ADSL2+ Annex M Product Launch

We now have access to an LLU ADSL2+ Annex M service.  Giving up to 2.5Mb upstream bandwidth and 16Mb downstream bandwidth, this is a true next generation business-class ADSL service.

Along with this service we have successfully added the ADSL2 + range of enhanced broadband services to our platform and are now able to offer these improved services where local exchanges support it. We will provide these services by default if your local exchange has access to them.  

With business coverage for 55% of the UK over 1000 exchanges, this really is the next leap in ADSL technology.  Our partner Griffin Internet will be launching further engineered versions of this product shortly, which will give much higher guaranteed throughputs and performance SLAs. Griffin has been trialling this service for many months now, with a view to getting the best speeds, and as Annex M is exceedingly sensitive to different router firmware and needs a fast processor in the CPE, they have spent much of there time trialling different manufacturers’ prodicts to connect it with. 

The best router we have found for upload speed so far is the Zoom X6, We will therefore be using this router when supply of an Annex M product is called for. Costing £65.00 +VAT these are recommended by us for the Annex M product. 

OFCOM ANNOUNCES NEW NUMBER RANGE PROPOSALS

Ofcom 0870 proposals

Ofcom has laid down its proposals for the 0870 number range and other numbering schemes, following completion of its consultation last year with the Communications Industry. The 08 numbering range for chargeable services will be restructured, Ofcom says. New numbers will be banded by price and the type of service they provide, to allow an association to be built in the consumers mind. This is based on the idea that the lower the number following the 08, such as 082, the lower the charge, versus for instance 089. This proposal compliments work already underway to change the current 084 and 087 numbering ranges.

An 06 number range will be introduced for personalised numbers, Ofcom proposes, which will eventually replace today’s 070 personal numbers, both of which will have a price ceiling introduced. Ofcom says 070 numbers are often confused with mobile numbers by consumers. This move will prevent scams as 06 will be easily identifiable, and will allow 07 numbers to be clearly associated with mobile phones.

The regulator proposes that it will create a new, country-wide number range on 03. This will be charged at the same rate as geographic numbers, which will enable businesses requiring a national presence to use this range without charging a premium. This range could also be offered in low-cost call packages by fixed or mobile operators.

These proposals are again being consulted upon and we bring you news of any changes as soon as they are published by Ofcom.

Dialling (020) 3 for London

As London 020 7 and 020 8 numbers become increasingly hard to find Ofcom has launched a new range of London telephone numbers, starting with (020) 3. These are being used alongside the existing (020) 7 and (020) 8 numbers to increase capacity. They are to be given out to some residential and business customers who put in a new lines or apply for a new telephone number range for VoIP services and were avaiable from the autumn of 2005 onwards.

If you've got a (020) 7 or (020) 8 number - don't worry. You do not have to change your number. All you need to remember is that when you see an (020) 3 telephone number, it's a London number, just like (020) 7 and (020) 8 - and of course the cost of a call is the same.

Section 56 of the Communications Act 2003 requires Ofcom to publish a National Telephone Numbering Plan and to review that Plan as required; Section 63 of the Act requires Ofcom to seek the best use of appropriate telephone numbers and to encourage efficiency and innovation.

Ofcom has introduced the extra (020) 3 numbers because London is growing, and more people and businesses want additional telephone numbers. Please find more information below on how Ofcom will allocate the additional (020) 3 numbers to telecoms companies - who will then in turn allocate these to their customers.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/telecoms/reports/numresearch/london_telephone/

Internet Service Providers (ISP's) are required to provide customers with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed their broadband service can support at either the point of sale to the customer, in the shop, over the phone or on their Internet website under a new voluntary Code of Practice published recently by Ofcom the Telecommunications Regulator. Other steps required by the code which aims to ensure greater clarity in broadband markets include:-