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Sunday, April 30, 2006
Free broadband forever from the Carphone Warehouse
TalkTalk, the telecommunications company from The Carphone Warehouse, today launches free broadband forever, saving people up to £400 a year.
"For too long the British public has been charged costly fees for high-speed internet access, or has had to use slow internet connections. We are bringing this to an end," said Chief Executive, Charles Dunstone.
"High speed internet will now become a standard service in the home - just like radio or television. The change this represents for society is huge. This is the tipping point."
From today, free broadband is available to anyone who signs up to the company's Talk 3 International calls package, which is already the best value on the market and guaranteed to be cheaper than BT. For £9.99 per month, plus the usual £11 line rental cost, customers will get:
- Unlimited local and national calls to any landline in the UK
- Unlimited international landline calls to 28 countries (the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA)
- Plus up to 8Mb broadband FREE, giving customers easy access to services including movies, music and radio stations.
Customers will then just need to pay a one-off connection charge of £29.99. "First we launched free calls for our customers, today we're launching free broadband forever. Our focus will now be on processing all orders as quickly as possible. Demand is going to be enormous," said Dunstone. Further information: http://talktalk.broadband-123.co.uk Labels: talktalk-broadband
Friday, April 28, 2006
Homechoice reaches agreement with Channel 4 for the on demand rights to Desperate Housewives and Lost.
Following Channel 4’s agreement with Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), the international TV distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, to acquire the exclusive video-on-demand rights to Seasons One and Two of the Golden Globe® and Emmy®-winning, hit Touchstone Television series Desperate Housewives and Lost, Homechoice announced today that it too would add these shows to its popular on-demand entertainment service.
Starting from next week, Homechoice customers will be able to watch any episode from Season One and the latest episodes from Season Two of either Lost or Desperate Housewives on a pay-per-view basis. Episodes of the hit series can be purchased for 99p and watched an unlimited number of times within a 24 hour period. The programmes will be available to all Homechoice customers giving them full DVD-functionality, and allowing them to Pause, Fast Forward and Rewind.
Rod Henwood, New Business Director at Channel 4, said:
“This is a significant step in Channel 4's plans to launch a full video-on-demand service across multiple platforms later this year. Partnering with BVITV on these two stand-out shows illustrates the critical strategic importance of VOD to Channel 4 and we are delighted they will now be available to Homechoice customers."
Hugh Williams, Executive Director of Programming for Homechoice said:
“These hit shows are a great addition to our award-winning TV service. We’re delighted that Channel 4 has taken the lead in making great programmes available in this way. We’ve been at the forefront of on-demand TV in the UK since our launch and this deal will give our customers even more to enjoy.”
Customers will be able to view the shows from the Channel 4 on-screen programme guide in the same way as they can watch Homechoice’s Replay content on BBC and ITV channels.
Homechoice broadbandLabels: homechoice-broadband
Thursday, April 27, 2006
BT’s ultra-fast consumer broadband service now available on all BT broadband options
BT Retail’s nationwide, ultra-fast consumer broadband service – capable of delivering download speeds of up to 8Mb and upload speeds of up to 448kb – is from today available to new customers choosing any BT Broadband Option.
BT Broadband now boasts a range of broadband options starting from £14.99 per month for the first three months, all offering download speeds of up to 8Mb. BT Broadband customers benefit from free connection charges, a free modem router and 24/7 helpdesk support.
BT Broadband includes a comprehensive, all-in-one security software suite – BT Yahoo! Online Protection – which helps protect customers, their PC’s and their family against online threats. In addition to protection against identity theft, spam email, pop-ups, viruses and hackers on all Options, Norton AntiVirus™ and Norton Personal Firewall™ is also included with BT Broadband Options 2-4.
BT BroadbandLabels: bt-broadband
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
TalkTalk’s response to ASA complaint
The ASA has upheld a complaint from BT against an advert that was run at the beginning of the year for TalkTalk's Talk3 landline package that offered ‘Free unlimited landline calls for 3 months.’
Charles Dunstone, CEO of The Carphone Warehouse PLC, said:
'Whilst we take any ruling from the ASA seriously, the fact that the only complaint received was from BT leads us to think that this doesn't seem to be an issue that confused any real customers. We politely recommend to BT that they spend a little more time looking at their own expensive call charges and a little less time reading our ads.'
Talk Talk broadband
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Force9 launches low cost national broadband and calls packages
Force9, the UK’s best value Internet service provider, has today announced the launch of new competitively priced broadband and voice products, that combine up to 8Mbps broadband speeds, landline rental and inclusive calls for a no-gimmicks price of £20.99 per month.
Unlike other competing broadband and calls packages, Force9’s new package will be available nationwide to more than 99 per cent of the UK population, they are not reliant on limited Local Loop Unbundled (LLU)-enabled exchanges. This service will also be offered on a one-month contract whereas standard contract terms for similar products currently lock in consumers for at least 12 months.
The service, to be offered from 4th July 2006, will allow Force9 customers to bundle their landline rental and a calls package as well as the company’s PlusTalk Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, with their broadband connection. Package prices will range from £11 per month in addition to their existing broadband subscription. Force9 will also launch Broadband Basic, a new entry-level broadband service priced at £9.99 per month, on 31st May 2006. Monthly subscriptions for the combined voice and broadband bundle will start at just £20.99 per month.
Customers can pre-register for the new bundled voice and broadband products with immediate effect, or sign up to the existing broadband services and add voice and line rental from 4th July. There will be a simple pick and mix approach where customers can choose one of three broadband packages and then add either PlusTalk Anytime for £11 per month or PlusTalk Anytime+ for £15 per month. To complement these call plans Force9 will be offering market-leading call rates, saving customers on average 17% compared to rivals.
Neil Armstrong, Force9 Marketing Director said “It’s quickly becoming standard for broadband and telephone service to be bundled together, but a major barrier to take up has been poor nationwide coverage and off-putting long term contracts. The UK consumer can now get access to a great service with the comfort of a one month term.”
Armstrong continued “With more than 10 million broadband homes in the UK it is time for customers to ask themselves, ‘am I paying too much for broadband, landline rental and calls?’. We believe customers demand and deserve a choice of quality packages as well as a great value price. Our customers recognise the value and service Force9 provides, that’s why they continue to recommend us.”Labels: force9-broadband
Friday, April 21, 2006
Homechoice brings Africa to the UK with addition of the African Movie Channel
Homechoice, the digital home network, today announced the addition of the African Movie Channel to its digital TV line-up, the UK’s first channel dedicated to showing new and recent releases from the major African film production houses.
The move, which stays in line with the vast improvements made to the Homechoice service, marks another key expansion to the Homechoice digital TV offering.
With 100’s of films available on-demand, the African Movie Channel offers viewers a mix of classic films such as Violated, Osofia in London and Madam Dearest and new and recent releases staring favourite African actors like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji and Olu Jacobs.
Jonathan Sykes, Managing Director, Content Strategy, Homechoice said:
“We are delighted to be able to offer our customers access to the wonderful world of the African Movie Channel. The channel will sit alongside Homechoice’s already excellent film service, which offers over 1,000 films, ranging from recent Hollywood blockbusters to classic movies and a large range of Bollywood films. This is yet another example of how Homechoice continues to listen to its customers and we firmly believe that the African Movie Channel will be a welcome addition to the line up for one our key customer groups”
Lola Onigbogi, African Movie Channel, said: “To launch the African Movie Channel on Homechoice is a very important and exciting step for us. Demand for both classic and new release African movies is very high in the UK, where there is a large African population. The opportunities that come with offering African Movies on-demand are endless and we look forward to working alongside Homechoice to create a unique and memorable channel.”
The African Movie Channel launched on Homechoice on channel number 240.
http://homechoice.broadband-123.co.ukLabels: homechoice-broadband
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Surfers given broadband boost
Cable customers got a boost today with the completion of Telewest's promised internet speed increases.
Over one million broadband customers are now breaking bandwidth barriers and leading the pack is Telewest's elite service, offering blistering downloads of up to 10Mbp/s.
Existing customers have been upgraded automatically region-by-region over the past six months and the following tiers of service are now on offer as standard to all new Telewest customers:
broadband
Previously 512Kbp/s (kilobits per second), the entry-level service is now up to 2Mbp/s, for the same price of £17.99 per month.
broadband complete
The standard 1Mb service now offers super-fast surfing of up to 4Mbp/s, still at £25 per month.
broadband elite
The current 2Mb and 4Mb options have been replaced by a flagship service offering speeds of up to 10Mbp/s, which costs only £35 per month.All the tiers remain free of usage limitations.
Chad Raube, director of internet at ntl Telewest, said: “We now offer a raft of broadband services to suit every surfer's speed and pocket, from an entry-level up to 2Mb service to a super-fast, up to 10Mb connection.
“What's more, unlike ADSL broadband services, our advanced fibre optic cable network can deliver these speeds to every serviceable household, so no one need miss out.”
Telewest Broadband
Monday, April 10, 2006
New Wi-Fi hotspot network from KeConnect
BT Openzone and KeConnect, one of the UK’s leading internet service providers, have signed an agreement that will allow subscribers and card holders of both companies to roam each others Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK from May 2006.
Branded as KeZone, KeConnect’s Wi-Fi hotspots are set to grow quickly providing customers with access to over 2,500 hotspots throughout the UK by the end of the year.
KeConnect intends to introduce KeZone hotspots to a broad range of public places through its existing reseller base. With over 470 resellers and thousands of existing KeConnect Broadband users, the potential for the company to provide the consumer with increasing internet access whilst on the move, is very real indeed.
Commenting on the anticipated uptake of KeZone hotspots, Managing Director of KeConnect, Robert Kemp said:
“With our reseller base spread across the UK, we already have a number of businesses eager to introduce Wi-Fi to a variety of public places that do not currently have this facility. The business proposition for our resellers is considerable because of the increasing demand for wireless hotspots.
“In the locations in which they install hotspots, they will benefit from very minimal set-up costs. They are only charged the wholesale value of the pre-paid cards once the end-user has activated it. This enables the initial outlay to be kept to an absolute minimum, yet the business opportunity can be maximised with the potential to earn a substantial profit share.”
Julie Ragbourne, Head of Roaming and Wholesale, BT Wireless Broadband added:
“It’s critical for the future of Wi-Fi that service providers join forces to promote and drive awareness of the benefits of the wireless technology available at hotspots. Our BT Openzone customers already have access to over 8,400 hotspots in the UK and Ireland and over 30,000 globally, and this new partnership highlights our commitment to keep growing that number.
Working with KeZone will take us another step closer to BT’s vision of enabling customers – whether business users or ‘mainstream’ consumers – to access all their information on their own choice of Wi-Fi enabled device wherever they are, whilst receiving the highest levels of service delivery and customer care.”
The widespread introduction of Wi-Fi usage outside the office and home only becomes viable if hotspots are as easy and fast to use as possible. This is where KeConnect’s KeZone hotspots offer a real advantage to the end user as they will be connected via the KeConnect network, which is well-renowned for being under-contended. This makes for much faster connectivity, irrespective of the location of the hotspot, providing the KeZone end-user with easy and instant access.Labels: wifi-broadband
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Homechoice Scoops Interactive Emmy for Scamp
UK IPTV provider Homechoice has won the Interactive Emmy for the Best Interactive Channel for its kids video on-demand channel Scamp.
The first ever set of International Interactive Emmy Awards, and the first ever Emmy Awards outside of the US, were announced in Cannes at this year's MIP TV Festival. Homechoice was the only UK company to bring any silverware home.
Roger Lynch, Chairman and CEO Homechoice said:
"This is a fantastic achievement and winning the Emmy makes me very proud that our in-house product, content, creative and engineering excellence is being recognised on the world stage. We pride ourselves on providing one of the leading interactive platforms in the world. Moving forwards our aim is to constantly improve our offering so that we're always setting the interactive standard."
Scamp is a commercial-free environment and plays out like a regular channel, except that kids can fast forward, rewind, pause and even watch their favourite shows time and time again!
Scamp viewers can also compile a list of their favourite programmes. So if the kids just can't live without Bob the Builder, all is not lost; they can compile a list of their favourite Bob the Builder episodes to watch whenever they want!
Kids use Homechoice's Minimote to navigate through the Scamp channel - as well as all of the other childrens channels available on the Homechoice service. The Minimote gives users access to kids content but will not allow access to any other TV services, nor will it allow the user to buy any pay-per-view content.
Scamp viewers can also hit a button on the Minimote that will automatically bring up a video wall of all the various characters on the Scamp channel, allowing them to search for the programme(s) they want to watch. Kids are told how to use the channel both visually and verbally ensuring that navigation around the channel is quick and easy.
The Emmy brings Homechoice's awards tally to three this festival. Homechoice's V:MX service also won the International Interactive TV Award for Best Stand Alone Service and also when on to take the Grand Prix at the same ceremony on Tuesday evening.
Homechoice broadbandLabels: homechoice-broadband
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Nildram speeds up its broadband offerings
As of 31st March, Nildram customers will have access to super fast speeds of up to 8Mbps. Existing subscribers to Nildram’s Business Broadband packages and Broadband2, Broadband2gO and Broadband2gO Lite, can all upgrade to a faster speed without paying a penny extra.
New customers to Nildram from another service provider can take advantage of free migration and set-up. With offers like these, April is the time to move to Nildram.
From March 31st Nildram is also offering improved speeds on its Surf500 package, with up to 2Mbps becoming available. Customers who currently subscribe to this package will benefit from a free, automatic upgrade. This service will be renamed DSLSurf and 2Mbps speeds will be standard as part of this improved product offering.
Sean Stephenson, managing director at Nildram, comments, “We are delighted to be offering the best possible broadband service we can. We recognise our customers want the latest technologies, without breaking the bank, and by increasing the speeds, we are able to offer this.”
For further information on enabled exchanges or to sign up for Nildram broadband, please visit www.nildram.net
About Nildram
Nildram has been consistently recognised as one of the UK's leading Broadband Service Providers in terms of Performance, Reliability and Customer Support*. Nildram is part of the PIPEX Communications Group.
An IP Communication Service Provider offering connectivity for both businesses and home users, with packages ranging from single dial up accounts to complete business packages, Nildram is dedicated to both its customers and the maintenance of its extensive network.
A member of the London Internet Exchange (LINX) and AMS-IX, Nildram offers a comprehensive service combining technical excellence and a personal approach. Based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Nildram has a backbone network that covers Aylesbury, London, Manchester, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. With its extensive network infrastructure, Nildram provide Internet Services to a number of other ISPs.
Pipex broadbandLabels: nildram-broadband
Homechoice's V:MX Service Wins Best Stand Alone Service and Grand Prize at the 2006 International ITV Awards
UK IPTV provider Homechoice won Best Stand Alone Service in last night's International ITV Awards in Cannes for the V:MX music service. Homechoice beat off stiff competition from Reuters ITV News Channel, TV Catalunya and Sesam TV.
Homechoice then went on to take the coveted Grand Prix at the awards - acknowledging the best interactive entry to the awards this year.
Marco Giusti, Creative Director Homechoice said:
"This is an incredible achievement for us. There are a lot of people at Homechoice who have worked tirelessly to make V:MX the best interactive music service available in the UK today. Winning these awards makes me incredibly proud that our in-house creative excellence has been rewarded because everybody who has worked on V:MX believes in the service and is very passionate about it. We're currently looking to improve on what we already offer our customers as far as interactivity goes and awards like this just make us work harder to make our service even better."
V:MX is unique to Homechoice. The best in music video channels, V:MX is organised into nine genre-based music channels, catering for every musical taste. So whether it's a bit of 'old skool' 80's disco you're after or up to the minute urban sound, you'll find it on V:MX.
The service features a library of over 4000 music videos. All ten music channels: Hits, Pop, Chart, Search, Urban, Easy, Dance, Alternative, Retro and Taste are fully interactive. It is the only music channel in the UK that gives you total control, a service recognised in 2004 by BAFTA, who awarded V:MX the top award for best interactive service.
Across all music channels, V:MX allows you to search for particular tracks. Search either by artist, title or genre. For example, if you wanted to listen to 'Angels' by Robbie Williams, you could enter the title 'Angels', search under 'Robbie' or even search under the genre 'Pop'.
V:MX allows you to fast forward, pause, rewind, or skip videos and even compile your own personalised favourite music video lists and your own channel - My V:MX. My V:MX can be compiled from any of the nine channels, allowing you to create their own truly eclectic music channel. So, if you love a little soul as well as thumping techno, you can have it all on your very own channel!
Homechoice broadband
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
F2s launch new CASCADE product set
freedom2surf, has today announced the launch of CASCADE START a new pay-as-you-go broadband package. With a monthly fee of just £13.99, the service provides an up to 8Mbit service with an initial download allowance of 0.5GB. Consumers can purchase additional 1GBs of capacity for just 99p, for the first time giving broadband users the flexibility to match the cost of broadband to their actual usage. The service will be available from Tuesday 4th April with free activation for those who sign-up for a six-month contract with no charge for customers who migrate from other broadband providers. The CASCADE START service will send customers an email update as they approach their download limit to ensure they have plenty of time to purchase additional capacity and enjoy an uninterrupted online experience. In addition Freedom2Surf has completely overhauled its product portfolio and has developed a new range of 'CASCADE' broadband packages to give consumers greater flexibility and competitive pricing. In addition to CASCADE START, Freedom2Surf will be offering the following products: - CASCADE PLUS, speeds of up to 8Mb, set up fee of £49.99 and monthly fee of £23.99. Monthly download allowance of 50GB, with additional 50GB available for an extra £6.
- CASCADE HOME, speeds of up to 8Mb, set up fee of £49.99 and monthly fee of £19.99. Monthly download allowance of 20GB.
- CASCADE LITE, speeds of up to 8Mb, set up fee of £49.99 and monthly fee of £14.99. Monthly download allowance of 5GB.
Free activation will be available on CASCADE LITE for customers signing up to a six-month contract, with free activation on a three-month contract for CASCADE HOME and PLUS. Existing freedom2surf customers will be able to regrade to any of the new packages for just £5 plus VAT. Richard Manly, sales and marketing director, freedom2surf explained; "The broadband market is evolving quickly and a one size fits all approach to broadband is not what consumers are looking for. Freedom2Surf has conducted comprehensive customer research and developed the CASCADE product range to give consumers the flexibility to pick a broadband package which really meets their needs, whether they be a light or heavy internet user." Manly continued, "We are particularly excited by CASCADE START which provides up-to 8Mbit super fast broadband at a great price of just £13.99. CASCADE START is a perfect combination for customers who appreciate a low-cost fast connection but would also like the flexibility to quickly and cheaply boost their download capabilities as required." About freedom2surf freedom2surf, part of the PIPEX Communications Group, is one of the UK's leading Internet service providers. The company serves a targeted customer base of Internet professionals, at home or in business that appreciate the value of advanced technology, speed and above all reliability in their ISP. freedom2surf believes that Internet privacy and security should be an integral part of the online experience. freedom2surf provides leading support for all the major Internet components, from ADSL broadband high-speed connectivity, to offering the latest services from web publishing, email and interactive entertainment to high volume electronic commerce business architectures. freedom2surf was launched in 1997 and is based in St Albans, UK. It was ranked number twenty two in the Sunday Times Microsoft Technology Track 100 in October 2005 and was named 'Top Product of 2005' in October's edition of PC Advisor. freedom2surf
BT launches new ultra-fast consumer broadband service - up to four times faster at no extra cost
BT Retail today takes broadband to another level with the launch of a nationwide, ultra-fast consumer broadband service, capable of delivering download speeds of up to 8Mb and upload speeds of up to 448Kb for no extra cost 1. A cost-cutting broadband and Broadband Talk deal was also unveiled for broadband customers switching to BT.
The new ultra-fast service – up to four times faster than current speeds offered by BT – is available from today to new customers taking BT’s Option 4 broadband package. It will be available to new customers selecting Option 3 from April 11, 2006 and will be offered to new customers choosing Option 1 and Option 2 packages later in Spring 2006.
BT also announced today that customers switching to BT from other broadband providers can now enjoy broadband and inclusive Evening and Weekend UK Broadband Talk calls for just £11.99 for the first three months 2.
Ian Livingston, CEO, BT Retail, said, “We are offering something for everyone, be they new or existing BT customers, or people looking to switch to BT.
“BT’s new, nationwide broadband service delivers the complete package - speeds of up to 8Mb matched by our best ever security features - and is set to take the broadband experience to a whole new level for millions of people.
“With speeds of up to 8Mb, the entire family can now enjoy watching movies, making calls over the internet, online gaming, downloading music and faster web surfing – all at the same time and for no extra cost.”
1. Broadband speed and availability
The new Up to 8Mb BT Broadband service uses new ‘rate-adaptive’ ADSL technology to automatically provide and maintain the fastest broadband speed a phone line can physically support. The actual maximum speed depends on a range of factors, including the customer’s proximity to their telephone exchange, the quality and length of any telephone extension lines in their home, and the speed of their computer and modem. So, for example, customers living close to their exchange could get the full 8Mb speed, whilst those living further away might achieve lower maximum speeds of 6Mb, 4Mb, or 2Mb. The Up to 8Mb service is also subject to local availability.
Maximum upload speeds have also been increased from 256Kb up to a maximum of 448Kb, an increase of 75%.
As with all broadband services, actual download speeds will also vary by time of day and will depend on factors such as how busy the internet is, the speed of the internet website or service you are accessing, and whether the connection is being shared with other users.
2. BT Broadband switcher offer
The offer is £11.99 for 3 months, then £17.99 for BT Broadband Option 1 and BT Broadband Talk (£2 a month for BT Broadband customers). Line rental is not included. The lower price in months 1-3 will appear as a credit on the customers’ first bill. Payment by Direct Debit is required.
This introductory price is available to existing DSL customers’ switching (via MAC code only) online to BT Broadband from another DSL provider only. There is a 12 month minimum term. BT Broadband is subject to availability and survey. Usage allowances apply. Minimum computer specification applies. Conditions apply.
BT BroadbandLabels: bt-broadband
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