Frequently Asked Questions
FIBRE TO THE HOME (FTTH)
About FTTH

Fibre to the home (FTTH) is the delivery of a communications signal over optical fibre from the operator’s equipment all the way to a home or business, thereby replacing existing copper infrastructure such as telephone wires or coaxial cable. Fibre to the home is a fast growing method of providing vastly higher bandwidth to consumers and businesses, and thereby enabling more robust video, internet and voice services.

What is Optical Fibre?

Optical fibre is a hair-thin strand of glass, specially designed to trap and transmit light pulses. The fibre uses light instead of electricity to carry a signal. It is unique because it can carry high bandwidth signals over long distances without signal degradation, and it can provide those signals simultaneously in both directions – upload and download. Copper media can also carry high bandwidth, but only for a few hundred yards –after which the signal begins to degrade and bandwidth narrows.

How does BTL’s FTTH improve my internet experience?

Connecting homes directly to our fibre optic cable enables enormous improvements in the bandwidth that can be provided to consumers. Today’s FTTH network is “future proof” and are capable of handling increases in bandwidth demand at different time intervals. In addition, all-fibre networks are capable of providing symmetrical bandwidth for downloading and uploading, which give them another advantage over copper-based networks.

2. APPLYING FOR BEES INTERNET SERVICES

Q: How do I know if I am eligible for Bees Internet Services?
A: We’re rolling out BTL’s fibre on a zone-by-zone basis across Mauritius.
To check if fibre is available in your area, consult the map here or call us on 8949.

What are the available speeds for Bees Internet Service?
We offer connection speeds ranging from 2-20Mbps. To enjoy the benefits of high speed Fibre broadband we
recommend speeds greater than 10Mbps.

Q: How much will I have to pay to have BEES by Bharat Telecom installed at my home?
A: Two offers are available:
Offer 1: For a term of 12 months: Refundable security deposit of Rs.1,000 only.
Offer 2: Non-term determined: Refundable security deposit of Rs.1,000 and Rs. 1,150 (INCL VAT) for installation fees.

3. INSTALLING FIBRE AT YOUR HOME

3.1 How does BTL bring fibre to my home?
In general terms, it is similar to a cable installation, just with a fancier, high-tech fibre strand and equipment.
Here’s a summary of a standard installation at a subscriber premise:

  • Once application is approved, our Technical Team will set up an appointment for the installation. The lead time for appointment scheduling is between 2 to 3 weeks. The lead time may vary depending on situations of Force Majeure (Flood, Cyclone etc.) and other external factors beyond the control of BTL.
  • We set up a pre-installation appointment so that we can see your specific set-up and talk you through the process in advance.
  • We take fibre from the pole, string it over to your house, and attach it there.
  • We install a small box either inside or outside of your home which is used to transition the fibre drop into your home.
  • Then, unless there is conduit through which we can pull the fibre strand, we’ll need to penetrate your home (drill through your wall). We can use an existing cable hole if available.
  • Inside your home, we install the OPTIBOX. You can plug an Ethernet cable directly into the modem, or connect to the WiFi.


Note: However, we encounter new installation scenarios as we roll out our fibre service. Our professional team will work with you to ensure that all installation plans work for you and you’ll sign off on the plan before we start.

3.2 How long will it take for installation to be completed?
The whole installation process takes between 1 to 3 hours depending on complexity of task.

3.3 Can the installation be done during the weekend, or after office hours?
A: Installations are done every day of the week between 09h00 and 17h00 and on Saturdays between 09h00 and 12h00. Unfortunately, no installations are done on Sundays and on Public Holidays.

3.4 Will the installation team require any assistance from me on the installation day?
A: Yes. You will need to ensure that someone is available at your premises at the scheduled time and during the installation. You will also be requested to provide a power source, so that the installers can effectively perform the installation. Finally, you will also need to ensure that one electrical socket is available in the room in which you want the Bees modem to be installed.

SERVICE

Q: What is the speed I will enjoy through the Bees service? Is there a guaranteed speed?
A: You will enjoy speeds of up to 2Mbps, 5Mbps, 10Mbps or 20Mbps, depending on the offer you have subscribed to. There is no guaranteed speed as all Bees packages are subject to a Fair Usage Policy. (FUP)

Q: What is Fair Usage Policy (FUP)?
A: The Service is intended for normal recreational or educational use by our Subscribers. The application of the Fair Usage Policy (FUP) ensures that Subscribers act reasonably when using the service. BTL will continually measure the performance of its broadband network and take steps to restrict the download speeds of very heavy users, should their activities significantly impact on other subscribers.

Q: Can I upgrade or downgrade my BEES offer?
A: You can upgrade/downgrade your subscription only once per month during your Minimum Subscriptionperiod.
For all downgrades, the cost entailed will be of Rs.1,000 + VAT. You may apply for a service change at any point in time, but same will be processed on the 25th of each month. Any changes in package will entail an automatic restart of contract period. (12-months)

Q: What happens if I want to stop the service before the end of the subscription period?
A: If Service is terminated before expiry of the Minimum Subscription Period by the Customer, he/she shall be liable for all charges, fees and rentals incurred up to the end of the minimum period of subscription.

BILLING

Q: When does billing for the BEES service start?
A: Billing will start on the 25th day of the month following installation. You will be required to settle the bill before the 10th of following month to avoid surcharge and disconnection.

Q: How do I receive my bill?
A: Your e-bill will be sent to your email address provided on your application form. Any changes to this particular email address will have to be communicated to BTL by calling in person at the Head Office. Bharat Telecom will not liable for any disconnection of service due to non-payment of monthly dues.

Q: How do I settle my bill?
A: Our sales people will guide you through the registration process during your application. You will be requested to complete a direct debit form for monthly payment of your dues. This will relieve you from the hassle of having to queue up for monthly payments. Payment of monthly dues may also be effected at the nearest post office for your convenience.

SUPPORT

Q: What phone number should I call if I require any assistance on the BEES service?
A: You can call our dedicated Customer Care on 8949, available daily between 8am-10pm for all your queries with respect to the service. You may also contact us through email on crm@btl.mu.

Q: If I have a technical issue, in how much time will the problem be resolved?
A: The time it takes to resolve your issue depends on the type and complexity of the issue you are facing. While we will try to resolve most issues at your first call, we may have to come to your place to fix certain problems. Depending on your availability, we shall endeavour to visit you within 72 hours*.
*The lead time may vary depending of situations of Force Majeure (Flood, Cyclone etc.) and other external factors
beyond the control of BTL.

Q: What if the equipment is faulty?
A: You may request for a replacement by calling our hotline: 8949 or emailing our customer service department: crm@btl.mu. Note that any replacement will be subject to an evaluation by Technical Team.

Q: What if equipment is damaged?
A: Damages caused by usual wear and tear to equipment will not incur any replacement charges. Incidental damages caused by customer mishandling the equipment will be subject to a replacement charge as per Technical Team evaluation Rs. 3,645 (Incl. VAT).