Ofcom has given details of how Openreach will be “measured and monitored” when the network division is separated from BT.
The regulator says it expects Openreach to deliver widespread fibre networks, offering fast, reliable broadband. The new company should provide a good service to meet the needs of all the people and businesses who rely on its network, together with a step change in quality of service.
Ofcom has made clear that if the new Openreach doesn’t deliver or BT fails to comply with its commitments it will revisit the model and consider new measures. A dedicated unit will examine compliance.
“We expect Openreach to be responsive to different models of investment proposed by its customers, including co-investment and risk sharing. We also want to see a step change in telecoms quality of service. So we will report on Openreach’s repair and installation times, and whether engineers are turning up on time,” the regulator said in a statement.
Under the settlement reached in March, Openreach will have its own board with 32,000 employees transferring to the new entity. It will continue to be responsible for the build and maintenance of millions of copper and fibre lines that run from telephone exchanges to homes and businesses across the UK.
An Openreach spokesperson told Broadband TV News that work on making the organisation more independent was well underway: “We’ve already made a lot of progress. Our CEO now reports to the Openreach Chairman and is accountable to the Openreach Board which has a majority of independent members.
“We’re also working more closely with our CP customers and we’ve introduced a new confidential phase to our consultations with them. This week we unveiled our new, distinct brand which removes all references to BT Group.”
Openreach plans to consult on how it could do more on delivering more fibre-to-the-premises and believes that number could reach 10 million.