Will PPC interconnection be restricted to Metro Nodes?
We need to distinguish between the physical interconnection and the PPC pricing model. The PPC pricing model, as determined by the Leased Line Market Review and the Price Cap Review, remains until at least 2008 when it will be the subject of a further consultation. At this time, it is envisaged that product and pricing will be unchanged by any physical network rearrangements.
As part of 21CN, BT will be rolling out a new transport layer, which will eventually replace the existing SDH network. As a result, Tier 1 nodes will close and existing Points of Handover (PoH) will need to move onto the replacement 21CN transport layer. The PoH refers to the fibre splice or customer-sited box provided by BT and this will remain unchanged. The BT end of the link may change as we introduce the 21CN transmission network, but we will ensure service continuity; this should not affect existing connections, although a no-break transfer cannot be guaranteed.
Separately, the industry has expressed an interest in a future multi-service point of interconnection and BT is considering how this might be achieved. As well as physical layer issues, commercial arrangements for such services will be discussed.
Will Featurenet still be provided in the 21CN?
Featurenet is implemented as a network dedicated to the service. As 21CN rolls out, Featurenet will be implemented as an application. Customer ‘tails’ will be left unchanged, but the BT equipment serving them will be replaced.
Will PPC interconnects continue to be constructed at any SDH node?
21CN will eventually mean the removal of existing platforms including BT’s SDH network. As a result, once the list of Metro Nodes has been published, BT will not accept requests for new ISH PoH at other sites. Customer Sited Handover will be unaffected and continue to be available.
What types of leased lines will be available in 21CN?
All types of leased lines will be supported unchanged until at least 2011. BT has no current plans to introduce new types of leased lines but would expect to meet any new market need expressed by customers.
If PoHs are re-optimised will it affect PPC pricing?
Any re-optimisation of PoHs would not affect PPC pricing. Virtual T1 Nodes will continue to be the basis of trunk/terminating segment charges.
