Welcome:   Broadband News Update: BT Boasts

Whilst BT pushes to get high speed fibre optic broadband the government still doesn't seem to know it's asdl from its cable:

>> Broadbandchoices.co.uk has found that 32% of broadband users are at risk of exceeding their download limit this Christmas, due to their intention of watching TV online. The website warns that users should check the small print of their broadband contract to see what the limits are. Some ISP's will impose a penalty or restrict download speeds if users exceed their monthly limit. They recommend choosing the right ISP depending on download habits and monitor broadband usage to ensure no nasty surprises.


>> The new owners of Tiscali, Talk Talk, are indicating that they may charge Tiscali users, who fail to sign up to the "upgraded" Talk Talk service an extra £5 or more for their service. Users of their broadband only package have until early next month to decide whether to start paying a hefty £19.99 per month. Talk Talk claim that their service is better, but other providers such as Plusnet have offered ex-Tiscali users the opportunity of a cheap deal.


>> BT has celebrated having exceeded 5 million broadband subscribers and can claim to be the first provider to have done so. They have stated the strong take-up of their services is to be followed by increased innovation in the coming months and years. They expect the upcoming project Canvas, which will launch broadband for the TV, will transform the way broadband is used. The company gave its five millionth customer a free trip to Canada to watch the Winter Olympics.

BT has also revealed that their plan to introduce fibre optic broadband to 40% of the country is likely to be achieved one year earlier than expected in 2012. 4 million homes should have access by the end of 2010. In areas where they are able to run cables direct into peoples homes, speeds of 100Mbps should be achieved. For those receiving their broadband from roadside cabinets, a speed of 40Mpbps should be available.


>> Underprivileged students in Hull are to be given a free broadband connection and a free PC. They are being given the option of a £500 laptop, netbook or desktop. The move is part of a scheme involving around 2000 families in the area. Households with an income of less than £16,000 or those on income support will qualify. The Hull City Council has said that pupils with access to a computer do better at GCSE than those without.

Meanwhile thousands of schools around the country are fearing they may have to employ fewer teachers to maintain their broadband services. Councils are no longer under any obligation to pay for the broadband connection at school. In the past, a grant known as Harnessing Technology was issued by the Department of Children, Schools and Families for councils to fund technology. The grant is no longer offered, leaving some schools with up to £8,000 a year to find from their budget. Head teachers are pointing out that this amount of money will fund a teaching assistant and that broadband is essential for all schools, but particularly those in remote areas.


>> Ofcom has released details of a new proposal which should ensure that broadband users are made properly aware of the standards ISP's should offer for those making complaints. Ofcom has recommended more guidelines regarding complaint resolution and more transparency regarding performance levels. The Chief Executive of Ofcom, Ed Richards has said that customers should know what to expect when complaining and the process should be improved.


>> The director of myvideorights.com Peter Bazalgette has suggested that the government should stop concentrating on universal broadband coverage and focus on high speed connections. He says that introducing high speed broadband would be an economic stimulus, which would improve the overall industry. He believes that a conflict exists between ensuring countrywide access and improving speeds and that both could not be achieved at the same time. † [last update: 24.12.09]

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