Universal Service Obligation - March 20th apparently, bow to set in motion?

[ceepeejay]

Hi all,

I'm on a dire connection that both Ofcom and BT's speed checkers estimate at 7.8 negabits per second on ethernet so you can imagine the waiting around I do when streaming (or attempting) or downloading (attempting again).

So this USO - sounds ideal and I am due to shop around at this moment as my service 12 month expires in April. But how exactly do I use the USO to get a better connection? If there's a process it's not an immediately obvious or widely known one.

Good folks of the BT forums, I'm hoping any knowledge you have may help 🙂

Chris

BT BROADBAND AVAILABILITY CHECKER Telephone Number Number Not Gonna Be Displayed on Exchange STOKE ON TRENT is served by Cabinet 73ADSL ProductsDownstream Line Rate(Mbps)Upstream Line Rate(Mbps)Downstream Range(Mbps)Availability Date Left in JumperObserved SpeedsADSLOther Offerings Availability Date Premise environmentStatus WBC ADSL 2+ Up to 1 -- 1 to 3 Available -- --   WBC ADSL 2+ Annex M Up to 1 Up to 0.5 1 to 3 Available -- --   ADSL Max Up to 0.75 -- 0.75 to 2.5 Available -- --   WBC Fixed Rate 1 -- -- Available -- --   Fixed Rate 1 -- -- Available -- --   Max Observed Downstream Speed (Mbps) 7.89           Max Upstream Observed Speed (Mbps) 1.23           Observed Date 2020-03-06           ADSL Multicast -- -- -- Available -- --   Bridge Tap U             VRI N             NTEFaceplate N             Last Test Date 21-02-2020

FTTP is not available. For all ADSL and WBC Fibre to the Cabinet (VDSL or G.fast) services, the stable line rate will be determined during the first 10 days of service usage. This line is on a Market B Exchange. In order to be eligible for handback, downstream speed should be less than Downstream Handback Threshold values. Throughput/download speeds will be less than line rates and can be affected by a number of factors within and external to BT's network, Communication Providers' networks and within customer premises. The Stop Sale date for Datastream is from 30-Jun-2012; the Formal Retirement date for Datastream is from 30-Jun-2014. The Stop Sale date for IPstream is from 31-Dec-2012; the Formal Retirement date for IPstream is from 30-Jun-2014. If the End User wishes to migrate from their current Broadband supplier they will need to contact the Broadband supplier they want to take service from to arrange for the service to be migrated. Please note that postcode and address check results are indicative only. Most accurate results can be obtained from a telephone number, NAD, UPRN or Access Line ID (ALID) check. Note: Thank you for your interest

[Andy005]

Hi @ceepeejay 

After having a quick search, I found this article to be the most informative, particularly the flow chart.

Firstly, you would have to make a request through BT, then in general they have up to 12 months to supply the minimum USO service, but it could take longer. There's also the possibility that if the cost is in excess of £3,400, then you would be liable for the excess.

[gg30340]

See link from Ofcom regarding the USO

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/broadband-uso-need-to-kno...

As it is not due to start until 20th March 2020 as far as I know there is as yet no process open to the public to to register for this.

You’ll be able to request a USO connection for any home or as long as:

• you don’t have access to a decent and affordable broadband connection
• you’re not due to get access to one through a publicly-funded scheme within the next 12 months;
• You can’t get a connection through a 4G hub.

[imjolly]

@ceepeejay 

From dslchecker results you really have a far better connection speed of 7mb compared to estimated range. Just need your cab to get fibre

[gg30340]

See link about USO

https://www.bt.com/broadband/USO

[pippincp]

One thing to bear in mind.

If you can get 10Mb via a 4G hub The USO has been fulfilled. It matters not if you have a 4G hub. You'll just be told to get one.

[gg30340]

It was pointed out in message 3 that you are not eligible for the USO if you can get 10Mbps via 4g hub.

[Derfeluk]

Apparently not strictly true. Under the terms of the USO, BT undertook to use FTTH to fulfill the 10MB if it fell within the cost threshold of £3400. Unfortunately the Legal guidance documents have disappeared from Ofcom site

How do I request an upgrade to my local network?

You can request a network build through our dedicated help desk from 20 March 2020. Once you request a universal service connection, we’ll confirm whether your address is eligible. This includes letting you know whether the estimated cost of building the necessary network will be less than the £3,400 (exclusive of VAT) threshold. This may take 30 days. After this, we’ll be able to start planning the work.

If the estimated cost is more than £3,400 (exclusive of VAT), we can carry out a full survey and give you a detailed, final quote. This may take 60 days. If you’re happy to pay the quoted costs, then we can start planning the work once we’ve received your payment. You’ll have 30 days to change your mind. After that the payment is non-refundable except in accordance with the broadband universal service terms and conditions.

[pippincp]

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@Derfelukwrote:

Apparently not strictly true. Under the terms of the USO, BT undertook to use FTTH to fulfill the 10MB if it fell within the cost threshold of £3400. Unfortunately the Legal guidance documents have disappeared from Ofcom site

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It is strictly true.

"You may also find you can already upgrade to a faster connection through an existing fixed or wireless service. Growing availability of wireless broadband services has reduced the amount of properties that can’t get decent broadband significantly in recent years."

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