What you need to know about Up to 8Mb broadband

[Realist]

Q. What does up to 8Mb BT Broadband mean?

A. Quite simply, up to 8Mb BT Broadband offers you a faster, more reliable broadband connection. Using new technology, the service will automatically provide you with the fastest broadband speed your phone line can physically support, up to a maximum of 8Mb (or 8 megabits per second) -an incredible 160 times faster than a standard dial-up connection and up to 4x faster than 2Mb! top

Q. What are the benefits of up to 8Mb BT Broadband?

A. The main benefit of a faster broadband is the ability of your connection to maintain greater quality and reliability when running multiple tasks simultaneously.
The difference in speed will be most noticeable when you’re using your broadband connection for high bandwidth tasks and applications such as:

• multiple users on one connection
• music and video-streaming
• video-conferencing
• large file downloads
• sending large email attachment

You should also notice improved reliability when you’re using 'new wave' internet services like BT Broadband Talk (making cheap voice calls over the internet), BT Fusion and digital TV services.
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Q. What speed can I expect? Will it be 8Mb?

A. Up to 8Mb BT Broadband uses new technology to automatically provide the fastest speed up to 8Mb that your phone line can physically support. The actual speed you will receive depends on a number of factors, principally how close you live to your phone exchange (the nearer you are the faster the speed you can expect). So you could get the maximum of 8Mb if you're close to your exchange, or 6Mb, 4Mb 2Mb or less the further away you are.

The following guide shows approximately what proportion of BT Broadband customers can expect which maximum line speeds:

Maximum line
speed% of customers
able to receiveHow many times faster
than dial-up6.5Mb and above25%130 x faster6Mb42%120 x faster4Mb78% 80 x faster2Mb93%40 x faster

Source: BT Wholesale

For an estimate of the maximum speed for your line, visit our Broadband availability checker at www.bt.com/btbroadband and then click on the ‘Can I get broadband?’ at the bottom of the page. You will need to input your telephone number.

There are also other things that can affect your connection speed - such as the length and quality of any phone wiring extensions in your home, the age and type of your modem, the speed of your computer, and whether any broadband microfilters you have are correctly installed. top

Q. Will up to 8Mb BT Broadband cost more than existing BT Broadband?

A. No. Up to 8Mb BT Broadband won't cost any more than our current BT Broadband services. Which means you can enjoy faster connection speeds and even greater value with up to 8Mb BT Broadband. top


SPEED

Q. How noticeable will the increased speed of up to 8Mb BT Broadband be?

A. Quite simply, it depends on what you're doing. You'll really notice the increased speed most when you're doing things online that are "bandwidth-intensive" - eg. downloading/uploading music and files, watching video, sending and receiving large email attachments such as photos, and playing online games. You'll also notice an improvement if you're using multiple devices at once. For less bandwidth-intensive use - such as surfing the web and emailing - you probably won't notice much difference. top

Q. What's the difference between "line speed" and "throughput speed"?

A. Line speed is the maximum broadband speed your telephone line will physically support. It is determined by a number of factors:

• how near you live to the exchange (i.e. line length)
• the quality and length of any telephone extension cables in your home
• whether Ethernet, wireless or USB is used to connect your modem to the computer
• the speed of your router or modem
• the speed of your computer
• whether all broadband microfilters are correctly installed

Once set, your line speed remains largely stable, only changing if one of the above factors changes significantly

By contrast, throughput speed is the speed of data flowing through your broadband connection at any one time. It is determined by:

• the speed of the Internet and of websites you are visiting
• how busy BT's network is
• whether you're sharing your broadband connection with others in your home
• whether you have spyware or adware slowing down your computer's speed

Throughput speed is limited by the physical maximum speed of your phone line and varies throughout the day, typically reducing during peak periods (6-9pm) top

Q. How does BT Broadband decide my line speed?

A. Up to 8Mb BT Broadband will take all of your line speed factors into account (see above) and then automatically set your line speed to the fastest possible to maintain a stable connection. It will then monitor your line speed over time, adjusting it as necessary if any of the above factors change significantly top

Q. Will my BT Broadband service run at its maximum speed all the time?

A. No. As with current broadband services, your actual throughput speed will vary at different times of the day, depending on a number of things, for example, how busy the Internet and BT's network are. Typically, you can expect your throughput speed to reduce during peak periods (normally in the evenings from 6-9pm). But even then it is still likely to be faster than current broadband technology. top

Q. How do I check my speeds?

A. Your line speed can usually be viewed via the configuration settings of your modem or router. It should normally be about the same as the estimate given to you when you ordered up to 8Mb BT Broadband. Please note, however, that this figure indicates the maximum physical speed of your line, not the speed of data travelling down it.

As mentioned above, your throughput speed is likely to vary throughout the day depending on how busy the Internet and BT's network is, and can reduce significantly in peak periods.

For an estimate of the maximum speed for your line, visit our Broadband availability checker at www.bt.com/btbroadband and then click on the ‘Can I get broadband?’ at the bottom of the page. You will need to input your telephone number. top

Q. What can I do to get the best possible speed?

A. There are several factors that determine your line speed (see What's the difference between "line speed" and "throughput speed"?). However, there a number of things you should do to ensure you get the best possible speed available on your line:

• use a router or hub rather than a modem - and connect it to your computer via Ethernet or wireless, avoiding USB if possible. We offer a range of wired and wireless routers compatible with up to 8Mb BT Broadband. For more about them, call BT sales on 0800 800 150 (select 'Broadband Enquiries' from the voice menu).

It is better to connect via Ethernet or wireless (not USB)

• check all your in-use phone sockets have a broadband microfilters installed - taking care that internal extension phone wiring is not inadvertently filtered at each end. You should also check your microfilters conform to the standard SIN346. Additional or replacement BT Broadband-compatible microfilters may be purchased from BT by calling 0800 800 150 (select 'Broadband Enquiries' from the voice menu).
• long internal extension phone wiring can have an adverse effect on line speed but you can minimise this by plugging your modem or router directly into your master telephone socket where possible.
• regularly scan your computer to free it from spyware and adware.

MODEMS AND ROUTERS

Q. Can I use my existing modem? Or should I upgrade to a router?

A. To get the most out of up to 8Mb BT Broadband we recommend you use a router or hub rather than a modem (as these are designed to support the higher speeds), and that you connect it to your computer via Ethernet or wireless (avoiding USB if possible).

It is better to connect via Ethernet or wireless (not USB)



Other older equipment will work but won't allow you to enjoy the full potential of up to 8Mb speed - for example constrain your speed to around 4Mb even when your line can physically support higher speeds.

Routers also provide a more convenient Internet experience - they can be left on all the time for a true 'always on' connection, and automatically reconnect after an interruption in broadband signal. They also enable you to connect more than one computer to broadband, either wired or wirelessly (depending on model) top

Q. Should I connect the router to my computer using USB or Ethernet/wireless?

We recommend using Ethernet or wireless, rather than USB. This is because, in certain circumstances, USB can restrict your broadband speed. top

Q. What are the benefits of using Ethernet/wireless routers?

Ethernet and wireless routers offer several advantages over USB modems:

• more convenient to use (eg. they can automatically reconnect in the event of a dropped connection)
• ability to share broadband between multiple computers/ devices
• easier to set up and more reliable (no drivers)
• independently-powered - so you can connect secondary computers/devices to broadband without your primary computer being switched on
• improved in-built diagnostics to help resolve problems
• wireless capability - no need for unsightly cables between your router and computers or other devices (eg. games console)

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Q. Will my current modem or router work with up to 8Mb BT Broadband?

A. To make things simple, just take a look at the following section to find your existing modem or router - then see what we recommend to ensure your equipment is compatible with up to 8Mb BT Broadband:


If you use one of these
We recommend upgrade to router*
document.write("");
Speedtouch USB Upgrade to router* document.write("");
Speedtouch 330 Upgrade to router* document.write("");
Voyager USB Upgrade to router* document.write("");
Voyager 100 Upgrade to router* document.write("");
Voyager 105 Upgrade to router* document.write("");
Speedtouch 510/530 Already 8Mb compatible** document.write("");
Voyager 200 Already 8Mb compatible** document.write("");
Voyager 205 Already 8Mb compatible** document.write("");
Voyager 210 Already 8Mb compatible** document.write("");
Voyager 220v Already 8Mb compatible** document.write("");
Voyager 2091 Already 8Mb compatible** document.write("");
Voyager 2500v Already 8Mb compatible** document.write("");
BT Home Hub 1800HG Already 8Mb compatible** top


* Upgrade to router recommended: These broadband modems can be expected to support maximum line speeds of up to approx 4Mb, but faster speeds may not be possible. For best performance, ensure the latest drivers are installed (see manufacturers' websites). However, these devices do not provide the best internet experience as they require manual reconnection following any break in your broadband service, require your computer to be switched on all the time, and can only support a single computer on your broadband connection.

** Already 8Mb compatible: These broadband routers and hubs are designed to support speeds of up to 8Mb. For best performance, connect your router to your computer via Ethernet or wireless, avoiding USB if possible. Also these devices offer an improved internet experience as they can reconnect automatically following any break in your broadband service, are independently powered so can be left on permanently for a true 'always on' broadband connection, and are capable of sharing your broadband between several computers simultaneously.

AVAILABILITY

Q. Who can get up to 8Mb BT Broadband?

A. The service will be available on over 5,300 exchanges serving the vast majority of UK homes (approx. 99.6% of homes and businesses). The exceptions will be customers living a long way from their exchange, and those on a small number of very remote rural exchanges which are not being upgraded. We expect over 90% of customers to have a MINIMUM speed of 2Mb. top

Q. When will it be available?

A. BT is starting the roll out of higher broadband speeds to new and existing customers in April 2006. It is our intention to offer up to 8Mb broadband to all new customers by June 2006. Our ability to offer up to 8Mb Broadband to all our existing customers will depend on the level of demand and capacity in the broadband network. As capacity becomes available, we will make it available to existing customers who have registered their interest in up to 8Mb broadband on a first come, first served basis. Existing customers should register for up to 8Mb broadband at www.bt.com/broadband/faster. top


ORDERING

Q. Can I get an idea of the broadband speed my phone line will support before I order?

A. Certainly. Before you place your order, we’ll give you an estimate of the maximum broadband speed your line will support (this will be subject to a subsequent line test). Or to find out now what we estimate the maximum speed for your line is, visit our Broadband availability checker at www.bt.com/btbroadband and then click on the 'Can I get broadband?' at the bottom of the page. You will need to input your current telephone number. top

Q. How do I order up to 8Mb BT Broadband?

A. The new service will gradually become available during April, May and June. To register your interest and be one of the first to benefit, simply click here and fill in your details. We will then contact you as soon as up to 8Mb BT Broadband becomes available to order. top

Q. Is there a minimum contract period?

A. Yes, up to 8Mb BT Broadband is offered on a 12 month contract from the date of activation. This applies both to new customers and to existing customers (with the exception of home movers and those moving product in connection with our Fair Usage Policy, for whom a 3 month term applies - or the balance of any existing term, if greater). top


EXISTING CUSTOMERS

Q. Is the new service available to all existing BT Broadband customers?

A. Up to 8Mb BT Broadband is available to existing 1Mb and 2Mb BT Broadband customers.

Existing 512k customers please note:

We will estimate your line speed as part of your order for Up to 8Mb broadband. If you are currently a 512k fixed-speed customer, it's possible that the new technology used in the Up to 8Mb service may now enable your line to support a higher speed of up to 1Mb. If the line speed estimate is 1Mb or above, then we’ll provide up to 8Mb Broadband. If not, then we’ll continue to provide you with 512k fixed service, this being the most appropriate product for your line.

In the future, we hope to be able to offer faster broadband to our 512k customers as well. We will communicate this with these customers as soon as it’s available.

In the future, we hope to offer faster broadband to our 512k customers as well. We will communicate this with these customers when we are able to do this. top

Q. Will it cost me any extra?

A. No - up to 8Mb BT Broadband costs the same as our existing Broadband services. top

Q. Will my email and Yahoo! services be affected?

A. No. The upgrade affects speed only, and other aspects of your BT Broadband service will remain untouched (i.e. email, other Yahoo! services, and monthly usage limits). top

Q. Will my service be interrupted during the upgrade?

A. You may experience an interruption in your broadband service of up to 30 minutes while the necessary software upgrade takes place in the exchange. This will be followed by an initial ‘running in’ period of about one hour during which you may experience an intermittent connection, usually accompanied by a flashing light on your modem. This is normal and is not a fault in the service - it is caused by the exchange testing different broadband speeds on your line in order to determine the fastest stable speed. Once this process is complete, your service should stabilise at the new speed. top

Q. Will my existing broadband modem still work?

A. To get the best speed we recommend you switch to using a router or hub rather than a modem, and connect it to your computer via Ethernet or wireless, avoiding USB if possible. A range of 8Mb-compatible wired and wireless routers are available for sale from BT by calling 0800 800 150. See the FAQ section above regarding modems and routers. top

Q. How do I upgrade to up to 8Mb BT Broadband?

A. The new service will gradually become available during April, May and June. To register your interest and be one of the first to benefit, simply click here and fill in your details. We will then contact you when up to 8Mb BT Broadband becomes available to order. top


USING UP TO 8MB BT BROADBAND

Q. What can I expect when I first start using up to 8Mb BT Broadband?

A. After CD installation and initial connection, the service can be expected to take a little time to establish the fastest, most reliable speed your phone line can support. This should usually take no more than an hour, but in some rare cases may take up to 24 hours.

During this time you may experience an intermittent connection, usually accompanied by a flashing light on your modem. This is normal and is not a fault in the service - it is caused by the exchange testing different broadband speeds on your line in order to determine the fastest stable speed. Once this process is complete, your service should stabilise at the new speed. top

Q. I have just started using the new service but am experiencing short breaks in my connection. Is this normal?

A. Your service will always give you the fastest speed your phone line can support. It does this by automatically adjusting your broadband speed if line conditions change. A temporary dropping of your broadband connection is therefore possible if a speed change occurs, but is likely to be short in duration (20-60 secs). This is quite normal and is not a fault with the service. top

Q. Why does my broadband connection sometimes appear intermittent, usually accompanied by a flashing light on my modem or router?

A. This is most likely to be the broadband service automatically adjusting your line speed in order to maintain the fastest possible stable connection (a process known as 're-synching'). Re-synchs are usually triggered by electrical interference affecting your phone line. The re-synch process requires the broadband signal to be dropped for 20-60 seconds while a new stable speed is identified. If you have a router or hub, your broadband service should then re-connect automatically; while if you have a modem, you will usually see a prompt on your computer screen asking you to re-connect manually.

[jimbr1111]

Looks like I'll have to upgrade my modem to get the full 8M

[Realist]

Not always down to the modem M8, could be local conditions, line lenth and other factors.

[DSat]

I'm limited to 1180mbps on my line. I've run speed tests over 3 ISP's and been in touch with each one to try and up it. Never dipped below 1150 and never above 1200. Its 5 miles to the exchange, and tough luck