Karen at the last OPF, but with little response, requested more involvement from UK operators. The BT forecast letter had been circulated with the hope that today's meeting could agree the content. The comments from Colt clarify the fact that the MoU is NOT a binding document, with the exception that BT will keep forecast information confidential. No comments have been made on Appendix A, the heads of terms for the CPS schedule, given this is still subject to discussion and sign off. Amy to send direct to members for action in advance of minutes being issued.
Debate continues on the potential 'penalties' for inaccurate forecasts of orders.
Concern expressed for this approach given difficulty for Operators to have a clear idea of demands, particularly in the first year of operation. The BT argument of the right to recover the cost of implementation is not in itself disputed, but the possible method of cost recovery is. The difficulty arises from the proposal by BT that over forecast i.e. with the subsequent order level being below that forecast will initiate a charge from BT at the forecast floor, to recover BT costs. The meeting considered it likely that the overall balance of over and under forecasts would enable BT to recover cost but noted that if this was not the case the 'offenders' would need to be identified and costs recovered appropriately. It was agreed that a Forecast Sub Group would be set up to consider these issues.