Learn more about switched-on at home
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:
Your computer
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.
This will mostly happen overnight to minimise the effect on your Internet use. For more information, please see our advice on service interruptions.
Other home equipment
Find out more about the equipment compatibility testing click on this link.
What will happen while you're being switched on?
While you're being switched-on, you may find that some of the equipment connected to your phone socket beeps, flashes or makes 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?
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've been 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')
Your mobile phone
Mobile phones will not be directly affected, so make a note to have your mobile phone charged. If your mobile phone is on a pay-as-you-go service, make sure it has credit on your switched-on dates, in case you need to make a call while we are switching over your services.
If you have one it’s a good idea to have your mobile phone fully charged on your switched-on date.
Wireless home networks
You may have a wireless network in your home, where you can use the Internet without having to plug your computer into a phone socket via a modem.
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.
Changes to network services
Network services - also known as 'star services' or 'calling features' such as alarm calls and three-way calling - cannot be altered from 10pm on the evenings before your phone, broadband and ISDN switched-on dates until work is completed the following morning. Services programmed before this time will still work as normal. For more information please visit changes to your phones services.
Interruptions to new orders for telecoms products and services
From 6pm on the day before your phone, broadband and ISDN switched-on dates 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.
Further questions?
Do you have more questions about how getting switched-on will affect you?
Please visit frequently asked questions.