Making sure your phone equipment is ready for the Year 2000
At home
Can the bug affect my home phone?
Most equipment should continue to work. Some items of equipment do display date and time information and if this is incorrect it does not normally affect the operation of the phone which should continue to work as normal. Equipment user guides will explain how to reset date and time functions and retailers should be able to provide help if there is a problem.
What about answering machines and faxes?
Again although these items of equipment may display date and time information malfunction should not affect the basic telecommunications functions provided. Equipment may put incorrect time and date stamps on messages. Equipment manuals, retailers and manufacturers should be able to provide information on how to reset date and time functions.
What about my mobile phone?
Most mobile phones should work without any problems. Check with retailers or service providers if you encounter any problems.
What about my PC and the internet?
Access to the internet requires a personal computer and a modem. The Year 2000 compatibility of the personal computer hardware and software will need to be checked. Action 2000 in its Homecheck documentation has published information on checking PC systems. If help is required contact the retailer or PC manufacturer. Internet connections also need a modem. Often this is part of the PC. Most modems do not require date functions and should continue to work.
What about burglar alarms?
Some burglar alarms have automatic calling capability to notify alarm activation. Although the alarm may have a date and time display it is unlikely that it cease working if there is a problem. If in doubt check with the alarm supplier or maintainer.
For business
Telecommunications are vital to business. If your business has not looked at its Year 2000 readiness it should do so now.
Data systems
Some businesses make use of equipment to transmit and receive data. Again this may require checking for Year 2000 and maintainers, suppliers and manufacturers should be able to provide the necessary information.
Private switches
These systems do contain electronic chips and software and many of them will need to be checked for Year 2000. If you have a maintenance contract check with your maintainer what you need to do. If not check with the supplier of the equipment or the manufacturer. You may need to take action to keep the system working.
Phones, faxes, answering machines, PCs and internet
Although these items of equipment may display date and time information malfunction should not affect the basic telecommunications functions provided. Equipment may put incorrect time and date stamps on messages. Equipment manuals, retailers and manufacturers should be able to provide information on how to reset date and time functions.
PCs
Businesses must check the year 2000 compatibility of PCs. Contact your supplier or the manufacturer for advice. Information on checking PC systems is also available from Action 2000.
Some useful sources
Help Lines
BT help desk: 0800 731 0220
CWC helpline: 0800 096 9659
Action 2000: 0845 601 2000
Oftel: 0845 714 5000
(or email: crs.oftel@gtnet.gov.uk)
Websites
BT: http://www.business.bt.com/2000
CWC: http://www.year.2000@cwcom.co.uk
Action 2000: http://www.bug2000.co.uk/
Mobile Phones
For information on Year 2000 issues concerning mobile networks, contact your supplier’s usual customer service number.
You can find more information on the following wesites:
Cellnet: http://www.btcellnet.co.uk
Vodaphone: http://www.vodafone.co.uk
Orange: http://www.orange.co.uk
One 2 One: http://www.one2one.co.uk
This leaflet is intended as a general guide to Year 2000 compliance and telecoms issues and does not provide legal or professional advice. For technical or specialist advice contact your telephone network or the suppliers and maintainers of your equipment.