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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about ADSL

 

What equipment do I need?

For ADSL Connections:

A PC with at least the following specification is recommended:

Pentium 200Mhz
32 Mb RAM
4-speed CD-ROM drive
Video card/display capable of 800x600, 256 colours
50Mb free on hard drive
Windows 98, 98SE, ME or 2000 Professional
An available USB port

NOTE: Windows '95 is not supported and the USB upgrade for Windows '95 (USBSUPP.EXE) does not provide the required additional functionality. Dual processors are not currently supported.

For Always Routed:

A PC  with a specification as above, except as follows:

Windows 95 and Windows NT4 are support
USB is not needed
An available 10baseT compatible Ethernet interface with an RJ45 connector

For either service you will need a dedicated mains wall socket for the ADSL modem or router

Will ADSL work with my... ?

Currently there are number of issues with the use of non-standard equipment together with ADSL:

Currently the Broadband services are only available over a BT PSTN line. ISDN, Subscriber private metering, 30k loop, Private Circuits, BT Home Highway or Business Highway, Red ABC, RedCare, FeatureNet 5000 services, Meterpulse facility, PBX lines and Non-BT phone lines cannot be used with the service. Therefore if you have an ISDN line, you must have it converted to a normal PSTN analogue phone line before ADSL can be placed upon it.
All BT Select Services can be supported on the PSTN line, including Call Waiting, Call Return and Caller Display.
ADSL is not compatible with Alarm Systems which use 'out of band' (greater than 4khz) signalling. To check whether your alarm system is compatible please refer to your alarm system manual or provider.
Fax machines may operate at a lower speed.
ADSL can only be provided within 30m of the BT master socket. It cannot be run from an extension off the BT Master Socket. If your analogue line is not within this distance a new line will be required.

 

What if I move house?

If you move your connection will have to be ceased and you will be liable to pay for the remaining term of your contract. If you want ADSL at your new home you will need to place a new order (subject to ADSL availability and survey).

BT are currently invetigating the process of shifting circuits, however no timescale has been set for this decision.

Will I need a new phone number?

Most end users will be able to keep their existing BT numbers.

However if you are currently using an ISDN line to connect to the Internet and do not have a telephone line available you will need to have one installed and cease your ISDN contract (unless you have another use for it)

Are there any call charges?

No. ADSL offers permanent Internet access for a flat fee with no additional call charges.

Will telephone calls be charged separately?

Yes. Normal telephone rental and call charges will still apply.

Is there a service level guarantee?

ADSL comes under BT Standard Care Service level. This operates during 9.00am to 5.00pm.

BT will aim to respond to a fault report, where it is received before 5.00pm on one working day, by the end of the next working day. Work will only be carried out during normal working hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm. There are no availability guarantees from BT.

Can I have more than one ADSL extension running from the splitter?

No. The splitter is part of the BT Equipment. Only one splitter/modem/router set is provided.

Can I have another telephone extension running from the splitter?

Yes, additional telephone equipment may be connected using an approved telephone two-way adaptor.