|
Interested in lobbying BT for Broadband access?
Contact
us!
BT Emails
On 7th October 2003 Serena kindly confirmed a few points in the following
emails:
Clarification
"There are no commitments at this stage to make decisions..."
Nick
Please could I clarify the following points with respect to the e-mail [you
sent to the group members last week.]
The 60dB / 6km planning rule is now in place.
Unfortunately
BT have
discovered that the web-based broadband availability checkers do not get
their data from the same database source. Also ISP's are using out of
date information. They are on to it - the web checkers do get their
information from the same source, what became apparent was that the way
that the script information was conveyed to the customer was out of
'synch'. As discussed yesterday, although extensive tests and checks
were carried out, there was still a little more that needed to be done
and this has now been actioned appropriately. The reference to ISP's was
with respect to the fact that although individuals can use which ever
checker they like, we would endorse and recommend the use of the BT
Wholesale checker (www.bt.com/broadband).
No reference was made by
ourselves re. out of date information although it is obvious that there
are problems there too and this has also been escalated appropriately.
Once BT wholesale has got a clear picture of the real state of the local
loop, they will make decisions on whether to re-lay cable, replace
certain types of cable, rewire street cabinets or do something else - we
work in Retail. There are no commitments at this stage to make decisions
as you suggest. What was discussed at the meeting was the criticality of
establishing and verifying the network before inferring solutions but
indicated that identification of any source problems such as cable types
etc may provide the basis for further discussion for solutions - but
this would involve a wider remit and involve discussion with many other
members/parties/committees responsible for the development of MK.
We spoke about ensuring terminology and expressions used were accurate
as possible and you felt that comments from us would help you achieve
this. I hope that this has been helpful and made things a little
clearer.
Kind Regards
Serena
Serena Shukla
Office - 01908 293036
MK Broadband Helpline
BT Customer Satisfaction |
Light User Scheme
I would like to confirm that broadband is not available to
customers on the Light User Scheme.
This is because the Light User Scheme is a special service provided by BT to
assist those users who have difficulty affording telephone services,
particularly those customers with limited financial resources. It allows for
these customers to have the facility for people to contact them or for them
to make the occasional call out. One of the guidelines requires BT to
identify those of our residential customers who are entitled to the benefits
of the scheme. The Terms and Conditions for these products in the Price List
will show that the customers do not receive all the benefits offered to
those customers paying a higher charge, e.g. directories.
I hope this provides an adequate explanation as to why your application was
refused. If you still wish to have and pay for broadband, you will need to
move to a normal residential tariff.
Regards
Serena
Serena Shukla
Office - 01908 293036
MK Broadband Helpline
BT Customer Satisfaction |
TPON
| Broadband technology, as you may be aware, is designed to
be delivered over a copper network which results in optical fibre fed
customers being unable to connect to broadband.
Fibre (sometimes referred to as TPON - Telephone over Passive Optical
Networks) was used tactically in certain areas to overcome some specific
operational problems, involving capacity and line length.
BT, in an effort to improve this situation until a long term technical
solution for TPON customers is available, has a limited copper build
programme underway to overlay TPON with copper in areas which are
technically and commercially viable.
In order for TPON orders to progress for review and possible conversion
to copper, changes to systems and processes have also been completed in July
and are currently undergoing a limited trial period with orders placed by
customers where limited capacity already exists.
Availability of this limited capacity and estimated completion dates of the
programmed builds is available to all Service Providers on a BT dedicated BT
website. Service Providers have been asked to check availability before
placing orders and advise their customers accordingly.
On successful completion of the trial period regular updates and additional
sites completed in the build programme will be provided to Service
Providers, allowing them to place Broadband orders in additional areas as
new copper becomes available.
Customers should be aware that this solution will not apply to all TPON
sites and that some customers in completed build sites will still
unfortunately be beyond the reach of Broadband and have their orders
rejected.
Regards,
Serena
Serena Shukla
Office - 01908 293036
MK Broadband Helpline
BT Customer Satisfaction |
Links
Milton Keynes Broadband Home
Activities
Reginald Perrin (TV comedy in which
the main character battles against the inhumanity of the large corporation.)
If you live in Milton Keynes, and want Broadband, let
us
know!
|