Openreach (BT) has told ISPreview they’re reviewing new options with broadband operators (CPs) for making better and more efficient use of their existing cable ducts. This occurred after a dispute was raised over one operator’s deployment of large 51.2mm optical diameter (OD) multitube cabling (the limit is normally 25mm to a single cable/subduct diameter).
Granted, cable size isn’t exactly the sexist of topics to discuss, but for network operators engaged in the national race to deploy faster full fibre (FTTP) broadband and Ethernet infrastructure across the UK, it can be a big deal. This is particularly true if one operator is allowed to do something that others believe they cannot within Openreach’s ducts, which tends to raise competition concerns.
Openreach are required by Ofcom to open their existing underground cable ducts and overhead poles for use by rival networks to help them run new fibre, which forms part of the regulated Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product. But naturally there is often only a limited amount of spare duct space available, which varies between locations and can make it tricky to balance fair and efficient use of the infrastructure.
Operators that wish to use such PIA ducts are normally required to submit a formal Notification of Intent (NOI) to Openreach, which typically recommends up to 25mm for a single cable/subduct diameter. But operators could get around this by having, for example, 2 x 25mm subduct and placing 2 NOIs on the same duct section. However, even if you pay for 2 x 25mm, you generally aren’t allowed to then do things like put in 1 x 35mm etc.
What’s the issue?
The problem is that contractors, who we believe may have been working for Zayo (they haven’t responded to our request for comment), were recently spotted deploying a “50mm multi tube” (actually 51.2mm) cable through an older part of Openreach’s PIA duct network (example) – not an easy or cheap task. This seems to be on four diverse routes between Docklands and Slough, where other operators might have tried to do the same if they thought it was allowed.
However, several rival operators, many of which expressed to ISPreview how they’d long been told that 25mm was to be considered a “maximum” limit, have raised questions over whether this is fair competition. Not to mention the potential risk of adding to duct congestion (i.e. locking out other operators through the same duct, which can be particularly galling if the cable doesn’t end up being fully utilised) or causing physical damage to the network (big cabling is often less flexible, which can sometimes cause issues).
Given the recent push by Openreach to crackdown on poor adherence to other PIA rules (e.g. the whereabouts drama), some operators feel like this is one creep that shouldn’t be allowed and may lead to widespread deployment of cabling that is “simply too large“. But Openreach seem to be keeping more of an open mind, which perhaps reflects the pressures they face from Ofcom over the need to provide an equal opportunity of access.
A spokesperson for Openreach told ISPreview:
“Having investigated – we’re confident that rules to ensure fair access by other operators to our network of ducts and poles have been adhered to.
More than 170 companies have signed up to sharing our network infrastructure, and use around a third of our duct and pole estate – so it’s important that we strike a balance between overly restricting Communication Providers (CPs) when building their networks and avoiding attempts to simply block or restrict others from using the infrastructure.
The feedback we get from alt-nets for this service is also extremely good. Our NPS (net promoter) score is +29.2 and we’re delighted with the way it’s working, but we’re always looking for ways we can further improve the service we provide to our CP customers.”
Openreach also confirmed that, in their product descriptions, they do state that CPs can install multiple cables of varying diameters, and will then be charged for multiple 25mm units per duct. But the operator appeared to indicate that, currently, they do not state the maximum size of cable or sub duct or apparatus that the CPs can use (altnets dispute this), as they do not want to inadvertently stifle CP innovation.
However, in light of the recent concerns, Openreach have told ISPreview that they will be discussing with CPs options for making better and more efficient use of their infrastructure in the near future. We understand that one option here could involve asking CPs to obtain specific prior written consent to install any cables or sub-duct which is more than 25mm in diameter.
Such consent would, says Openreach, need to take into account things like whether suitable space is available, as well as an expectation that the provider would need to use the full capacity installed (i.e. within the 12-month build period – this could be tricky as not all fibres are always lit / fully utilised right away) and whether the CP can show they will comply with the best industry practice etc.
The hope is that this might help to protect the network against inefficient or unfair future use, but much will depend upon how CPs respond. The catch here is that, strictly speaking, Openreach’s own PIA rules state that the offending operator (as well as any others that may have done this elsewhere before) “must immediately rectify or disconnect the Customer Apparatus or BT will do so, at the Customer’s cost and expense.”
Some altnets may yet push for that outcome and, if Openreach fails to comply, the issue could still end up being raised with Ofcom.