UPD UK PostOffice Swaps Telecom Network and Unveils Faster Broadband

The Post Office has finally begun its long awaited £500m migration from a BTWholesale / Logica based managed broadband platform and on to one that’s being delivered by TalkTalk Wholesale and Fujitsu (original may 2012 news). As a result a series of refreshed internet and phone packages have also been launched.

In addition to the five-year contract between PO and TalkTalk, Capita has also been brought in to provide the customer contact centre and MDS have been enlisted to handle their consumer billing and settlement solutions. It’s believed that PO are currently home to around 500,000 broadband and phone customers.

The new investment means that PO can finally move on from their old up to 8Mbps (ADSL) packages and offer a range of up to 20/24Mbps (ADSL2+) solutions. However in this day and age it’s disappointing to see that there’s no hint of a superfast broadband (FTTC) option, which could be a risky oversight.

It’s understood that, starting from 2nd September 2013, the PO will begin moving customers on to its new broadband and phone network. Meanwhile new customers will be able to take the enhanced packages from Monday 22nd July 2013. But, despite a name change, the actual packages don’t appear to have changed much (same prices etc.); although the “new” Broadband Essential (formerly Broadband Standard) now comes with a 10GB usage allowance instead of only 5GB.

Take note that the “unlimited” usage package continues to retain its 100GB fair usage limit, which will slow customers down if they use too much in any single month. Also customers that want the Anytime UK Calls option will need to pay an extra £4.50 per month. Some new mobile and international calling options will also be added. A free modem or wireless router is also still believed to be included but not yet confirmed.

Customers will now get access to an all new online account management system, although on the downside the Post Office has decided to scrap their 50MB webspace allowance (not many people used it). The official announcement about all this is due to follow on Monday but in the meantime you can check out their FAQ Page for more. Credits to Thinkbroadband for spotting this development.

UPDATE 12th September 2013

The migration appears to be causing customers a few problems (here).