Will my phones and fax work during a power failure?
Fax machines and cordless phones will not work without power. A basic corded phone should work, in the pulse dialling mode but may not offer all its normal facilities

Does BT have Contingency Plans?
For the public and transmission networks, BT has fully developed Contingency Plans to cater for disasters at all its operational sites

What are the plans based on?
BT's disaster recovery response is based round the deployment of mobile containerised equipment on hot-standby located at strategic sites around the UK and on the use of embedded solutions for certain types of exchange. Transportation contracts are in place for the deployment of this equipment anywhere in the UK.

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How is this carried out?
BT maintains fully trained technical teams, whose role is to facilitate the deployment and installation of the mobile equipment at a disaster site

What about other networks?
For its non-public platforms and services BT has Contingency Plans to cover the loss of many of these, and has a programme of work to cover those which do not have such plans fully in place at present

How many people are involved in Emergency Planning in BT?
BT has over 50 people permanently employed within Emergency Planning

Are any other BT people involved?
BT pre-nominates all members of its disaster recovery team, and provides the necessary training to ensure that team members can take up their role in an incident with the minimum of delay. Over 1,000 people are available

How does BT manage incidents?
Through its experience of past incidents BT has a fully developed practical Command and Control structure, which is brought into use early in a disaster, and provides for a disciplined management approach to the restoration of service within the shortest possible timescale

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Does BT work with other telecom providers during emergencies?
BT is a member of the Telecomms Industry Emergency Planning Forum (TIEPF). There are plans and processes to co-operate, and share information during major emergencies

How does BT view the regulator?
BT has regular meetings with Ofcom to develop plans and policies to deal with emergency planning legislation

What about the Government?
BT has regular meetings with various departments to develop specific plans

Does BT hold exercises?
BT frequently runs exercises to validate the plans and processes

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Does BT attend external exercises?
BT cannot respond to all the invitations, but does co-operate with Emergency Authorities, Local Authorities, and other agencies

Does BT embrace Business Continuity?
BT has developed a programme of Business Continuity Management. The BT Group has adopted a holistic approach to implementing BCM, with an emphasis on people and processes to complement the existing technology focused arrangements

How does BT approach Business Continuity?
Whilst BT cannot guarantee that its customers' communications will not be affected, were we to suffer a natural or man-made disaster (a matter beyond our reasonable control), its aim is to be prepared for any such eventuality. BT is committed to ensuring that the services it provides to its customers continue with the minimum disruption throughout any such times in the most cost effective way possible.

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