BTNet 'BT Security' Cost

Hi, We have recently invested ( more like oversold) in BTNet leased line 100Mbs & Cloud Voice solution with BT . Initially we weren’t ‘’sold’’ the BT security option , but now after someone from BT realise that you can’t have BT cloud without BT Security. We now have been presented with 100 pounds additional cost per month. As far I can see the Meriak Cisco MX68W router managed by BT has built in Firewall and all it requires it to be enabled on the router and off we go. I can’t see how BT can justify this amount for something we already have , since the router was installed from day one.

I guess alternative to the above is to use is Draytek Vigor 2830 firewall/router connected to Cisco router and have everything sit behind Draytek . It is crazy that BT don’t enable firewall on Meriaki Cisco MX68W router and don’t tell you about it. Anything connected to it it’s not behind firewall.

Or am I missing something about ‘’BT security ’’ is there more to it which justifies 100 pounds a month ?

BT is charged for the Security licence

Choice is have it done on the Cisco via the managed service or go DIY

Thanks for the reply . So Cisco is charging BT for Security license at 100 pound per router per month & that's passed on to customers, or is there a mark up like on all BT hardware. DIY more hassle but at lower cost especially as the contract is for 60 months

If it was missold then use this as an opportunity to get the 'security' feature FoC or just break the whole contract off if the disruption is something you can put up with.

I would imagine the "it needs security" bit is because they need something to do NAT, and the standard deployment of that Meraki box is as a CPE router with the Wi-Fi turned off. The £100 a month won't be based on any costs at all, it will just be what BT think they can charge for a managed firewall.

A google suggests others are paying approx £500/year for the security licence

The Meraki and security package is best for small businesses who dont really have any IT staff. BT take advantage of this and charge a preiumum to manage the connection.

If you know your way around routers and firewalls, you can ask your account manger to raise a "CPE Swap/ Remove RTR/NTE". Then get your own firewall and plug it directly into the Openreach ADVA unit (make sure interface type mathes). Might save a bit of money.

I don't know if the the BT Cloud Voice over a leased line is any different to the BT Cloud Voice supplied with BT Business FTTC/FTTP connections, but these (Yealink DECT) certainly don't need any special firewall or the supplied BT Hub.