3,000 LANDLINE telephones in Peel have been switched to the new next generation network by Manx Telecom.
The work is part of the £25 million next generation network (NGN) programme to replace the entire fixed, mobile and broadband network with an IP (Internet Protocol) telecommunications system. This will converge voice calls and data, onto one network.
Each of the Island's 55,000 landlines has to be switched from the existing network to NGN - a process known as migration.
Mike Readshaw, NGN programme manager, said: "The migration process is a complex task but we are pleased to report that the Peel migration was completed without any problems. This was the second exchange to be migrated following on from the successful migration of the Laxey exchange in December."
The next phase of the migration process will be carried out in May with domestic landlines in the centre and north of Douglas and Castletown exchanges being switched to NGN. This phase will also include the beginning of the migration process for Manx Telecom business customers.
Prior to work beginning on the next migration phase public notices informing customers about the work will be published in the local press. Information about the NGN migration process can also be found at http://www.manxtelecom.com/ngn.
This web address will also be useful to customers who have any concerns about whether their existing phone is compatible with NGN.
Manx Telecom has tested a range of telephones to make sure that they are compatible with NGN and a list of consumer telephones that have already been tested on the new network can be found on the NGN website.
If your telephone is not listed and you wish to test it ahead of your line being migrated, there are test lines in Manx Telecom's Victoria Street shop in Douglas and staff there will be able to provide assistance if required.
Business customers using third party supplied telecom equipment that currently connects to the fixed line network are advised to contact their suppliers for confirmation that the equipment will be compatible with an IP based network.
