Switching services allow two or more circuits of the same type (i.e. Vision to Vision/s, Sound to Sound/s) to be connected within a BT Network Switching Centre (NSC).

The Switching service has four variants:

1. Automatic Switching performed by the BT Tower International Media Centre (IMC).

Automatic Switching performed by the IMC - with this option, the IMC will program and perform switch according to Customers' requirements.

2. Automatic Switching booked by the Customer, using Customer Controlled Scheduling and Switching (CCSS) software.

Automatic Switching with Customer Controlled Scheduling and Switching (CCSS) software, allows Customers to program and view their own switches. A PC and ISDN connection (not supplied) are necessary for this. The service offers a wide range of functionality, including repeat bookings, advance bookings and the ability to edit existing switch requests. All Customer circuits on the BT switch are controllable with CCSS. Demonstrations of this service can be arranged.

• 3. Manual Patch performed by the IMC.

A Manual Patch is recommended when a long term connection is required. With this service, the source and destination circuits are removed from the switch ports and connected manually. There are no daily charges for circuits left connected through a Manual Patch.

• 4. Bulk Switching.

Bulk Switching offers unlimited switching to nominated destination circuits for a fixed annual charge, provided that a Customer programs the switches using the CCSS software.