 Whilst politician push around the broadband issue, BT's stranglehold on the nations cables becomes tiresome:
>> A study of 3500 people across Europe conducted by Motorola has found that 87% share content such as videos, images and sound clips with their friends and families via their mobile. They also discovered that 52% of people stream videos and 34% watch TV online using their mobile, laptop or network to access it. Those in Sweden were the most likely to watch TV or video online. Steve McCaffery from Motorola commented that the way customers use their devices is encouraging development of services.
>> BT has plans to upgrade broadband services in the Scottish Highlands. In a deal which has been agreed with the Government, BT will upgrade telephone exchanges near Fort William and in Applecross, among others. The local enterprise minister, Jim Mather commented that the Scotttish Government wants as many people as possible to benefit from broadband services, in particular businesses.
>> A BBC News technology reporter has reported in his blog that the issue of internet speeds and fibre optics is very quickly becoming a political hot potato. Both Labour and the Conservatives have in recent weeks, released details of their plans with regards to fibre optic roll outs. It has also been pointed out that any candidates running for election will need to be very clear on what their stance is regarding the issue.
>> Virgin Media has once again come top in the list of broadband speeds for January. They saw download speeds of 7.65Mbps almost 50% higher than those of O2 who were in the number two slot. Virgin's upload speeds were somewhat slower at 0.716Mbps which was in second place behind O2 and BE. 55% of people in the UK have access to Virgin's broadband service.
>> Project Canvas, the venture which has seen approval from the BBC, ITV and BT, has come under criticism from a number of providers, broadcasters and manufacturers. The intention has been to sell a set top box for £200 this year, to bring internet services to televisions. However, the Digital TV Group (DTG), a trade body, has expressed concerns that the industry does not back the scheme fully. The use of license payers funds has been questioned and many members of DTG which include BskyB and Virgin, remain concerned that Canvas may not work with the rest of the industry. They have asked for the BBC to publish information on how the content will be delivered. Canvas have said that they are willing to work together to resolve any issues which have been raised.
>> An Australian verdict on file sharing has been welcomed by UK providers as it has found that the broadband provider was not liable for the actions of illegal file sharers. Talk Talk has been one of the most critical of the UK governments intention to cut off the connections of those who illegally download. They refuse to provide information to lawyers regarding copyright infringement and will only cut off someone who has been found guilty in a court of law. They have expressed their delight at the Australian victory. iiNet was being sued by 30 Hollywood Studios for allowing users to download films illegally. The judge ruled that the providers cannot be expected to police the net on the behalf of copyright holders. The provider is providing a service which it intends it's user to use correctly, the judge said.
>> The demand for smartphones is a large part of the recent announcement that Vodafone has reached £1bn in revenue during the final quarter of 2009. Nick Raynor from Vodafone commented on the figures by saying that the company will continue to offer steady growth for shareholders in the next year as demand for smartphones increases. Vodafone has recently joined Tesco, Orange and O2 as the few providers who can sell the iPhone.
>> Ray and Fei Walker have been told by BT that they will need to pay £45,000 to get broadband for their B&B business. The couple who live in Appelby, Cumbria have been using a dial service for the last nine years. BT have said that they would have to install new equipment in the town to achieve broadband for the B&B, something they expect the Walkers to pay for, despite the fact it would benefit the whole town. The rest of the town already have a slow broadband service, which is all the Walkers are asking for. BT claim that in rare cases, such as these, they are obliged to pass on the cost.
>> Google has revealed plans to develop a fibre optic network in the US in an attempt to increase speeds by up to 200 times that which the UK can currently get. Those locations in America which would like the service have until March 26 to nominate themselves to be part of the trial. Although Google have said that they have no intention of bringing the network to the UK they have stated that they hope the system will encourage innovation and the opportunity to develop super applications which will improve the industry. The system will also be "open access" which will allow other users to use its cables. †
    
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