Product retirement/replacement
This area of the website is dedicated to providing businesses with an update on products that are in the process of being retired and replaced. Click on this link to find out more. You'll find that proposed replacement products have hyperlinks to the corresponding BT product offer.
As well as indicating the current product name and proposed replacement product(s), there is information on key functionality changes and customer benefits related to each new product area. Vital information on retirement dates is also included.
If you have any concerns or questions about any of the products that are being withdrawn please consult your Communications Provider.
Please read the information below before referring to the list of products.
The BT product retirements programme is managed and run independently of the 21CN implementation programme. Since communication to Ofcom, the presence of or reference to this retirements information with other 21CN materials is provided for a customer's convenience and does not imply interdependence between the two programmes.
All information, specifically on product retirement dates is, and has been for some time, available in the public domain. In the first instance, customers who purchase any of the listed products from Communications Providers should check the retirement status and availability of suggested replacement products with their Communications provider.
BT is committed to supporting its direct customers and all Communications Providers to manage successful transition from retiring products to meet the published retirement dates.
- All information is current as of 12/02/2007. BT will periodically update information in this section.
- Please contact your Communications Provider directly if you wish to confirm any of the information provided here.
- Any formal communications regarding changes to the BT products Portfolio are provided to Communications Providers through Consult21 to the industry steering groups.
- Customers should note that similar products may be available from other suppliers.
Please find the list of products already withdrawn:
- Analogue Direct Dialling In (DDI)
- Call Charge Indication on ISDN30
- Code Calling
- Home Highway
- ISDNconnect
- ISDN30 1.421 (pre ETSI)
- Low Loss Lines
- Night Busying
- Out of Area Exchange Line
- Redcare ISDN
- Redcare Vision RS2000
- Remote Call Forwarding 10
- Schools Internet Caller
- Teed Service
- 24/7 Internet
Please find the below list of products currently being withdrawn and replaced, click on the product name for further information.
- Business Highway
- Featureline on Business Highway
- ISDN2 DASS
- Meter Pulse Facility (BT Retail)
1) Business Highway
*Stop-sell date:
10/04/2006
**Withdrawal date:
31/03/2008
Proposed replacement product: ISDN 2e Key customer benefits
European Telecommunications Standard compliant technology ensures wide choice in compatible equipment now and into the future (click here for more..)
Key functionality changes
Loss of analogue ports and Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Functionality can be replicated by connecting an external terminal adapter using Multiple Subscriber Numbering (MSN) to retain the numbers allocated to the PSTN sockets on Highway. However, 'network features' are only available on PSTN so these will be lost. Some may be replicated using digital calling features.
Notes: * Date after which new order from existing or new UK customers will no longer be accepted.
** Date at which service for the last UK customer has been ceased.
2) Featureline on Business Highway
*Stop-sell date:
31/07/2006
**Withdrawal date:
31/03/2008
Proposed replacement product: Broadband
Key customer benefits
Higher speed internet access and no associated call costs.
Key functionality changes
A Business Highway (BH) customer migrating to Broadband could take one Featureline over to the PSTN access line used for Broadband but if they had two x Featureline on BH they would need to get an additional PSTN line installed to keep both working. Potential for VoIP to provide additional voice channels, but without FeatureLine functionality at present.
Notes: * Date after which new order from existing or new UK customers will no longer be accepted.
** Date at which service for the last UK customer has been ceased.
3) ISDN 2 DASS (pre ETSI)
*Stop-sell date:
01/10/1997
**Withdrawal date:
31/03/2008
Proposed replacement product: ISDN 2e
Key customer benefits European Telecommunications Standard compliant technology ensures wide choice in compatible equipment now and into the future
Or alternative product Broadband
Key customer benefits Higher bandwidth. No call charges for internet access.
Key functionality changes Different interface and signalling at lower cost
Notes: * Date after which new order from existing or new UK customers will no longer be accepted.
** Date at which service for the last UK customer has been ceased.
4) Meter Pulse Facility (BT Retail)
*Stop-sell date:
31/07/2006
**Withdrawal date:
30/03/2007 (Pathfinder)
31/10/2007 (Phase 1)
01/03/2008 (Phase 2)
01/09/2008 (Phase 3)
Proposed replacement product: Called Party Answer (line reversal)
Key customer benefits
Called Party Answer (CPA) is a line feature replacement that is compatible with many types of CPE, e.g. call loggers, private payphones and small PBX's. Some older CPE may need to be replaced when Meter Pulse Facility is withdrawn.
Key functionality changes CPA only indicates when the called party has answered. It does not provide subsequent metering information. Customers will need to check with their CPE suppliers to see if it is compatible with CPA. Alternatively, there are standalone CPE applications that do not require CPA. Loss of a low frequency 50Hz signal applied to both A/B wires simultaneously on a call part answer signal. The call party answer (line reversal) signal is seen as a suitable replacement as most CPE has the capability to work with both Meter Pulse Facility and Called Party Answer signals.
Notes: * Date after which new order from existing or new UK customers will no longer be accepted.
** Date at which service for the last UK customer has been ceased.