Royal Mail PAF file (Postcode Address File)

In order to install a new Openreach service at an address (such as internet access) we need the following:

• The number of an existing, live, telephone line at the address...OR...
• Customer address already setup on our system for other services (such as SIP trunks, leased lines)...OR...
• An Access Level Key (ALK) that verifies the address:
  • GALK: Gold ALK - this address is verified both on BT OpenReach and Royal Mail
  • ALK: (silver) - this address is not present, yet, on BT OpenReach but is verified on Royal Mail

If the address is not yet listed on Royal Mail (http://www.royalmail.com/find-a-postcode) then the occupant can fill in a form to register the address with Royal Mail: http://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/update-your-address

If the occupant is a business then it is vital that the correct business name be registered; often there are many businesses within the same building address, and lack of registered business name can delay or prevent and order for digital services.

Once the address (and business name) are showing up on Royal Mail (http://www.royalmail.com/find-a-postcode) then we can generate an ALK for that address and proceed with ordering Openreach services.

Exception to the Royal Mail PAF: if the building does not receive mail, for example a security office or remote unmanned storage unit, then such addresses are referred to as a "non Delivery Point". Such addresses can be verified with Royal Mail using the contact details below. IMPORTANT: If you want to order broadband services to such addresses it is vital that you let us know that the address is a "non Delivery Point address"; see examples below.

Address Management Unit, Royal Mail, Admiral House, 2 Admiral Way, Doxford International Business Park, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XW

Email: addressmaintenance@royalmail.com

Telephone: 03456011110 (Mon_Fri 08:30-17:00)

Excerpt from Royal Mail stating that some locations cannot be added to the file (requiring an exception to be manually added by Openreach): https://business.help.royalmail.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4696/kw/paf

“The Postcode Address File is a database of all Delivery Points in the UK and is used to enable Royal Mail to deliver all mail efficiently. For this reason any building that is not capable or receiving a delivery of mail cannot be added to the file. For example, fields or agricultural buildings.”

More

PAF guidelines: https://www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/PAF-Code-of-Practice-211118.pdf

Examples of Royal Mail "non Delivery Point" addresses, despite being permanent locations requiring internet connections:

• Electric vehicle charging station
• Parcel pickup (smart locker)
• Unattended retail (vending machine; self-serve laundry room)
• Portable office on a construction site (Royal Mail will not deliver mail whilst a "hard hat" safety area)
• Park warden cabin (such as break room/kitchenette/office)
• Storage (lockup), self-serve
• Bridge toll booth
• Parking lot (car park) kiosk
• CCTV security (such as a camera station monitoring a fly-tipping spot)
• Weather station
• Car wash facility
• Public toilet
• Safety tunnel (or other purpose-built muster point to protect passengers during an emergency)
• Sports field changing room
• Lift on construction site or during building renovation (Royal Mail will not deliver mail whilst a "hard hat" safety area)
• Escalator or ski lift kiosk during building renovation (Royal Mail will not deliver mail whilst a "hard hat" safety area)
• External ticket kiosk for adjacent museum or historical site
• Underground facility (car park; vault; disaster bunker; storage; security monitoring site; high-voltage electrical facility)