Telecommunications Adjudicator update for October 2019

An update on the principle areas of project activity being led by OTA2 in October 2019.

At the end of October 2019, the number of unbundled lines stands at 9.984 million. There are 4.28million WLR lines and the number of telephone numbers using CPS is 1.90 million. CPS increase due to CP (Communication Provider) acquisition and transfer of service.*

Ethernet

Ethernet operational performance is continuing to show good signs of improvement and stability. We remain focused in monitoring the improvement through the service forum.

Reimaging Ethernet Programme (REP)

We have seen continued good progress and alignment with the work to define an improved order journey for Ethernet between Openreach and the CP community. The aim is to provide CPs with a reference offer style set of documentation for them to consider and agree with by mid to late November.

Passive Infrastructure Access

Interest in the PIA product in terms of new CPs remains very significant with, in-excess of 40 CPs passing through establishment and a similar number in progress.

In terms of product development, Openreach have delivered the project area capability and are working to develop – proactive pole testing.

There have been some issues surrounding systems performance which Openreach have addressed. Initial discussions have begun to scope the development of some systems interfaces to assist automation and this will be a major work steam for the product as we move forward into the new year.

From analysis of recent messages, Openreach believe they have now reached a level of in excess of 98% accuracy but will continue to seek improvements in collaboration with Industry. In view of this, at the September CFPCG industry agreed the SoR supporting the implementation of the voluntary code should be considered as delivered.

WLR3 Withdrawal and Fibre-only trials

OTA2 will host the next working group with Openreach and industry on 6 November 2019 in London. The aim will be to develop a best practice guide for the trials by exploring a range of different scenarios. Other areas such as stop sell will also be covered.

Dark Fibre

Openreach soft launched the DFX product in August in a limited geography and are progressively expanding this up until full launch in January 2020. The limited time available prior to soft launch did not allow for significant discussion regarding the Reference Offer. Post soft-launch, negotiations have commenced to address industry comments on the Reference Offer, are making good progress and will continue up until 22 November 2019.

Consumer Switching and Number Porting

EECC Fixed Line Switching and Porting Working Group (ECWG)

The European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) will update and replace the existing EU regulatory framework for electronic communications within the UK. At Ofcom’s instigation, OTA2 has convened an industry working group with the task of developing a new Gaining Provider-led switching process which Consumers will use when switching within or between different access infrastructures

The initial task is for industry to develop a suitable switching process for Ofcom’s consideration/approval by end November 2019 followed by an implementation period currently targeted for completion by 21 December 2020.

OTA2 are hosting a series of workshop sessions involving a good cross-section of Industry stakeholders (e.g. Alternative access providers, Wholesalers, Retailers)

Various proposals are being evaluated against a pre-agreed set of ‘base capabilities’ which, together, form the basis of a ‘credible’ Gaining provider-led switching process.

All IP – Migrations Testing Programme (AIP-MTP)

At the request of Ofcom, OTA2 are leading an industry programme aimed at validating the migration processes which Gaining CPs will be using to support the anticipated ramp-up in demand from End Users to switch from their existing copper-based phone services to new VOIP-based services.

Phase 1 testing is limited to a small group of major retailers and their respective wholesale partners. The tests are progressing slowly as various porting-related issues have surfaced requiring remedial attention before the tests can be satisfactorily completed.

Phase 2 will extend the testing programme to encompass more complex supply chains involving other wholesalers and their reseller partners.

The testing to date has focused on migrations to SOGEA (Single order GEA) - based broadband services, with migrations to FTTP-based services to follow.

Number Porting – Tactical Process Reforms

The current process is undergoing major reform to remove long-standing weaknesses which mostly impact port orders for business end users. The initial batch of reforms are targeted for launch during the Autumn period and will help to reduce CP cost of failure and improve end user satisfaction.

Service Levels

Copper & Fibre provision

Openreach FAD (First Available Appointment Date) performance nationally, has been averaging 7.2, 6, and 8.3 working days for Copper, Fibre (MI) and Fibre (SI) installations respectively, over the 5-day period ending 28 October 2019 (vs backstop SLA of 12 working days).

(Note: MI and SI are Managed-Install and Self-Install orders respectively)

Copper Repair

LLU and WLR ‘on time repair’ performance is maintaining a relatively flat trend, achieving a 4-week rolling average of 82% and 80% respectively, by week ending 25 October 2019.


*The figures quoted exclude BT downstream connections