Effective November 1st, 2023, monthly rental prices will each increase by £1 (ex.VAT) for the following services, which we will define as legacy products:

• PSTN per line rental
• ISDN2 per channel rental
• ISDN30 per channel rental
• ADSL (TalkTalk and BT Wholesale)
• FTTC (TalkTalk and BT Wholesale)

This effectively means that a PSTN and FTTC circuit will increase by £2 (ex.VAT) per month from November 1st, 2023.

A further £1 (ex.VAT) increase on these products will occur on January 1st, 2024. These adjustments reflect rising operating costs and encourage migration to modern solutions.

There will be no changes to GFast, SOGEA or FTTP pricing.

Free transition

Furthermore, we are delighted to inform you that the promotion for a cost-free transition from PSTN or ADSL / FTTC to SOADSL / SOGEA has been extended. This means that not only can you enjoy the benefits of modern technology, but you can continue to do so without incurring any additional charges for the migration.

Why is this happening?

Openreach has announced its plan to close down legacy PSTN services by December 2025, with a stop sell already in place. This industry-wide shift aligns with the broader telecommunications landscape’s transition to digital and IP-based solutions. The imminent closure of legacy PSTN underscores the increasing urgency of transitioning to Single Order Broadband (SOADSL / SOGEA), FTTP, and VoIP.

If you have any enquiries or require assistance with this transition, please do not hesitate to contact our team at hello@spirittelecom.co.uk or 03333583100.

The post Monthly Rental Price Update for WLR and Legacy Broadband appeared first on .

Openreach are planning on switching off all PSTN services by December 2025 and stop selling new services by December 2023, with some exchanges already on a stop sell and making FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) the only available option. Where exchanges cannot get FTTP, Openreach has released a product called ‘SOGEA’.

What about my broadband service on PSTN?

Openreach has released a product called SOGEA (currently only offered by BT Wholesale) which is a PSTN line that carries FTTC on it, but doesn’t have any voice facilities or a number attached. Therefore, it is not possible to make and receive calls using a traditional telephone on SOGEA.

So how will I get voice services when PSTN is switched off?

If you require to keep your landline number, you will need to port it to VoIP (Voice over IP). This can be with Spirit Telecom Ltd or any other provider. You may need to replace or acquire additional equipment in order to use this.

What does SOGEA stand for?

Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. It’s Openreach’s term for FTTC essentially, without the voice side.

What speed does SOGEA offer?

Spirit Telecom Ltd will be offering up to 40/10 and 80/20 SOGEA speeds (download/upload Mb/sec)

OK, so how do I move my current service from PSTN/FTTC to SOGEA?

You can modify an existing broadband connection by asking Spirit Telecom Ltd to make the change for you

What will happen to the number on the line? And how is SOGEA presented on the line/socket?

By default, the number will cease to exist once the switch has completed. However, you do have the option to port the number to a VoIP platform such as our own, or someone else’s. This is part of the order process.

SOGEA is presented in the same way as a regular PSTN/FTTC line – just the voice facilities will not work. A filter is still required just as regular broadband is. Sometimes Openreach will install a dual plug filtered socket for both PSTN and broadband so in these instances a separate filter isn’t required.

Is there a cost to switch to SOGEA?

Spirit Telecom Ltd and BT Wholesale have agreed a package where it is free to switch or install SOGEA, providing the service is on a 12 month contract.

Will my username or Static IP address change?

Not if you’re using the Modify Broadband facility. Obviously if you’re switching from another provider, these will change just as they do when migrating ADSL/FTTC.

What if SOGEA isn’t available?

If SOGEA isn’t available in an area that doesn’t have FTTC or FTTP yet, then there isn’t a product available and normal PSTN/ADSL must be used. BT and TalkTalk plan to release an ADSL equivalent in the coming months (called SoTAP) that will enable PSTN/ADSL migrations to such a product. If FTTP is available and SOGEA isn’t, then FTTP must be used.

Is there anything different about SOGEA broadband wise compared to PSTN/FTTC?

No, the only difference is that it cannot be used for voice facilities and has no telephone number attached.

Can I use my existing router?

If your current broadband service is on FTTC, then you can carry on using the same router for SOGEA using the same settings. If you’re switching from PSTN/ADSL to SOGEA, you will need to check whether the router supports VDSL.

Are there any cost savings for SOGEA over PSTN/FTTC as I’m not using the voice side?

Yes, our SOGEA rental prices are lower than traditional PSTN/FTTC products

In addition, Spirit Telecom Ltd offered a free installation or transfer on PSTN and FTTC if ordered as part of a Simultaneous broadband until 01/05/2022. It is now only free on Standard SOGEA and FTTP new installations, takeovers and transfers, so the PSTN offer stopped from 01/05/2022.

What about G.Fast?

Openreach are releasing a SOGFast product, which is a PSTN/G.Fast replacement, but has yet to be released.

Can I switch back from SOGEA to PSTN/FTTC or ADSL?

Yes, you can do, but this isn’t recommended. Eventually Openreach will not allow this anyway.

Will I be able to switch from PSTN/FTTC/ADSL or SOGEA to FTTP when it becomes available?

You won’t be able to switch, so to speak, as the current process is to install FTTP and then cease the PSTN / SOGEA service if it’s no longer required.

So if I switch to SOGEA, what will happen if my exchange stops copper / PSTN lines / SOGEA completely, will they force me to switch to FTTP?

Eventually, yes, but this isn’t likely to happen for another 10 to 15 years or so. The emphasis at the moment is to switch as many people away from PSTN/FTTC to SOGEA or FTTP where available. SOGEA has a much longer lifespan than PSTN/FTTC.

So what about if I have a PSTN line and I use it for just calls and no broadband? Will I have to move?

This is still a contentious issue in the industry, but at the current time Openreach’s stance is it’s sticking to its guns that it wants to move such users to SOGEA or FTTP and request the end user moves to VoIP.

What if I have line rental with another provider and broadband with you, or line rental with you and broadband with another provider?

You will need to choose one provider and swap to SOGEA who will manage it as ‘one line’, so to speak. If you are using Spirit Telecom Ltd, our order process provides for this scenario, but we cannot speak for 3rd party providers.

If I have line rental with a 3rd party provider and broadband with you and I swap to SOGEA, is there a cease charge? Or vice versa?

If the broadband that is with Spirit Telecom Ltd is on a BT Wholesale product, and swaps to SOGEA on BT Wholesale (i.e. the same carrier), there are no cease charges levied by Spirit Telecom Ltd. Whether the line rental provider will charge a cease fee for leaving them, we cannot say and this is something you will need to check with them.

If you are migrating away to another BT Wholesale provider’s SOGEA service from a BT Wholesale connection with us, providing the current broadband connection is out of contract, there are no exit fees.

If you are migrating away to another LLU provider’s service (regardless of technology type) from a BT Wholesale connection with us, then a standard cease fee will apply as it is ceasing from BT Wholesale’s equipment.

If my current broadband connection is in contract, can I still move to SOGEA without incurring extra fees?

If it is a BT Wholesale ADSL/FTTC connection, it is possible to switch to SOGEA without penalty. This will, however, start a new 12 month contract. If it is a TalkTalk connection, then it will be deemed a break of contract and contractual fulfilment fees will apply.

Are there any concessions for people who just use broadband for VoIP as a replacement for PSTN and have no intention of using traditional internet services such web and email?

Not at the current time, unfortunately.

Can I restart a ‘stopped line’ and install SOGEA on it?

Yes, but eventually these will not have dial tones as PSTN switches off, so it won’t always be easy for anyone to determine which line has been restarted if you have multiple lines in a building. In these situations, we suggest installing a brand new service to be 100% sure. An Openreach engineer will come out and most likely use an existing stopped line anyway.

32.What about ISDN2 and 30 and PSTN Multi-lines?

They will follow the same fate as PSTN and you will need to move to a VoIP solution.

Finally, is there any downtime when switching to SOGEA from PSTN/FTTC or ADSL?

The majority of migrations will happen in the middle of the night just as they do with FTTC migrations. Whilst there shouldn’t be any downtime during the switch, it’s impossible to say there won’t be a brief period of a few minutes whilst Openreach do what’s needed to be done.

OK, what do I do if I need to know anything else?

We’ve attempted to answer as many questions as we can, but we’re always on the end of a phone call or email if you wish to know more. SOGEA has been headline news in the comms industry for a year or so now, so hopefully this has covered everything.

The post SoGEA FAQ appeared first on .

BT are moving all customers from the old analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a fully digital network. They’ve already started. We plan to have moved everyone over before Openreach stop the PSTN (and ISDN) service in 2025. By then, every phone line in the UK will be digital, routing calls over IP (Internet Protocol) rather than the traditional PSTN.

When you say ‘everyone…’?

Yes, we mean everyone. Business and home. And it’s not just your phone services you need to think about. It’s everything else that currently uses the old phone network, all your non-voice services connected to PSTN or ISDN lines. Things like alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and faxes.

Sounds a bit drastic. Why are BT doing it?

PSTN has been the backbone of the UK’s phone network for decades. But we’ve all seen the dramatic changes in technology over the past few years, especially recently. It’s all around us: smartphones, apps, the cloud, Zoom, Internet of Things, and so on.

What you probably don’t notice so much is the infrastructure that makes everything work. The telephone lines strung across the streets, the web of copper cables buried beneath your feet, some of which have been down there since the 19th century.

So IP is better than PSTN?

Yes. As an essentially 20th century technology, the PSTN network is increasingly out of kilter with the demands of modern communications. As people switch to mobile and internet communications, everyone demands much more than the traditional technologies were designed to deliver. Which is why we’re switching to IP. It’s now time to leap forward from PSTN to embrace the boundless possibilities of digital.

What about the rest of the world, what are they doing?

The switch to digital is happening everywhere, fast. As technology and customer behaviour changes, phone companies across the world are moving from analogue to digital. Germany, Japan, and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift. Estonia and The Netherlands are already there and have switched off their PSTN networks.

2025. That’s years away. Why are we talking about this now?

You need to start planning your move today because there could be a lot to do. Remember, it’s not just about calls. You need to review everything you’re connecting to your phone lines, like door entry systems and alarms. Many businesses have already embraced an all-digital model, moving their communications to the cloud, making calls over the internet and embracing video conferencing.

Will we be better off with digital?

The move to all-digital isn’t just because the old phone system is, well, old. It’s because all-digital communications are so much better. Even at the most basic level, you’ll be able to make and take calls on any device, from wherever you are, from the same number. You’ll link your business applications and systems with video chat, calls and collaboration, so you’re closer to customers and colleagues alike. And with everything in the cloud, you’ll be able to access systems from anywhere, working from wherever you want. 

Factor in the lower costs that IP can bring and it makes sense to get your skates on and go digital as soon as you can. There’s no need to wait until the last moment.

Sounds great. What do I do next?

Take a look at our Five steps to digital checklist for some pointers.

Hold on, not so fast. I’m not convinced.

That’s OK. We know there are a few scare stories out there about the PSTN switch-off. Ten myths about digital phone lines debunked should put you at ease.

The post The UK’s PSTN network will switch off in 2025 appeared first on .

RDDoS Attacks 10:29 19/10/2021

Our Platform is being targeted by a Ransom DDoS group and suffering sustained and prolonged attacks on its network edge.
The first wave of attacks started 14/10/2021 and have been lasting for around 7 hrs at a time.
The attacks have focused on DNS, SIP and HTTPS services with volumes around 100 Gbps.
Our mitigation partner is working with us to mitigate attacks as fast as possible without creating false positives.
We sincerely apologise for the disruption and we are working tirelessly to defend the network

The post Recent service outage appeared first on .

The post Speed Test appeared first on .

Latest Update, 10pm, 25th Jan:

We’re now aware that this loss of service is due to a major cable break on the Openreach network. Our engineers are working with Openreach to repair the damaged cable and restore service as soon as possible and would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused at this time. 

The post Loss of service around the Aberdeen & Dundee Area appeared first on .

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new Year from all at Spirit Telecom

Regards

James Moore

The post Christmas 2018 appeared first on .

• Unlimited calls to UK landline 01, 02 and 03 numbers, UK mobile numbers and Voicemail**
• Unlimited UK originating texts to standard rate text numbers
• Include European roaming calls, texts and data (subject to fair usage)
• 30 day contract term

Tariff	Price	Data	Minutes*	Texts*
O2 Simplified 300MB	£7.50	300MB	250	Unlimited
O2 Simplified 500MB	£9.00	500MB	500	Unlimited
O2 Simplified 5GB	£11.25	5GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
O2 Simplified 8GB	£13.50	8GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
O2 Simplified 16GB	£16.50	16GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
O2 Simplified 32GB	£19.50	32GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
O2 Simplified 50GB	£37.50	50GB	Unlimited	Unlimited

*Calls within EU & UK landline 01, 02 and 03 numbers as well as cross network come out of the tariff minute allowance, for full details of inclusive and exclusive calls and prices please refer to/request our ‘O2 All Rates’ document.
**Except Simplified 300MB & 500MB tariffs which include 250 & 500 calls.
 

• Unlimited calls to UK landline 01, 02 and 03 numbers, UK mobile numbers and Voicemail**
• Unlimited UK originating texts to standard rate text numbers
• Include European roaming calls, texts and data (subject to fair usage)
• 30 day contract term

Tariff	Price	Data	Minutes*	Texts*
EE Simplified 250MB	£10.63	250MB	Unlimited	Unlimited
EE Simplified 1GB	£12.50	1GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
EE Simplified 2GB	£14.38	2GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
EE Simplified 4GB	£16.25	4GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
EE Simplified 16GB	£23.75	16GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
EE Simplified 32GB	£43.75	32GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
EE Simplified 64GB	£80.00	64GB	Unlimited	Unlimited

*Calls within EU & UK landline 01, 02 and 03 numbers as well as cross network come out of the tariff minute allowance, for full details of inclusive and exclusive calls and prices please refer to/request our ‘O2 All Rates’ document.
**Except Simplified 300MB & 500MB tariffs which include 250 & 500 calls.

• Unlimited calls to UK landline 01, 02 and 03 numbers, UK mobile numbers, Voicemail and EU*
• Unlimited UK originating texts to standard rate text numbers.
• Include European roaming calls, texts and data
• 30 day contract term.

Tariff	Price	Data	Minutes	Texts
Vodafone Simplified BIS 1GB*	£11.88	1GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
Vodafone Simplified BES 1GB*	£21.25	1GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
Vodafone Simplified 3GB	£12.50	3GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
Vodafone Simplified 5GB	£15.63	5GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
Vodafone Simplified 10GB	£18.75	10GB	Unlimited	Unlimited
Vodafone Simplified 20GB	£23.75	20GB	Unlimited	Unlimited

* Subject to fair usage and for non BB10 users only

The post Pay Monthly SIM Only Deals appeared first on .

The post Call Reporting appeared first on .

The post Call Recording appeared first on .