PPCs
BT is improving the transparency around PPCs by extending and improving the published PPC Reference Offer (RO) to provide greater visibility on the way in which we provide service to other parts of BT.
How has the work around transparency on PPCs been undertaken?
BT has consulted with industry to seek views on the content of the RO and has taken on board a range of suggestions. Further comments have been received from industry in recent weeks and these have been reflected in the latest version of the RO, which was published at the end of November.
Who will be affected by the changes?
These changes will be of most interest to those wholesale customers who buy PPCs. We believe the improved RO will demonstrate that we treat all CPs, including BT’s downstream businesses, fairly.
What will customers see as being different?
The key specific difference will be the improved RO which will be published on the PPC Reference Offer site.
What will the benefits be for customers?
Apart from containing specific information and examples of how we provide comparable products to our downstream businesses, the RO contains links to a number of websites and documents which provide significant detail on our internal arrangements. This enables CPs to better understand the way in which they are treated in comparison with BT‘s downstream businesses and provides sufficient information to help raise informed questions and issues should they have any.
Will customers need to do anything to prepare for these changes?
No specific action is needed from customers – we will inform them when updated versions of the RO are published and let them know where they can find the relevant documentation.
What are the key dates BT is working towards?
We are working towards the completion of updates to the RO ready for 22nd December 2005 submission to Industry. These dates do not represent the end of the process, however. The RO is a living document and will be kept under ongoing review.
How will BT ensure that the result will be transparent?
The RO contains a large amount of detailed information on pricing, processes, timescales etc which, we believe, demonstrates transparency in the provision of comparable products to all CPs, including BT's downstream businesses.
In terms of performance measurement, PPC lead times and service levels for delivery, repair etc. was set by the regulator following consultation with industry in order that operators could compete on an equivalent basis to BT.
A comprehensive set of PPC Key Performance Indicators is produced quarterly to measure performance at a detailed level. This is also reviewed with Ofcom. A comparison of aggregate delivery and repair performance for PPCs and Private Circuits is also published on the PPC Reference Offer site.