Openreach Trial New 1Gbps Street Access Ethernet Product

On 28th August 2018 Openreach (BT) will begin trialling a new 1Gbps variant of their existing Street Access product for UK businesses and wireless ISPs / network operators (previously limited to 100Mbps), which delivers Ethernet data connectivity to street furniture (lampposts, cabinets etc.).

According to the briefing: “The trial product provides 1Gbps point to point Ethernet connectivity with synchronous Ethernet capability using a small/ruggedised Network Terminating Equipment (NTE) accommodated in street furniture locations – such as lampposts and street cabinets, via a dedicated single-fibre path from headend NTE located in a local BT Exchange or CPs Point of Presence (PoP).”

The trial product will be available nationally, albeit initially limited to a maximum of 100 circuits. Annual rental for the product is £1,500 +vat (£125 monthly) and it attracts an initial one-off connection charge of £3,950 (plus £2,000 for each additional circuit after that – up to a max of 7 per headend NTE). A 12 month minimum contract term applies and the provision lead-time is currently 57 working days (subject to survey).

Previously there was already a 1Gbps Street Access option, although this was more suitable for temporary events rather than permanent service provision.