Openreach Twitter account goes live tomorrow (1 March 2017)

Just a heads up, that the @OpenreachGB account (https://twitter.com/openreachgb) will go live from tomorrow.

14 members of Openreach staff will be managing the account (working 08:00-20:00 7 days a week) and they will engage with members of the public over certain issues:

- Fibre availability (this will be the main one I suspect people will be happy to hear)
- Network equipment
- How Openreach is set up with ISPs
- Workmanship complaints
- New Sites enquiries
- Driving complaints
- H&S issues
- Thanking issues
- Misc issues (e.g. cable theft)
- Network Damage
- Working for Openreach

The following issues are ISP related, so the customer will be advised to speak to their ISP:

- Problems with service
- Missed appointments
- Ethernet service enquiries

Thanks for the info, just in time as I have questions about my cabinet going live.

I'll be very surprised if you are told anything you don't already know.

Expect "check the Openreach journey tracker for the status of your cabinet"

I don't want to sound negative or anything, but where is your source of this.
That Twitter account doesn't have a Blue Badge to authenticate it, and no BT / Openreach logos.

There is also no links on that account linking back to other BT accounts.

TBH it looks like somebody created a twitter account pretending to be BT Openreach.

Maybe I am wrong, but that's what it looks like to me so far.

Paul

Yes, it does look very nondescript. Maybe they'll update everything at start of play in a few hours?

The thing that also makes it strange is the fact there has been no news of this twitter account on the Openreach site.

I also think this might be a new scammers way to get your information.

Though like I have already said I might be wrong, but at the moment it sure looks this way.

Paul

https://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/home/updates/briefi...

https://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/home/updates/briefi...

There was another briefing internally about it yesterday, confirming some details and that it will go live today (not sure the exact timing).

The blue badge is something Twitter control, it's not something I would expect to see immediately.

Well I've tweeted them, I joined twitter just for that.

Expect nothing more than "keep checking the Openreach cabinet journey tracker"

Been waiting for this for ages! Do you work for Openreach? you seem to know a lot about this! surely staffing numbers and opening hours are something that isn't generally released to the public? How do you know this is a genuine account though? Looks a bit suspect to me?

In reply to a post by AndyHCZ:

https://www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/home/updates/briefi...

There was another briefing internally about it yesterday, confirming some details and that it will go live today (not sure the exact timing).

Ah, ok.
There is no information about the Twitter account name or that they will also be dealing with the public, sadly I haven't got a portal account to see any more information.

I know last year as a joke emailed them for a portal account, where they said why and what for, I responded "To wreak havoc on your network " that was the last I hear from them, I even added the Smiley Face, they have no sense of humour

In reply to a post by AndyHCZ:

The blue badge is something Twitter control, it's not something I would expect to see immediately.

Yeah I know Twitter control it, it can happen from the start, I have seen a few get created and they instantly had a blue badge.

If its used for say a big company etc., they can request for a blue badge from day one, they just need to provide why they need it and who they are.

Members of the government can get them at the start as well.

Paul

In reply to a post by PaulKirby:

There is no information about the Twitter account name or that they will also be dealing with the public, sadly I haven't got a portal account to see any more information.

It's right there in the link.

We're planning to launch a new Twitter channel with the handle @OpenreachGB on Wednesday 1 March 2017.

In reply to a post by lee111s:

Expect nothing more than "keep checking the Openreach cabinet journey tracker"

Yeah and the classic, "Our latest estimate of when this will be ready for orders is the end of {%INSERT_MONTH%}." that's all I got from them each month for the whole 5 years I was in contact with them.

Paul

Anything more specific though and people get even more annoyed if there are delays.

I often wish they never had any sort of journey tracker and that it simply shows as available once it is.

In reply to a post by huwwatkins:

In reply to a post by PaulKirby:

There is no information about the Twitter account name or that they will also be dealing with the public, sadly I haven't got a portal account to see any more information.

It's right there in the link.

We're planning to launch a new Twitter channel with the handle @OpenreachGB on Wednesday 1 March 2017.

Yep, your right, I must be going blind in my old age LOL.

Paul

In reply to a post by icarus2017:

Been waiting for this for ages! Do you work for Openreach? you seem to know a lot about this! surely staffing numbers and opening hours are something that isn't generally released to the public? How do you know this is a genuine account though? Looks a bit suspect to me?

Well parts of the news is on Openreach's Site, with the actual Twitter account name, so maybe its true, I cannot see the whole news though.

As for them working at Openreach, I have often wondered that myself going by some of my PM's from them, so its either Openreach or an ISP that has a Portal account.

Paul

Intriguing to know how they know so much, Opening times and staffing seems very specific! To be honest it would be great to have a contact in Openreach so I could pick their brains on the technical stuff!

In reply to a post by icarus2017:

Intriguing to know how they know so much, Opening times and staffing seems very specific! To be honest it would be great to have a contact in Openreach so I could pick their brains on the technical stuff!

Well to see that information you need a Portal account and BTOR don't give them out to anyone.

Which was why I couldn't get one when I asked them LOL.

Or they just emailed people at enquires @ openreach for more information, some people there are happy to give out non secure information.

I know they have for me in the past.

Looks like they need that Twitter Account live now due to their site http://www.superfast-openreach.co.uk/ is down LOL

As for the twitter account being legit, it might actually be legit, BT are now following that account and so is Andrew (staff), I am soo tempted to click on Follow LOL
Paul

Edited by PaulKirby (Wed 01-Mar-17 12:29:10)

Just waiting on a few comment words for a news item

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

Just waiting on a few comment words for a news item

Ah
Well it seems legit due to its all now updated with BTOR images as well as BT Fibre following them.

Its just my OCD is telling me to click on follow LOL

Paul

It certainly looks the part now

In reply to a post by icarus2017:

It certainly looks the part now

Yep, I am now 99.8% sure its legit

Moves Mouse Pointer away from the Follow Button

Paul

I never doubted the OP on this. His posting history showed long ago that he has access to such information.

Witchunt's and his own later posts gave the source.

Edited by RobertoS (Wed 01-Mar-17 13:02:27)

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

I never doubted the OP on this. His posting history showed long ago that he has access to such information.

Witchunt's and his own later posts gave the source.

I never doubted the OP, I just wasn't too sure if it was legit or not.

Paul

To be honest, the Twitter page did look very dubious. I am surprised they didn't put the aesthetics in place before today, but it seems to be progressing now.

Well I tweeted them and followed them about my cabinet but no response. But just been round the block with the dog and there are 3 Avonline networks vans there with the cabinet open. Anyone heard of Avonline? Their tagline is lighting the way or something.

Got a reply, referring me to the fibre checker LOL.

In reply to a post by Banger:

Got a reply, referring me to the fibre checker LOL.

On the ball I see!

In reply to a post by AndyHCZ:

To be honest, the Twitter page did look very dubious. I am surprised they didn't put the aesthetics in place before today, but it seems to be progressing now.

It did look iffy didn't it

As for them just getting around to adding all the images and completing it all off, they have had that account since August 2016.

But still we know its ok.

Paul

In reply to a post by Banger:

Got a reply, referring me to the fibre checker LOL.

I was going to say, you have to wait 7 to 10 working days LOL

Paul

In reply to a post by lee111s:

...I often wish they never had any sort of journey tracker and that it simply shows as available once it is.

More like a Magical Mystery Tour than a journey.

One tweet there says: Hey, does anyone know why these @btopenreach vans have covered their front and rear numberplates with rags? Looks a bit iffy, no?

Easy to answer though. With no number plate visible, they cannot get a parking ticket from wardens - they cannot move the rags covering the number plates. BT have a job to do at that location and are parked tight on the footpath to ensure traffic is not obstructed and so pedestrians can still pass. Parking wardens seem to treat vehicles from utility companies as easy pickings even though they have a job to perform close by and there is no alternative location to park in.

In reply to a post by Thumper:

In reply to a post by lee111s:

...I often wish they never had any sort of journey tracker and that it simply shows as available once it is.

More like a Magical Mystery Tour than a journey.

Yeah, Mystic Rebecca - Fibre Checker
Rubs Crystal Ball and says "I can see fibre being completed in your area..... by the end of the month."

Paul

Rubs Crystal Ball and says "I can see fibre being completed in your area..... by the end of a month."

FTFY

Yeah I laughed when I saw that tweet.

But yeah the wardens in my area are terrible, they are like Ninjas, my mother is registered disabled and my uncle just dropped her off home at the time where anyone can part there, even the signs said it was ok.

But he was there for like the time it takes to walk up the path to the door and back and he had a parking ticket and there was no sign of a warden.

I have even see a Police Car get a ticket in my area, the Police Man just laughed at it.

[censored] terrible.

So yeah, I don't blame them from covering up the plates, if that was the reason.

We have always given them a parking permit when they come here.

Paul

In reply to a post by ian72:

Rubs Crystal Ball and says "I can see fibre being completed in your area..... by the end of a month."

FTFY

Well same thing, just means people would be going back to be told the same thing, again and again.

Stupid me did for just under 5 years
Well until I had enough and put my foot down.

Paul

In reply to a post by Banger:

Got a reply, referring me to the fibre checker LOL.

Nice Blue hair btw

Paul

I got the message to fill out the help and support form. Money well spent Openreach. Maybe they could upgrade some cabs instead

In reply to a post by PaulKirby:

In reply to a post by Banger:

Got a reply, referring me to the fibre checker LOL.

Nice Blue hair btw

Paul

It suits me?

In reply to a post by kebabselector:

I got the message to fill out the help and support form. Money well spent Openreach. Maybe they could upgrade some cabs instead

I got that on second try/tweet.

In reply to a post by Banger:

In reply to a post by kebabselector:

I got the message to fill out the help and support form. Money well spent Openreach. Maybe they could upgrade some cabs instead

I got that on second try/tweet.

I sent my tweet before they fully went live and got a reply the instant they were live so they are fast atm in replying, lets see how long that lasts

Paul

Perhaps they have put in an automated bot that just picks randomly from a few answers? Can be very quick to respond but it doesn't mean it will help anyone

In reply to a post by ian72:

Perhaps they have put in an automated bot that just picks randomly from a few answers? Can be very quick to respond but it doesn't mean it will help anyone

This is so very true.

I am wondering if 14 staff members will be enough to go through all the tweets, filter out the spam tweets and then answer them.

This is just a way to make it seem that they are doing stuff and it is in no way different than filling in one of their forms or phoning them.

Paul

Paul

kebab you were advises the Gap fund for your cabinet would now be significantly less now if you re asked - I assume that was not of intteres .and you have chosen not to do that -

so what about the close to 65, 000 cabinets if not mre that have now been enabled over the last 7 or so years

In reply to a post by MHC:

One tweet there says: Hey, does anyone know why these @btopenreach vans have covered their front and rear numberplates with rags? Looks a bit iffy, no?

Easy to answer though. With no number plate visible, they cannot get a parking ticket from wardens - they cannot move the rags covering the number plates. BT have a job to do at that location and are parked tight on the footpath to ensure traffic is not obstructed and so pedestrians can still pass. Parking wardens seem to treat vehicles from utility companies as easy pickings even though they have a job to perform close by and there is no alternative location to park in.

I worry about the engineers though. They'll get in a lot of trouble now this has been flagged up to management. I wish people would think a bit more before they tweet.

What's the alternative? The official way would be to set up traffic lights and close a lane, park the vans on the part of the road that's closed. However that would take days to arrange, the two vans will just be trying to fix a fault as quickly as possible.

Well like I have already said we give out parking permits to the engineers when they come here and the same for builders.

The way I see it, if they are doing work for us, its nice to give them the permit to park outside.

But yeah, those engineers are probably in trouble now

Paul

Exactly ...

That person is still on there stirring trouble. Have people got nothing better to do. God forbid when they have an issue and need Openreach. Karma and all that!

@OpenreachGB have blocked my account after asked them 'When is G.Fast become available in my area for Cuckoo Oak?'

Waste of time Openreach twitter. Pointless and it so rude to blocked me for no reason but maybe openreach don't like adslmax.

Edited by adslmax (Thu 02-Mar-17 18:52:40)

Where is your tweet asking this?

Openreach deleted it

How can someone you have tweeted delete your tweet?

I very much doubt it.

@adslmax99 that my twitter

Well cannot see an account on twitter with that handle - so cannot see what you said to get you blocked if that's what they actually did.

http://imgur.com/mAbF6Px

My twitter account is blocked. Something going wrong with my account. Cannot logged in?

There's an account @adsl99 that has been suspended. I wonder if that's it?

I doubt that's anything to do with Openreach.

There's also a handle @adslmax Something tells me this is our very own adslmax

I see Openreach announced on their twitter feed that the average user gets through 261Gb a month.

I also noticed a set of tweets saying there was a Talktalk issue in Wrexham supposedly affecting all Talktalk customers that OR is getting the stick for. Wrexham is big enough that TT must have more than one Cablelink so it looks like ISPs blaming OR for their own issues may become visible via here as well.

It may be TT said " we are dealing with our Network supplier" and people have assumed erroneously that this was OR. But this comes as misdirection in my book.

PS I am not the abusive Kitcat that has twittered to them!!

How the heck have they got their account verified by Twitter already?

I wished I knew, who they know, within Twitter walls.

Maybe they started the process some time ago? Perhaps it is because they are a large company with a very visible web presence? With a company like BT it would be pretty much a no brainer to see that it is a verifiable request.

Takes up to a week once you apply.

In reply to a post by AndyHCZ:

Takes up to a week once you apply.

Interesting. I never knew you could apply. Going to get our company twitter feed sorted.

Edited by aquiss (Fri 03-Mar-17 08:30:41)

Just google for it - there is a clear process to follow.

In reply to a post by aquiss:

How the heck have they got their account verified by Twitter already?

I wished I knew, who they know, within Twitter walls.

Companies can get it done faster than normal users, its in their FAQ.

Paul

I do find it a little strange how they sent a text out to all affected customers telling them it was a DSLAM fault, when Openreach was not reporting any issues in that area and neither were any other ISPs.

Now one agent is telling a customer the problem "is mainly outside" and "near the local telephone exchange".

Nothing noticeable is reported by Openreach (the only mention in Wrexham is a copper fault affecting 2 customers), other than the MBORCs in North Wales and East Anglia due to the weather.

Twitter made it available for anyone to request a few months ago.

https://support.twitter.com/articles/20174631

Good luck!

Cheers Tony, its been a while since we last looked about this, but I know we have applied this morning.

Andy

It may be it is a Talktalk DSLAM issue, but that it also affects the equipment the Cable link is connected to affecting all TT customers in Wrexham. Easy to then obsurate so that people think it is OR, they may have a different Network supplier to provide Backhaul to elsewhere who actually has the issue ( or it could actually be OR). But no way is it a fibre or access issue due to OR.

Shows how other ISPs can insinuate the fault is OR ( or BT) but evidence points elsewhere.

In reply to a post by Fastman2:

kebab you were advises the Gap fund for your cabinet would now be significantly less now if you re asked - I assume that was not of intteres .and you have chosen not to do that

Sadly the local community aren't up for spending money and for some reason are happy with what appears to be a getting worse Virgin line speed. So currently not entirely keen on paying the fee myself. I just have to keep reminding BT that I can't access any of their new TV services.

The joys of living around older folk.