Broadband access in UK is on good health

Ofcom, in its press release about its new consultation process on next generation access (NGA) broadband, has included some stats which demonstrate how widespread broadband is in the UK now – and how competition among providers has benefited the consumer.

• over ninety-nine per cent of the UK is connected to a broadband enabled exchange
• over half of UK households have taken up broadband
• almost three quarters have a choice of at least two broadband (ADSL and/or cable) network providers
• the average headline speed has doubled in a year to reach 4.6Mb
• broadband prices have fallen by 9% in the last twelve months

Find out more on the Ofcom website.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

Ofcom launches consultation over next generation access broadband networks

Ofcom has published a consultation paper analysing the outlook for next generation access (NGA) broadband. NGA broadband networks could mean that broadband speeds increase massively. However they would need regulation to reflect the commercial investment risk, and that regulation would have to be longer-term to allow investors to invest with confidence.

The chief executive of Ofcom, Ed Richards, said: “Next Generation Access offers tremendous new opportunities for UK business and consumers, and its potential impact on the economy is very significant.

“Investment in Next Generation Access will represent a substantial commercial risk and the market should decide where and when it will be made. We want to ensure there are no barriers to investment and provide a clear regulatory environment which will help encourage investment.

“But we also want to ensure that the benefits of competition which consumers have enjoyed with current generation broadband can also be achieved as we move to higher speed next generation access.”

The consultation closes on 5 December 2007.

Find out more on the Ofcom website.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

BT Wholesale to provide fixed lines for Orange Max Broadband customers

Orange and BT Wholesale have announced a strategic agreement under which BT Wholesale will provide wholesale landline services to Orange customers who subscribe to its Home Max broadband package. This is the first time that Orange has offered fixed line services to its personal customers.

The agreement allows Orange to offer a fixed line telephony service under its own brand, which is provided, managed and maintained by BT Wholesale.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

Pipex founder fund may bid for remainder of company

The Oakley Capital Private Equity fund, set up by the founder of Pipex, Peter Dubens, may bid for what remains of the company now that the broadband division has been sold off to broadband provider Tiscali.

Pipex still has extensive hosting and other interests. It also has a wireless division which is to be demerged and sold separately.  

Read more in The Telegraph.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

Orange to switch off dial up service

Orange Broadband announced earlier this month that it is switching off its dial up service at the end of this year.

The broadband and mobile provider currently has 92,000 dial up (narrowband)customers and unless they opt out they will apparently be automatically upgraded to Orange’s 2Mb broadband package Broadband Home Starter shortly.

However some industry experts are saying that this is the perfect time for Orange dial up customers to find a new broadband deal with another broadband provider, as there are so many good broadband deals around now.

Read more in The Sunday Times.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

Sky cuts standard TV set-up costs

Sky Digital has cut its set-up charge for a standard Sky Box – as long as you order online, by 30 September 2007. It is now only £15.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

PlusNet launches gaming broadband package

Broadband provider PlusNet has launched a new broadband package especially for gamers.

Called Broadband Your Way PRO, it has a 10GB usage allowance, plus free usage betewen midnight and 8am, and PlusNet will prioritise gaming traffic on their network.

The package is £19.99 per month for up to 8Mb, with a one month contract (or you can stay for 12 months and you’ll get a free wireless router).

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

Another survey finds broadband speeds often slower than advertised

A study by Computer Active magazine has discovered that of 3000 people trying their speed test, more than half achieved only half the advertised speed that they are paying for. And a shocking 28% only got speeds a quarter of what was advertised.

Ofcom says it is looking into the problem. Find out more on the BBC News website.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

PC World and Orange laptop deal ends

The Orange Broadband / PC World free laptop deal has ended, after only a few weeks. PC World says that the offer was always limited by the number of laptops available to give away.

However AOL are still running their free laptop offer when you take out a 24-month contract for their up to 8Mb Wireless Plus broadband package.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder

O2 wins contract to sell Apple iPhone in the UK

As expected, O2 has won the contract to sell the Apple iPhone in the UK.

The iPhones will be on sale from 9 November in the UK – and will be available from Apple stores, O2 stores, and the Carphone Warehouse.

An iPhone will cost £269 in the UK. However customers will also have to sign up for 18 months (on tariffs starting at £35 a month).

Read more on the O2 website (where you can also register your interest) or on the BBC News website.

By Sarah at UK Broadband Finder