This briefing relates to service issues affecting EAD and is for all Ethernet Communications Providers.

Openreach is currently facing a high backlog of Ethernet orders and in particular Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) products. 

This is a result of higher than expected circuit demand following price changes and offers combined with service capability issues and customers may experience an impact on delivery lead-times. 

The products affected are EAD (Including Metro offer orders) and there may also be some impact to Wholesale Extension Services (WES) and Backhaul Extension Services (BES) circuits.

We fully appreciate the problems that this may be causing our customers and we have been working hard to resolve the issues with resource plans in place to match the changing demand profile. We are increasing resources for particular hotspots and order backlogs and we have been working closely with our suppliers on detailed component delivery schedules.

We are close to completing a detailed analysis in order to understand the impacts to our customers and over the next few days we will be able to discuss these impacts in detail with all impacted customers and to give assurance on any revised delivery dates.

It is likely that the majority of EAD orders will be affected, but Openreach will provide more details of the impacts shortly.

Customers are requested to continue to work with their S&RM or Service Managers to ensure we have a complete view of customer priorities to help with resource planning.

Customers are also advised to continue to use Eco to monitor individual circuit progress in the usual way.

We will continue to update customers as the situation progresses until we return to a BAU position.

The contents of this briefing are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change.

If you wish to discuss the information contained within this brief, please contact your Sales and Relationship Manager.

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