07/08/2023 

For information

This briefing is for all Communications Providers (CPs).

This briefing is to inform all Communications Providers (CPs) about the introduction of the Bandwidth Modify Special Offer (Offer) for GEA-FTTC and SOGEA lines upgrading to 80/20Mb. The Offer will run from 4 September 2023 to 4 March 2024.

Openreach is launching a Special Offer on Bandwidth Modifies from lower speeds (18/2Mb, 40/2Mb, 40/10Mb and 55/10Mb) to 80/20Mb on GEA-FTTC and SOGEA, which for a period of 6 months will:

-          Waive bandwidth modify charge for GEA-FTTC+MPF and SOGEA lines upgrading to 80/20Mb.

-          Waive the Bulk upgrade charge for 6 months for any GEA-FTTC and SOGEA lines moving to 80/20Mb.

-          Offer a discount on rental price so that the previous lower rental price continues to apply for a period of 6 months from the date the bandwidth modify order is completed.

Openreach will support CPs in their intention to provide a faster speed to their end customers through the introduction of this Special Offer. This briefing provides 28 days’ notice of a time-limited special offer for the period 4 September 2023 to 4 March 2024.

To participate in the offer CPs will be required to:

1.     have existing GEA-FTTC or SOGEA services during the offer period.

2.     place an order for bandwidth modify in the timeframe that the offer is running from 4 September 2023 up to and including 4 March 2024.

Additional terms of the offer

1.     If a CP does not wish to be charged the full 80/20 rental charge from the end of the reduced rental period, they would need to place an order to downgrade back to lower speeds to apply from the relevant date.

2.     If a CP places a subsequent bandwidth modify or bulk modify order during the 6 months offer period they will be charged a bandwidth modify and (if applicable) bulk modify charge.

3.     The charges applied to orders will be the prevailing charge as set out in the Openreach Price List.

Rebate Structure

CPs will be charged for bandwidth modifies, bulk modifies and rental for higher speeds when the order is placed and then CPs will be offered a rebate with a 6-month gap from when the order is completed. The rebate structure is set out below.

1. Bandwidth Modify and Bulk Modify charge rebates will occur after the 6-month offer has ended, starting in Month 7 since the start of the Offer (March 2024) and rebates will be paid every month, 6 months from when the order is completed.
2. Rental rebates are given at the end of the offer but with a 6-month gap from when the order is completed, every month up to the end of 6 months reduced rental period.

- For example, a CP placing an order in Month 1 (September) and cancelling in Month 3 (November) will get their rental rebate over a period of 3 months, in Month 7, Month 8 and Month 9 (March, April, May). Alternatively, a CP placing an order in Month 4 (December) and not cancelling the circuit, will get their rebate for bandwidth and bulk modifies in Month 10 (May) and rental rebate in each of Month 10 to Month 15.

The special offer will not apply to:

-          The offer will not apply to Bandwidth Modifies for existing services where bandwidth modifies are restricted under Openreach WLR Stop Sell and FTTP Priority Exchanges, details of which can be found: Stop Sell Regulations

-          Bandwidth modifies where the service doesn’t stay with the same CP.

The orders placed as part of the Special Offer will be subject to the terms of the Generic Ethernet Access Service contract, except as varied in accordance with the Special Offer.  Standard charges that are not part of the Special Offer will apply in accordance with the Openreach Price List.

Openreach reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw this special offer on reasonable notice.

This briefing supports ACCN OR864.

More information

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