ISPreview Interviews Telewest about its services and the market

The reason they are able to provide such a service in the first place is because, unlike other operators, Telewest owns its own network.

The nature of the network also means the hi-speed communications go at technically light speed (glass wires that use light bursts), although no hardware actually exists to make use of such speed. This in turn means that Telewest's network is technically future proof and infinitely expanding to faster technologies when required.

As such the only limit is in the network's bandwidth and modem/c-modem terminals, something that caused teething problems earlier on. These days the service is much better and is improving all the time, it's amazing it even exists. We were able to interview Chad Raube, the head of Internet services marketing about the world of unmetered and the future.

1) Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Chad Raube and I am head of marketing for Internet Services at Telewest Communications. Telewest offers consumers the blueyonder family of internet services, which currently includes a broadband service - blueyonder hi-speed internet; and two dial-up offerings - blueyonder surfunlimited and blueyonder pay-as-you-go.

2) What would you say is the most interesting/fun and hardest part of running an ISP?

The most rewarding part of my job is that it provides an opportunity to offer a product that adds significant value to the lives of consumers. The internet, particularly with the advent of broadband services such as blueyonder hi-speed, is revolutionising the way people live and work. It's exciting to be part of that revolution.

Delivering the best possible internet service is a 24/7 job and, at times, can be highly demanding. However, my colleagues at Telewest share my passion for the internet and the hard work is well worth it, particularly when we see that blueyonder services are really enhancing peoples' use of the internet and, subsequently, their lives.

3) Unmetered ISPs finally seem to be settling down and a more realistic line of pricing is starting to appear, do you agree with this?

Unmetered internet access will drive internet penetration in 2001, particularly as pricing becomes more competitive. We also feel quality of service will increasingly become a key factor in determining which ISP consumers choose. Unlike many ISPs, Telewest owns its own network, enabling us to proactively manage it, and to guarantee the high quality of service we promises consumers.

4) What do you consider to be a light user, average user and heavy users hours per month, average usage on your ISP?

Sorry, confidential information.

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