@ Jamie,
It would be unwise to say that all BT subcontractors are the same, just as a BT Openreach engineer might also make a mistake. However the worst examples I have seen suggest subcontractors are only shown how to identify a twisted pair in the cabinet, often by placing a tone generator at the EU end, then how to cut that pair and re-jumper it into the two tie cable bundles.
The subcontractor success test is to observe the sync light on a standard modem at the PCP, followed by a similar test at the EU together with the lights on the router. It seems little importance is given to the configured service data at the PCP or the EU's house wiring which can make a disastrous difference.
All BT Openreach staff carry suitable test equipment allowing them to identify the pair at the PCP and to test the VDSL line's performance. Similarly BT Openreach staff will, without question, install a NTE5 if required and an integral filter faceplate. Finally they will demonstrate an adequate performance, although this might be below the estimated speeds given by the BT Wholesale VDSL estimator. However nobody is expected to access the modem's very valuable data as that could indicate that better performance might be available.
Please note the above is based upon my own observations but I'm sure BS will (please) correct me if I'm in error.
Kind regards,
Walter
You're pretty much on the money there, Walter.
Firstly, I've said it before and I'll say it again, Openreach need sub-contractors to survive and meet certain SLG's (Service Level Guarantees). In my opinion, where it all fell down was when the hierarchy decided to issue MI (Managed Installs - FTTC) work to these guys. Not just the subbies, but also the ex-MoD folk who we affectionately call 'Dads Army'. They should have been left with the relatively easy, installation tasks only.
Again, IMHO, I think the EU's end up with a 2-tiered service dependant on who arrives at their premises, Openreach or one of the above. That said, a high-percentage of MI's are very straightforward, hence the moves to make it a self-install product where practical.
Regarding the 'Estimator'. My own experiences show me that it generally under-predicts the expected speeds hence joy and delight for the EU when they get more Mb's for their dollar.
The problems arise when extremely rural EU's apply, and are told to expect (for example) 20Meg DS, 4Meg US. Whereas in reality, the get 4Meg DS and 0.5Meg US, slightly
less than what they were getting on ADSL. This is exactly what happened to me just the other day.
The confusion lies with the 'estimator', as the speeds are only based on distance to the DP (Distribution Point- Telegraph Pole). My EU was then fed via another 18 CP's (Carrier Poles) and a 250mtr section of UG (Underground) cable.
Like jid's engineer, I always explain what I'm doing, and invite (in fact insist
) on the EU taking an interest in the on-site tests I have to do. I would estimate that most EU's are genuinely intrigued when I explain to them in laymans terms how DSL works, and the DLM. Blowing my own trumpet here, but I've got a list of 'Thank-you' e-mails as long as my arm. Not in any way forced on the EU by myself, but on their insistence that I give them my managers e-mail address. I don't care how old one is, it's always nice to be thanked for a job well done.
It's this extra time spent with the EU, involving them and giving them knowledge, that gives a greater 'Customer experience'. Unfortunately, the powers that be expect our 'other halves' to knock out 5/6 MI's a day ( a 9hr rostered day). I average about 3 a day (a 7hr20mins rostered day). It's this extreme pressure, coupled with little knowledge, that makes for sometime poor Contractor workmanship. Again, all the above are just my opinions.
