In a similar ilk to that of Telewest & NTL (just 6 months later), BT are soon to launch a massive shake up of their existing business portfolio - including an automatic and free regrade for all Network 500 (512k) Business customers to the ISPs "Network 1000" (1Mbit) solution, and Network 1000 customers regraded for free to Network 2000 (2Mbit) - all with no change in the current monthly subscription prices. Another key change sees the introduction the "Network 1000" option provision becoming entry level.

Following BTWholesale's announcement in August this year regarding distance limitations, BT Business Broadband will also be removing their Network 500 product from the shelves - the option for ordering remaining only to those customers who, due to line conditions, cannot get a 1Mbit connection.

The table below shows the new pricing, together with the expected regrade date. All prices quoted ex VAT.

Starting this month, BT has already been testing all of its Business customers' lines for suitability for the appropriate regrade. Existing Network 500 customers can expect their regrade to Network 1000 to occur throughout November & December 2004, with Network 1000 customers regraded to Network 2000 slightly earlier, during October through November 2004.