Openreach
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Strategy & ChangeNetworks joins Digital division to replace BT Technology
BT Technology was shuttered and replaced by two new divisions: BT Digital and BT Networks. Harmeen Mehta and Howard Watson at the respective helms as BT seeks transformation and modernisation. Fotis Karonis replacement named at BT Enterprise.
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Strategy & Change
Openreach cites No 10 lack of clarity as key early COVID test
Initial uncertain status of Openreach workforce deemed biggest challenge when ensuring UK connectivity and worker safety through lockdown. Strong chains of command, coupled with responsiveness to staff concerns, said to frame management response. Fears on return to offices and on‑premises work may prove the biggest challenge. ...
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Public Affairs
Ofcom gives BT fibre pricing freedom, but adds burdens
Openreach not to face caps or controls on national ultrafast pricing until 2031, as long as it is “ fair and reasonable ”. Locally-targeted pricing from Openreach prohibited as Ofcom seeks to protect emerging altnets. BT Consumer may lose some edge from 90 day notice period ...
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Network & Infrastructure
BT explores optical options after Moore, Shannon
Lord keen to leverage lower-cost data centre technologies for network deployment. Floats idea of ripping out ROADMs in core network and replacing them with routers and ZR optics pluggables. Lower prices through photonic integration seen as key. Promising trials with hollow-core and multi-core fibre.
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Public Affairs
Threat of BT national strike intensifies
CWU calls on BT member base to back strike action, with further details on proposed ballot in “ coming weeks ”. Group transformation continues to exacerbate already disaffected BT-union relations. Mass walkouts from ‘late-spring’ a possibility. Union and BT share very different relationship perspectives.
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Public Affairs
BT braces as Ofcom fibre ruling looms
Ofcom to set out its fibre vision this week, and while BT may get pricing freedom, it may not get the longer‑term clarity it craves. Regulator’s steps to open up infrastructure competition may also disrupt the incumbent’s plans.
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Network & Infrastructure
DT lends experience as Openreach preps for all‑IP surge
Openreach drawing on minority owner’s learnings as it corrals the UK’s CPs towards digital voice services. Migration closely linked to fibre rollout, but timing may be dependent on CP retail plans as market joins BT in favouring IP voice services.
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Network & Infrastructure
Openreach NI fibre plan stirs up Project Stratum
Openreach Northern Ireland on track to exceed FY20–21 full‑fibre target. Overlap emerges with Openreach plan and publicly funded project. NI leads UK with highest full‑fibre availability.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Openreach: ADTRAN switched on
ADTRAN kit up and running; Ofcom Connected Nations report shows full‑fibre progress; Gigabit Vouchers start showing worth .
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Public Affairs
Openreach strike action goes ahead
Strike underway in row over engineer pay grade restructuring. Industrial action described as a ‘wake‑up call’ for the whole of BT amidst wider unrest.
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Operations
Openreach pushes ahead in journey to agile
CTIO Colin Lees discusses three-year transformation project across IT, network, and processes to support FTTP rollout. Independent Openreach Technology division treads in parent’s tech footsteps. Adopts agile development where it can and organises into Tribes and Squads . Data strategy seeks “ single source of ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Openreach hops on AWS cloud for data analytics and ML
Customer experience data project becomes a cloud strategy. Openreach expands data science and ML to more business processes.
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Public Affairs
Openreach strike ballot puts BT on notice
Statutory vote by small group of Openreach workers described as a ‘wake‑up call’ for the whole of BT amidst wider unrest.
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Network & Infrastructure
DCMS preps Gigabit UK as MPs growl and BT looks ahead
Government finally picking up on election promises of Gigabit connectivity and consulting on how best to spend a more limited budget. Age-old questions remain over how to connect the unconnected, however.
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Network & Infrastructure
DCMS taking an ‘outside‑in’ approach, but vouchers there for quick wins
Small targeted interventions and mid‑size fill‑ins expected to feature in first swathe of public–private contracts. Mega‑deals not ruled out. Pragmatic use of Public Sector Hubs another option.
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Network & Infrastructure
DCMS helping England play catch up, or possibly leapfrog
Devolved nations at the back of the queue for new money. Fibre emphasised over cable.
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Network & Infrastructure
DCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined‑up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
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Network & Infrastructure
A lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
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Network & Infrastructure
BT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
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Network & Infrastructure
Jansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital‑based services.
