Learn more about your switched-on office
You don't have to do anything to get switched-on. It's a process that will
gradually happen over the BT network across the UK. However, there are some
important things to be aware of:
Computer equipment
There will be a short interruption to your broadband connection during the time
broadband services are being switched-on. Please note that your phone services
will also be interrupted at the same time. If you use dial-up access to the Internet,
you will experience an interruption to your connection while your phone line is being switched-on.
As soon as these interruptions are complete you should be able to reconnect to the Internet without
having to turn-off your computer.
Mobile phones
Our work will have no direct effect on your mobile phone network.
We advise if you are working late on your switched-on dates that you keep your mobile charged and funded.
Changes to network services
Network services - also known as 'star services' or 'calling features' such as
alarm calls and three-way calling - cannot be changed from 10pm on the evenings
before your phone, broadband and ISDN switched-on date until work is completed the following morning.
Services programmed before this time will still work as normal. For more information please visit
changes to 1571 and other services.
Interruptions to new orders for telecoms products and services
From 6pm on the day before your phone, broadband and ISDN switched-on date until 9am the following
morning, new orders for telecoms services made over the Internet will be
accepted but not put into action. New orders will be put into action as soon as
possible after the end of the interruption.
Should you experience a fault while you are being switched-on please contact your telecoms provider as usual.
DataStream, CAP ADSL and SDSL lines
Some broadband services may remain on legacy networks but will continue to work as before.
Other office equipment and technologies
We have been carrying-out a rigorous testing programme, assessing the office
equipment and technology that's typically linked to business phone lines and
expect the vast majority to work with the new network.
For an overview of the equipment we're testing, see the section on
equipment compatibility testing.
While you're being switched-on, some of the equipment connected to your phone socket may beep, flash
or make some other signal. This should be no cause for concern and your equipment should work normally
afterwards. Please refer to your equipment manual or documentation for details of how it might
behave during a temporary disconnection.
What happens if my telephone doesn't seem to be able to make a call any more?
BT's new network supports two types of dialling; the standard 'tone dialling' and the older 'pulse dialling'. Your equipment should work whichever type of dialling it uses. However, if you encounter a problem in making a call after you're switched-on, we recommend that you check how your equipment is set to dial. If it is set to 'pulse dialling' you should change the setting to 'tone dialling'.
How can I tell the difference between pulse and tone dialling and what should I do?
In pulse dialling you can hear multiple 'clicks' in the earpiece when buttons are pressed on your telephone keypad. If your phone uses tone dialling, musical 'tones' are heard in the earpiece when keypad buttons are pressed. Your equipment should normally be set to use tone dialling. To do this, look on the bottom of the phone and search for a switch marked either:
- 'T' and 'P' (set it to 'T')
- 'Tone' and 'Pulse' (set it to 'Tone')
- 'DTMF' and 'Loop disconnect' (set it to 'DTMF')
IT systems
We have also tested a range of IT systems used by companies and public sector
organisations. Find out more about the equipment we're testing.
Wireless Networks
The process of getting switched-on will not affect the signalling used for
wireless communications and, after you are switched-on, calls can be made in
exactly the same way as you make them today. Conformance testing will identify
any equipment that needs to be re-booted. Further information will become available
as the testing programme rolls out.
Short code dialling and dial pins
Short code dialling and dial pins will be unaffected.
More advice?
If you would like to discuss your office technology questions, please contact your communication provider directly.