New BT Master Socket Faceplate NTE5c

Click for a much higher resolution version.

Back in September 2015 BT (the major UK telecoms provider) announced a new NTE (Network Termination Equipment) that replaces the NTE5 (Possibly known as the NTE5a or NTE5b?). This new socket is called the NTE5C.

 

A quick summary of the change was published and reposted by me back then.

This month BT have released a lot more information about the new NTE5c socket.

The following is just a transcript of the above image:

As announced at the Openreach Leadership Roadshows and Service Delivery Roadshows, Openreach is going to launch the NTE5C to replace the current NTE5A.

OLD: NTE5A NEW: NTE5C
OLD: NTE5B NEW: NTE5C Secure
OLD: VDSL INTERSTITIAL PLATE MARK 3 NEW: NTE5C/VDSL Frontplate MARK 4 Combined Unit
OLD: NTE 2000 ccu (SDSL Frontplate) NEW: NTE5C SDSL Frontplate
OLD: NGA FVA VOICE IPLATE NEW: NGA FVA VOICE PLATE (Now supplied with NTE5C Backplate)

As the new design does not allow for interworking with any NTE5A parts, the launch will include a number of new ancillary items as shown in the chart above. The only exception will be the FVA plate, where we have a large existing stock, and to utilise this, all future FVA stock will be issued with an NTE5A backplate already fitted.

In addition to the new shape, and improved labelling, the use of the NTE5C is fairly intuitive. It fits onto the same backboxes, so the only real difference for engineers is that the frontplates do not require a screwdriver (Tool Less removal) and the wiring is also tool less, using ‘Cam Locks’. With the Cam Locks, you insert the wires and close down the Cam Lock to make a connection. The Cam Locks are colour coded to show Network (Red) and Home wiring connections (Blue). Another improvement is that the home wiring is no longer connected on the frontplate. This makes it simpler for the customer, and allows simple changeover of the frontplate for different service offerings. The launch will be taking place throughout Q4, and stores Item Codes will be advertised via an AEC Briefing.