In short
Moving a leased line with BTnet works one of two ways. An internal move within your current site has a time-related charge. An external move to a new site starts a new minimum period. Both need a site survey. External moves avoid early termination charges if BT's conditions are met, so plan early.
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Start with the timing
The most important thing to know about moving a leased line is that it is not like moving a broadband router. The line at your new address has to be surveyed and, very often, built. BT's help pages say a new BTnet installation can take up to 70 working days, depending on the survey, and BT only commits to a Customer Committed Date once the survey is done.
So the moment you have a likely new address, tell us. Even before the lease is signed, we can check availability and give you a sense of the delivery picture, which can help when you are comparing buildings. Our guide to BTnet lead times explains how dates are set.
Internal moves and external moves
BT's terms treat moves in two ways, and both are subject to a site survey that confirms whether the move can go ahead:
| Type of move | What it means | What BT's terms say |
|---|---|---|
| Internal move | Moving the service within your existing site, for example to a new comms room or another floor | A time-related charge based on how long the work takes and the date and time you ask for; pricing is available on request |
| External move | Moving the service to a new site at a different address | A new Minimum Period of Service applies at the new site |
| Service delivered over GEA over FTTP | Any move of a service delivered using this access type | Internal moves are not possible; BT treats every move as an external move |
Do not move BT's equipment yourself, even within the building. BT's terms say its equipment must not be moved or relocated without BT's written consent, and that the customer pays the costs of doing so.
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When an external move avoids early termination charges
Because an external move starts a new minimum period at the new site, the question most people ask is whether they pay to leave the old one. BT's terms say there are no early termination charges on an external move, or on a material change to the service, when all three of these are true:
- The first 12 months of the Minimum Period of Service on your existing service have passed.
- The annual rental for the new service is the same as or more than the annual rental for the existing service.
- The new Minimum Period of Service is at least as long as the time left on the existing one.
If a move does not meet those conditions, BT's terms say early termination charges apply as set out in the contract, and a move requested within the minimum period can also carry a charge equal to the standard introduction charge of the original bearer. We check the position for your service before you commit, so the cost of the move is clear up front. See BTnet contract terms for how termination charges work.
A move timeline that works
Every move is different, but this order of events keeps most of them on track:
- Tell us the new address early, ideally while you are still choosing between buildings.
- Check availability at the new site. We get BT's desktop view of the address and the likely delivery picture. See check BTnet availability.
- Talk to the new landlord. Work in a building you do not own usually needs the owner's written agreement. See wayleave agreement.
- Review what you need. A move is a natural point to look again at speed, plan, Wi-Fi and resilience.
- Place the move order. The terms, including the new minimum period, are set out in your order.
- BT surveys the new site. The site survey confirms the route, the equipment location and any extra work, such as excess construction charges.
- BT confirms the Customer Committed Date. Plan your move-in and phone cutover around it, not the other way round.
- Prepare the new site. Space, trunking, power and internal cabling. See preparing your site for a BTnet installation.
- Go live and test. Run your acceptance tests and check your systems before the old site closes.
Is BTnet the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
What to check at the new building
The building you move into decides much of the timetable. When you view a property, it helps to ask:
- Where would the comms room or equipment space be, and does it have power and room for BT's equipment and yours?
- How do cables get from the street into the building and up to your floor? Is there trunking or a riser you can use?
- Who owns the building, and who gives permission for work in shared areas?
- Are there building rules on access hours, escorts or permits that could slow installation?
- Will you need to lift floor or ceiling tiles or make openings, and who makes good afterwards?
You do not need answers to everything before you contact us, but they are the questions BT's survey will ask too.
IP addresses, phones and other dependencies
A leased line rarely moves on its own. Before the date is set, list what depends on the connection:
- IP addresses. Addresses provided by BT stay BT's and end with the service. Ask us whether your current addresses can carry over, and plan for changes to VPNs, allow-lists, firewall rules and DNS records in case they cannot. See static IP addresses on BTnet.
- Phones. If your phones run over the internet, for example on BT Cloud Voice, your calls depend on the new line being live. See connectivity for BT Cloud Voice.
- Security and remote access. Firewalls, VPN concentrators and remote access tools often reference the old address.
- Cloud services and suppliers. Any service that allows access only from your current IP addresses will need updating.
- Card payments. BTnet is not PCI DSS compliant, so card payment equipment needs its own arrangements at the new site too.
Moving and upgrading at the same time
Because an external move starts a new minimum period, it is a sensible moment to review the whole service rather than copying the old one:
- Speed and bearer. If the team is growing, a bearer with room for Bandwidth Flex avoids another installation later.
- Plan. A move is a good time to switch between wires only, a managed Cisco router and Meraki with BTnet Security.
- Wi-Fi. New offices often need new wireless. BTnet Wi-Fi adds Meraki access points.
- Resilience. If the new site is more critical, consider a second line for resilience.
Remember that the no-termination-charge conditions include the new annual rental being the same or higher, which an upgrade usually meets. Our leased lines for offices page has more on choosing for multi-let buildings and changing headcounts.
How we help with a move
We help you plan a BTnet move from the first viewing to go-live: checking availability at candidate buildings, explaining what BT's terms mean for your current contract, preparing the move order, keeping you informed of BT's survey and dates, and helping you line up phones, IP changes and site preparation around the Customer Committed Date.
Moving soon? Contact us with your current and new addresses and your target move date.
Why buy BTnet from Forever Communications
Forever Communications is part of Forever Group and an Authorised Supplier for BT. We supply BTnet, BT's dedicated leased line internet service, to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations, and we help with each step from first enquiry to go-live.
- The right BTnet option for you: we help you choose a speed, bearer, router and resilience option that fits how your sites actually work, from BTnet plans to BTnet speeds
- A clear quote: BTnet is priced per site, so we check availability at your address and set out what is included; see leased line cost
- Installation managed with you: we explain the survey, any wayleave or construction steps and the installation process, and keep you updated on progress
- Connected services in one conversation: phones with BT Cloud Voice, Wi-Fi, firewalls and backup lines, so the whole set-up is planned together
- Help after go-live: we can help with faults, changes and upgrades, with the support arrangements confirmed in your quote
BTnet is a business service. Service levels, lead times and features are BT's and are confirmed at order.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move my BTnet leased line to a new office?
Yes. BT's terms allow an external move to a new site, subject to a site survey. A new Minimum Period of Service applies at the new site.
How much notice do I need to move a leased line?
As much as possible. A new BTnet installation can take up to 70 working days depending on survey, according to BT's help pages, and BT sets a firm date only after the survey.
Will I pay early termination charges if I move?
Not if the first 12 months have passed, the new annual rental is the same or higher, and the new minimum term is at least the time left on the old one. Otherwise BT's termination charges can apply.
What is an internal move?
Moving the service within your existing site, such as to another floor or comms room. It is subject to survey and a time-related charge. Services delivered over GEA over FTTP cannot move internally; BT treats those moves as external.
Will I keep my IP addresses when I move?
IP addresses provided by BT stay BT's and end with the service, so ask us about your situation and plan for possible changes to VPNs, allow-lists and DNS records.
Can I move BT's equipment myself?
No. BT's terms say its equipment must not be moved or relocated without BT's written consent, and the customer pays the costs of doing so. Ask us to arrange an internal move instead.
Still have a question about BTnet?
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