For some time now we have seen the distance between BT and Openreach grow ever bigger and this has allowed for better access to Openreach and a fairer level of control for all communication providers. 

Having said this, up until now there has still been the perception that you could get preferential treatment from Openreach if you had your services with BT. And in a fault-based situation you would be at the top of the queue. In reality, this has not been the case for over a decade, and a first-come, first-served basis for engineer booking has been in place for a long time.

From my point of view, this enforced separation is a great move; not just because it clarifies once and for all the difference between the 2 corporations, but also as it puts the control of direction firmly into the hands of Openreach, which will be influenced on the feedback from their direct customers.

I would personally say this is long overdue, and a great step forward.