18/03/2021    For ACTION

This briefing is for all Ethernet Communications Providers (CPs).

This briefing is to inform CPs about the change to the end of life date for WES, WEES and BES circuits. 

The End of Life (EoL) date for WES, WEES, WES AGG and BES products is being extended from the 31 March 2021 to 31 December 2021.

During the extension period CPs are expected to plan the migration and cease their active circuits.

CPs will be required to provide forecasts and project plans of planned ceases and replacement circuit orders to Openreach on a monthly basis, with all orders expected to be placed by 30 September 2021. The remainder of the extension period will be available for orders to complete prior to EoL

Repair for these products remains in place on a reasonable endeavour’s basis until 31 December 2021. No action is required from CPs to continue to receive repair services.

WES, WEES and BES circuits are subject to the amended repair service level agreement wording in Schedule 4C(i) of the Connectivity Services Contract to be found at https://www.openreach.co.uk/cpportal/products/ethernet/contracts notified previously. These products will be removed from the Connectivity Services Contract with effect from 31 December 2021.

More information

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