UK Broadband Internet Service Provider News: 2005/11

UK broadband Internet service provider news and the latest broadband company press releases. Access the latest new broadband deals and broadband service updates, including broadband news from BT, AOL, Tiscali, Eclipse, Orange, Utility Warehouse, TalkTalk, Virgin & Telewest.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Three million calls carried over BT's 21st century network in latest trials

BT today announced that three million customer calls have been successfully carried over an Internet Protocol (IP) link in the latest phase of its 21st Century Network (21CN) trials.

The calls, diverted from BT’s PSTN network between exchanges in Cambridge and Woolwich, are being carried over a next generation link using IP technology. The trials have been conducted over the last six weeks using equipment from BT’s preferred suppliers for 21CN.

The majority of calls carried are live customer calls closely monitored by BT network managers at the company’s national network management centres at Cambridge, Oswestry and Ipswich. To date the peak level of simultaneous calls carried has been 2,500. As the trial progresses BT’s goal is to increase the number of calls carried over the IP link to reflect normal loading on a similar network path.In the spring of 2006 BT expects to start trialling telephone and broadband services across the IP network connecting around 800 BT employees. This will involve the commissioning of multi-service access nodes (MSANs) - the access point into 21CN supporting voice, data and broadband - at up to 18 locations in the south-east of England. In addition the 21CN metro nodes at Cambridge and Woolwich will be upgraded with the installation of new media gateways which provide the routing for 21CN services. To carry out the necessary technology upgrades, the first phase of the current trial is due to be completed in early December.

Paul Reynolds, chief executive of BT Wholesale, said: “This is a very exciting time for us - the 21CN programme is moving from vision to reality with live calls being carried over the network. We’re building momentum. We have 2,000 BT people already working on the programme. We have presented a proposal to industry outlining the phasing and geography for mass migration for all of the UK which we expect to have agreed in early 2006. As we put the core network links in place in preparation for the mass migration of customers in South Wales this time next year, the entire industry will gear up for a world first – doing away with the old PSTN network and moving to a new, all IP, network world.”

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

BT celebrate Xbox 360 with best ever price for BT Wireless Broadband

Take a step into the next generation this Christmas with the Xbox 360 and BT Wireless Broadband. The launch of the must-have games console is marked by a new, best-ever price for BT Wireless Broadband - now available from just £14.99 a month for 3 months, allowing you to enjoy the Xbox 360 around home - there’s never been a better time to enter the world of wireless with BT.

The benefits of BT Wireless Broadband are clear, even for the non-gamers in the house - up to 10 members of one household can log-on simultaneously from different computers around the house. So while the gamer is using Xbox Live to compete against gamers all over the world, other family members can still use the internet for downloading music, working from home or catching up with friends over email. It’s simple to set-up and use so you will be hooked up to broadband internet and to Xbox Live with your new Xbox 360 console in no time at all.

The Xbox 360 can be used in connection with BT Wireless Broadband enabling you to control your music, images, PC and of course play games using Xbox Live - all wirelessly. With all BT packages providing a wireless network of up to 50 square metres, and the Xbox 360 wireless controller offering an expansive 30-foot range, you really do have the freedom to play games in the lounge, bedroom, kitchen or around the home. By using wireless broadband and attaching a storage device (a hard drive memory unit) you will get instant access to Xbox Live Silver, making it possible to engage in voice and text messaging, talk to friends using voice chat, receive video messages from gold level members and download new game trailers, levels, maps, weapons, vehicles and more via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Customers signing up to a BT Wireless Broadband package from now until 19th February 2005 can also benefit from up to £200 off the price of a laptop of their choice from selected brands via the BT online retail store (full details, terms and conditions can be found at www.bt.com/broadband/wireless). Wireless broadband has never been safer than it is with BT’s new technology that lets you access files on PCs and laptops which are on your network, so you can share music, photos and documents without burning CDs or emailing the information. All packages come with email anti-virus and firewall protection and you will also be given a personal code to access your modem router with BT Broadband, keeping you safe from online crime.

John Petter, Chief Operating Office, BT Retail, said: “BT is very excited to be the first broadband provider to revolutionise the way UK households use the internet at home by offering wireless capabilities as standard, from as little as £14.99 a month, to all new customers. Whether it is the freedom to use your Xbox 360 around the home or an internet solution for more than one computer in the home, we hope that our new, lowest-ever price point, will encourage those considering broadband to purchase now.”

Stephen McGill, UK Head of Marketing says “The Xbox 360 is all about wireless connectivity. From launch there will be wireless controllers and a wireless adapter to enable wireless networking. Consumers can also connect right into Windows Media Centre 2005 PC for the ultimate in digital home entertainment where they can watch & record TV, play your music, and view your photos & videos. This is why BT Wireless Broadband perfectly compliments the system. With its network of up to 50 square metres, gamers can finally free themselves from the bedroom and bring gaming into the lounge or around the home.”

BT Broadband

Labels: bt-broadband

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Virus protection worries only a quarter of UK Businesses

Two thirds of small and medium-sized companies have suffered some kind of virus attack, yet virus protection is the primary IT concern for only one quarter of businesses, according to research from BT*.

The study, in association with the Institute of Directors (IoD), also revealed only three per cent of the 394 companies completing the survey were concerned about setting e-mail / internet acceptable use policies. As a result, many small businesses may be leaving themselves vulnerable to attack.

Professor Jim Norton, senior policy adviser at the Institute of Directors, said: “It comes as no surprise that so many of our members have suffered as a result of viruses. Recent attacks have been highly publicised in the press and many companies have seen their effects. Now businesses need to realise the importance of implementing security measures and make sure their networks are safe.”

Brian Crouch, BT regional director for the North West, said: “Many small businesses are complacent about viruses and the magnitude of damage they can cause. Strip away all the jargon, and online security becomes just like real world security – blocking access to your property and updating systems as new threats arise is vital, and there are a host of cost-effective ways to do it.”

BT’s Internet Security Pack provides a firewall and antivirus protection for PC desktop and laptop users on a simple pay-as-you-go model. It is easy to download and installs itself automatically, checking for and retrieving anti-virus updates once per day, when customers are online, meaning they’re always up-to-date.

There are no upfront software purchase costs or annual renewal fees for virus definitions, just a monthly payment of £4.99 (excluding VAT).

BT Business Broadband customers can sign up now to get download speeds of up to 2Mb for just £19.99 a month until March 31, 2006** with free connection and router***, removing the initial set-up costs for businesses. Users will also benefit from BT’s IT Support Manager and Business Email Plus for free until December 31, 2005.

BT Broadband

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Leisure industry set to boom with investment in online technology

Britain’s leisure industry has huge potential to grow its market share with new and existing customers by exploring new ways of interacting with them online.

Research released today by BT shows that companies could significantly increase their profit margins simply by having the right communications systems in place. With more than 76 per cent of leisure companies now interacting with customers online, technology has become a significant business enabler and the internet a major revenue channel.

By converging voice and data networks, either on one site or across multiple locations, small to medium enterprises (SMEs) can integrate their communications and IT systems to save money, increase efficiency and improve customer service.

The BT Convergence Report, a study undertaken to assess the understanding and adoption of voice and data communication technology convergence by UK SMEs, found that while only 34 per cent of leisure businesses have already migrated to a
fully converged voice and data network, most of those that have are achieving real cost and productivity benefits.

Fifty nine per cent of the leisure companies surveyed which had deployed a converged network cited increased productivity as the biggest benefit. Similarly, 56 per cent reported reduced infrastructure costs and increased organisational agility.

As the number of leisure companies interacting with both their customers (76 per cent) and suppliers (69 per cent) online continues to grow, technological capability is increasingly becoming a competitive differentiator.

Bill Murphy, MD of BT Business, said: “The leisure industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the UK, accounting for more than 10 per cent of total employment and more than 25 per cent of total consumer expenditure. The internet is now a significant revenue channel for the sector and companies should look to converge their communications solutions as a way to help continue to increase profit margins.”

The research found that of all the businesses questioned, leisure companies have the lowest level of understanding about converged networks with only 21 per cent considering themselves as fully up to date on what services are available and 44 per cent having an average or less than average knowledge of what convergence actually is.

Yet whilst the industry still has a way to go in reaching the levels of knowledge and proficiency that other market sectors have achieved, momentum is clearly building behind the adoption of convergence. All of the 55 per cent of leisure companies that have invested to date have done so in the past twelve months and of those that have not yet adopted a fully converged voice and data network 63 per cent intend to do so.

When asked the reasons behind their decision to migrate to a converged network, 56 per cent of respondents cited reduced communications costs as the main motivation, while the ability to send voice and data and meet ongoing technology strategy goals (47 per cent) was also seen to be extremely important.

With only 33 per cent of the leisure companies questioned having a fully documented IT policy that is strictly adhered to it is perhaps not surprising that the sector has been slow to adopt convergence. However, when asked about the two main barriers, financial concerns were cited as the main reason with 31 per cent unsure of the cost benefits and 19 per cent lacking the budget to implement the new system.

Murphy said: “What this research reveals is that converged technologies are becoming an essential part of business for many UK SMEs and that they could offer very real cost savings and business benefits, but there is still a job to do in educating the market. Regardless of whether they will adopt now or in the future, the time is right for UK businesses to become informed about how these technologies could improve their business.”

Jim Norton, senior policy advisor for the Institute of Directors and a key contributor to the Convergence Report, said: “The major benefit of IP (Internet Protocol) convergence is that businesses can consolidate practically all of their technology and communications systems onto the one common platform, helping to bring about significant cost and resource efficiencies, increases in productivity and greater collaborative capabilities.”

Murphy said: “The findings also highlight that smaller businesses need guidance in helping them to make the decision to embrace convergence. With its world-class services, partners, engineers and training, BT can provide that help.”

BT Broadband

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Wanadoo is UK's No.1 Consumer VoIP Provider

Eric Abensur, Wanadoo UK CEO, said: “It’s clear that consumers love the simplicity of Wireless & Talk as there are currently around 5,000 Wanadoo customers registering every week. There is no software to download, no fiddly headphones and you’re not tied to your computer. Phone-to-phone is the way forward for VoIP services and Wanadoo is clearly leading the way.”

Unlike many other companies offering VoIP services, Wanadoo Wireless & Talk is high on customer convenience. It offers an integrated approach to communications providing the broadband connection, telephony service and Livebox in one package, meaning that customers always have a point of reference should a query arise. Customers are paying monthly for a service and so receive the benefits that go with this, such as high levels of dedicated customer support.

Customers receive a secondary phone line on a dedicated Wanadoo Broadband connection plus free evening and weekend calls to any UK landline and free calls at any time, day or night, to other Wanadoo Wireless & Talk users.

Just plug a normal (touch tone) phone into the Wanadoo Livebox - that comes free on loan with the service, and away you go. Perfect for families who find that their ordinary line is in use and may want to make or receive more than one call at once.

The family also get to experience the benefits of connecting to the Internet - wirelessly. Using the Wanadoo Livebox, customers can connect more than one PC to the Internet and surf from anywhere around the home. So now you can chat, surf, legally download and game - all simultaneously.

Wanadoo has also revealed that in its Local Loop Unbundled (LLU) areas, new customers will be able to receive an even faster broadband service with an up to 8 Meg wireless broadband connection, plus free off-peak VoIP calls - all for only £14.99 per month for the first six months*.

Wanadoo Broadband

Labels: voip, wanadoo-broadband

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

BT cuts LLU prices to stimulate competition

BT today announced that it will be introducing new Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) price reductions to further stimulate competition in the UK broadband market. LLU operators will benefit from a 40 per cent reduction in the price of connecting new broadband customers to BT’s fully unbundled LLU offering.

This follows BT’s commitment to industry in June that it would bring the price of LLU New Provide charges in line with those for Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) and underlines BT’s ongoing commitment to making LLU a success. From 15 December, the price for new provides on the fully unbundled product will be reduced from £168.38 (ex. VAT) to £99.95 (ex. VAT).

BT will also be withdrawing the minimum term rental charges for both its shared and fully unbundled products giving LLU operators the opportunity to pass this benefit on to end-customers.This reduction follows the 70 per cent reduction in total charges for shared LLU introduced by BT Wholesale in September 2004. With the introduction of these price reductions, the UK is now ranked third in Europe on price comparison for LLU.

Steve Robertson, CEO, Openreach said, “These price reductions clearly demonstrate BT’s ongoing commitment to LLU and are designed to create additional certainty and confidence for operators investing in LLU. Openreach has been set up to deliver transparent and equal access for all to our network. We are confident that the price reductions announced today will further boost demand and stimulate competition in the market.”

BT Broadband

Labels: bt-broadband, llu-broadband, wifi-broadband

Monday, November 14, 2005

Wireless technology encourages flexible working but raises management issues

Recent research has shown that the benefits of flexible working have encouraged the increased use of wireless technology by many UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs).1

More than half of the SMEs surveyed use at least three examples of wireless technology and BT is obviously keen to encourage this trend, but wants to ensure that companies in the sector put the appropriate training, security, business continuity and flexible working policies in place.

Less than 50 per cent of small businesses give staff training on how to use mobile technology and more than a third do not have a policy to monitor its use. And more than 60 per cent of SMEs do not have a formal policy on flexible working.

Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Business, said: “IT security is one of the biggest issues facing businesses today. It is becoming a point that differentiates competitors when it comes to make or break contract negotiations.”

The security issues range from network or equipment failure to equipment being used improperly or damaged accidentally.

Murphy said: “It is essential for any organisation introducing wireless technology to take steps to safeguard fundamental systems such as phone and data networks. The threat posed by viruses, hackers and fraudsters affects every organisation – both large and small. With more and more firms adopting flexible working, business continuity planning is vital.”

Security is a significant part of business continuity plans and other research2 shows that nearly three quarters of UK small businesses admit that they are dissatisfied with their current arrangements and only three per cent are confident that their plans need no further attention.

BT provides a range of business continuity solutions for SMEs and can deliver, manage and support all aspects of a network infrastructure. Additionally, BT Business Broadband comes with a certified firewall, e-mail anti-virus and anti-spam filter as standard.

Murphy said: “For an organisation to fully realise the benefits of any investment in wireless technology, it is absolutely crucial to assess and address all security issues as part of comprehensive business continuity plans.

“This can be particularly demanding for smaller businesses, but there are answers out there – we at BT provide a range of business continuity and disaster recovery solutions to manage and support all aspects of a network infrastructure.

“Knowing third party support is available provides peace of mind for many organisations that might otherwise feel they have no choice but to let things go unchecked. It’s the classic insurance conundrum - can you really afford not to protect your investments?”

1. Survey of 419 SMEs, selected from the circulation database of Computer Weekly, a leading weekly IT publication circulated to approximately 138,000 IT professionals.2. Research conducted among 113 SMEs at a series of BT Retail conferences, March-May 2005

BT Broadband

Emerging nation of Stay-at-home consumers poses new challenge for UK leisure industry

UK consumers are adopting a stay-at-home mentality, with an overwhelming 81% of UK consumers choosing to spend the majority of leisure time at home, according to new research released by BT. 80% go out1 less than twice a week, and less than a quarter (21%) go out more than three times a week. With major incidents already affecting visitor numbers to some of Britain’s most popular attractions, the growing popularity and sophistication of home-based entertainment2 poses a new challenge to the leisure industry.

The research also found that appealing to time and energy-poor consumers to get out of the house is a major issue for the sector with 28% saying they spend leisure time at home as they lack the energy to go out, and nearly a fifth (13%) saying that they just don’t have time. Most worrying for traditional leisure destinations including pubs, restaurants, museums and theme parks, nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) think home entertainment is actually more fun.
Cost is also a major barrier to going out. Of those surveyed, 51% spend leisure time at home because it is cheaper. This figure rises to 67% amongst 18-29 year olds, and falls to 39% in Scotland. Yet although money has a major impact on going out, 46% of those surveyed spent more than £1,000 on entertainment at home over the past year, suggesting budgeting is more of an issue when going out than staying in.

The most popular home activity is watching TV, DVDs or videos (65%), although amongst men the survey found that Internet surfing is even more popular (69%). 29% of men rate reading as one of their top three home leisure activities compared to 48% of women. Only 11% rated entertaining friends at home in their top three home activities.

When asked what put them off going out to visit attractions such as a gallery, museum or amusement park, over a quarter (28%) of people pointed to queuing. However, consumers are divided on how organisations can best deal with queues. Nearly half (46%) think pre-booking tickets is the answer, whereas a quarter (24%) believe timed entry is the best solution. 12% would like better entertainment while they wait – a figure which rises to 20% amongst 18-29 year olds. Only 10% think more staff is the answer, and would accept a consequent price hike, leaving businesses to find more creative solutions to the queuing dilemma.

Gary Bullard, managing director, UK, BT Global Services, commented: “Over the past few years, the UK hospitality and leisure sector has been hit by a number of external factors outside of its control, from the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease to the July bombings this year. Although such events have a detrimental effect on visitor numbers, the effects are thankfully short-lived and, in the past, rapid downturns have been quite quickly reversed.

“However, there are wider, more long-term challenges in the leisure sector. Consumers are increasingly time-poor, so maximising leisure time is a big issue. With a wealth of sophisticated home entertainment options hitting the market each day, leisure companies must work hard to deliver an experience which is worth the trip, the money and even the wait.”

The research also highlighted that encouraging repeat visits is a major challenge for the leisure industry. Once people have been to an attraction, just less than half (47%) would be tempted back by a discount on tickets. A third (32%) would go back if a new theme or special attraction had been introduced, suggesting that new developments and innovative marketing have an important role to play.

Earlier this year, Mintel conducted a survey amongst 12 leading European leisure attractions and found that the overwhelming majority viewed their sales and admissions systems as old-fashioned. Many admitted the need for rapid investment.

BT has been working in the leisure industry for more than 11 years and has developed a sales and admissions system, RialtoPlus, to help leisure attractions get people through the door quickly and efficiently, and enhance the customer experience.

BT Broadband

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

UK Online launches 22Mb Broadband across the UK

UK Online is today launching the first national unlimited broadband service at up to 22Mb, for £29.99 a month. Available in most urban areas, it officially unleashes the power of the next generation of broadband technology, ADSL2+, to British Broadband Junkies.

Chris Stening, General Manager at UK Online, commented, “After extensive testing on our network, and customer trials, we are delighted to be launching the first ADSL2+-based broadband available nationally. While some customers will get 22Mb or even more, up to 24Mb, the quality of their phone line and distance from the exchange will dictate their maximum speed. Which is why we give customers a pragmatic estimate of the speed their line will support before they sign up.”

David Cartwright, a 24-year-old Mancunian, has been trialing UK Online’s ADSL2+ broadband for over a month, and affirms that his trial has “revolutionised the way I use the Internet all over again (which I couldn’t have imagined happening before I started the trial). 8Mb seemed blisteringly fast when I first got it, but the upgrade to my 20Mb broadband means I can watch streaming media whilst downloading, at the same time as my housemate is playing online games, without it slowing down.”

Colin McCance, 24, a teacher in Glasgow and self-styled “Ruler of the Interweb” adds, “the whole Internet shrinks in size due to the raw power. I can do a lot more than I used to, and my 20Mb broadband always makes me think ‘Wow!’”

On a practical note, Jason Panesar, a 33 year old trialist and “Internet addict” from London, adds that his 21Mb UK Online Broadband is “even better for downloads, with browsing almost instantaneous, even when using my PC, laptop, and VoIP phone all at the same time.”

UK Online Broadband is available to more than 4.4million homes, and has announced that it will be extending its coverage to reach a total of 5.8million homes over the next 12 months – consumers can find out what speed their line will support at UKOnline

UK Online Broadband

Compare other broadband deals & offers

1Mb broadband deals
2Mb broadband deals
2Mb - 10Mb broadband deals
Cable broadband deals
Fastest broadband deals
Free broadband deals
Cheapest broadband deals
No-contract broadband deals
Pay-as-you-go broadband
Unlimited download broadband deals
Satellite broadband deals
Business broadband deals

UK broadband service news