BT Network Upgrade

Between 2007 & 2012, BT will replace their 16 current networks with one IP network which will carry voice and data. This will affect all customers because at some point all telephone calls are carried over the BT network.

The jargon -

NGN:       Next Generation Network

21CN:      BT’s name for their NGN

MSANs:   Multi Service Access Mode

Whilst implementing the 21CN is a huge project, the net result is that you as end users should not be aware of any change. Your equipment should work, and so there will be no need to buy any equipment and to have any work done on your existing equipment.

There has been an extensive testing programme (190m calls) and the only telephone system that is not compatible with 21CN is the BT Monarch, and whilst all popular alarm panels have been tested there may be an issue with obscure products.

So why the change?

• To continue the downward spiral of costs
• To add additional services
• To increase ADSL speeds to 24Mb
• To replace aging equipment and networks

There will be opportunity for interruption to service. During the roll out of the network all telephone lines (40m) will be physically disconnected from the current exchange equipment and reconnected to the new 21CN equipment that are called MSANs. Whilst Openreach will obviously go to great lengths to ensure that there is no interruption to business, it would be prudent to be aware of the date of change and have time the following day for checks etc.  The date of change for your area is or will be available from the web site:
http://www.switchedonuk.org/business/when/.

There will be a public awareness campaign from a trade body under the name of ‘Switched On’.