News ADSl2+
With the launch of our new web site we are also launching new ADSL2+ services. We have been trailling ADSL2+ for some weeks with a number of volunteers. The trial helped sort out a number of process and technical problems with BT and ourselves.
What is ADSL2+?
The way broadband works is using ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). Until now we offered ADSL version 1. However there is now a version 2 and a 2+. We are now able to offer ADSL2+ which is better and faster.
For most customers the main difference is more bandwidth. It means lines can sync at up to 24Mb/s downstream rather than the 8Mb/s of ADSL1. This is only for lines very close to the exchange. With overheads 24Mb/s sync rate means around 20 to 21Mb/s of IP traffic. We'll give you and indication of likely line rates when you order.
ADSL2+ also means more uplink rate as well, over 1Mb/s even depending on line length. We new features on the horizon (annex-M) this could be increased even more.
What does it mean that we have launched it?
What this means is we can now sell ADSL2+ services wherever exchanges have been upgraded. When you order broadband we will confirm if it is ADSL1 or ADSL2+ and tell you the likely speed of the service. If you can only get ADSL1 at present then we'll upgrade your line to ADSL2+ as soon as we can, for no charge. For new customers the price is the same whether ADSL1 or ADSL2+.
How are existing customers affected?
We have a lot of existing customers on existing ADSL1+ services. We are moving customers on our Max services to ADSL2+ as and when exchanges are upgraded. This will mean a brief break in service while the line is changed over. Customers should see some improvements in speed. Lower rate lines such as those below arounf 4Mb/s will not see a big increase but higher speed lines such as those now at 8Mb/s could see rates increase up to 24Mb/s.
We will send an email before we upgrade your line, and advise the estimated line rate for ADSL2+. If your equipment can only handle ADSL1 you will see no change as the new exchange equipment supports ADSL1 as well.
Existing customers on our Max services are also moved to the new tariffs at the same time. Each existing tariff moves to a corresponding new tariff. The new tariffs also have 30 day notice and new fairer usage based charging. Existing customers on older tariffs will remain on those tariffs and line rates using ADSL1 but on the new exchange equipment, and we suggest they upgrade to a new tariff as this is likely to be cheaper.
Do I need a new router?
No! Your existing router should work. However, some older routers only support ADSL1, so will not give you any extra speed as a result of the change. If this is the case a new router will help you get more speed out of your line. We can supply suitable ADSL2+ routers if you would like to buy a new one.
We have been providing ADSL2+ routers for some time with the service. These routers become yours after you hvae had them 1 year. If you have an ADSL1 only router and want to upgrade for ADSL2+ you will need to purchase a new router.
When is it all happening?
The initial launch of ADSL2+ happens now (September 2008) with around 5% of customers moved over immediately. There is a roll out plan over several years for each exchange in the country to be upgraded. As each exchange is upgraded we will upgrade customers to ADSL2+.
There is also a new service which allows us to link old ADSL1 lines to our new links to BT. When this happens we plan to move all existing Max customers to the new tariffs even though not yet on ADSL2+ equipment. This is likely to be some time during 2009, but depends on BT. This will be when we can turn off old BT Central links to BT to reduce costs.
