{"id":11219,"date":"2016-02-23T14:54:22","date_gmt":"2016-02-23T14:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ispreview.co.uk\/?p=11219"},"modified":"2016-02-24T08:33:03","modified_gmt":"2016-02-24T08:33:03","slug":"entanet-laments-loss-of-bt-openreach-approved-vdsl-modems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ispreview.co.uk\/index.php\/2016\/02\/entanet-laments-loss-of-bt-openreach-approved-vdsl-modems.html","title":{"rendered":"UPDATE Entanet Laments Loss of Openreach Approved VDSL Modems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shropshire-based communications provider Entanet<\/a> has today warned of the “potential for confusion and misunderstandings<\/em>” when BTOpenreach finally withdraws its VDSL Modem from their own FTTC<\/a> “fibre broadband<\/em>” installation service at the end of March 2016.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The change, which is perhaps a reflection of the fact that most FTTC<\/a> installations are now of the self-install variety (wires-only where the ISP supplies their own router \/ modem), is nothing new and those with Openreach<\/a>’s own-brand VDSL Modem will at least continue to be supported for another year.<\/p>\n

Never the less ISPs aren’t especially pleased with the development, not least because being able to use Openreach<\/a>’s own VDSL modem made support easier (i.e. a familiar \/ shared platform, quick to update firmware and easy to replace faulty kit).<\/p>\n

Similarly some ISPs don’t relish having to put their own choice of kit through Openreach<\/a>’s Modem Conformance Test<\/strong> (MCT), which is necessary because Openreach may refuse to support consumers who use third-party (unapproved) routers.<\/p>\n

Neil Watson, Entanets Head of Service, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n

“A further point of concern for us comes with the key phrase \u201cBT<\/a> approved and Openreach compatible modem\/routing device<\/em>\u201d. What this actually means is that any device supplied needs to support VDSL2<\/a>+ technology and have passed Openreach\u2019s Modem Conformance Test (MCT). While Entanet<\/a> partners are able to identify approved devices through our partner portal (synergi), consumers are largely clueless about this requirement and indeed what constitutes an approved device.<\/p>\n

And here once again, the onus falls on the reseller to educate consumers on what could happen if they choose to use a device that supports VDSL2<\/a>+ but that hasn\u2019t passed the MCT. Should a problem occur that requires BTs involvement to achieve a resolution, they will easily identify unapproved equipment through loopback testing. If unauthorised equipment is detected, BT<\/a> can:<\/p>\n

* Request that the device is disconnected
\n* Limit or disconnect the FTTC<\/a> service
\n* Refuse to fix problems
\n* Levy charges for either an abortive visit as well as any special faults investigation charge.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The issue will thus be most keenly felt by smaller ISPs that have tended to stick with the old engineer installations (i.e. those that included Openreach’s own VDSL modem) and some fear that it may eventually result in more calls to the customer support desk.<\/p>\n

On the other hand Openreach will still offer an engineer installation, albeit at a greater cost and using the ISPs own MCT approved CPE (router\/modem) equipment. Entanet<\/a> draws the following Pros and Cons from the new approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nPros<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nCons<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wires only installation<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Lower cost FTTC installation.<\/li>\n
  • No requirement for an engineer visit at end-user premises, so no issues arranging appointments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • An engineer will not be able to diagnose problems at the end-user premises on connection.<\/li>\n
  • Using microfilters rather than a service specific faceplate could impact achievable upstream and downstream speeds.<\/li>\n
  • End users will have to connect a modem\/router themselves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Installation with engineer visit to uplift wiring and fit faceplate<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Connecting to master socket via engineer fitted service specific faceplate ensures speeds are the best they can be for that connection.<\/li>\n
  • Microfilters are not required.<\/li>\n
  • Engineer can diagnose problems on-site.<\/li>\n
  • Engineer can connect modem\/routing device if supplied in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n