additional revised one-off charge for the External Termination Service. Further details on appropriate charges for DFX External Termination service can be found on the Openreach Price list under www.openreach.co.uk/cpportal/products/passive-products/darkfibre#Pricing

Please note depending on when orders are completed, adjustments made and timing in the monthly billing cycle – the charges and manual adjustments for DFX External Termination may span over two billing months.

This briefing supports ACCN OR869.

More information

If you've any questions about this briefing, please get in touch with your business development manager or customer experience manager.