Equal Access: Space, Power & Common Infrastructure – LLU and 21C

1. Equal Access: Space, Power & Common Infrastructure – LLU and 21C Gary Williamson Openreach LLU Business Improvement Manager January 2006 Queries to tom.saville@bt.com

2. LLU Space & Power / 21CN: Introduction • The principles that follow have been, and are, discussed regularly as part of the OTA ‘Plan & Build’ meetings chaired by Jim Reilly and attended by CPs and BT.Emphasis has been made on the willingness of BT to be open and show the CP(s) affected at first hand the nature of site specific space/power constraints • The timing of LLU ‘plan and build’ activity is such that it is running ahead of the bulk of BTW 21C PSTN to MSAN turn-round • The challenge to BT’s planners is to ensure that LLU and 21C volumes are delivered and that innovative solutions are used to satisfy both where usable space is tight. In some cases, the work involved may be more complex and take longer to complete • As 21CN MSAN deployment progresses then the closure and recovery of legacy PSTN equipment will enable space and power capacity to be ‘returned to stock’ • Continued on next slide

3. Simplistic illustration – Space & Infrastructure: LLU & 21C (In Building AC Distribution) Non ESS BTW 21C MSAN 1 Network Critical Areaeg CORE NODE F D F B I/C AC Mains BT AC Power Head Physical Separation Existing BTW DSLAM BTW PSTN Concentrator 2on DLE ‘B’ Note: BTW is responsible for making all reasonable efforts to ensure sufficient incoming ac supply. F D F B BTW PSTN Concentrator 1on DLE ‘A’ New LLU PoP MDF ‘ESS’ - Subject to availability of sufficient capacity. Upgrade is a commercial decision. Existing LLU Comingling PoP LLU Tie Cable ‘LLUTxxxxxx’ A.C Box ‘LLULxxxxxx’ (used for SMPF only) Exchange Generator DC Power System LLUO DSLAM TAM HDF EU Essential Service Supply Multi User Area FDFB = Floor Distribution Fuse Board MDF = Main Distribution Frame HDF = Hand Over Distribution Frame

4. LLU Space & Power: Overview (1) • Insufficiency of space is the only reason for outright rejection of a co-mingling order. Space is allocated using a process called ‘SNAP’ • In situations where exceptional costs (to which BT may require an appropriate contribution) and/or long-lead times apply then the customer(s) will be offered the opportunity to continue with a co-mingling order or to withdraw • BT recognises the importance of being open and sharing with a customer the reasons why space is a constraining factor for a given site • An internal escalation process is used where space shortage is encountered • Customers are encouraged to ask for a site visit with the Openreach LLU Delivery Manager if unhappy about the nature of the BT response to a ‘no space’ situation • Continued on next slide

5. Space & Power: Overview (2) • In the event of more complex and long lead-time site and infrastructure preparation works being required then BT will share with the customer(s) affected the reason(s) and offer an estimated completion date up to the point at which it becomes possible to confirm a contractual delivery date per co-mingling order • The upgrade of ac mains power supplies serving a site will normally be undertaken within the limits of what BT believes to be reasonable in terms of cost and timescales • The ‘DNOs’ (Distribution Network Operators) have what seems like a local monopoly on electricity supplies and BT has limited leverage over them due to the nature of regulation within the energy industry. This was confirmed by Ofgem with whom BT raised the issue • The upgrading of BTW emergency standby generator capacity is currently a commercial decision subject to a business case. The costs can be substantial. • Continued on next slide.

6. Space & Power: Overview (3) • The BT Wholesale ‘Property Infrastructure’ planners allocate space on a firm order basis via ‘SNAP’. This is used for LLU PoPs and also for 21C to ensure equitable handling of all requests • At multi-concentrator unit sites (ie where BT PSTN conc units are hosted on more than one parent DLE) then staged replacement may be used. This allows turn-round within space freed by recovery of the first PSTN unit for the second etc. In this way only space for the first stage of PSTN to MSAN changeover is required. The day-to-day space allocation process encompasses this technique where known LLU demand exists and where there is insufficient space for a single-stage PSTN turn-round area • Inter-max power loads (ie PSTN to 21C MSAN changeover period): Whilst BT Wholesale power planners may include consideration of the temporary use of generator sets to provide ac power capacity over and above the capacity of the incoming mains supply into a site, there are no firm plans to do this and the safeguarding of service continuity for all users of power within the site would be a key factor in the decision making process • Continued on next slide