Equivalence
BT is driving forward with systems and process developments to ensure it delivers Equivalence of Input for specified products, including migrations, in line with the Undertakings. This means the provision of specified products to all CPs, including BT's downstream businesses, on the same timescales, terms and conditions, and by means of the same systems and processes offering the same reliability and performance.
All BT’s downstream business using IPStream must be EoI compliant for orders for new BT end users by the end of December 2005. All areas of BT (Wholesale, Retail and Global Services) have completed technical and commercial feasibilities to highlight where there are current differences with system interfaces, product attributes and service levels and end to end processes.
Equivalence of Input for LLU products requires significant systems development work and will be delivered in a number of phases. The programme is on track to deliver against the milestones agreed.
Shared Metallic Path (SMPF) and Metallic Path (MPF) are both due to be launched with EoI by 30 June 2006. A number of interim deliveries are planned with the delivery of a common address matching system. In February 2006, Openreach plans to pilot the strategic system for LLU SMPF ordering.
Under TSR, WES and BES backhaul products need to have equivalence. In essence, this means that ordering and fault processes for WES and BES must be the same for all CPs, including BT's downstream businesses. There will require significant programmes and systems changes. This work will be complete by September 2006.
View complete article "Equality of access for WES and BES products"
Our portfolio of wholesale products is being re-engineered to be used in an equivalent fashion by all CPs, including BT's downstream businesses. This will establish an "Equivalence of Input" basis for the sale by Openreach of analogue and digital Wholesale Line Rental products.
BT's address file has been built up over decades and does not consistently match the Royal Mail Postal Address File used by CPs. This has resulted in disputes between CPs and BT which have been raised with Ofcom in relation to LLU, WLR and CPS.