Cable, Broadband, TV & Phone Blog

Friday, March 12th 2010

Fibre optic broadband
has become a buzzword for the internet industry in recent times and one of the big problems dominating the area is how the networks can be provided to the most remote areas.

Bodies such as the Country Land and Business Association have worked long and hard to campaign over ensuring high-speed internet can be offered to everyone, as many locations lack the infrastructure to cope with such demand.

However, firms have been hard at work to tackle the problem, with BT launching a new fixed line solution designed to deliver stable broadband over larger areas. Now Virgin Media has got in on the act, as it looks to provide 50Mbps broadband via telegraph poles.

Wednesday, March 10th 2010

Despite originally being announced last year, we are all still waiting patiently for the full launch of Sky's hugely anticipated 3D digital TV service.

The company's 3D broadcast of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal in nine pubs across the UK earlier this year got mixed reviews, so the firm is now pushing ahead with plans to get hype surrounding it back up to maximum levels.

Public demonstrations of the service are to be held at over 100 shopping centres across the UK within the next 12 months, starting with London's Westfield site from March 12th.

Monday, March 8th 2010

As well as working to provide faster broadband connections to consumers across the UK, both BT and Virgin Media are regularly working to expand their digital TV offerings.

The past week has seen both add new channels to their services, which could prove key to consumers when they look to switch deals.

Virgin Media is set to add high-definition (HD) version of the E4 and Film4 channels to its offerings in the coming months. The introduction of Film4 HD this summer is also an exclusive for the company, meaning movie fans looking for the best in British and US film-making could benefit.

Friday, March 5th 2010

Since its acquisition of Tiscali, big things have been expected from TalkTalk in the broadband market. As it is now technically the biggest residential internet provider in the UK, a lot of industry commentators have been holding out to see what the firm's next plans for expansion could be.

Well, it seems that the next step is just to make its services better. Alex Hollingdale, director of product management at TalkTalk, has revealed in a blog that it is making up to £20 million of upgrades to its backhaul network. Hopes are high that the move will give its customers access to faster and more efficient connections.

Wednesday, March 3rd 2010

When it comes to broadband speeds, no one could deny that Virgin Media has had a major hand in upping the UK average. The company has a long history of topping speed tests and has continued the trend this month in the latest Cable.co.uk figures for February.

With an average speed of 8.4Mbps, Virgin Media is comfortably setting the pace when it comes to connections, with rival bundle provider Sky lagging behind by a whole 1Mbps.

Orange came third with an average connection speed of 6Mbps, while O2 and Be's shared infrastructure generated a figure of 5.6Mbps.

BT completed the top five with an average of 4.1Mbps, but there is little doubt where the power lies when it comes to speed in the UK.

Tuesday, March 2nd 2010

As winter seemingly refuses to go away, parents may still be looking for something to keep their little ones quiet while they remain stuck indoors. Fortunately, Virgin Media's latest digital TV offerings could offer some benefits.

The broadband bundle provider has added a range of child-friendly content to its broadcast service, most notably the first two series of Miley Cyrus's hit show Hannah Montana. Fans of teen star also have the chance to enjoy hits from her Live in London concert, as well as movies including Dadnapped! Hannah Montana.

Kids also have the chance to enjoy magical family firm Nanny McPhee in high definition on the PictureBox service from March 26th.

Monday, March 1st 2010

If there is one area that has benefitted more than most from rising broadband speeds in the UK, it is the world of on-demand TV. Brits now have the chance to watch content online through platforms like SeeSaw, or they can even get access to such programmes through Virgin Media's digital TV platform.

However, those who are yet to make use of such services could soon have access to another kind of broadcasting. Project Canvas, which is being backed by the BBC, ITV, TalkTalk and BT among others, will see on-demand content provided to Freeview and Freesat users.

In addition, if industry experts are to be believed, the service could be in use within the next 12 months.

Friday, February 26th 2010

When it comes to fibre optic broadband in the UK, Virgin Media has always appeared to be one step ahead of the rest of the market. While BT has just launched its Infinity platform offering speeds of up to 40Mbps, its rival is already aiming higher.

The company has announced plans to begin the introduction of a 100Mbps broadband service, the fastest commercial product in the UK, by the end of 2010. A new flagship product for the firm, it has been created for people who want the best quality service possible.

Virgin Media stated that the move would mean it has increased its top broadband tier from 20Mbps to 100Mbps in less than two years.

Wednesday, February 24th 2010

The past week or so has seen high-speed broadband enjoy the highest amount of coverage it has seen in recent months.

From suggestions that satellites could hold the key to upping speeds to plans to launch wireless networks in business parks, an increasing focus appears to be put on the value of fast internet services.

While wireless and satellite technology have emerged as options, fibre optic broadband services remain the hot topic in many areas across the UK.

This week alone has seen communications firm Fibrecity confirm to the Bournemouth Echo that its efforts to launch a city-wide high-speed network are on track and could be completed by the start of next year.

Tuesday, February 23rd 2010

When Virgin Media announced the launch of its new fibre optic broadband service for businesses, it claimed that the only plan it has is to provide a clear alternative to rival BT. The revamped version of ntl:Telewest Business will run from 40 offices across the UK and hopes are high that it could enjoy major growth over the next few years.

However, what does the rest of the market think of the proposals? And is it likely that the company's plans will succeed?

Talking to CRN, Paul Lawton, managing director of Opal, said the move represented "nothing more than a rebrand".

He added: "Ntl is recognised as an established provider of networks.

Monday, February 22nd 2010

It seems that Virgin Media's offer of fibre optic broadband, home phone and digital TV services is proving irresistible to many Brits, if reports on the company's latest trading results are anything to go by.

The Daily Telegraph has revealed the company will announce later this week that 14,000 new customers signed up to its services in the fourth quarter of 2009, which helped to raise total revenues to £963 million.

However, could there be better things to come? The company is reportedly close to agreeing new deals with record labels such as Sony, Warner and EMI, which will see content from the firms added to its forthcoming music download service.

Friday, February 19th 2010

What's in a name? Well, BT obviously thinks there is something, as it chosen to change the titles of its range of dual-play home phone and broadband bundles.

Get Connection, Home & Away and Unlimited have been scrapped and in their place have come Talk and Surf, Talk and Surf Plus and Talk and Surf Unlimited.

However, anyone who thinks their broadband deals have just been given a fancy new title will be happy to hear there has also been a slight rejig in pricing.

Talk and Surf is priced at £7.49 a month for the first three months and includes 20Mbps broadband, a 10GB download allowance and unlimited weekend calls in the UK.

Thursday, February 18th 2010

The announcement that broadband provider TalkTalk is now offering free calls to over-65s just for a chat has unsurprisingly raised a few eyebrows.

While many would regard the launch of the free We'll Call You service as a positive step and an effort by the company to show its caring side, a more cynical view is that the firm is simply using the project as a profile-boosting stunt to gain more subscribers.

Another opinion could be that the company is muscling in on areas which are usually the primary concern of charities and social services.

However, Mark Schmid, communications director of TalkTalk, has stated that the company is simply responding to a "need which is not currently being met".

Tuesday, February 16th 2010

While many households are asking for increasingly faster broadband connections, some of the biggest benefits of using fibre optic network technology could be felt by businesses.

Two recent interviews – one with an MP, the other with an industry commentator – have highlighted how companies will get a major boost when widespread fibre optic broadband services are launched across the UK.

Talking to eGov Monitor, Adam Afriyie, shadow minister for science and innovation, claimed such web platforms will boost competitiveness.

He added: "Our aim is to create the best possible environment for businesses to succeed.

Monday, February 15th 2010

Over the last few years Virgin Media has proven itself as a serious contender in both the fibre optic broadband and digital TV industry. However, has the company's latest jibe against BT put such progress in jeopardy?

The decision to get 13 models to stand outside BT Tower displaying a mocking message about the quality of its rival's connection speeds seems a bit cheap, particularly as it was spelt out on the groups' behinds.

Is this the right way for such a company to act? Well, Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media, suggested there was a message behind the tabloid-esque 'cheek'.