switched-on at home

More answers about the new network

• What is switched-on?

  Between now and 2011, BT will be managing the upgrade of its phone, broadband and ISDN lines to a next-generation network. These upgrades are needed to improve the network, by replacing current systems with IP-based technology. The new technology is being installed at various points on the network including local telephone exchanges.

  Although there are exceptions - cable and mobile networks and customers of Kingston Communications in East Yorkshire will not be affected - and not everyone will be connected to the new BT network, when it is complete many business and residential customers will be able to enjoy new services from a range of telecoms suppliers who use the network.

• Who is behind switched-on?

  Switched-on is an initiative from BT in consultation with the UK communications industry and with input from Ofcom, the communications regulator. We are undertaking a campaign of public information to make residential and business customers across the UK completely aware of future benefits of the migration to BT's next-generation network as well as the potential interruptions and changes to their services.

• Is switched-on the same as the switchover process we have heard about?

  No.  They are different campaigns.

• About Digital UK

  Digital UK is the independent, not-for-profit organisation leading digital television switchover in the UK. The company manages the upgrading of the UK’s 1,154 television transmitters for digital; explains switchover to the public; and works with industry to ensure understanding and support for switchover. Digital UK is funded by the public-service broadcasters and multiplex operators. The consumer helpline is 08456 50 50 50.

• About the switchover campaign

  Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, TV services in the UK will go completely digital, region by region. The UK’s old analogue television signal is being switched off and replaced with a digital signal. This will create a fairer situation in which everyone has access to a choice of affordable digital services. Switchover will also allow the UK to remain a world leader in broadcasting.

• About the switched-on campaign

  The digital switchover affects only television, while switched-on affects BT telephone lines. Between now and 2011, BT, in consultation with the UK telecommunications industry, and with input from Ofcom, will be managing the upgrade of its phone, broadband and ISDN lines to a next-generation network.
  
  BT delivers network services to over 700 telecoms suppliers that provide phone, internet and mobile services to customers across the UK. So even though consumers may not be a direct customer of BT, their services may still be carried over the BT network and therefore could be affected by the migration of the network to 21CN.

• How will getting switched-on affect me at home?

  You won’t need to do anything yourself. We don’t need to visit your home or business, and we won’t be digging up roads outside.

  However, you will need to check how switched-on may affect your telephone, broadband, and ISDN services.

  Visit how it affects you to find out more.

• What technology will the new network be based on?

  The new BT network will be based on Internet Protocol (IP) technology. This is not the Internet, but a private, highly secure network based on the same technology.

• Why is Internet Protocol technology being used?

  Internet Protocol is more flexible than traditional network technology and can handle communications previously carried by multiple, separate networks.

  The increased simplicity of the new network and the reduction in the number of operating facilities will also have the benefit of delivering reliability that’s at least as good as those of the services you enjoy today.

• Will the whole of the UK be switched-on?

  Yes - the process of upgrading BT's network will be a nationwide programme, although not all homes will be affected*. The process started in the Cardiff in November 2006. A wider programme will begin in 2008 and be completed in 2011.

• How will the process work?

  In some areas phone services will be switched-on first. In others it will be broadband.

  The way in which you are migrated will depend on the area in which you live and the types of service you use.

• Why is it being done this way?

  In most of the country, homes being affected by the switched-on changes will have their phone services upgraded first. However, in some areas, broadband will be transferred to the new network before phone services.

  55% of the UK’s broadband users will have their local exchanges enabled for next generation broadband between April 2008 (5%) and May 2009 (55%), with the remaining UK exchanges enabled thereafter.  Next generation broadband services will be launched in summer 2008.  Phone services are being switched-on separately.

• I'm not a BT customer - will I be affected?

  Even if you are not a customer of BT, it doesn't mean that you won't be affected by the switched-on process.

  BT delivers network services to over 600 telecoms suppliers that provide phone, Internet and mobile services to customers across the UK. So even though you may not be a direct customer of BT, your services may still be carried over the BT network, and therefore you may be affected by the switched-on changes.

• What happens if my telephone doesn't seem to be able to make a call any more?

  As part of a comprehensive programme, BT is currently testing all kinds of equipment for compatibility with the new network. 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'.

  For an overview of the equipment we're testing, see the section on equipment compatibility testing.

• 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')

• How will credit and debit card transactions be affected?

  Credit and debit card transactions cannot be made using equipment connected to a phone line during periods of service interruption - an error message will typically be displayed. Transactions will be processed as normal at all other times.

  If a service interruption occurs while you are processing a credit or debit card transaction, an error message will inform you that the transaction has been unsuccessful.

  * If you are connected to a cable service, are a customer of Kingston Communications in East Yorkshire, or do not require a BT line for your phone, broadband or ISDN services, you won't be affected by the rollout of BT's new telecommunications network. In these instances, your current telecommunications arrangements will continue to apply. Mobile services will not be directly affected. The information on this website is designed to give as accurate and up-to-date a picture as possible of how switching-on to the new network will affect you, on the date given. However, getting the UK switched-on is a massive project for the UK's telecommunications industry, taking place over a number of years. So plans for switching-on and other details may be subject to change.

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