How does the Exchange Work

iPhone.

I recently changed landline broadband provider from Eircom to an independent provider and was just wondering what exactly happens in the process of changeover.

Does someone have to physically go to the exchange and change me over to the new provider, ie unplug a cable from an eircom box in the exchange and connect me to the new providers equipment or does it all stay the same connection wise and only the bill and responsibility for service supply and support transfers to the other provider?

Just curious as to what is actually involved and if exchanges are segregated into competing providers equipment racks etc.

Sponge Bob

In 100 of the 1200 exchanges (the biggest) you may be connected to gear belonging to BT(Voda) or Digiweb or Smart or Homevision. In another 800 or so you are moved electronically ( not physically).

In the other 300 there is nothing to plug into at all.

iPhone.

Thanks for the insight spongebob.

So in the majority of exchanges, ie the 800 electronic ones, if something goes wrong, who's job is it to fix it, for example if a customer is connected to one of these exchanges and he changes provider and is 'electronically switched' without any physical equipment change - he is basically on the same equipment then, is that right?

If so who fixes it if it breaks and who actually owns the equipment in the first place?