Today we have been advised by BT of the latest migration plans for all current BTOpenworld (business) and BTYahoo (residental) regarding moving users from the existing BT Wholesale Central network over to the BT Central Plus network, currently used by users of BT's "no frills" offering BT Broadband.

From the 29th March 2004, customers will be migrated over from the old network in batches according to the users Home Gateway number.

Users of BT Broadband will already be aware that when on the BT Central Plus network, there is no password required to connect to the service, and this will now apply to all BT Openworld and BT Yahoo customers as well. That said, authentication will still be required for accessing services such as webmail. By the use of the BT Central Plus's "Line Identifier", another change is that the username is not totally used either, as only the domain part is required (@hgxx.btinternet.com).

Downtime is inevitable, but this will be reduced to an absolute minimum. Users who are connected to the service at the time of migration will notice a few days later that their connection has been broken. Re-attempting to connect will restore the service.

BT have also provided the following FAQ, relevant post migration.

I have noticed that there is no password required now, I am worried that this will make my access unsafe? BT Yahoo! Broadband is migrating to a new underlying network that will not require the use of a password in order for you to log on onto the network part of the service. This does not mean that the broadband service is not secure. It’s in fact as secure as it was before, with the added benefit that now, using the ‘line identifier’, the broadband service will only be accessible via the telephone line where it was provided. It should be noted that this change only affect the ‘network’ part of the service, customer will still need to enter username and password to access the portal and webmail and other services (via the welcome screen or via any other browsers like internet explorer).

When I check my line on ADSL guide, the speed check shows me as having BT Broadband - why is this? BT Broadband currently utilises the same network that BT Yahoo! Broadband will be migrating to. This means that when speed tests are done, ADSL guide will no longer be able to differentiate that type of product you have (connection only with BT Broadband or full ISP services with BT Yahoo! Broadband). You should not see any changes to your service.

I have noticed that you are migrating networks. Does this mean I now have the a BT Broadband product, and I now only pay BT Broadband price? No. BT Yahoo! Broadband is migrating to a new underlying network. BT Broadband currently utilises the same network that BT Yahoo! Broadband will be migrating to. This only means both set of products are now using the same underlying infrastructure. The price difference is based on the array of services you receive as part of the broadband package you have purchased. With BT Broadband you will have a ‘no-frills’ service (connectivity only) while with BT Yahoo! Broadband you will have the added benefits of a full ISP service, including up to 11 email addresses, BT Yahoo! Browser, Personalised Homepage Email virus protection, Parental controls, pop-up blocker just to name a few. No changes in your service or charges will be made.