30/11/2020    For Information

This briefing is for all Communications Providers (CPs).

This briefing is to inform CPs about price changes for leased line circuits being used to aggregate FTTP to multiple homes and business premises.

In order to better align with what we are required to do under regulation, we are revising our pricing for leased lines (covering Ethernet and Optical products) with certain use cases.

Specifically, Openreach is not obliged under regulation to provide network access using leased lines to intermediate nodes in the fixed network, which includes to intermediate aggregation nodes in FTTP networks, as they are not part of the relevant market where we have Significant Market Power (SMP).

We are changing the pricing for leased lines that are being used to aggregate FTTP to multiple homes and business premises from aggregation nodes e.g. from a street based cabinet or similar locations with effect from 1 January 2021.

From this date we will be introducing an annual supplemental charge (in addition to the standard rental and connection charges applicable) for leased line services used for this use case, which we summarise below and which can be found detailed on the relevant products price lists for EAD, Street Access, OSA and OSEA which can be found here. 

CP Self-certification and audits

From this date we require Communications Providers (CPs) to self-certify orders for this use case by including "FTTP aggregation" in the relevant product order notes field summarised below and detailed in the relevant price list entry notes.

Openreach will periodically audit details on circuits and will seek clarification of the use case of circuits as necessary and where it is confirmed that circuits are being used for FTTP aggregation but were not self-certified at order entry, the supplementary charge will be applied from the point of confirmation, and the CP will be retrospectively charged the supplementary rental back to the date of provision, for orders placed from 1 January 2021.

Inflight orders and pre-existing circuits

Orders placed before 1 January 2021 including completed orders will be unaffected by this policy change provided that they are not subject to a A-end or B-end rearrange or upgrade order on or after 1 January 2021.

Alternatives available to CPs

We remind CPs that they can alternatively make use of the nationally available Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA product), build their own network, or make alternative arrangements with another infrastructure provider.

Additional information

In circumstances where Dark Fibre Access (DFA) is mandated via the Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (WFTMR), Openreach will also apply usage policy changes to that product.

Should you have any questions related to this policy notification please contact your Openreach business development manager.

This briefing supports ACCN OR675.