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Network access provider Openreach (BT) has announced that they will shortly reduce the Fixed Fee for Excess Construction Charges (ECC), which are sometimes charged when UK broadband or Ethernet deployments require extra civil engineering work. In addition, they’re also reducing the Connection Charges on Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) lines for businesses.
Sadly, not all new installations are easy and some builds can attract ECCs, particularly those requiring the installation of a dedicated high-capacity Ethernet line (leased line) – these may need extra work to provide you with a service (e.g. running the fibre over a much longer distance than usual).
However, Ofcom’s regulatory rules require that any reduction in ECCs incurred must be reflected in the Fixed Fee that Openreach charges for the service, which is currently set at £708 excluding VAT. The good news is that there was a reduction in ECCs incurred during 2025/26 (here) and so the network operator will cut the Fixed Fee to £516 from 1st August 2026. But this has also had another positive impact.
OR’s Statement on EAD Charges
As a result of the ECC Fixed Fee reduction, Openreach has reviewed its Connection Charges. Having reviewed the ECC Fixed Fee reduction and compliance with the Ethernet basket charge control as a whole, Openreach will be making reductions to EAD Connection charges.
These reductions will apply to EAD up to 1GB services in Area 2 and Area 3, with the level of reduction varying by geographic area. These changes are also reflected in the Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) 1000Mb Local Access alternative pricing for the UK excluding CLA and HNR areas offer via an equivalent adjustment to the offer rental charge (Price List page 8.2.56).
The EAD price reductions are fairly small to modest, but it’s still a welcome development (see EAD Pricing).