In reply to a post by Icaras:

They don't just rely on the PQT, they look at the ADSL2 or VDSL2 test on their testers also.

What would you suggest then instead of relying on the handheld testers?

Sorry to ruin your illusion, but as it stands, for an SFI Visit with just the Base + Network + Frames modules, if when the BTO engineer tests the line, it passes the PQT, the visit is chargeable. If the PQT passes, the engineer will not complete any further work on a precautionary basis. That's what the rules say, and in practical terms that's exactly what they do unless the engineer is feeling generous and/or isn't going to get hell from a manager. Essentially if the line "passes" to SIN349, that's good enough for them.

You've lost me a bit about "ruining my illusion". What do you mean by that?

I'm obviously talking from first hand experience here! You know that the PQT test gets saved on the Exto and JDSU and set off to the test system? Do you also realise that the 4 minute Exfo/JDSU ADSL or VDSL test also gets saved and sent off and is also compulsory?

Imagine a case where the PQT passed but the ADSL or VDSL test on the Exfo/JDSU fails due to constantly dropping sync, or hundreds of errors that takes it over the threshold. The engineer can't just walk off and leave it like that as that test has failed on the tester. Even though the PQT passed, the broadband test didn't.

If it worked like you suggest then all broadband faults could just go out as CDTA jobs.

Edited by deleted (Fri 07-Aug-15 13:55:13)

In reply to a post by Icaras:

I'm obviously talking from first hand experience here! You know that the PQT test gets saved on the Exto and JDSU and set off to the test system? Do you also realise that the 4 minute Exfo/JDSU ADSL or VDSL test also gets saved and sent off and is also compulsory?

I do, yes. But as CPs, we get billed (unless we're good at arguing the toss) as long as the PQT passes. (Edit: To clarify, the rules state that even if the engineer does any work at "frames" or "network", at no charge - such as the required drop 6 swap, the base module is charged to the CP if it passes the PQT, regardless of whether the work on the network or frames fixed a BB issue separately - in fact the job completion thing asks you specifically "did it pass a PQT" - and if you say yes, I get charged, because IIRC it is how they decide if the CP is charged...

Imagine a case where the PQT passed but the ADSL or VDSL test on the Exfo/JDSU fails due to constantly dropping sync, or hundreds of errors that takes it over the threshold. The engineer can't just walk off and leave it like that as that test has failed on the tester. Even though the PQT passed, the broadband test didn't.

That's the exact situation I am in with an end user right now as it happens. The PQT passed, the JDSU shows errors clocking up very fast, and the EU has loss of sync regularly (hours, sometimes minutes, rarely longer). We've replaced routers, filters and so on numerous times, we've looked and eliminated any issues at our end. I booked an SFI2, I attended myself, after 6 hours on-premise (3 of which were waiting for a cherry picker to be free so they could go up and have a look on a pole), 1 of which was waiting for control to call back, and 2 were replacing a drop wire as that's a standard part of the "network" module (as you know), because it was an old drop 6 etc.

...and control told the engineer he was not to do nothing more because it passed PQT, despite the fault still existing, despite it also being obvious from discussions (held in front of OR engineer) that others suffer too in the local area,

...and yes, it still has the same errors on the BB as it did to begin with. Sync is slightly faster (marginally) but unreliability remains. Sadly, I don't have to imagine that scenario you described, because as you can see, I have that situation, and not for the first time, and not with one customer.

Edited by therioman (Fri 07-Aug-15 21:04:14)

Anyone fitted an RF3 filter?

In reply to a post by Icaras:

Anyone fitted an RF3 filter?

No - fitted new drop wire, new NTE5, and a MK3 SSFP. Specifically said "no point installing an RF3 because the MK3 SSFP does it already...

In reply to a post by Icaras:

Anyone fitted an RF3 filter?

I've actually ordered one.

There's some ambiguity on that. They may well be right but no one seems to know to be honest. Might be worth someone getting a definitive answer from the guys in Adastral Park who invent the things. Until there's a proper answer I always think it's worth fitting a separate RF3.

Well it was all going so well and this weekend it's started dropping again

Therefore I've re-raised it with TalkTalk.