Copper switch-off process trial
Your help in streamlining how we transition customers off copper
In December the Commerce Commission is due to release the final version of the Copper Withdrawal Code. This code, currently in draft, outlines the consumer safeguards that will be put in place to ensure a smooth transition off copper for consumers in areas where fibre is available.
We’ve said previously there is no arbitrary switch-off date for the copper network. Instead, we intend to adopt a cabinet-by-cabinet approach at a very local level. We won’t physically be removing copper lines, instead looking to power down the electronics within the cabinets once everyone has moved to an alternative service.
Our initial focus will be to trial an approach for a small number of cabinets, each with a low number of active copper connections. We would then incrementally build on this trial extending its reach and size.
Recognising that it is in all our best interests to ensure your customers have a seamless migration experience from copper, we would like to ask for your participation in helping to develop, and then trial, the processes we intend to use.
What’s the plan?
Ahead of the final Copper Withdrawal Code release in December, we’d like your involvement in defining the processes that will support consumers transitioning off copper.
We’re planning a small-scale trial that will initially involve 84 copper cabinets with a total of about 500 active connections (less than one percent of the total cabinet base). We envisage adopting an incremental approach that allows us to adapt and learn from early experiences.
The initial design work we undertake will be based on the latest draft of the Copper Withdrawal Code; this is available on the Commerce Commission’s website here. After the final code is published in December, we will look to refine the processes as needed before commencing the trial.
We would appreciate your involvement in helping us design and trial the processes we apply for moving customers off copper. We have put forward a programme of activities for the coming months to get this underway.
What are the details?
| November 2020 | Facilitated workshops with Chorus and RSP participation to help define initial trial processes. |
| December 2020 | Commerce Commission due to release final Copper Withdrawal Code. Process refinement workshops around changes from the draft code. |
| February 2021 | Proposed start for customer trials. Beginning of six-month notification window. |
| August 2021 | Indicative first copper withdrawals for trial customers (assuming a February start). |
Next Steps
Please keep an eye out for your invitation to join us at workshops later in November.
Contact
For any queries, please contact your Account Manager.