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BE Broadband Updates on Slow FTTC Progress and Starts Core Network Upgrade

Posted: 07th Feb, 2012 By: MarkJ
uk network upgradebe broadband uk isp logoInternet provider Be Broadband UK (BE) has confirmed that it will begin migrating customers over to its new core network by the end of February 2012. The major upgrade, which was announced towards the end of last year (full details), is designed to improve the ISPs capacity, resiliency and support new features ( e.g. IPv6 ).

Customers can expect to be migrated on a rolling, exchange-by-exchange basis, which will apparently take significantly longer than last year's original estimate of 7 months. Instead BE's MD, Chris Stenning, expects the migrations to "continue throughout 2012 and into early 2013". Apparently "plenty of notice" will be given to those affected, although for most the change should be seamless.

Meanwhile BE's boss also took the time to answer a few questions about its much delayed plans for a superfast broadband service using BT's 'up to' 40Mbps (soon to be 80Mbps) FTTC technology. Apparently the ISPs first service trial, which is taking place at the Barking (Greater London) telephone exchange, told them a lot and an upgrade plan has now been costed and submitted for approval by O2 UK.

BE's Managing Director, Chris Stenning, Explained:

"We've made the case to spend the money on the network and associated IT and it is currently awaiting approval with our parent company [ O2 ] as it is not a small amount of money.

As soon as we get this we will firm up launch dates and tell you more. So, in terms of progress I know [that's] not what everyone wants to hear but we are progressing albeit slower than I know everyone would like."

According to the BE Usergroup, which has pasted a summary of Stenning's recent chat with customers, the new service will use a mix of BTOpenreach (cheaper VULA) and BTWholesale based FTTC to deliver its service. BE predicts that its "unlimited and unshaped" superfast package(s) will NOT cost less than the BE Pro service (i.e. £27 a month). Customers are told to "expect a reasonable but not excessive premium" (so far most ISPs have allowed for a premium of around +£10).

It's good to see that BE are making progress with their new network and FTTC services, although even Stenning admits that the slow pace of progress has been "frustrating". Interestingly he also confirmed that 74% of those leaving in August/September last year said they would consider returning to BE at some point in the future (possibly when they have FTTC).
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