Address Validation for Broadband Orders

Address Validation for Broadband Orders

When placing a broadband order, the customer address must appear correctly in the Openreach availability checker. If the address is missing, incomplete, or listed under an old business name, the order cannot progress until the address is validated.  
 

This guide outlines the full process, including UPRN, Royal Mail PAF (Postcode Address File), and the information required from the customer. 
 

Why an Address May Not Appear 

An address may be missing from the checker because: 

• The property is newly built or recently converted  

• The address is not yet on Royal Mail PAF  

• The UPRN is missing or not linked to Openreach  

• The address format does not match PAF  

• The property is still under network build 

Always confirm the customer’s full address exactly as registered. 


UPRN A UPRN (Unique Property Reference Number) is a unique ID assigned to every property in the UK. It helps Openreach and providers accurately match an address to their network. If the UPRN is missing or incorrect, the address may not show in availability checks and orders cannot progress until it is corrected. 


Royal Mail PAF Royal Mail PAF (Postcode Address File) is the official database of every deliverable postal address in the UK. Openreach relies on PAF to validate locations. If an address is not on PAF, it will not appear in the availability checker and broadband orders cannot proceed until Royal Mail adds it. 


Why You Must Not Select a Nearby Address or Old Business Name  

Selecting a neighbouring property or an outdated version of the address causes major issues: 
 

Incorrect Network Mapping Each property has its own network routing and UPRN. Using the wrong address links the order to the wrong network asset, causing installation failures and delays. 

UPRN/PAF Mismatches If the address does not match PAF and the correct UPRN, Openreach will reject the order or fail to process ORDI corrections. 

Engineer Access Failures Engineers may attend the wrong location, resulting in “No Access” or incorrect installations which are chargeable. 


To avoid these issues, the correct address must be validated and added correctly. 
 

Address Validation Steps 

Step 1: Confirm the property has a valid UPRN. Visit here, and enter your address or you can contact your local council. 

If missing, the customer must contact their local authority. 
Step 2: Check Royal Mail PAF - https://www.royalmail.com/find-a-postcode If the address is not on PAF, the customer must request Royal Mail to add it.  

PAF updates typically take 5–15 working days. 
 

If the address is on PAF and has a valid UPRN but still does not appear in Openreach systems, Eclipse will need to raise a fibre query with the network to correct the records. Email your request to provisioning@eclipsenet.co.uk  detailing the UPRN and What3words reference What3words 

 

If any services are active at the property, please also provide:

 

• CLI (telephone number) if available

• Line ID 

• Service ID 

• ONT reference or serial number (for fibre)  
 

 If the address does not have UPRN (also in the correct company name) or PAF this will need to be registered and live before you can proceed with placing an order