POPLAR exchange status

This exchange is probably the busiest one in the country at the moment and there is no ETA on when it will be upgraded. Does anyone here have any news on it, because when I email Michael Rake I got a reply saying this:

Dear Addnan,

Thanks for raising this issue with Sir Mike, you make a very good point.

The key issue here is not the size of the exchange but other constraining factors, including available space within the building. These would need to be resolved before we can commit to upgrading Poplar.

In addition there is a health and safety issue as asbestos exists within the building, although it is contained and in a safe condition. Nevertheless this is a factor we must take into consideration when undertaking any work within the building.

Until these and other related issues are addressed we are not in a position to make a commitment regarding an upgrade at this exchange.

I am sorry that I cannot be more positive at this time, but thank you once again for your enquiry.

Regards,

Steve


Steve Robertson
CEO
Openreach

Telephone: 020 7809 7500
Fax: 020 7388 6585
Web: www.openreach.co.uk

Does anyone on here have any better news for me.

I'm new to the forums btw.

There is some space on this exchange but it's very limited, migrations can be done with some of the providers we use, new connections are a little harder, although we have been able to get some through on one of our LLU services, but agreed for an exchange serving that area the fact it has been out of capacity for some years is a little bit of a joke.

Why can't ISP's put some pressure on BT to get it upgraded? Surely if the majority of IPS's push BT they will do something about it.

I have complained to BT regarding the Poplar exchange.

If everyone complains the issue might get progressed.

Use this web to complain

https://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/home/submitFeedback.do


Steve

It's not a case of ISPs not putting pressure on to BT/BTOR about this issue. It's a fundamental health and safety concern for any engineer going in to that building and conducting work and possibly even after work is complete for pair modifications.

Upgrading the exchange will be in the interest of BT as they'll be able to leverage more space to get more kit installed and make more return for the phone lines in that area.

Dealing with asbestos can be a very lengthy process especially considering it is an active building with active work being carried out there regularly by engineers.

Whilst it is a pain for any one that does not have broadband, or wants a faster, cheaper LLU service... Certain connections can still be booked on this exchange including IP Stream but it can be the luck of the draw. Some people in the country can't get any broadband, including mobile.

Matt

Edited by deleted (Fri 08-Jan-10 22:18:29)

Yep, nail on the head.

Asbestos kills people in a rather inventive and nasty way. Sadly, therefore, it's a wait. Frustrating though it is, BT are working on it!

This is not a rant, I am just trying to understand why it takes to long to fix the problem.

I know asbestos can kill if not properly removed thats why companies specialise in removing it safely.
This issue with Poplar has been getting worse for years, now 02 and BE have stopped accepting any more new connections to that exchange for over a year.
The unlucky people inc. me that have to use it, have really big problems. For example at peak times our download speeds are so bad that web pages barely load, here's a speed test result.

http://jacko0.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/plusnet_sp...

BT provide a service that I have to pay for (via my isp), that service is not good enough. I am annoyed because this problem has been known for years and nothing seems to be done. The ETA for a fix is just moves further and further back every month with no explanation from BT.

http://usertools.plus.net/exchanges/?exchange=Poplar...

I have complained to raise the issue and get some answers, I accept asbestos is a major problem, but how many years do they need to remove it? If you search the web for Poplar exchange problems you will see how long it's been going on for.

To make matters worse the Canary Wharf area which is server by Poplar exchange is seeing a massive growth in new office and flat developments. These people moving into the new flats will not be able to even get a DSL connection!

Steve

The December 2009 BT Wholesale info said asbestos removal would be taking place about now, prior to an increase in the exchange capacity.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

The December 2009 BT Wholesale info said asbestos removal would be taking place about now, prior to an increase in the exchange capacity.

Thanks for the info! Have you a link to that information?

Cheers

Steve

There seems to 2 distinct issues here.
1) is the lack of MDF space to provide NEW ADSL connections
2) Exchange VP capacity for Wholesale broadband

The 1st issue seems to be currently waiting for asbestos removal before the long awaited works to expand the MDF to provide additional space for blocks which the xDSL tie cables terminate on. The overall scheme has probably required additional space within the building to be aquired, possibly from other lines of business or other operators, hence the long delay
The 2nd issue will allways be an ongoing issue as VP capacity continually needs increasing.