The problem is Zarjaz, that there doesn't seem to be a single ISP that stipulates that the modem is not the end user's property. Oops, I think I read in Zen help the other day that on FTTC termination a jiffy bag will be sent for its return to Openreach.

Nowhere else that I know of.

As a user's contract is with their ISP there are bound to be ongoing issues, whatever Openreach documentation may say. Those are not documents the eponymous average reasonable person is expected to be aware even exist, never mind read.

The document which states: The first variant is an Openreach supplied and maintained VDSL2 modem. which suggests the OR retain ownership of the modem. If they do not own it, why would they want to have responsibility for maintenance?

Have a look at one of my posts with links to BT documents. Those certainly do suggest OR retains ownership.

There is. The BT Business Ts & Cs state:

title in equipment passes to the Customer on payment of the charges as detailed in the Charges Schedule at which point the equipment becomes Customer Equipment, however title in any equipment supplied without charge remains with BT as BT Equipment;

which is in my earlier post. and I have never seen a customer invoiced for the modem alongside installation and commencement of service. I have just checked a BT invoice from December and there are charges for service and the hub - which becomes te customer property but no charge for the modem which under the Ts & Cs remains BT property.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

BT SIN 498, which I regard as definitive.

That's a Service and Interface Description... extract from the front page:

This document does not form a part of any contract with BT customers or suppliers.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

The problem is Zarjaz, that there doesn't seem to be a single ISP that stipulates that the modem is not the end user's property. Oops, I think I read in Zen help the other day that on FTTC termination a jiffy bag will be sent for its return to Openreach.

Nowhere else that I know of.

As a user's contract is with their ISP there are bound to be ongoing issues, whatever Openreach documentation may say. Those are not documents the eponymous average reasonable person is expected to be aware even exist, never mind read.

http://www.aa.net.uk/broadband-FC.html

Right down the bottom of the page in the tecnnical section

But is almost certainly irrelevant to the end user if not mentioned in the ISP's T & Cs. The ISP may be liable to recompense Openreach, but end users seem to be in the clear.

I saw you post that earlier, and it is quite clear there, I agree.

But there is no such clause in the BT non-business T & Cs. Why not? Accident, or design? If it isn't there, it can't be enforced.

Coincidentally, similar wording appears on that Openreach fact-sheet.

However

In reference to www.sinet.bt.com/faq.htm:

Q.1 What are SINs?

A. SINs are Suppliers' Information Notes, published by BT to meet its regulatory obligations relating to the publication of Customer Interface information. They are used to publish technical descriptions of BT's Customer Interfaces and services, and also to announce the launch, withdrawal or modification of interfaces and services.

In the BT res it states what they will supply ... it includes the hub and data extension kit but no modem. It mentions the installation of "network equipment" to enable use of the service. The Network Equipment is the modem ... a key word being Network - which is owned by BT.