BT shedding 10,000 jobs

Lance · Nov 13, 2008, 08:41:49

As reported by the BBC here. I wonder how many of these will be in its broadband support or Openreach...

Inactive · Nov 13, 2008, 09:09:34

So, they rob their existing staff by cutting pensions, sack 10.000 more.

Well we all know what will happen to BT service levels then.

Rik · Nov 13, 2008, 09:45:40

That new pension deal was an appalling move on an already closed scheme.

Noreen · Nov 13, 2008, 17:22:50

Quite worrying for my family as my nephew works for Openreach.

Rik · Nov 13, 2008, 17:25:58

I can imagine, Noreen. At one time, you'd have thought BT was secure again after the closing of the pension scheme and all the earlier job cuts.

Colin Burns · Nov 16, 2008, 01:16:03

na they will just bring in apprentises and get shot of them when the time comes to pay them propper rates.

Noreen · Nov 16, 2008, 10:56:31

Quote from: Noreen on Nov 13, 2008, 17:22:50
Quite worrying for my family as my nephew works for Openreach.

So far he hasn't heard any bad news but we're all keeping our fingers crossed.

Rik · Nov 16, 2008, 11:02:59

I'll join you, Noreen.

Sebby · Nov 16, 2008, 18:17:15

I'm waiting for the headline "BT to shed 10,000 exchanges".

Rik · Nov 16, 2008, 18:20:16

It will probably happen one day, Seb. If there is a move to fibre, the function of a local exchange is, to a great extent, negated.

Sebby · Nov 16, 2008, 18:20:41

Indeed.

Rik · Nov 16, 2008, 18:21:36

We can dream, can't we.

Sebby · Nov 16, 2008, 18:23:11

I don't doubt it'll happen one day, but I just think it's a long way away, even in my lifetime!

Lance · Nov 16, 2008, 22:36:56

Quote from: Rik on Nov 16, 2008, 18:20:16
It will probably happen one day, Seb. If there is a move to fibre, the function of a local exchange is, to a great extent, negated.

But is it though? They will still need somewhere for all the bits of fibre from the cabinets to come together, and then go into one big bit of fibre!

Although the use of the exchange may change, I think there will still be a need for them.

Inactive · Nov 17, 2008, 00:19:05

Well if they do ever get rid of them, there will be a nice bungalow shell of a building for sale just down the road from me.

Rik · Nov 17, 2008, 09:37:55

Quote from: Lance on Nov 16, 2008, 22:36:56
Although the use of the exchange may change, I think there will still be a need for them.

I suspect that the size of the 'building' will be much smaller though, Lance, and may come down to being a 'super cabinet'.

Rik · Nov 17, 2008, 09:38:16

Quote from: Inactive on Nov 17, 2008, 00:19:05
Well if they do ever get rid of them, there will be a nice bungalow shell of a building for sale just down the road from me.

Is that a bid I hear?

Inactive · Nov 17, 2008, 09:40:36

Could be Rik, as long as they leave one nice fast connection for me..

Rik · Nov 17, 2008, 09:43:27

They could leave the backhaul in situ and make it really good value.

Sebby · Nov 17, 2008, 12:57:21

Inactive · Nov 17, 2008, 13:05:07

I may develop the idea.

Rik · Nov 17, 2008, 13:06:07

Been in a dark room then, In?

Sebby · Nov 17, 2008, 13:07:37

Quote from: Rik on Nov 17, 2008, 13:06:07
Been in a dark room then, In?

Must have been the telephone exchange!

Inactive · Nov 17, 2008, 13:09:58

Quote from: Rik on Nov 17, 2008, 13:06:07
Been in a dark room then, In?

Some have told me that it may help me.

Rik · Nov 17, 2008, 13:11:39

Not me, I think you need a broad canvas and bright lights.

Inactive · Nov 17, 2008, 13:15:18

I'll ask my trick cyclist her opinion.

Rik · Nov 17, 2008, 14:39:59

If she's anything like mine, she won't give one.

Ann · Nov 17, 2008, 15:52:13

I think if they're going to sack people we should get a vote on who goes.. my vote is for Mr Liverthingy, that would save a fortune.

Rik · Nov 17, 2008, 15:55:28

I'm with you there, Ann. At least Uncle Ben was useful.

Simon · Nov 17, 2008, 20:29:46

What happened to Uncle Ben?

Sebby · Nov 17, 2008, 22:16:22

He stepped down, but I'm not sure why. He probably felt that he'd achieved all he wanted to during the 6 years he was there.

Lance · Nov 17, 2008, 22:30:00

He went back to selling rice...

Simon · Nov 17, 2008, 23:00:20

Ann · Nov 17, 2008, 23:07:02

He's really CEO of Alcatel-Lucent, telecoms company in Paris.

Rik · Nov 18, 2008, 08:41:48

Their gain is our loss, sadly.

Ann · Nov 18, 2008, 14:40:36

Actually I think that maybe my email to Liverthingy did do some good. They've now upgraded my exchange as far as it can go which isn't enough but gives me a usable connection at peak times. Of course they'll say it was going to happen anyway but just maybe my bugging him helped. It certainly got me some information about it which I wasn't getting before. So just a little kissy for Mr Liverthingy

Inactive · Nov 18, 2008, 14:46:30

Blimey, you have soon changed your tune Ann, less than 24 hours ago .. you were going to sack him.

Wimmin..

Ann · Nov 18, 2008, 14:50:21

I'm just a bit fickle

But I'll change again if they put the 21st century upgrade thing back any more. Mine is set for March and I can wait until then.

Rik · Nov 18, 2008, 16:02:20

I've seen reports that people are having dates put back again, Ann.

It looks like BT are struggling to cope right now.

Sebby · Nov 18, 2008, 17:11:35

I've just noticed that my exchange has been upgraded. To say I'm shocked is an understatement!

http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange/LNBAR

Rik · Nov 18, 2008, 17:22:17

I'd print that and frame it, Seb.

Sebby · Nov 18, 2008, 17:23:13

I may just do that.

Lance · Nov 18, 2008, 19:44:25

I've still not got a date for mine, but PSTN is Q1 2009

Rik · Nov 19, 2008, 08:58:12

IAC, Lance, I suspect the benefits on our lines will be minimal.

Sebby · Nov 19, 2008, 13:13:58

Yep, ideally you want an attenuation of no more than 40 or so dB for there to be a decent improvement.

Lance · Nov 19, 2008, 14:09:50

Quote from: Rik on Nov 19, 2008, 08:58:12
IAC, Lance, I suspect the benefits on our lines will be minimal.

I suspect that you are right, Rik.

Rik · Nov 19, 2008, 14:52:02

We just can't win, can we.