Openreach Discount UK Dark Fibre Alternative – Adds 7 Yr Contract

Openreach (BT) has discounted the pricing for their multi-Gigabit virtual (grey) dark fibre style solution (OSA Filter Connect / FSP3000) on 5 year contract terms and introduced a longer 7 year term in order to “better meet the needs of infrastructure providers,” which tend to plan their networks over a longer period of time.

The product, which enables ISPs connect their own active equipment alongside managed wavelengths on a common Optical Spectrum Access bearer (here), was originally designed to offer an alternative to Ofcom’s now cancelled Dark Fibre Access (DFA) solution.

Until now the longest minimum contract term for their single fibre variant was 60 months (5 years), but from 2nd July 2019 network providers (broadband ISPs etc.) will also be able to purchase a new 7 year (84 month) contract on their Very High Bandwidth Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) 10Gbps and OSA Filter Connect products.

On top of that Openreach are applying a 9-17% rental discount to their existing 5 year term products. The existing OSA Filter Connect 5 year minimum period variant will thus be withdrawn for new sales after 90 days on 2nd September 2019.

7 Year Term

5 Year Term (Lower Pricing)

Further details can be found here. However the alternative OSA product doesn’t suit everybody, not least since it means having to provide space and power etc. for Openreach’s kit.