UK hits 1m broadband milestone
The UK has one million broadband connections, according to stats released by Oftel. Over the last six months the total number of broadband connections including xDSL and cable has risen from 500,000 to 1m, with new connections running at over 20,000 per week. Predictably, Oftel boss David Edmonds is trying to claim some of the responsibility for this achievement.
In a statement he said: "Oftel has helped to create the most competitive broadband market in Europe through the huge amount of work we have undertaken in a number of areas."
AOL UK slashes broadband charges
AOL UK has slashed the cost of it broadband service in a direct challenge to BT"s no frills BT Broadband service. The cost of its service will fall from a whopping £34.99 a month to £27.99 a month with a one-off charge of £85 for the modem pack. Those who originally signed up to the £34.99 package will be given the opportunity to switch to the lower-priced tariff.
AOL UK CEO Karen Thomson denied the decision to cut the price broadly in line with its major competitors was a climb down, insisting instead that the ISP was merely "taking price out of the equation".
Pipex calls for punters to be patient
Broadband ISP Pipex has apologised for poor performance and is asking customers to be patient while the problems are resolved.
In an open letter to its 44,000 broadband customers the ISP explains that its service has been operating with reliability and stability levels "far below what Pipex considers acceptable". It reports that it has experienced difficulties with new equipment. Matters have been further complicated after it suffered "three major events", which led to prolonged service outages last month.