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Broadband News
ITU call for ubiquitous cheap broadband - Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:25:06 +0100 The ITU are calling for cheap ubiquitous broadband following the release of statistics that show the disparity in affordability between wealthy and non-wealthy countries. Virgin Media claims 9 out of 10 people confused by advertising - Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:44:30 +0100 A poll by Virgin Media suggests that 9 out of 10 consumers are confused by current broadband advertising with regards to speed. The firms response is that it will start to publish its typical speeds each month. Fibrecity invite users to connect for free to Dundee fibre network - Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:07:24 +0100 Dundee is now open for registration for a free connection to the Fibrecity fibre network ASA to clamp down on online adverts - Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:34:27 +0100 The ASA are going to clamp down on false claims in online adverts starting in March 2011. BT break 15 million broadband connections using its telephone network - Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:59:00 +0100 BT have passed the 15 million milestone of broadband connections using its telephone network, around 10 years after broadband first became widely available in the UK 30 million adults use the Internet nearly every day according to the ONS - Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:27:13 +0100 Statistics from the ONS show Internet usage is on the rise i3 Group appoint ex-BT group CEO to head up Opencity Media - Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:40:41 +0100 i3 Group have appointed a new CEO to head up Opencity Media, a group company which helps service providers deliver their products over the Fibrecity network. ABC programmes coming to BT Vision on demand - Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:23:49 +0100 BT have announced a deal with ABC to bring their programmes to an on-demand service on BT Vision BT Wholesale reach 5 million broadband users on 21C network - Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:41:54 +0100 BT Wholesale have over 5 million broadband users now connected over the 21C network using WBMC. BT's 'Adam and Jane' broadband ad banned by ASA - Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:40:28 +0100 The ASA have banned a broadband advert used by BT to advertise the benefits of their faster 20meg broadband service Ofcom release annual review of the communications market - Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:46:57 +0100 Ofcom have today published their review of the communications market for 2010 which releases various statistics for growth and changes in the television, radio, telecommunications and Internet markets. 2.6 GHz spectrum to be reserved for London 2012 Olympics - Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:45:35 +0100 Ofcom are proposing a reservation of the 2.6 GHz spectrum for use by wireless cameras during the 2012 Olympic Games in London Five return to Project Canvas - Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:50:01 +0100 Five have returned to project canvas after a short hiatus in which the company were sold off by RTL to Northern & Shell Ofcom reconsult on wholesale broadband access markets - Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:26:51 +0100 Ofcom have opened a second consultation on wholesale broadband access markets following some changes to the market since it opened the original consultation in March. Faster broadband comes to Hatt and Higher Pill thanks to Vtesse - Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:50:20 +0100 Vtesse broadband have enabled faster broadband in the Cornish communities of Higher Pill and Hatt. Angus glens seek fibre broadband through co-operative - Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:55:07 +0100 A residents co-operative are looking to deploy fibre broadband across a 500 square mile area of the Angus Glens in Scotland to help give their broadband service a boost and ensure that it is future proofed Fluidata call out BT and Virgin on fibre broadband claims - Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:23:29 +0100 Fluidata have raised again the issue of misleading fibre broadband advertising, a bugbear of the industry that allows operators to describe mixed-technology networks as 'fibre broadband' Viatel to participate in BT Wholesale's Quality of Service trial - Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:28:32 +0100 Viatel have announced that they are one of the service providers to take part in the quality of service trial that BT Wholesale are undertaking in the Autumn. Virgin Media launch malware protection campaign - Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:55:16 +0100 Virgin Media announce a malware protection campaign to help reduce the number of customers infected by viruses. Fibre through sewers halts in Bournemouth - Sat, 14 Aug 2010 10:40:56 +0100 i3 Fibrecity in Bournemouth were not able to continue to deploy their network through the sewers after Wessex Water broke off an agreement to do so. VOA release revised guidelines for fibre rates; ISPA calls for urgent review - Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:38:28 +0100 The VOA have released revised guidelines on how it rates fibre but ISPA have called for an urgent review of this following previous proposals from the Conservatives to ensure that the system is fair. BT announce 199 new exchanges for WBC ADSL2+ rollout - Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:31:55 +0100 BT have announced a further 199 exchanges which will get access to 24meg broadband by Spring 2011. Project Canvas invites expressions of interest from device manufacturers - Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:35:04 +0100 Project Canvas have invited expressions of interested to develop consumer hardware matching the Project Canvas specification which are to be released to the market in 2011. Broadband more important than clean clothes - Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:43:32 +0100 The majority of Brits would prefer to keep their broadband connection rather than their washing machine according to a survey carried out by Best Buy UK. TalkTalk follow BT with phone rental price hikes - Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:30:59 +0100 TalkTalk have adopted similar pricing to BT with price rises for line rental and calls coming in to effect in October. Inmarsat announce $1.2bn investment in 50Mbps satellite broadband - Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:06:30 +0100 Inmarsat are investing $1.2bn in new satellites which will deliver 50meg broadband with a delivery focus on the mobile broadband market such as ships and aircraft Rutland Telecom gain access to Openreach cabinet data - Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:26:58 +0100 Rutland Telecom have gained access to crucial data from BT which will allow them to plan further broadband expansions utilising FTTC technology. BE and Zen announce landline products to compete with BT - Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:09:07 +0100 BE and Zen both announced landline products for homes and businesses which offer cheaper services than available from BT. Ofcom propose that KCOM bundling restrictions be removed - Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:07:24 +0100 Ofcom are proposing to allow KCOM to bundle broadband and telephone services in a move that should save consumers money. BT 'Instant Internet' fibre broadband advert deemed misleading - Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:26:35 +0100 The ASA have ruled that an advert used by BT to advertise their fibre-based broadband services as 'instant internet' to be misleading. Virgin Media file formal complaint about Project Canvas with Ofcom - Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:29:43 +0100 Virgin Media have complained to Ofcom about Project Canvas which it believes is anti-competitive and will unfairly distort the market BT launch faster upload speeds through Annex M on 21CN - Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:22:43 +0100 BT Wholesale have launched Annex M on their 21st Century Network which will give users the option to increase their upload bandwidth to 2.5meg at the sacrifice of some download bandwidth ISPA calls for soft launch of Ofcom code on illegal file sharing - Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:56:58 +0100 ISPA have called for a soft launch of the Ofcom code on illegal file sharing to ensure that more time can be taken to scrutinise the steps involved. TalkTalk signs up with Vodafone to sell mobile contracts - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:16:26 +0100 TalkTalk announce their financial results and also that they will be becoming an MVNO using Vodafone's network. BT financial results for Q1 2010-2011 shows revenue fall - Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:22:03 +0100 BT's latest financial results show revenue has fallen, however they have now passed 1.5 million homes with their FTTC roll out. Sky just shy of 10 million customers - Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:31:51 +0100 Sky didn't quite make it to 10 million customers this month, but their business is still growing with large increases in HD take up and broadband customers now at 2.62 million Virgin Media post record revenue growth in Q2 results - Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:55:38 +0100 Virgin Media second quarter results have been released showing strong revenue and continued growth in the business. TalkTalk follow its users around the 'net - Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:07:15 +0100 TalkTalk are following their users to websites on the Internet as they develop a new system which will be used to help block malware sites Virgin Media trials broadband over electricity poles in Wales - Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:13:06 +0100 A Virgin trial announced will see a Welsh village receive fibre-based broadband delivered using overhead electricity poles. UK broadband speeds increase but promise-to-delivery gap widens - Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:30:16 +0100 Ofcom has this morning published its latest research into broadband speeds which shows that over the last year, the average broadband speed has increased from 4.1 to 5.2Mbps, but worryingly also that the gap between actual speeds and promised speeds (the headline 'up to' speed) is widening. Ofcom launches updated Broadband Speeds Code of Practice - Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:11:22 +0100 Ofcom is launching the second iteration of its Broadband Speeds Code of Practice. The voluntary code is designed to improve the way in which consumer broadband services are sold and supported. BT fight back against cable thieves - Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:39:26 +0100 Openreach will be deploying SmartWater to deter cable thieves from stealing cables Project Canvas appoints Kip Meek as chairman - Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:14:13 +0100 A new chairman has been appointed at Project Canvas to help lead the project forward. 3 million unresolved broadband and phone complaints in 2009 - Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:43:05 +0100 Ofcom's review of broadband and phone communications shows that 3 million broadband and phone complaints were unresolved after 12 weeks in 2009. BSkyB to sell Easynet to Lloyds Development Capital - Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:25:14 +0100 Following speculation on Monday about the possible sell-off of Easynet by BSkyB, the parties have today reached an agreement to sell Easynet Global Services and its subsidiaries to Lloyds Development Capital (LDC), a UK private equity firm for £100m, subject to regulatory approval and consultation with employees. Dorset look for faster broadband - Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:13:30 +0100 Faster broadband is required in Dorset according to a survey of businesses by the Digital Dorset Taskforce BT to raise call and line rental prices from October - Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:57:41 +0100 BT line rental will rise by 50p a month from October with call prices also increasing by around 10% BT Openreach's fibre-to-the-home trial gets underway - Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:03:27 +0100 BT Openreach begin FTTH trial in Bradwell Abbey and Highams Park after a 6 month delay. Sky in talks to sell off Easynet - Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:27:39 +0100 Insiders report that Easynet senior management have held talks with Sky to talk about a management buyout of the Easynet business. BE want fibre broadband feedback - Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:08:07 +0100 Internet provider BE broadband have asked their customers to provide feedback on where they should be heading with Fibre broadband Universal broadband delayed until 2015 - Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:08:38 +0100 Government plans to give everyone access to 2meg broadband by 2012 have been delayed by 3 years until 2012 Government broadband summit aims to boost broadband Britain - Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:50:16 +0100 The government are hosting a broadband summit today to encourage industry to work together to bring Britain to holding the best broadband in Europe by 2015 Vtesse Broadband bring next-generation broadband to Hertfordshire - Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:38:14 +0100 Vtesse Broadband have launched fibre to the cabinet broadband services in two areas of Hertfordshire, Birch Green and Hertingfordbury. Virgin to challenge Project Canvas with complaint to Ofcom - Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:09:09 +0100 Project Canvas could be set for a legal battle as Virgin Media are expected to file a formal complaint with Ofcom about the venture. 800 MHz spectrum auction expected mid-2011 - Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:34:21 +0100 Ofcom expected to announce the auction of 800 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum will take place mid-2011. Rural West Midlands to benefit from wireless broadband - Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:26:51 +0100 Wireless broadband will be coming the West Midlands from October following a new project funded by the Rural Development Programme for England Project Canvas loses Channel Five - Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:59:52 +0100 Channel Five have withdrawn from Project Canvas, the joint project looking to bring video-on-demand to the Television via Freeview and broadband. Fibre broadband is coming to Broughton, near Huntingdon - Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:37:41 +0100 Fibre to the home will be available in Broughton from the Autumn thanks to a new fibre deployment from Vtesse Broadband. Race Online 2012 'Networked Nation' manifesto launched - Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:00:24 +0100 Race Online 2012 have launched their manifesto which aims to try and get the 10 million people of the UK who are currently non-Internet users online. ISPA Awards 2010: Winners - Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:28:29 +0100 ISPA have announced the winners of the ISPA awards for 2010 including broadband provides BE, Orange & FREEDOM4 WiFi BT strike averted - Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:42:44 +0100 A strike to be held by BT engineers has been averted following agreement between BT and the CWU executive £10 subsidy per premises grants 40meg broadband to Iwade in Kent - Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:04:17 +0100 A small subsidy funded by a grant from Kent County Council has enabled the small community of Iwade to gain access to super-fast broadband services from BT BT and TalkTalk seeking judicial review of Digital Economy Act - Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:03:30 +0100 BT and TalkTalk are seeking a judicial review of the Digital Economy Act. This controversial piece of legislation was passed in the last few minutes of the previous parliament during the 'wash-up', leading many to argue that it is simply 'bad law'. 50meg broadband coming to Cathay Pacific flights in 2012 - Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:13:44 +0100 Passengers on Cathay Pacific will be able to receive broadband in-flight at up to 50meg from 2012 Conservationists battle BT over fibre broadband cabinets in Brighton - Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:42:28 +0100 BT have received complaints from residents about the proposed siting of fibre broadband cabinets in Brighton and Hove. Welsh broadband not-spots to get £2m of funding - Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:54:14 +0100 Rural broadband not spots will benefit from £2m of funding from the Welsh government which will be directed through individual grants of up to £1,000 per applicant. New government website sees calls for repeal of Digital Economy Act - Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:09:38 +0100 The government want your view of which laws need reviewing, and the people are calling out for the repeal of the Digital Economy Act. Three are latest mobile operator to drop 'unlimited' claims - Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:21:28 +0100 The mobile broadband industry are taking steps to move away from marketing products with unlimited usage when a clear limit does infact exist. BT fibre cabinet install knocks out power to part of Middlewich - Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:33:12 +0100 BT contractors working to install fibre-to-the-cabinet equipment knocked out power to an area of Middlewich. Finnish 1meg universal service obligation comes in to force - Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:44:14 +0100 Finlands legal right to 1meg broadband goes live Android Speed Tester Launched! - Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:11:51 +0100 thinkbroadband launch a Mobile Speed test for Android mobile phones. The app allows you to run a speed test on a mobile connection or using a wireless network. UK reaches 38.8 million Britons online - Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:07:08 +0100 Silver surfers are increasing as UK reaches 38.8 million Britons online London's Tube could get WiFi access by 2012 - Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:12:36 +0100 A roll out of Wi-Fi at underground stations could help London stay connected Early Day Motion to repeal Digital Economy Act making little headway - Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:48:39 +0100 An Early Day Motion to repeal parts of the Digital Economy Act (DEA) 2010 has only gained 34 signatories in a month. BT to sell Sky Sports 1 and 2 on BT Vision IPTV platform - Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:23:05 +0100 BT have signed a contract with Sky to provide Sky Sports 1 and 2 on their BT Vision service UK Broadband Latency - Effect of the World Cup - Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:57:47 +0100 We have been tracking the performance of the UK broadband network during the last couple of matches played by England. As expected, the broadband network copes fine with most World Cup matches, but struggled when England plays during the working hours. Project Canvas approved by BBC Trust - Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:41:46 +0100 Project Canvas has received approval from the BBC Trust to continue to build a set-top box allowing access to Internet content on a TV TalkTalk offer free broadband for the Armed Forces - Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:36:13 +0100 TalkTalk are offering free broadband for a year to members of the armed forces. World Cup + Office Hours = Internet traffic increases - Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:37:18 +0100 As England fans rejoice beating Slovenia 1-0, Internet Service Providers are carefully assessing the impact of the World Cup on their network capacity. Ofcom open debate on net neutrality to stakeholders - Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:03:38 +0100 Ofcom are opening up a consultation on net neutrality to discuss how it should regulate the market to help ensure no party is favoured over another on the Internet. Virgin Media preparing for 400Mbps broadband - Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:19:20 +0100 Virgin are looking to boost broadband speeds up to 400meg Can the UK broadband network cope? - Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:04:44 +0100 The UK's main broadband network is showing signs of bursting at the seams from the increase in video usage brought about by the World Cup and Wimbledon. 50p broadband tax dropped, but prices will rise - Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:30:10 +0100 The government have abolished the 50p a month broadband levy proposed by the last government but have increased VAT which will increase broadband costs BT change to unlimited Wi-Fi on Total Broadband packages - Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:26:27 +0100 BT have adjusted their Total Broadband packages to give unlimited Wi-Fi to users Demon re-launch their 'devilishly good' business broadband - Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:29:38 +0100 Demon have announced new business broadband packages which will be available from July Ofcom announce cheaper charges for consumers to end phone contracts - Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:51:35 +0100 Ofcom have announced today that charges for terminating your landline phone contract early will be cut by as much as 85%. Martha Lane Fox to take on more power as digital champion - Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:25:18 +0100 Martha Lane Fox is expected to take on a stronger role in the Conservative government as digital champion Advertising of broadband speeds and 'unlimited' usage to get overhaul - Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:56:15 +0100 A review in to broadband speeds has been started by the ASA which will look at broadband speeds and the use of using 'unlimited' to describe broadband products which are actually limited by a usage limit or fair usage policy. ASA rule against Vodafone on femtocell/Sure Signal advert - Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:50:09 +0100 The ASA have ruled against an advert from Vodafone advertising their Vodafone Sure Signal product designed to provide network signal in areas with poor reception. 87 percent of London to have fibre broadband by Spring 2011 - Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:39:32 +0100 BT confirm 87% coverage of fibre-to-the-cabinet/home technology by Spring 2011 Work begins to deliver fibre to Lincolnshire Villages - Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:39:31 +0100 Fibrestream have begun work to deliver fibre to two Lincolnshire villages BE launch 'Banish Buffering' campaign - Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:52:37 +0100 BE launch an interesting new campaign to 'banish buffering' in video content, an attempt to try and attract customers to their service. O2 ditch 'unlimited' mobile broadband on new Smartphone contracts - Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:50:53 +0100 O2 move away from 'unlimited' mobile broadband tariffs for smartphone users and instead will deliver users with packages offering up to 1GB included with bolt ons available to add extra usage. UK urged to up its game in fibre rollout by FTTH Council - Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:40:59 +0100 The UK and Europe could be left behind if they don't boost their fibre-broadband roll out soon UK's culture secretary lays out broadband plans - Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:30:30 +0100 The UK's culture secretary sets out the governments proposed steps for deploying next-generation broadband and announces an aim to have the best super-fast broadband network in Europe within this parliament. BT makes pay offer as strike amongst engineers looms - Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:49:42 +0100 BT have put forward a new pay offer to the CWU to try and avert a strike amongst its blue collar staff which would be the first national strike at the telecoms company in 23 years. ISPA Awards 2010: Internet Hero & Villain Finalists - Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:15:18 +0100 The Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA UK) has announced the finalists for its Internet Hero and Internet Villain awards which form part of the annual ISPA Awards. These awards recognise both the significant contribution of those individuals or organisations to the Internet industry, as well as those who have had a negative impact. Easynet Connect warn small business over World Cup distruption - Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:26:21 +0100 Easynet Connect are warning small businesses that broadband connections could grind to a halt due to employees watching the World Cup online using services like BBC iPlayer Welsh Assembly and BT pledge to fill some Welsh notspots - Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:09:58 +0100 The Welsh Assembly and BT will be filling in some more broadband notspots with four more communities to be connected by the end of the summer. Sky announce IP-enabled VoD service Anytime+ - Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:09:04 +0100 Sky have announced a video-on-demand service that they will be launching later this year to Sky+ HD customers who also take a broadband service from them. It will offer over 1000 hours of content for users to view. EU accepts BT/Ofcom virtual unbundling plans for fibre broadband - Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:22:45 +0100 The European Commission have accepted Ofcom's plans for BT to provide virtual unbundled access to fibre products through a product called VULA which BT must offer where it has rolled out its next generation access (NGA) network. Two rural Lincolnshire villages to get fibre-to-the-home - Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:37:58 +0100 Two rural villages in Lincolnshire are to get Fibre To The Home thanks to a community based project run by Fibrestream Ofcom publishes Draft Initial Obligations Code for unlawful file sharing - Fri, 28 May 2010 14:38:13 +0100 Ofcom has today published a consultation and a draft of its Initial Obligations Code which will regulate how copyright infringement notices are sent by rights holders to ISPs and then to end users. £150,000 to install broadband for a Welsh pensioner - Thu, 27 May 2010 17:09:29 +0100 A BT customer was quoted £150,000 to get a broadband connection installed at her home after previously being told that she couldn't get broadband. O2 clarifies limit on 'unlimited' broadband package - Wed, 26 May 2010 15:11:41 +0100 O2 reveal that unlimited means 40GB on their 'Access' broadband product, but they would prefer you use around 10GB. Ireland starts 'three-strike' anti-piracy crackdown - Tue, 25 May 2010 15:03:02 +0100 Eircom are introducing a system to disconnect persistent illegal file-sharers which could see users disconnect for a year. Ofcom publish report on shared duct access - Mon, 24 May 2010 15:41:21 +0100 Ofcom have published a report on operational aspects of duct sharing which features case studies of other countries and recommendations for implementation here based on these. The Cloud looking toward total coverage of London - Mon, 24 May 2010 09:37:18 +0100 The Cloud may increase their Wireless Network to completely cover London Silver Surfers Day: 21 May - Fri, 21 May 2010 13:21:09 +0100 Today is the ninth annual 'Silver Surfers Day', a day designed to encourage the older generations to get online. Events are being held around the country to help those who have never been online, to grasp basic skills needed to both get online, and to stay safe. Coalition Government announced broadband policy - Thu, 20 May 2010 11:30:34 +0100 The Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government has this morning published its full coalition agreement including its policy on broadband ISPA Awards 2010: Finalists Announced - Thu, 20 May 2010 09:36:26 +0100 The Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA UK) has announced the finalists in the twelve categories that make up the ISPA Awards. The winners will be announced at a black tie dinner at the Grosvenor Marriott Hotel on 8th July 2010. New 'broadband minister' expected later this week - Thu, 20 May 2010 08:22:43 +0100 BIS have announced that a new 'broadband minister' could be announced this week to help push forward policy for broadband in the UK. DEA Code of Practice limited to providers with 400,000 subscribers - Wed, 19 May 2010 12:15:11 +0100 Ofcom have announced that the Code of Practice they are writing for the Digital Economy Act will apply to broadband providers who have more than 400,000 Police and CPS cooperate over investigation into BT and Phorm - Mon, 17 May 2010 11:51:34 +0100 The Crown Prosecution Service have called the City of London Police in to aid in their investigation as to whether BT's use of Phorm was legal during covert trials in Autumn 2006. IDnet launch 40meg fibre broadband products - Thu, 13 May 2010 19:26:31 +0100 IDnet join the handful of ISPs who can provide up-to 40meg broadband using BT's fibre-to-the-cabinet broadband service. BT say two-thirds will have access to fibre based broadband by 2015 - Thu, 13 May 2010 17:27:48 +0100 BT financial results show broadband customers up to 5.131 million, and confirm an increase in investment of fibre based broadband products to get coverage to 66% by 2015. Industry concerns over whether coalition government will help broadband Britain - Wed, 12 May 2010 16:53:22 +0100 The i3 Group have raised concerns over whether the coalition government will be good for high-speed broadband deployment in the UK thinkbroadband turns 10 years old! - Wed, 12 May 2010 01:00:01 +0100 Today thinkbroadband turns 10 years old; we look back at a few of our achievements over this time. Everything Everywhere to run Orange and T-Mobile - Tue, 11 May 2010 16:21:05 +0100 Orange and T-Mobile will retain their brands under a new management team which will run both businesses together under a company called Everything Everywhere. Broadband providers & router manufacturers failing to support IPv6 - Tue, 11 May 2010 15:20:52 +0100 Broadband providers and manufacturers of broadband equipment are failing to support the next generation of Internet Protocol, thinkbroadband.com warns today. TalkTalk reach 4.197 million broadband customers - Tue, 11 May 2010 11:30:06 +0100 TalkTalk have released their financial results for Q4 2009-2010 which shows broadband customers have increased to 4.197 million. BT to announce expansion of fibre-to-the-cabinet network - Mon, 10 May 2010 18:00:02 +0100 BT are expected to announce an expansion of their broadband rollout plans to include coverage to 66% of UK homes for their fibre-to-the-cabinet broadband products. Digital Economy Bill: Update - Mon, 10 May 2010 09:30:17 +0100 The Digital Economy Bill was debates for some hours in the House of common yesterday until quite late in the evening and completed its second reading. It is expected to pass today, Wednesday 7 April 2010 prior to the dissolution of parliament. There is no such thing as "unlimited broadband" - Mon, 10 May 2010 04:03:28 +0100 thinkbroadband sets out the three ways in which broadband services are restricted, arguing that there is no truly 'unlimited broadband' service. Election boosts online traffic - Fri, 07 May 2010 16:07:17 +0100 ISPs are reporting a boost in Internet traffic caused by the Election coverage. Online video and news have been seeing large spikes in traffic. EU push for 100% broadband coverage by 2020 - Thu, 06 May 2010 15:14:36 +0100 The European Parliament are calling for all EU households to have access to competitively priced broadband by 2013 and very high-speed broadband by 2020. O2 bundles home phoneline with broadband - Wed, 05 May 2010 20:07:11 +0100 O2 have announced home phone and broadband bundles at very competitive prices, a move that will likely help boost their broadband numbers. Timico announce pricing for FTTC products - Wed, 05 May 2010 16:00:17 +0100 Timico have announced the pricing for their fibre-to-the-cabinet based products, starting from £39 a month for 10GB of usage. Will US broadband escape tough regulation? - Wed, 05 May 2010 10:49:19 +0100 Broadband in the US could face tougher regulation if consumers viewers are heard. Zen say no to traffic shaping whilst doubling usage allowances - Tue, 04 May 2010 12:22:15 +0100 Zen are to double their usage allowances on products from the 1st June, and have also renewed their commitment to not implementing a fair-usage policy or traffic shaping. Sky bundles broadband in offer and increases broadband speeds - Tue, 04 May 2010 06:24:41 +0100 Sky have released a new broadband offer giving 6 months free unlimited broadband if you sign up by 31st May, and also are upping the speed of all their broadband packages to 20Mbps from June. 19% of Sky customers take TV, broadband and telephony - Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:03:21 +0100 Sky's latest results show broadband customers reach 2.5 million, with 19% of Sky customers taking a bundle of TV, broadband and telephone service Virgin Media release Q1 2010 Results - Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:19:48 +0100 Virgin Media have released their financial results for the first quarter of 2010 which shows continued growth in broadband users, up to 4.17 million, although those on higher speed 20meg and 50meg products only makes up 16% of the broadband customer base. Ofcom release ISP breakdown on Code of Practice Compliance - Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:44:24 +0100 Ofcom have released the full ISP breakdown of the mystery shopping exercise they carried out to check compliance by ISPs with the Broadband Speed Voluntary Code of Practice. Hulu abandon launch in the UK - Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:41:12 +0100 Hulu, a US based on-demand TV service have abandoned plans to launch their service in the UK. Labour, Conservative and Green response to DEB/DEA Question - Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:47:34 +0100 Labour, Conservative and Green respond to Digital Economy Act question posed by students. Digital Region Broadband available in South Yorkshire - Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:31:55 +0100 Broadband services are starting to be deployed within the Digital Region with some fibre customers already connected and online. Virgin Media launch online movies service - Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:15:40 +0100 Virgin media have launched an online on-demand movie service which streams movies to your computer. ZyXEL NBG-419N Router Reviewed - Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:07:11 +0100 A review of the ZyXEL NBG-419N. A wireless access-point/router supporting 802.11N wireless networking for around £40. ISPA announces partnership with Race Online 2012 - Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:38:44 +0100 ISPA have today announced that they have become a partner of Race Online 2012, an initiative to get as close to 100% of people online as possible by the London Olympics in 2012. Cable theft disconnects 2,000 broadband and telephone customers - Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:41:34 +0100 Around 2,000 people have been cut-off from their telephone and broadband connections after thieves stole copper cable that provides their service. BSkyB appeals to suspend Ofcom Sky Sports wholesale price ruling - Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:44:08 +0100 Sky have asked for a suspension to the ruling by Ofcom to reduce wholesale costs of Sky Sports TV channels whilst it formulates its full appeal T-Mobile tops Broadband Genie mobile tests - Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:54:47 +0100 A survey by Broadband Genie names T-Mobile as the best mobile broadband service. The Broadband Genie Road Trip 2010 Awards test both the download and upload speeds as well as stability, coverage and rate the bundled software. Oxford ranks 5th in the world in broadband speeds - Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:42:03 +0100 Oxford are 5th in the world for broadband speeds, clocking in at an average of 14.4 Mbps according to a report by Akamai. BT add further 148 exchanges to WBC 24Mbps service - Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:11:20 +0100 BT have announced a further 148 exchanges that will be enabled with Wholesale Broadband Connect (WBC) which will allow the exchanges to provide BT's up-to 24meg broadband service. TalkTalk to increase capacity and coverage - Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:12:50 +0100 TalkTalk will be boosting their LLU network to cover 90% of the population and increase broadband capacity to cope with surges in broadband usage expected in the coming years. Lib Dem's would rewrite Digital Economy Act - Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:17:57 +0100 In speaking to the website The Student Room, Nick Clegg has said that the Digital Economy Act should be repealed and the issues from it revisited. Orange hand over broadband keys to BT - Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:33:26 +0100 Orange have signed a deal with BT to provide broadband services to customers in a move that will see it hand over it's network to BT who will instead provide the service on their national network. Rutland Telecom to enable Welsh notspot of Erbistock - Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:14:12 +0100 Rutland Telecom has announced plans to enable the notspot village of Erbistock in Wales with next generation broadband services. Best Buy partner with Virgin Media - Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:46:23 +0100 Best Buy have partnered with Virgin Media to offer Virgin's products in Best Buy stores in the UK which will be opening in May Fibre optic broadband in rural areas: Lyddington - Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:23:30 +0100 Rutland Telecom has launched a high speed broadband service in the village of Lyddington in Leicestershire using a fibre-to-the-cabinet solution delivering speeds of up to 40Mbps. Ofcom will introduce robust appeals process for illegal file sharers - Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:17:06 +0100 Ofcom have released a terms of reference document covering the steps that will now be taken to help tackle illegal file sharing, which now comes under its remit following the adoption of the Digital Economy Act. WiMAX2 collaboration to include Samsung and Intel - Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:38:27 +0100 WiMAX2 will provide an alternate 4G technology to compete with LTE Advanced in the ever expanding mobile broadband industry Internet industry attacks new draconian Internet law - Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:10:45 +0100 The Internet industry is speaking out with outage at the creation of the Digital Economy Act, new laws to control and police the Internet in the UK. Digital Economy Bill passes Lords - Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:37:03 +0100 The House of Lords has passed the Digital Economy Bill following the amendments set out in the Commons, ensuring that it becomes law prior to the general election. TalkTalk to launch 'customer experience centre' - Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:29:15 +0100 TalkTalk are launching a store in London which will offer users retail products from TalkTalk along with first line support, coffee and Wi-Fi. Digital Economy Bill passed third reading in House of Commons - Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:19:25 +0100 The Digital Economy Bill has passed third reading in the House of Commons after dropping of clauses 18 and 43. Phoneline tax plan scrapped - Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:29:38 +0100 The planned 50p per month tax that was confirmed on 24th March in the recent Budget, has now been scrapped in the face of the forthcoming General Election. Digital Economy Bill: An ISP perspective - Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:31:39 +0100 Trefor Davies, CTO of Timico sets out an ISP perspective on the Digital Economy Bill and how it may be damaging to the provision of Internet services. Who should pay for universal broadband? - Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:44:18 +0100 A survey of over 2,000 users carried out by thinkbroadband shows that the majority of users wish the government to subsidise broadband rollout to ensure everyone in the UK will be able to receive not only a basic broadband service by 2012, but also a next generation service by 2017. 1st April changes broadband through Violet cable, ferrets and IPv6 only ISP - Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:53:35 +0100 AAISP switch away from IPv4 to Ipv6, TalkTalk develop a new Violet coloured cable that can increase broadband speeds by 332% and Virgin Media showcase their ferret workers which help find and fix broadband faults. BT Paddington flood/fire update - Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:43:04 +0100 Services continue to be affected following a flood yesterday at a BT exchange which caused an electrical fire. BT fire affects 437 exchanges - Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:24:45 +0100 A fire caused by flooding at a BT building in London has affected service to 437 exchanges, knocking off tens of thousands of broadband and telephone customers. Sky Picnic back on the cards - Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:20:52 +0100 Ofcom have today released their Pay TV review which will require Sky to offer Sports channels to other providers at a price set by Ofcom and also allows Sky to release their Picnic product. BT announce a further 300 exchanges for fibre broadband upgrades - Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:57:59 +0100 BT have announced the next stage of the rollout of their fibre-based broadband service that deploys equipment to road-side cabinets. Ofcom seek changes to Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds - Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:22:52 +0100 After a mystery shopping activity commissioned by Ofcom, changes are being proposed to the Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds to try and ensure that accurate information is made available to consumers and ensure that providers are meeting the terms that they committed to on signing up. Broadband Britain: Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem or other? - Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:36:10 +0100 The main political parties all accept the importance of securing a strong digital future with super-fast broadband, but each has made vague promises, leaving out some crucial factors that would allow us to hold them to account if they form part of the next government. We see some differences in the plans for how next generation broadband will be funded, in particular the level and timing of government intervention, but we don’t have clarity from any party on both the question of what 'next generation' broadband means in terms of speeds, and how universal will access to this high speed broadband be? In other words, will they guarantee that every single household will get it? Is public investment in broadband premature? - Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:48:53 +0000 Next-generation broadband investment could be premature according to an economics expert on the IT sector. World Broadband subscriptions reached 467 million in 2009 - Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:05:22 +0000 Point Topic statistics show 467 million broadband subscribers were online at the end of 2009, a 14.21% rise in the market. Budget: 90% Next generation broadband coverage by 2017 - Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:42:27 +0000 In the budget today, the government has confirmed its previous plans to charge a 50 pence a month levy on all fixed phone lines which is expected to raise £1bn in the next seven years. This money will be used to fund rollout of next-generation broadband to the 'final third' of the UK, areas which wouldn't be able to receive super-fast broadband without government intervention. Ofcom review of Wholesale Line/Broadband Access - Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:33:48 +0000 Ofcom have released a review of Wholesale Line and Broadband Access in the UK which looks at the market and addresses BT's obligations to provide services to other communication providers. One million end users on BT's Wholesale Broadband Connect service - Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:23:22 +0000 BT Wholesale reach the one million milestone for the number of end users using their up to 24Mbit/s broadband products based on WBC over their 21C network. Project Kangaroo joins Project Canvas - Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:39:45 +0000 Arqiva, owners of SeeSaw, nee Project Kangaroo, have today announced that they have joined Project Canvas. Brown lays out super-fast broadband plans by 2020 - Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:47:41 +0000 Gordon Brown has set forth Labour plans for super-fast broadband for everyone by 2020 Virgin demo 200meg broadband and 3D TV - Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:59:08 +0000 Virgin media will showcase their 200meg broadband service at the Ideal Home Show along with 3D TVs to demonstrate what they believe will be the future of their television service Illegal file sharing in Europe could cost £215 billion by 2015 - Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:30:05 +0000 1.2 million jobs across Europe are at risk due to piracy according to a new report commissioned by the International Chamber of Commerce. FCC release the National Broadband Plan for the US - Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:39:30 +0000 One third of Americans do not currently have broadband at home, a figure the FCC hope to reduce through the National Broadband Plan, looking to revolutionise broadband in the US by 2020. Digital Economy Bill passed by peers - Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:20:32 +0000 The Digital Economy Bill has been passed on its third reading by the House of Lords, and is now with the House of Commons for further consideration. The bill has a limited number of weeks with the General Election widely thought to be taking place on Thursday 6th May 2010. Conservatives 100meg broadband plans may miss rural Tories - Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:23:28 +0000 Conservative plans for market-led 100meg broadband to most of the country may not reach the rural Tory heartlands. BT bundle lower prices - Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:20:58 +0000 BT have launched a spring sale with some broadband and call package bundles that are available at a reduced price that matches the cost of the broadband on its own. Virgin Media trial broadband delivery via telegraph poles - Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:51:16 +0000 Virgin have announced a trial which will connect up the village of Woolhampton, Berkshire to it's network by the use of overhead telegraph poles. ISPs, comedians, free speech campaigners criticise Digital Economy Bill - Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:39:47 +0000 In a letter to the Financial Times, leading service providers join academics, an MP and comedian to criticise the Digital Economy Bill and its plans to disconnect file sharers. BT call for fair access to ducts - Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:54:55 +0000 BT are seeking equality of access to competitors cabling ducts following its announcement that it will open up access to its network of ducts. Internet Access a Fundamental right for four in five people - Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:30:32 +0000 A BBC survey of some 27,000 adults in 26 countries has found the vast majority of people feel that Internet access is a fundamental right. This backs up the moves in some countries to actually make it a legal right. This goes well beyond the scope of the UK Universal Service Commitment which at times suggests those with hard to get access may be skipped. Broadband Campaign "Final Third First" launched - Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:49:24 +0000 A campaign 'Final Third First' has been launched to lobby the government for faster action to deliver broadband to rural communities. Uproar over fibre cabinets in St Albans - Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:32:18 +0000 Battle lines are being drawn with people complaining about the new Openreach fibre cabinets being deployed as part of FTTC. Perhaps there is scope for people to rent BT Openreach a chunk of their front garden to host the cabinets. USC gets Broadband Delivery UK to make it reality - Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:46:08 +0000 The Broadband Delivery UK Group has begin work on providing a minimum 2Mbps universal service across the country as well as manahing the Next Generation Broadband fund. ISPs outraged at amendment to Digital Economy Bill - Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:19:03 +0000 Amendment 120A to the Digital Economy Bill was voted through the House of Lords yesterday that could force Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block websites that are deemed to contain content that infringes copyright. European USO could interrupt government plans - Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:01:25 +0000 The European Commission yesterday launched a consultation looking at the future of universal service in the digital market, seeking opinions on whether universal service should be guaranteed and what this should be made up of. T-Mobile and Orange merger approved by EU - Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:21:48 +0000 The European Union have given a green light for the merger of Orange and T-Mobile to go ahead, creating the largest mobile network in the UK holding approximately 37% of the market. O2 financial results for Q4 2009 - Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:05:46 +0000 O2 saw broadband user numbers increase by 73.5% in 2009 reaching a total of 591,514 at the end of December Virgin Media to launch '100 meg' broadband in 2010 - Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:24:30 +0000 Virgin Media has announced it will roll out 100 meg broadband by the end of 2010 and it is extending trials of 200 meg broadband USC could boost British e-commerce by £1.4 billion - Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:19:54 +0000 The universal service commitment could increase the British digital economy by £1.4 billion through conversion of dial-up users to broadband which tends to increase their propensity to spend online. 1Gbps burst speeds for Bournemouth announced - Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:02:56 +0000 For some time people in the UK have looked at the speeds available in parts of other countries abroad, and after what may have been a frustrating time for residents, those who are hooked up to the FibreCity network are to be given the choice of 25Meg to 100Meg Internet packages and a boost option that will offer 1Gbps for a short time. Win a free Spotify Premium account from TalkTalk - Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:42:24 +0000 TalkTalk are offering 288 free Spotify Premium accounts to people who submit their favourite track and e-mail address. MPs want clarity on broadband plans and to scrap 50p tax - Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:17:38 +0000 The Business Innovations and Skills Committee believes the 'killer app' is not yet driving next generation broadband and cautions government against intervening too early. The report published by the committee supports the 2Mbps Universal Service Commitment however wants more clarity on what this means. Also, it suggests that a full time Digital Britain minister is needed. Orange hit user with £8,000 mobile broadband bill - Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:23:44 +0000 Orange have charged a user nearly £8,000 for using a mobile broadband dongle in France Eclipse join 40meg FTTC broadband service providers - Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:06:37 +0000 Eclipse Internet join the small group of service providers to start offering faster fibre-to-the-cabinet based broadband services offering speeds up to 40meg. Pathfinder project bears fruit - Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:45:21 +0000 The Pathfinder North project has passed its final step that means the 801 schools, libraries and other council projects are now all linked to a broadband network as part of a £70m project run by Cable and Wireless (who now own Thus that won the contract originally). More rural broadband at speeds well in excess of USC - Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:05:20 +0000 Fibrestream is a name some will recall from previous coverage of their Fi:Wi solution, which is basically a fibre broadband connection used to feed a wireless network to which people can then connect. Thus bypassing many of the problems of telephone lines, or lack of cable access in an area. SeeSaw service moves to an open beta - Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:03:11 +0000 The SeeSaw service which is a joint effort between a number of broadcasters has moved from an invite only beta to an open beta where you can simply visit the website and watch TV programmes. Content from the BBC, 4oD and Five is available, and on some channels a choice of bit rates are also available. US introduce 100Mbps to 85% of homes by 2020 target - Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:59:27 +0000 The UK while having come a long way politically at least with respect to broadband services, has not set any target as clear or forward looking as that of the FCC in the United States. 100Mbps, while almost state of the art in 2010, will be what people desire in 2020, in the same way as people are finding dial-up is almost unworkable, ten years after the introduction of broadband. Barham, Kent joins the VFast WiMax network - Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:50:37 +0000 VFast is continuing to expand its footprint of WiMax services in a number of towns and villages around Kent. In the Barham area 50Mbps will be available for £36.99 a month, with a cheaper 25Mbps product at £24.99 a month. Vtesse lose court appeal over unfair fibre tax - Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:40:27 +0000 Vtesse have lost their court appeal over unfair fibre taxes that are charged differently to smaller providers and BT Warner Music - confused messages on streaming services - Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:48:22 +0000 How different is Spotify to existing radio services? In the UK people have the choice of BBC radio stations without advertising, or commercial radio, but none of them run a subscription service. That is unless you interpret the BBC licence fee as one. BT Group results for the third quarter published - Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:36:01 +0000 The latest BT Group financials have been published. The trend appears to be a decrease in revenue for many areas due to things like insolvencies amongst businesses and the depression of the housing market in the last year or two. ntl:Telewest re-brands as Virgin Media Business - Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:35:23 +0000 Virgin Media today announced that it was re-branding its ntl:Telewest Business arm as "Virgin Media Business" to raise its brand awareness. Google launch a 1Gbps fibre broadband 'experiment' - Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:00:59 +0000 Google have launched a 1Gbps fibre broadband experiment which may reach up to 500,000 people and they hope will breed new technology and innovation in fibre deployments. Next Gen Services - where are the results? - Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:07:41 +0000 Almost everyday there is some news somewhere about about another super fast broadband product, but where are all the users of these services? BT Openzone hits one million hotspots - Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:56:39 +0000 BT hits one million Wi-Fi hotspots and reaches for 1 billion Wi-Fi minutes for the year ending April 2010. Digital Economy Bill could breach Human Rights - Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:55:05 +0000 A government committee has raised concerns that the Digital Economy Bill currently tabled could breach human rights laws. BT plan to share it cable ducts with rivals - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:46:44 +0000 BT are talking with Ofcom about ways it can open up its cable ducts to rival operators DTG concerned at industry engagement of Project Canvas - Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:39:07 +0000 The DTG are worried that Project Canvas will 'do their own thing' and not create devices that are compliant with their Connected TV specification. Rural Scotland sees 8 further exchange upgrades - Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:06:30 +0000 8 telephone exchanges in Scotland will see benefits from an upgrade programme to increase capacity following a deal between the Scottish government and BT. Targeted Advertising - Where is the boundary between right and wrong? - Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:28:23 +0000 Targeted advertising is a buzzword of the online marketing industry, but what is considered acceptable? SeeSaw runs beta aiming at a March launch - Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:43:30 +0000 SeeSaw, the TV on demand service that came of Project Kangaroo is expected to launch with over 3,000 hours of content in March. A beta has been running since last week. Timico acquires NewNet plc - Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:40:05 +0000 Unified communications provider Timico have announced the acquisition of Fareham based Internet Service Provider NewNet. How fast is your broadband router? - Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:15:52 +0000 EXCLUSIVE - Testing of various routers on ADSL2+ and Annex-M lines. We show you what the best router is for the fastest speeds. The results show money doesn't buy speed. Conservatives: "100Mbps by 2017" and "break up BT monopoly' - Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:31:13 +0000 The Conservative party has suggested breaking up BT and using the television license fee to deliver 100Mbps to the majority of households by 2017. Who will be the most tech savvy? Developers or content industry? - Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:20:51 +0000 We have seen various P2P protocols appear and disappear over the years, and today encryption is commonly used. How does this affect the Digital Economy Bill currently being debated in the House of Lords. EU Commission to monitor Virgin DPI trials - Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:01:44 +0000 The European Commission will monitor closely Virgin Media trials on Deep Packet Inspection which may fall foul of EU laws. TalkTalk present pitfalls of Digital Economy Bill to government - Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:52:31 +0000 TalkTalk have spoken to MPs and Peers about the Digital Economy Bill and how its plans are unlikely to have great affect at stopping copyright theft. BT Infinity business prices revealed - Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:06:21 +0000 BT have introduced the business version of their fibre to the cabinet/premises products. YouTube heads for movie rental business - Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:01:27 +0000 YouTube are launching a movie rental business in the US starting initially with 5 films which are available from $3.99. UK users will have to wait a bit longer before a mainstream service becomes available for them. BT fibre based broadband launches as 'Infinity' - Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:38:34 +0000 BT Retail are launching their fibre based broadband services from the 25th of January, bringing up to 40meg broadband to users in enabled areas. New charge may see broadband users charged to even look for a fault - Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:57:22 +0000 Faults with DSL based services over the local loop have always being difficult to investigate, and it is possible Openreach may be looking to generate revenue from this area. Outline of copyright infringement code published - Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:57:56 +0000 Government publishes its thoughts on code to tackle copyright infringement focussing on the stick rather than the carrot. TalkTalk reach 4.15m broadband users - Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:38:02 +0000 TalkTalk have released third quarter results up to the end of 2009 which shows broadband users increasing at the expected rate with 36,000 new customers. BT hope Sky Sports is coming to BT Vision - Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:08:04 +0000 BT hope that a decision by Ofcom will rule in their favour to force Sky to reduce wholesale pricing of their premium content which will allow them to show Sky Sports and Sky Movies to BT Vision customers. TalkTalk free broadband offer - Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:10:44 +0000 TalkTalk are offering free broadband for 12 months if you transfer your telephone line to them from BT. Fibre network to connect Manchester homes and businesses - Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:06:09 +0000 A fibre network is to be deployed in the Oxford Road area of Manchester to connect 1,500 homes and businesses to an open-access network allowing service providers to provide Internet access and novel new content. New report proposes dropping the 50p broadband tax - Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:31:38 +0000 Former BBC head of strategy proposes dropping the 50p broadband tax and introducing community hubs where people can get next-generation broadband. Easynet Connect launch 100meg fibre product for SME's - Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:00:59 +0000 Easynet Connect have launched a 100meg fibre based leased-line product available inside the M25 at a fixed cost of £15,000. UK has cheapest mobile broadband in Europe - Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:39:02 +0000 The UK has the cheapest mobile broadband in Europe, and the market is expected to nearly double by 2011. 40meg Bonded broadband from Be - Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:54:48 +0000 BE are launching their 40meg bonded broadband solution in February, but it won't come in cheap. Government rehash 'Broadband for all' announcement - Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:23:16 +0000 Yesterday the government renewed their intention to provide free broadband and computers to underprivileged families, but TalkTalk aren't impressed. Tiscali brand dropped by TalkTalk - Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:56:39 +0000 The Tiscali brand in the UK has been dropped from today with all previous customers now part of TalkTalk. Government announce consultation on Next Generation Broadband fund - Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:28:36 +0000 The government have announced a consultation on the £1 billion next generation fund which will provide next generation broadband to 90% of the country by 2017. Openreach announce 63 exchanges for fibre upgrades - Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:19:37 +0000 Openreach have today announced another 63 exchanges which will be enabled during the next phase of its super fast broadband network upgrade. BE Broadband to offer £7.50/month broadband service - Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:12:49 +0000 BE Broadband has announced a reduction to its BE Value broadband service from £13.50 to £7.50 per month. Year in Review: 2009 - Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:46:22 +0000 The past year has been important for Broadband Britain with the topic of digital inclusion at the top of the agenda for the government. We look back at the key moments of 2009, and what we should expect in the world of broadband in 2010. Customer Service Awards 2009 - Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:55:54 +0000 We have announced our Customer Service Awards 2009 Winners. O2, BE Unlimited and PlusNet lead the large ISP category whilst AAISP, Zen Internet and IDNet are at the top of the niche ISP group. Project Canvas gets green light from BBC Trust - Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:56 +0000 The BBC trust have given a green light for the BBC to go ahead with Project Canvas, although some conditions have been imposed to help ensure it heads in the right direction. BE broadband provide free connection to local community hotspots - Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:59:34 +0000 Freerunner have teamed up with BE Broadband to provide 46 communities with a free WiFi hotspot. Vtesse Networks announce rural wireless broadband trial - Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:23:05 +0000 Vtesse Networks have announced plans to deploy Channel 4 and TalkTalk join Project Canvas - Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:37:25 +0000 Channel 4 and TalkTalk have joined Project Canvas, and the now 6 members invite expressions of interest from other companies. OECD broadband statistics show 10% increase in subscribers - Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:31:47 +0000 The OECD have released broadband statistics for member countries which show an increase of 10% in subscribers since June 2008. 2010 ISPA awards now open for entries - Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:52:45 +0000 The 2010 ISPA awards are now open for entries to define the best ISPs in the industry. Pre-budget report and broadband - Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:42:04 +0000 The 50p per month tax on telephone lines to support the final third next generation broadband project has had another plug in the Pre-Budget speech. Zip it, Block It, Flag It. The new 'green cross code' for Internet safety - Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:28:20 +0000 A new code drawn up by the UK Council on Child Internet Safety will be taught to children to encourage online safety. Digital Region announce the go-live of their fibre network in South Yorkshire - Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:53:01 +0000 Digital Region announce the go-live of their fibre network with the launch of their network operations centre. Northern Ireland to provide 2-10Mbps Universal Service by mid-2011 - Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:56:36 +0000 Residents and businesses in Northern Ireland are being promised faster broadband services following an announcement by the Northern Ireland Assembly Government to provide a minimum 2Mbps broadband service in rural areas and 10Mbps in urban areas within 18 months. BT forced to move 20 street-side cabinets in Muswell Hill - Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:52:33 +0000 BT have been forced to move 20 street-side cabinets which are used to provide fibre services to areas of Muswell Hill. MySpace Music comes to the UK - Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:13:56 +0000 MySpace launch their music streaming service, MySpace Music, in the UK Virgin media increase mobile broadband speeds to 7.2meg - Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:50:10 +0000 Virgin Media have announced they are increasing mobile broadband speeds to 7.2Meg with discounts to existing Virgin customers who take other services. BT gives chairman broadband in a not-spot - Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:23:27 +0000 BT have admitted that their chairman Sir Michael Rake is receiving broadband in a not-spot area User-powered mobile network from giffgaff - Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:28:16 +0000 A user powered mobile network is the latest competitor to enter the mobile market, and they're offering free Internet from your mobile handset for the first 6 months from launch! Living in a broadband notspot - Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:21:21 +0000 NOTSPOT FEATURE: Could you imagine living without broadband? We look at the case of a Village in the M4/M40 corridor and the struggle to get broadband The Times claims broadband levy scope widened - Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:05:40 +0000 The Times reveals that the 50p per month levy will have VAT added onto it, but other revelations such as Virgin Media lines having to pay it are less of a surprise. Mobile broadband may have problems identifying pirates - Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:04:25 +0000 A big flaw may have been found in the Digital Economy Bill. New online radio player by BBC and commercial radio - Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:55:55 +0000 Just maybe jumping around between different radio stations when using a computer with a broadband connection may be about to get easier. Stephen Timms and Ed Richards in front of Parliament inquiry - Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:36:23 +0000 Today saw the Minister Stephen Timms and Ofcom chief Ed Richards answer questions from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee. Want Next Generation Broadband in the East of England? - Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:22:40 +0000 The RDA for the East of England is taking registrations for next generation broadband services. TalkTalk continues its Don't Disconnect Us campaign - Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:03:21 +0000 TalkTalk is staying firmly on the side of its customers in its campaign over the proposals for the new file sharing legislation that is in the Digital Economy Bill. Who will pay for policing copyright infringement? - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:21:21 +0000 The bill in the usual parliamentary jargon lays out how costs will be shared for policing copyright infringement. USC is not part of the Digital Economy Bill - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:08:20 +0000 There is a reason the Universal Service Commitment is not part of the Digital Economy Bill, and that is because the funds for raising the money are already available. Digital Economy Bill - dealing with copyright infringement - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:49 +0000 After many months of speculation we are finding out what is in the bill, but coverage and analysis may be a little slow as getting the information from the BIS website is very slow. Sony PS3 video download service now live - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:17:18 +0000 Broadband providers that miss the news that the Sony PS3 is now offering films for download with file sizes of up to 8GB may very quickly need to re-evaluate how they pricing model and how to handle traffic at peak times if rental and purchase service proves popular. Swindon to get free public Wi-Fi - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:32:35 +0000 Residents of Swindon look set to benefit from a mesh network of some 1400 wireless access points by the middle of 2010. BT Wholesale ADSL2+ not the answer to Norfolk broadband issues - Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:39:45 +0000 The way that the BT Group is pushing ADSL2+ makes it sound like new technology, but it has been available in the UK since 2006 from providers like Be and Bulldog. Traffic management catches up with mobile broadband - Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:09:09 +0000 The multitude of wireless commentators saying that wireless is to over take fixed line broadband may be reconsidering things - the bandwidth bubble appears to be bursting on mobile broadband. O2 adds over 70,000 customers in a quarter - Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:07:30 +0000 O2 is showing healthy growth for its unbundled broadband services. Map of next-generation broadband roll-out - Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:51:04 +0000 Want fast broadband? Want to know where to move to so you stand a chance of having it by 2012? Find out in this article. BT Group publish second quarter results - Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:11:58 +0000 BT Group has published its second quarter results. Survey suggests people may not be happy with a 2Meg service - Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:57:10 +0000 A survey that looked at whether the speed of broadband at a property would influence their buying decision is very revealing of what the general public expect from broadband in 2009. New TalkTalk Pro package - Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:15:01 +0000 TalkTalk a year after launching its boost range, is merging a number of these to create a new TalkTalk Pro product. Traffic management and product changes a plenty - Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:36:13 +0000 Entanet is the latest provider to look at changing the way its products work and has announced a three week trial of a new system. Broadband speed evidence given to parliament inquiry - Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:57:30 +0000 At 4:15pm on Monday 2nd November 2009 you were able to watch watch BT and TalkTalk amongst others give evidence to the BIS committee. Will 50p levy mean 100,000 households give up broadband? - Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:54:34 +0000 Charles Dunstone, CEO of Carphone Warehouse/TalkTalk, has been very vocal against the funding for the final third Next Generation Broadband fund. Virgin Media 50Meg price cut boosted customer numbers - Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:38:53 +0000 Its no surprise really, but cutting the price of the Virgin Media 50Mbps service saw more people signing up to it, with some 20,000 customers. XBox 360 Sky Player floored by demand? - Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:01:32 +0000 The Sky Player service on the XBox 360 appears to be still having problems, with reports that some 100,000 may have tried to access the service. Is Digital Britain to be taxed back to the copper age? - Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:43:20 +0000 Forget the 50p per month levy on telephone lines, HM Revenue and Customs has its eye on wi-fi hotspots and a next generation connection tax. Lord Mandleson speaks out on disconnecting pirates - Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:54:23 +0000 If you are confused over what the UK's policy on file sharing is to be, then it is no real surprise with the mixed messages of late. EU Parliament drops amendment to restrict unlawful p2p disconnections - Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:27:04 +0100 The EU Parliament has dropped a proposed changed in the Telecoms Package relating to protection of consumers from being cut off for unlawfully sharing files online. Amendment 138 sought to safeguard the rights of individual users against being cut off or having their access restricted. How is the Universal Service Obligation in Finland to be funded? - Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:57:44 +0100 The plans in Finland for a Universal Service Obligation (USO) appear to stretch further, looking at actual throughput at peak time, not just the connection rate. Also, it has emerged providers will be responsible for funding the proposals. TalkTalk campaign against government plans to disconnect file sharers - Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:24:19 +0100 A survey commissioned by TalkTalk has found that 5% of wireless networks are open, without any security to restrict its use to authorised users. 41% of a total of over 1,000 wireless networks were 'vulnerable to unauthorised use', mostly due to use of deprecated (obsolete) WEP encryption rather than the stronger WPA or WPA2 type. Conservatives plan to reverse 50p broadband tax - Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:41:30 +0100 In an interview with the Financial Times this morning, Jeremy Hunt, shadow culture secretary said that if the Conservatives win the general election, they would be scrapping the proposed 50p per month levy on phone lines which would under current plans be used to fund next generation broadband in mostly rural areas. Universal Service 'Obligation' versus 'Commitment' - Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:49:54 +0100 Does it matter whether the UK chooses between a commitment or an obligation for broadband service? TalkTalk shows why wireless routers should ship with WPA enabled - Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:32:30 +0100 Many of our readers will no doubt already have read about the weaknesses with WEP encryption for wireless networks, but TalkTalk has taken it mainstream when illustrating how dangerous it may be if disconnect for filesharers ever becomes the norm. Broadband a legal right from 2010 in Finland - Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:54:52 +0100 Finland introduce a legal right to broadband providing citizens with at least a 1meg broadband connection from July 2010. Parents take an active interest in children's Internet use - Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:10:58 +0100 Last week, we ran a survey which showed that most parents visiting our site preferred an active approach in protecting children online by both supervision and education, with a minority relying mainly on parental control software. Openreach FTTC upstream speed increase - Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:04:13 +0100 Openreach is replacing its 40Meg down, 5Meg up product with one offering a 10Meg upload speed. Openreach Fibre to the Home coverage to double - Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:56:32 +0100 Openreach had originally planned to have around 1 in 10 of the 10 million fibre covered homes using its FTTH product, but this is set to increase to almost 25% of the homes. Virgin Media embracing VDSL2 for digital TV services - Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:47:22 +0100 It looks like Virgin Media is to start moving into the field of sub loop unbundling, and offering VDSL2 to areas just outside the current reach of its cable network. Openreach update on fibre to the cabinet rollout - Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:46:51 +0100 Openreach update on fibre to the cabinet rollouts, including when service will be available at the first 29 announced exchanges. O2 off-net customers now have traffic management - Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:35:51 +0100 O2 Access customers, i.e. those not on the firms unbundled network, will see P2P apps speed limited for a few hours each evening. Broadband creates new spot the ball contest - Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:20:51 +0100 The Ukraine v England qualifier is breaking new ground by being the first England match to be only available online. O2 to trial LTE - next-generation mobile broadband - Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:58:59 +0100 O2 are to trial LTE, a next-generation mobile broadband technology that will deliver speeds up to 100meg to users, and potentially rival fixed-line broadband services. Openreach announce trial date for brownfield FTTH trials - Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:52:52 +0100 BT Openreach have announced the start date of a trial of fibre-to-the-home in the Highams Park area of London and Bradwell Abbey in Milton Keynes. UK ranks 25th in quality of broadband networks - Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:22:29 +0100 The UK ranks 25th in quality of broadband networks, with broadband that meets the needs for today, but is not ready for the future. Mobile Broadband: A new way to compare packages - Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:09 +0100 thinkbroadband have launched a new mobile broadband site packed full of guides and giving you the ability to compare 150+ mobile broadband packages with a new single-click-filter interface. Users are unhappy at mobile broadband speed and coverage - Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:49:04 +0100 Results our surveys indicate consumers are unsatisfied with both the coverage and speed of mobile broadband connections. TalkTalk plan to introduce rating system for broadband - Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:13:43 +0100 TalkTalk plan to introduce a cinema style rating for broadband which will allow households to block access to unwanted content and also help reduce illegal file sharing. BT pledge 24Meg to 75% of the country by 2011 - Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:45:22 +0100 BT plan to increase their 21CN network coverage to 75% of the country by 2011 and will introduce cost reductions in January 2010. Government push to popularise Voice over IP with 50p tax - Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:54:51 +0100 Will VoIP providers be the ones to benefit from the proposed 50p month levy on metallic phone lines? Openreach publishes more price information for FTTP pilot - Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:48:34 +0100 Vague pricing for FTTP pilot by Openreach has been announced. European Commission introduces broadband funding guidelines - Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:29:34 +0100 The European Commission has set out guidelines for state funding of broadband projects within the 27 countries of the European Union to try and help foster a coherent and consistent practice. ASA bans Sky broadband ad - Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:04:00 +0100 The ASA has upheld a complaint against a Sky broadband advert which it deemed to be misleading Ofcom relax narrowband market power regulations on BT - Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:46:21 +0100 Ofcom believe that the success of LLU and WLR have lead to BT no longer holding significant market power in the fixed-line telephony market. Openreach announce BET trial to extend broadband distance - Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:09:48 +0100 Openreach are extending their pilot which allows broadband to work at up to 2meg at distance of up to 12km. Pigeon faster than broadband - Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:03:24 +0100 A pigeon in South Africa has won a race with a broadband connection to transfer 4GB of data. Global broadband connections reach 445 million - Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:05:58 +0100 Global broadband connections have reached 445 million at the end of June 2009 with the UK recording 17.8 million of these, ranked 6th in the world based on total number of connections. BT to open high street broadband shops - Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:01:05 +0100 BT is to open broadband shops on the high street to showcase it's new faster broadband services. FTTH not dampened by economic downturn - Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:36:58 +0100 Fibre to the home deployments haven't dropped off due to the economic downturn. T-Mobile and Orange to merge - Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:19:09 +0100 T-Mobile and Orange have announced they plan to merge their companies in the UK to create the largest mobile operator which will help improve network coverage and reduce costs. Q1 2009 market data published by Ofcom - Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:14:03 +0100 Ofcom have released Q1 2009 market data tables which show UK broadband connections at 17.6m BT 21CN Update - Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:17:33 +0100 Update on new services and service issues experienced by some users on BT's 21CN Network. ISPs unite over governments plans to disconnect file sharing users - Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:42:17 +0100 Three of the largest ISPs in the UK have united in a letter to The Times, speaking out against government plans to disconnect illegal file sharers. O2 customers vulnerable to router hack - Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:51:25 +0100 O2 customers with an O2 Wireless Box II or III are vulnerable to a remote router hack that allows attackers to view or change settings on the router without permission, and gain access to the users home network. Ofcom Student Broadband Guide - Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:39:18 +0100 Ofcom have published a student guide to advise them on telecommunication services. Vodafone boost mobile broadband to 14.4 meg - Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:48:20 +0100 Vodafone are increasing mobile broadband speeds to 14.4meg in areas of high demand - users are likely to see average speeds between 1 and 4 meg. Viewpoint: Illegal p2p file sharing? - Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:34:24 +0100 What makes illegal file sharing on the Internet any different to stealing a DVD from a store, and is it the job of the bus company to refuse to accept you as a passenger on the route to town because you have been accused of shoplifting there? Government to get tough on illegal file sharing - Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:07:06 +0100 After the speculation about measures Lord Mandelson was considering, we are now seeing what actual proposals are going to happen. Have your say on proposed new duties for Ofcom - Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:34:55 +0100 The consultation period for what new powers Ofcom should have is underway, and runs until 25th September 2009. Smaller fanfare for the Digital Britain Implementation Plan - Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:50:25 +0100 The follow on plans from the Digital Britain report are progressing with details of who will lead each project and how funding is going to work. 'Broadband Tax' is not new, it has existed for years - Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:55:24 +0100 Something of a fallacy is doing the rounds; broadband costs for every user are the same no matter where you live in the UK. This is far from the truth. BT Total launches its up to 20Meg products - Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:41:28 +0100 BT Retail is now offering the ADSL2+ products to customers on the 549 exchanges offering the service currently. Lord Mandelson sets his sights on illegal file sharing - Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:32:18 +0100 Extracting hard facts from political coverage is difficult with a General Election less than 12 months away, but if Lord Mandelson does influence the legislation on illegal file sharing it looks like it could be tougher than previously thought. Further changes to Karoo policy on illegal P2P file sharing - Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:01:25 +0100 After Karoo softened its policy from immediate disconnection to two warnings and disconnection on a third it has softened its stance even further. LLU broadband passes six million mark - Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:38:52 +0100 While there is nothing beyond the raw figures in the latest Telecoms Adjudicator report, consider that their is more LLU broadband than broadband connections in total at the end of 2004. Is music sharing by P2P up or down? - Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:33:18 +0100 The annual UK music survey has been published and its results will vary depending on your own viewpoint. Stephen Timms to take charge of 'Digital Britain' - Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:05:27 +0100 The successor to Lord Carter has been officially appointed and is Stephen Timms. News Corp to move to charging for more content - Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:00:50 +0100 The changes brought about by how we all access news content, and the advertising downturn looks set to change how much free News Corp content is available online. Openreach names first FTTP brownfield site - Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:57:43 +0100 Highams Park, London was on the original list of fibre roll-out sites, but has now being announced as the pilot site for a Fibre to the Premises roll-out. Virgin Media Q2 results show marginal broadband growth - Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:15:48 +0100 Virgin Media has released it's Q2 results covering April to June 2009 which shows a large decline in the rate of increase of broadband customers down to just 5,100 net additions this quarter. Orange invoke mobile broadband price war - Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:43:29 +0100 Orange have launched a mobile broadband package for under £5 and introduced a price cap so users can't get hit with huge bills if they overuse their mobile broadband package. Virgin Media to avoid unachievable speed claims - Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:42:13 +0100 Virgin Media are promising to avoid claims of unachievable speeds for its National Broadband product, provided using ADSL rather than on its cable-broadband network. Internet Users @bebroadband : "change your site back" - Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:54:39 +0100 We have published the results of our poll on the new website design for broadband provider BE. BE launches controversial new website - Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:58:23 +0100 In a daring move, BE have launched new styling for their brand identity and website. EU release 2G spectrum for faster services - Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:57:30 +0100 The European Union have announced that the Council of Ministers has followed the European Parliament in approving plans to allow the use of 900MHz GSM spectrum for other services such as 3G or newer 4G technologies like LTE. O2 continues to grow - Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:23:00 +0100 O2 Broadband is continuing to add customers, some 116,016 lines in the first half of 2009. Fibre for some Hull residents - Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:18:29 +0100 Fibrestream is due to start construction for a Fibre To The Home network that will reach 1000 residents initially. BT Retail adds 78,000 customers in last quarter - Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:17:12 +0100 The BT Group has published its results for the 1st quarter of 2009, showing a 2% decline in revenue for its Retail division even with the additional 78,000 customers. Orange continues to shed ADSL customers - Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:12:53 +0100 Orange has had a poor showing in terms of customer numbers even before the credit crunch, but has now shed 10% of its ADSL users in the first half of 2009. Sky expects to turn to profit on broadband after 2010 - Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:03:39 +0100 Sky has published its financial results for the 12 months to the end of June, and indicates that true VoD is on its way for Sky+ HD customers. Ofcom finally publishes final broadband report - Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:23:59 +0100 Ofcom has today published its final report on its broadband research encompassing both performance metrics and consumer perceptions. Karoo backs down and adopts 'three strikes' policy for illegal p2p file sharers instead of immediate cut off - Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:01:28 +0100 Karoo, the broadband services arm of Hull based telco KCom has been criticised over the last 24 hours for its harsh treatment of those customers accused of engaging in illegal peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing. The provider has been disconnecting anyone who it has been advised has engaged in such illegal activity, with no advance warning. This evening, news is emerging of a change in policy. AAISP connects first business on BT 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' pilot - Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:02:06 +0100 Yesterday morning, on a busy street in Muswell Hill in North London, a BT engineer was installing their first FTTC connection to an AAISP business premises under this pilot scheme. A few days earlier, the first consumer connection was completed. BT Ireland transfer customers to Vodafone - Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:21:36 +0100 BT Ireland and Vodafone have signed a deal that will see broadband and voice customers in Ireland transfered to Vodafone. Online cricket and golf viewers create spike in SkyPlayer traffic - Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:16:28 +0100 Office workers are watching live sports, putting a strain on broadband service provide connectivity. Protecting your children in a digital world - Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:01:19 +0100 Ofcom have released a guide with tips and advice for protecting children in a digital world The CD isn't dead - Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:40:17 +0100 Two thirds of music lovers prefer CD's to digital downloads and 59% still listen to CDs every day. Vodafone announce cheaper roaming charges for Internet use - Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:08:39 +0100 Vodafone have announced new roaming charges for Internet usage abroad which cost £4.99 for every 25megabytes (MB) equivalent of 20p per MB. Virgin Media complete 50meg rollout and trial 10meg upstream - Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:03:43 +0100 Virgin are dropping the price of their 50meg services from September and have announced a trial of faster upstream services up to 10meg. ISPA Awards 2009 - Winners - Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:20 +0100 The ISPA Award Winners for 2009 have been announced, showcasing excellent service from ISPs including O2 and UK Fast. TalkTalk follow suit on Phorm - Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:22:22 +0100 TalkTalk follow BT abandoning Phorm BT speeds up fibre rollout - Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:39:29 +0100 BT have announced the next set of exchanges which will receive fibre-to-the-cabinet based broadband, increasing their coverage to 1.5 million homes by summer 2010. How a £2 a month broadband 'tax' could deliver next-generation services - Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:27:56 +0100 Analyst firm Point Topic says Britain could get next-generation broadband for just £2 per month extra on the broadband bill by increase prices by £1.50 to add to the 50p a month Carter Tax. Digital Champion to focus on poorest six million - Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:57:50 +0100 The poorest six million will be the primary focus for the Digital Inclusion Champion, Martha Lane Fox. BT opt-out of Phorm - Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:44:35 +0100 BT has decided not to proceed with the roll-out of the advertising system Phorm which monitors user activity online to generate behavioural based advertising which is then displayed via participating websites BT may increase fibre coverage with 50p tax - Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:48:54 +0100 BT is examining its fibre to the cabinet roll out plans and considering increasing coverage to 90% of homes The Digital Britain report is finally out - Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:20:44 +0100 After much waiting, and worries about whether it may be delayed, and rumours of last minute negotiations the report has been published. Is the creative industry holding back UK broadband? - Fri, 29 May 2009 20:44:19 +0100 The Lord Carter report addresses both the infrastructure and intellectual properties rights - are these two things at odds with each other? Sky embraces fully unbundled solutions - Fri, 29 May 2009 10:27:13 +0100 TalkTalk's crown as the main full LLU operator in the UK may be under challenge as Sky is set to try and take advantage of the cost savings. Can't get decent broadband speeds because of where you live? - Tue, 26 May 2009 11:05:18 +0100 NOTSPOT FEATURE: www.broadband-notspot.org.uk - The team behind thinkbroadband have launched a new site to help track the notspots and slow-spots of the UK, areas where you either can't get a reasonable broadband service, or you can only get a slow connection. BT unhappy with new Openreach pricing - Fri, 22 May 2009 14:11:04 +0100 Ofcom increase the price ceilings that Openreach can charge for full unbundled lines, however BT are unhappy with the extent of the increase. Orange drops interest in Project Kangaroo - Thu, 21 May 2009 12:57:41 +0100 Orange pulls out of talks on Project Kangaroo technology, whilst US VoD provider Hulu is expecting a UK launch in September. ISPA awards 2009 finalists announced - Wed, 20 May 2009 23:36:57 +0100 Finalists have been announced for the 11th annual ISPA awards, with the winners set to be released on the 9th July. Ofcom reduce time for complaints going to ADR - Tue, 19 May 2009 14:05:49 +0100 The time until you can raise a complaint with an ADR scheme will reduce to 8 weeks from September Virgin Media increase usage allowances on cable products - Thu, 14 May 2009 13:36:35 +0100 Virgin Media have announced an update to their traffic management which sees an increase in the amount users can download in peak periods. BT Q4 results show decline in revenue and 15,000 more job cuts - Thu, 14 May 2009 12:44:54 +0100 BT has posted Q4 results for year ending 31st March 2009. A general decline in revenue is evident and has lead to a sharp reduction in the final dividend and further job cuts being announced. Consumer panel sets sights on the 40% not online - Thu, 14 May 2009 08:14:40 +0100 The Communications Consumer Panel (previously known as the Ofcom Consumer Panel) is aiming to concentrate on how to include the 40% of people not yet online into the Digital Britain vision. Radical proposals for mobile broadband - Thu, 14 May 2009 00:06:42 +0100 The Digital Britain report talks of a 2Meg USO, but could we see 99% of the UK with a 4Meg mobile broadband solution available? Work from home day - Friday 15th May - Wed, 13 May 2009 10:39:15 +0100 To coincide with Work Wise Week, BT has published details of a survey revealing that half of us are working from home more since the recession has started. Virgin Media starts network expansion again - Wed, 13 May 2009 10:27:10 +0100 Virgin Media appears to be ready to start expanding its network after some years of static coverage. Be goes after gamers with latest promo - Wed, 13 May 2009 10:20:11 +0100 Be is promoting its latest offer with a short three level game, that is ideal for killing a bit of time over lunch. Ofcom nets over £7.8 million in fines - Tue, 12 May 2009 14:35:51 +0100 Ofcom publishes its first enforcement report which explains how it uses its enforcement powers and the results from doing so. Calls again for illegal file sharers to be disconnected - Tue, 12 May 2009 12:58:59 +0100 The media and internet industries are once again at logger heads. Tiscali finally agree sale of UK arm to Carphone Warehouse - Fri, 08 May 2009 10:33:00 +0100 Tiscali have finally announced the sale of their UK arm to Carphone Warehouse after a long drawn out sale process. Ofcom releases Q4 2008 market data - Thu, 07 May 2009 10:01:51 +0100 While the latest Ofcom data does not give any figures for mobile broadband, the decrease in the number of telephone lines suggests some are now relying totally on the mobile networks. Virgin Media in 200Meg pilot - Wed, 06 May 2009 11:01:31 +0100 Even before the current DOCSIS 3.0 rollout is complete Virgin Media is starting a pilot for a 200Mbps product Virgin Media NOT opening up broadband network to wholesalers - Tue, 05 May 2009 16:47:42 +0100 The Guardian report that Virgin Media plan to open up their broadband network to other providers on a wholesale basis in around 18 months which could encourage faster broadband to more people and competition to BT. Virgin, however, deny these claims. HD iPlayer available on Virgin Media - Fri, 01 May 2009 14:22:16 +0100 Virgin Media add BBC iPlayer HD to their on-demand TV based iPlayer service. Phorm blogs against 'collusion' smear campaign - Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:02:43 +0100 The BBC have released information received via a FOI Act request to the Home Office which points at collusion between Phorm and the Home Office. Phorm has launched a blog in response against the smear campaign that it feels it is facing. Sky reach 2 million broadband customers - Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:13:22 +0100 Sky reach 2 million broadband customers and see strong growth in HD product Virgin Trains release Wi-Fi on West Coast Main Line - Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:38:14 +0100 Virgin Trains have joined forces with T-Mobile to launch Wireless Internet using Wi-Fi on its West Coast Main Line train services, offering uninterrupted connectivity, even in tunnels. BT home and mobile broadband bundle - Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:37:33 +0100 BT have added mobile broadband as an option to their BT Total Broadband packages, available for a one-off USB dongle/modem fee of £49.99 Carphone back as potential Tiscali buyer - Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:55:31 +0100 Carphone Warehouse may be back on the cards to buy up Tiscali's UK arm. Ofcom warning to BBC trust over on-demand set-top box - Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:15:35 +0100 Ofcom have indicated areas that Project Canvas will need to focus on to keep clear from the Competition Commission shutting down their on-demand set-top box system. Budget announces 2Mbps USO but who pays? - Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:09:32 +0100 The Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling today announced the Budget including a commitment by government to a Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) of 2 Mbps by 'no later than 2012'. This announcement was not unexpected given it was covered in the Digital Britain Review by Lord Carter. Digital Divide is not just a rural/urban battle - Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:05:02 +0100 The Country Land and Business Association has come out on the offensive over the recent Digital Britain Summit. Trigger Virgin Media traffic management and you are abnormal - Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:42:20 +0100 Virgin Media has had another judgment upheld by the ASA in relation to a direct mailing this week. Lord Carter backs mobile and satellite for rural areas - Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:36:21 +0100 The love affair with mobile broadband continues, as it looks like some 25% of the UK may only see next generation networks using wireless or satellite based connections. Digital Britain Summit - more of the same - Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:23:16 +0100 The Digital Britain report is still in the process of its final version being written, and as part of the process a Digital Britain Summit was held at the British Library in London. BBC iPlayer gets high definition update - Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:19:21 +0100 BBC's TV catchup service, BBC iPlayer, is to benefit from high definition content and further updates to improve the quality of the video on the service. Tiscali auditors deal company another blow - Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:27:56 +0100 Tiscali's auditors have dished a new blow to the firm by refusing to sign off on the accounts for 2008. BT Home Hub adverts under ASA spotlight - Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:11:42 +0100 Its Wednesday which means that the latest adjudications from the ASA have been published. EU opens case over privacy and personal data - Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:08:19 +0100 The EU has sent a letter to the UK concerning Phorm and the issues this has raised over what is considered consent to data interception. Tiscali users left screaming by lack of e-mail - Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:17:47 +0100 Tiscali users left without e-mail after a failure to renew the screaming.net domain name used by some of its users. Tiscali TV quietly hits the 100,000 customer mark - Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:13:02 +0100 Tiscali TV which started off as HomeChoice back in 2000 has reached 100,000 customers, but had set a target of 200,000 for 2009 originally. Smile for the camera at Virgin Media - Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:34:03 +0100 Virgin Media has added some free extras to its broadband products, including free digital photo prints and online backup. ASA adjudicates against Virgin Media - Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:07:35 +0100 Virgin Media is told off by the ASA for a national press advert claiming 'ONLY 3 OUT OF 10 HOMES IN THE UK CAN GET 8Mb OR MORE OVER BT PHONE LINES. 10 OUT OF 10 HOMES WITH OUR FIBRE OPTIC BROADBAND CAN GET 20Mb' Major cable cut in East London tunnel - Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:33:40 +0100 Over the last 24 hours, a tunnel has collapsed in East London plunging many broadband users back into the pre-broadband era of the nineties. Probably fastest deployment of DOCSIS 3.0 yet - Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:34:39 +0100 160Mbps broadband using cable broadband sounds fast, but it is trumped by 1Gbps fibre to the home in Japan. Orange shows interest in Kangaroo - Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:01:23 +0100 Orange may buy the remains of Project Kangaroo to enhance its IPTV service running in France. Complaints about BT Total advert upheld - Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:20:56 +0100 A BT advert promoting a free home hub has fallen foul of the ASA as the cost of hub phone was not prominent enough. Government may step in over 900MHz mobile broadband spectrum battle - Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:23:14 +0100 The government may have to step in to sort out a long running battle over who should be able to operate services in the 900MHz spectrum which is hoped to be use by mobile operators to meet the 2Mbps broadband USO. Walled Garden for Prodigy Internet customers - Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:24:46 +0100 BT Wholesale has instigated its measure of last resort and all web page requests for Prodigynet users results at a webpage offering their Migration Authorisation Code. Price rises and price cuts - Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:59:16 +0100 It has been said that broadband and telephone costs in the UK are about as low as they can be, and the price changes from Virgin Media and TalkTalk may reflect that a period of price shuffling is underway. Carphone Warehouse reconsider a Tiscali bid - Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:38:49 +0100 Carphone Warehouse may put forward a new bid for Tiscali in hope of a bargain before administrators step in. EU sets mobile data price caps - Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:56:54 +0000 From July 2009 roaming mobile data prices will be capped at 1 euro per MegaByte First 50 homes in Bournemouth on fibre network - Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:36:14 +0000 Fibrecity has its first 50 homes connected, and plans to be rolling out to 2000 homes per week. Online gaming to crank up its bandwidth requirements - Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:22:51 +0000 A fledgling service in the US may offer gamers a chance to play the latest games without having to keep pace with expensive graphics card technology. Is 150meg from Virgin going to revolutionise broadband in 2012? - Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:18:45 +0000 Virgin claim their network is ready for 200meg broadband now and are looking to enable 150meg speeds by 2012, but what will we use all that bandwidth for, and can the rest of the Internet cope? AAISP promises to fix your faulty broadband line - Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:03:53 +0000 Niche provider AAISP is challenging other providers by promising to fix any broadband lines which have faults if they are migrated to its service. Those whose faults cannot be rectified within a month will receive a full refund. Vodafone and Telefonica (O2) mast sharing deal signed - Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:56:05 +0000 Vodafone and O2 have agreed a network infrastructure sharing deal which will see them share mobile phone sites, masts and equipment to provide the service. BT announce first 29 exchanges for fibre deployment - Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:53:32 +0000 BT have announced the first 29 exchanges where fibre will be deployed to their new VDSL based fibre broadband services which will go live in 2010. Signs of changes to EU state aid rules - Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:33:59 +0000 There are signs emerging that the EU is willing to alter its rules on state aid in relation to telecoms spending. Broadband Customer Ratings 2008 - Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:58:45 +0000 We have gathered over 500,000 ratings of customer service and reliability of broadband services in the UK. These provide a unique insight into who was performing well in 2008. World waking up to costs of mobile broadband traffic - Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:02:50 +0000 Mobile broadband is touted as a competitor to landline broadband, but it seems people are slowly noticing the costs of exceeding your bundled allowance. The most common broadband questions - Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:15:42 +0000 By looking at forums and the emails we receive it is clear that a small number of issues keep cropping up, so lets look at which ones they are. |
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