December 24, 2001 - January 7, 2002
News - January 7,2002
BT To Move Into TV Content?
By:mark.j @ 10:02:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] It's fair to say that the threat to BT from Digital (Sky, Terrestrial, Cable) services is enough to make them concerned for the future.
Having already become involved with the Terrestrial group ITV Digital, BT seems to be following earlier rumours by moving further into the TV/Internet & Media market:
The communications giant admitted that the possibility of developing its own television content had been looked at as one part of a strategy to counter the success of firms such as Telewest and NTL.
Both cable providers include telephony and high-speed internet as well as cable television offerings, and BT has admitted that it too may yet introduce its own television content and offer channels as a package.
“At one extreme, we can be a distributor of other people’s programmes, just as the existing cable companies do,” admitted BT chairman Sir Christopher Bland in an interview at the weekend. “On the other extreme, we can build a fully integrated model like BSkyB which makes and distributes its own programmes over its own and others’ networks, and also distributes other’ content over its own system.”
The netimperative.com item is interesting, although this is certainly one area where they'd have to watch pricing because it's already getting dangerously competitive and even a little unstable.
Technically BT could deliver such services using a similar system to ITV Digital (perhaps even a takeover?); however they'll also have the option of using a Satellite in coming months as well. This should be one to watch. |
News - January 6,2002
ISP Review Weekly Update
By:mark.j @ 10:53:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] From tomorrow begins the first full week of 2002 away from the Christmas period and things should finally start getting back to normal.
As we stated before the New Year started, our focus during 2002 will be on content and improvements to existing sections. There may be the odd extra section, although the biggest change to look forward to is that of a new design and layout (later in the year).
We did in fact make some changes this last week by re-adding the long lost 'Memberlist' feature into the forums, our 'Topic Views' column may or may not come back soon as well. Overall the key thing for us to do during 2002 will be to take what we have and clean it up through better implementation.
It's worth pointing out that we already have the header for 'ISP Review v2' done; designing a new logo and layout for the front page is the really difficult part. We'd like to keep pages small and quick to load without making them look bland and keeping things compatible for ALL etc.
Also just a reminder for people using PalmPilot (or similar) and PocketPC advanced organiser devices, we do still have our mobile version of ISP Review running:
http://www.ispreview.co.uk/avantgo.shtml
We also have a very early alpha WAP Phone compatible page as well; however note that it may only work properly on newer devices with high-res displays:
http://www.ispreview.co.uk/wap/a.wml
Oh and don't forget to take that Christmas tree down or you'll get bad luck! =). |
More Wires-Only R/ADSL ISP Prices
By:mark.j @ 10:32:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Following on from yesterdays PlusNET news regarding their official Wires-Only R/ADSL prices, ADSLGuide is now reporting on new prices for the same from both Andrews & Arnold and C2 Internet.
Unfortunately you shouldn't expect anything too wonderful from either because they've traditionally been among the most expensive ISPs, specifically for residential offers as you'll see below (NOTE: PM = Per Month):
Andrews & Arnold:
Home 500 / £100 (Activation) £60 (PM) 1 month (Contract)
Office 500 / £100 £100 1 month
Office 1000 / £100 £150 1 month
Office 2000 / £100 £200 1 month
C2 Internet:
Office 500 / £50 £90 3 months
Office 1000 / £50 £140 3 months
Office 2000 / £50 £215 3 months
Typically most people might as well go for a 12 month contract with a standard ADSL service if this is the kind of discounts you'll see, although we've yet to hear from most of the cheaper providers.
Note that the business prices aren't too bad, but we've no idea how they can justify such ridiculous prices for a RESIDENTIAL package to be used at home by ordinary people. We note that both are predominantly business providers and not the best for residential offerings. |
News - January 5,2002
PlusNET Tout Self-Installable R/ADSL
By:mark.j @ 9:59:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] PlusNET has finally announced their OFFICIAL pricing for Self-Installable (Wires-Only) broadband R/ADSL residential and business products. The last three paragraphs were cut from the press release in order to concentrate on the important information:
PlusNet, the popular UK ISP, confirm launch of low-cost, 'self-install' broadband options
From 15th January 2002, PlusNet, one of the leading Internet Service Providers in the UK, are to offer a new range of ADSL services that promises to dramatically reduce the cost of broadband Internet access for both Home and Business users.
By choosing one of PlusNet's new 'Self-Install' options, customers are promised to save up to £20 a month in subscription charges, their only additional outlay being the initial activation of the service (for which there is a modest fee) and the required hardware to fit to their existing phone sockets and connect their computer equipment.
"We've had a lot of interest in our forthcoming 'self-install' options for broadband Internet access during the last few weeks," said Matt Grest, Product and Services Manager for PlusNet. "For most people these options will offer the choice they demand, at a price that offers significant savings, both for Home and Business users. What's more, we fully expect our prices to be substantially less than our competitors, whilst offering as ever, superb value for money."
PlusNet's new ADSL Self-Install options are based on their existing broadband ADSL services and provide the same level of value-added features that PlusNet are well-known for.
Activation fee Monthly subscription
ADSL Home self-install £50 (Activation) £30 (Monthly Cost)
ADSL NetStart self-install £50 £50
ADSL Office 500 self-install £50 £75
ADSL Office 1000 self-install £50 £100
ADSL Office 2000 self-install £50 £125
* all prices exclude VAT and are based upon an annual contract. They are also dependant upon BT confirming that the IPStream Office products pricing is the same as that of the December 'trial', as has already been confirmed as the case for the Home account.
One of the great benefits of choosing to 'self-install' is that the choice of connecting equipment lies entirely in the hands of the consumer, PlusNet supplying the broadband connection to the customer's premises through their existing telephone line.
"In order to connect to these new broadband options, the customer simply fits a 'splitter' plug at each telephone socket that is in use and purchases their own modem or router," explained Mr. Grest. "The splitter allows a telephone to be plugged into one socket and a modem or router to be plugged into the other. One of the great benefits of ADSL is that you can continue to make calls on the same telephone line as your 'always-on' Internet connection."
* * Forthcoming Service Launch Competition * *
To celebrate the launch of their exciting new ADSL Self-Install products, PlusNet are to give away over £7,500 worth of spectacular prizes to six lucky winners in a great forthcoming competition. With two prizes of a multimedia PC worth over £1000, together with free ADSL connection for a year, and four runners-up prizes of free ADSL for a year, the service launch competition promises to make three ADSL Home or NetStart Self-Install and three ADSL Office Self-Install customers very happy indeed!
"You can find out more about our forthcoming competition and pre-register your interest in our new ADSL Self-Install options at our portal website at http://www.plus.net/selfinstall right now," said Mr Grest.
It’s obviously worth noting that the £30 per month price for the smallest option excludes VAT and that there’s a £50 activation charge on top of that and you also get bound into a 12 month contract. Then there are also the other costs such as that of a splitter; we’ll be interested to see what other providers come up with. |
News - January 4,2002
Local Loop Unbundling Fact Sheet
By:mark.j @ 3:21:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Just to remind you all that Oftel has recently issued a fairly clear and well-written Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) fact sheet. It also contains information that's relevant to consumers and makes for a long, yet interesting, read:
VIEW IT HERE |
BTOpenworld’s New CEO
By:mark.j @ 3:17:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] As reported before Christmas, the 41 year old Alison Ritchie has now taken the top spot @ BT's Internet wing, BTOpenworld, as the new CEO.
Don't expect any dramatic changes from the road left by Andy Green, former BTO CEO, even BT don't seem to have been sure she was the right person for the job:
Sources claim that Ms Ritchie was not BT's first choice for such a high profile job, although this has been denied by BT.
A spokesman for the company told The Register: "We looked internally and externally and Alison was our first choice. She has had a lengthy career with BT and has lots of skills and abilities."
We live in hope of improvements, although it's BTWholesale and BTIgnite that'll have to change for the overall market to improve. More @ The Register. |
3GNewsroom Join BTs 3G/UTMS Trial
By:mark.j @ 3:11:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] The popular 3G mobile phone information service, 3GNewsroom, has joined up with mm02 (BT) to take part in its Isle of Man based 3G network trials being conducted by Manx Telecom.
The service is set to provide one of the first fully functional mobile news sites for the beta trial:
The 3Gnewsroom.com WAP site will offer graphics-rich, full colour daily news service and a guide to using third generation mobile services for those in the trials who are new to the technology.
More @ netimperative.com. |
Nildrams R/ADSL Installation Discount
By:mark.j @ 2:55:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Nildram has become the first broadband R/ADSL offering ISP to continue its low-cost installation offer of their USB Home 500 broadband service.
According to ADSLGuilde, Nildram will subsidies the installation cost to keep it @ £75+VAT. However the offer won't last forever and will apply to all orders made before the end of March 2002. It's an interesting and risky move, which could potentially be followed by others.
With Wires-Only R/ADSL broadband only days away from launch there's still much more to make people look forward, pity the coverage hasn't improved. |
Customer Communication - WonkyPig
By:mark.j @ 10:34:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] If there's ever one thing a support agent needs to know, it's not to break down or get angry in front of existing/ex-customers or they'll rip you to pieces. Today some of our readers have informed us of a slightly humorous break by WonkyPig's helpful agent in our forums.
Now to be fair it’s understandable to have such a reaction as follows given what was said, unfortunately a customer support agent should perhaps adopt a little more tact =).
-----------------------------------------
WP Customer Services replies to an ex-customer complaining about billing issues:
Yorkshhirelass you used a credit card. And we have checked with the bank you had that refunded to you 7 days after you cancelled. So stop complaining and go rant somewhere else.
Honestly the amount of time we waist with ppl like this on the phone and forums. Give us strength.
..yeah, typical ex-users eh? =).
WP Customer Services reply to an unregistered forum user crediting Do-DoISP for quality and complaining about WP's lack of it. It's not an unwarranted response; just use more tact next time guys:
Helen, you really are sad... Posting in our Wonkypig forum has gained you nothing.
You are the weakest link - Good Bye!, You'll also find that Do-Do isp uses the same carrier as us so it can't be faster the speeds are the same. DUH!
-----------------------------------------
As we said, they weren't entirely unwarranted in their responses; it's just not the way a trained customer support agent should reply. |
New BT ISP Users Gain Free Domain
By:mark.j @ 10:06:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] The popular provider of domain name and brand management services, Net Searchers, has apparently partnered up BTopenworld to its newly launched programme for Telco’s and ISPs.
The new deal should allow BT ISPs (we wonder whether this includes BTO VISP’s?) to offer customers an automated registration service – including a free ‘.co.uk’ domain name for two years:
The service is based on Name Console, which Net Searchers developed as an off-the-shelf product, providing a single online tool for registering URLs across 243 country-code top-level domains around the world. Name Console aims to deliver an integrated service where domains can be registered, configured and renewed through the same interface.
More @ netimperative.com , although you can probably expect a press release from BTOpenworld on the subject in the not too distant future. |
New Internet Explorer Security Hole
By:mark.j @ 9:57:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Believe it or not, the patch designed to fix a major security hole in Microsoft's IE5.5 and 6 browsers last year (2001), has reportedly opened up a brand new one:
The latest hole was discovered by security researcher Georgi Guninski. This bug is in the Microsoft GetObject JScript function, and could allow a hacker to read local files on an affected user's computer, according to Guniski. By placing specially crafted script into a Web page or email, a malicious user could then execute arbitrary programmes on the compromised system, said Guninski.
Microsoft was alerted to the vulnerability on 11 December, according to Guninski, but has so far failed to publish a security bulletin or a patch for IE customers. When the previous security hole was disclosed by Oy Online Systems, Microsoft accused the company of irresponsible behaviour for making the details public before passing the details to Microsoft. Microsoft later apologised when it became clear that the company had provided details of the security hole one week earlier than Microsoft originally said it had.
The workaround solution that Gununski proposes for the latest security hole is to disable Active Scripting. "Better, do not use IE in hostile environments such as the Internet," his advisory warns.
We certainly like Gununski's suggested solution, not to use Internet explorer on the Internet... hrrmmm. Sadly the ZDNet item points out that there's currently no fix for this and although the exploit still isn't detailed public knowledge, we'd all be a lot safer if MS did something. |
AOL Fix Instant Messenger Bug
By:mark.j @ 9:50:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] As predicted in yesterday’s item, AOL has now managed to fix the security hole in its popular Instant Messenger program.
Apparently nobody was ever actually hit by the dangerous flaw and it was only released because the person that found it was unable to get AOL to listen in the first place - typical big corporations =(. |
How About A Broadband Map?
By:mark.j @ 9:35:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] With the exception of Satellite and Powerline access, Cable Modems, R/ADSL and Fixed Broadband Wireless all lack a central location to easily view coverage information. Not for much longer!
This morning ADSLGuide is reporting on a new site, Broadbandmap, which combines cable modem and R/ADSL broadband technologies to give a visual view of enabled exchanges and coverage.
You can even submit your location HERE and tell them what technology you're using, where it'll hopefully be added to a map for more accuracy.
Take note that the 'R/ADSL Enabled Exchanges' map isn't quite careful enough as it suggests that several areas we're familiar with are enabled and they're not - checked this morning. Good site. |
News - January 3,2002
Dangerous New E-Mail Virus - ZaCker
By:mark.j @ 3:30:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] While most E-Mail worms (Virus, Trojans) often end up being harmless, that's not to say there aren't more dangerous ones around. The latest is called ZaCker and is recognised by anti-virus software as Maldal.D.
Why is it so bad? ZaCker attempts to attack and remove the anti-virus software itself (Symantec, McAfee etc.) and also erases all .exe, .doc and .jpg files from an infected system.
So be on the look out for any E-Mail with the subject title of 'ZaCker.' and a cryptic message inside. Hopefully you should now all be familiar with the usual precautions when checking 'unusual' E-Mail messages. |
Telco's Welcome R/ADSL Changes
By:mark.j @ 3:18:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] While they're still concerned about pricing, both Energis and Thus have welcomed recent changes by Oftel to force BT to provide a new option for broadband ISPs.
You might note that Oftels last announcement concerning access to BTs exchanges was before Christmas and thus nobody had a chance to respond:
The new regulation allows those companies to take broadband traffic from any part of BT's network - effectively increasing their range of options and cutting the costs of connecting a broadband customer in this way.
A spokesman from Thus welcomed the decision, and particularly the decision to impose service levels and to penalise BT for failing to reach them. However, he said that the pricing model Oftel has chosen still leaves BT too much freedom to determine prices.
A statement from Energis chief executive David Wickham also welcomed the decision, and echoed Thus's disappointment at the adoption of the retail-minus pricing model.
The Silicon item doesn't say anything we couldn't have already expected to read, the challenge will be bringing any additional savings to the customer(s) while trying to retain a competitive edge. |
The Ever Shrinking Internet
By:mark.j @ 10:21:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] A new study from the (Web Server Survey) from the Netcraft group has not only reminded us that the number of new Internet users is starting to fall from previous totals (increasing, just not as much), but that websites are also on the decline:
Netcraft found that the number of Web sites dropped by 182,142 from November to December last year. That decline marks only the second time the company's survey, first released in 1995, has found fewer sites online in a monthly period.
Although the drop may seem insignificant considering the more than 36 million sites found online, the survey highlights a shift in Web address renewals. Netcraft attributed last month's drop to the decline in new domain name registrations; it also found that some current Web addresses are being abandoned.
"The drop-off in people renewing domains that they probably registered two years ago is exceeding new domain name registrations now," said Mike Prettejohn, director of Netcraft.
The ZDNet item finishes by saying that new domain names (.biz etc) should help improve things, although in a funny way we think it might have the potential to make the Internet more confusing for the end user.
We all recognise .co.uk, .com and .net and try them logically when looking for a site that’s hard to find, newer extensions could potentially confuse matters. |
New AOL Messaging Software Flaw
By:mark.j @ 10:10:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] The latest security flaw to hit AOLs instant messenger program allows hackers to take control of a target's computer. The problem seems to hit almost all versions of the software client (new and old) and has been known as "buffer overflow".
The good news is that AOL are now aware and a fix is due within the next few days, when we'd suggest everybody related should upgrade.
The exploit works by allowing Hackers to flood the program with junk messages and overwhelm the software, the hacker then has free run of the victim's computer. This is similar to a recent WindowsXP exploit. |
BT Ignite Issue BTnet Problem Report
By:mark.j @ 10:04:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] The popular BTOpenworld consumer website, BTOpenwoe, has managed to get hold of BT Ignite's final statement for the networking problems that occurred between 20th and 23rd of November 2001. We've pasted the rough jist of things below:
On two occasions during that period an external trigger caused the core IP network to fail. On both occasions immediate action was taken to restore service as soon as possible, with BT and our supplier working closely together.
Since the evening of the 23rd the network has been stable and performing to its usual standard. In addition to restoring service to customers we have also undertaken a thorough examination of the incidents.
The cause of the problems was identified as a rare trigger external to BT's network. On the 23rd November engineers applied filters to all of the points that connect BT's core IP network to the public Internet. |
News - January 2,2002
Blueyonder Extend Support To Mac's
By:mark.j @ 3:04:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] | Telewest’s broadband and unmetered dial-up arm, blueyonder, has now extended the technical support it offers to Apple Mac owners using OS X (Operating System). More @ DigitalSpy. |
Cold Weather Improves xDSL Installations
By:mark.j @ 3:00:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] While it's not really so important to know now that RADSL is here, ADSLGuide has a tiny piece on the benefits of cold weather and R/ADSL broadband installations:
Electrically speaking, the lower the temperature, the lower the resistance which means that values such as line loss may be reduced.
In other words if you have a line test when its cold then there's less chance of that failure and thus BT refusing to install R/ADSL at your location. |
ISP Of The Year - 2001
By:mark.j @ 11:04:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] It's that time of the year again, the period we allocate to allow our readers (that's you) to start suggesting your favoured ISP for the past year (2001).
In other words, if you feel your current ISP is good enough to be included in our shortlist then give it a mention. Or perhaps if you disagree with one we've listed then you'll be able to say so - it's a general and unordered list.
Please note that because we lack the ability to cover broadband tech, such ISPs won't be included. However we will highlight the top provider of each type based on the final legitimate vote count from our new Reader Top ISPs Page.
To help get you started we'll put a list of 20 ISPs who’ve managed to stand out this year (for whatever reason). If you feel another ISP could be included in this initial list or that one isn't valid then we'll open a forum for discussion at the end of this news post.
Please note; we want feedback from EXISTING users of a specific ISP, not Ex-Customers. Newer providers may not be listed because they haven't proved themselves yet:
20 Stand-Out Unordered ISPs:
1 - PIPEX (Dial/DialTime)
2 - Clara.net
3 - EasyNet
4 - Vispa Internet
5 - Plus.net
6 - AOL UK
7 - Demon Internet
8 - Telewest (Surfunlimited)
9 - NTL World
10 - Fast24
11 - Cloud-Nine
12 - SurfAnyTime
13 - Powergen
14 - SniffOut
15 - V21 & Free24-7
16 - Freedom2Surf
17 - Silvermead
18 - 0800Dial (UK Fantastic)
19 - Supanet
20 - Totalise
Typically BT (BTO/BTI etc.), Freeserve and Tiscali (WOL, LineOne etc.) are still in the complaints section and thus we can't justify including them - too many consistent complaints.
In order to suggest the introduction or removal of a specific ISP then you can post in our special 'Website Discussion' forum here - ISP Of The Year 2001 Discussion. |
3,000 ISPs Disappear During 2001
By:mark.j @ 9:56:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] According to some new research from the consulting firm, Analysys, a trend of consolidation within the European ISP market through 2001 caused 3,000 ISPs across the zone to disappear!
Typically this process of consolidation is expected to continue into 2002, although there's a limit to this and soon a time will come when the market starts to saturate. 2002 could well be the last full year that new ISPs hoping to be a success have to launch or make their mark. |
1901 UK Census Goes Online
By:mark.j @ 9:47:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] While it's not quite ISP news, the mandatory 1901 census for England and Wales has found its way online and has already become more popular than surfing for sex (hard to beat, apparently).
One advantage is that it can allow you to trace your more recent ancestors from before the First World War:
http://www.census.pro.gov.uk |
News - January 1,2002
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
By:mark.j @ 9:57:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] That's right, if you're still hung over then you're probably not aware we're in 2002 yet, hopefully this news post will remind you ;=). It's hard to predict what this year will bring for ISPs; we don't expect to see a massive shift with dialup (1999 to 2001), instead broadband should be the growth/change sector.
Here's hoping BT will get off their collective asses and roll R/ADSL out further around the country and that Tiscali will finally launched a broadband Satellite ISP people can afford without too many usage restrictions.
In short, we wish all our readers a happy new year and hope 2002 brings a better time than the troubles of 2001. |
News - December 31,2001
Study Slams Key UK Websites
By:mark.j @ 3:11:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] The Internet strategy and design firm, Interactive Bureau, has found the results of its latest online study to show that Britain's leading companies are "woefully inadequate" when it comes to websites.
The study claims that nearly half the companies listed in the FTSE 100 (blue-chip share index) didn't give a share price on their website(s) or made it very hard to find. Roughly 25% of the rest didn't even explain what their company does and the rest hid financial information behind a "barrage" of product details.
One of Interactive Bureau's directors, Rodney Tyler, goes on to say that a company's home page is often the first impression a potential employee, shareholder or client received. He states that many companies treated their audience of shareholders "appallingly", making it hard for them to find information.
None of this surprises us, the Internet is still extremely new to most businesses and making proper use of it remains a problem for many companies. |
Poor Christmas Mobile & Internet Numbers
By:mark.j @ 10:15:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Operators had hoped that the introduction of GPRS based mobile Internet phones, along with a number of new and flashy handset models, would boost pre-Christmas sales.
Sadly yesterdays Sunday Telelgraph newspaper put a damper on such hopes when it announced that mobile phone sales in Britain had nearly halved to 5.5 million, down from 10 million in 2000.
The newspaper placed the blame with network operators, whom it accused of cutting subsidies on handsets to discourage "pre-pay" phones. This had accounted for over 90% of the Christmas 2000 market, when a handset could be bought for as little as £20.
Hopefully things will improve if and when operators start introducing Pre-Pay GPRS vouchers such as those now being deployed in Germany. The newspaper also reported that new Internet subscribers fell to 1.5 million in the final quarter, compared with 5.7 million for the same period of 2000. |
News - December 30,2001
ISP Review Weekly Update
By:mark.j @ 11:39:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] While we'll be back into the normal swing of things from Wednesday, remember that it's the New Year from Monday to Tuesday and you shouldn’t expect too much activity through this week as it's always been a slow one.
On a personal note and it's been a good Christmas, we've had snow where I live on the south coast for the first time in 6-7 years. Looking out the window and the landscape is still white with bright sunshine sparkling off the small rounded snow caps that cover the garden and hills beyond.
ISP Review will continue through 2002, although unlike 2001 where we concentrated on new sections and features, 2002 will bring content and refinement. We're already working on a whole new design, yet it'll take some months to complete due to so many still using 800*600 and thus making it more difficult to format the way we'd like.
In short, our focus will now be on keeping the forums, listings, reviews, articles and news etc. as up-to-date as possible. However please note that the ISP Review staff have real-life jobs, ISPr isn't an easy thing to keep updated, but we'll try to do our best.
We're also quite concerned about new laws governing online privacy and infringing online freedom of speech for the forums. It's quite possible they'll have to go 'Members Only', but not unless it's needed and so far such new laws and measures have yet to be agreed upon. This doesn’t stop you complaining about an ISP =).
However please do remember the law can force us to hand over a posters IP address and date+time posted info. This is all an ISP needs to identify you and no, freedom of speech does not cover offensive remarks made against individuals.
Normally this isn't an issue as such abuse is against our rules and we WILL REMOVE it, just remember that we don't always get everything, especially if not reported to us and thus it's on your own head(s).
This goes for all websites in the UK and those newsgroups directly controlled by a UK ISP, so be careful, it's almost as if the government is trying to control everything we say and do - no surprises there then =). Note: IRC and Messaging Clients are generally safe from this.
So have a happy new year and expect some interesting things through 2002, hopefully with BT actually bothering to cover the UK in R/ADSL love! |
Having Faith - 3G Broadband
By:mark.j @ 10:52:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] The next generation of broadband wireless technologies for mobile phones, 3G (UTMS), has been given another boost by a leading futurologist.
Author and lecturer Ray Hammond has echoed what many have said before, that 3G will be a success, it'll just take a few years:
His forecasts are based on systematic study, looking back at the past for clues on what will be key trends in the future.
He predicts a rapid take-up of services that enable users to be 'telepresent' with channels of communication open at all times.
He also rejects a common belief that computing will mean the end of the desktop, adding that while interfaces evolve, PCs will be the hubs for controlling networked home appliances.
The Ananova item goes on to state Hammond's belief that it'll be three to five years before it's truly recognised, something many others have said and we tend to agree with. |
News - December 29,2001
UKStamp Update Unmetered Prices
By:mark.j @ 10:10:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Users of the recently reviewed unmetered dialup ISP, UKStamp, may like to know of a small change in their service pricing for the cheaper package (increase). One of our moderators spotted the following:
2 WEEKS FREE TRIAL OFFER
If you own a computer and have access to a BT telephone line, you too can experience a superior internet access service without paying a single penny. UKStamps "2 Week Free Trial Period" offers you the opportunity to "Try Before You Buy" with one of the UK's most established Internet Service Providers.
If you want to experience surfing the web today with no telephone call charges and the freedom to cancel your account at any time and owe us nothing, simply choose one of the options below and we'll get you started without delay! To get the best residential deal at £6.99 per month, visit Option 3!
Monthly Charges - Residential Options 1,2 & 3 = £8.99 Inc Vat - Business Option 4 = £12.99 Inc Vat
UKStamp are genuinely committed to providing you with an inexpensive superior freefone internet access service with the confidence of this 100% refund satisfaction guarantee.
If you are not completely satisfied with the quality of service within your 2 week free trial period, UKStamp will refund 100% of all monies paid. No questions asked, no hassle!
Note that the package now costing £8.99 has risen from its previously more unrealistic point of £7.99, so this rise doesn't surprise us. |
AOL Tops 33 Million Subscribers
By:mark.j @ 10:04:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] No big surprises here as yet again the worlds largest ISP, AOL (America Online), has added a further 1,000,000 subscribers to make its worldwide total hit 33 Million!
Much of this has been driven by AOLs latest v7 software revision in the USA, which is touted to include better support for broadband technologies (content etc.). Hopefully the UK release will do a similar thing. |
News - December 28,2001
Powerline Broadband Succeeds In Europe
By:mark.j @ 10:24:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] The technology that allows broadband Internet access (high-speed) to travel along a standard power cable, which can reach almost everybody, is finally starting to see success across Europe.
Having first started its rise during the summer (2001) after lengthy regulation hurdles and years of development and testing, Powerline is finally pushing into Europe:
Yankee analyst Seth Libby believes that interest in the technology in Europe is persevering despite it being in the pipeline for several years, citing the growing appetite for broadband, the inability of incumbent telcos to meet this demand and the competitive advantage befalling utilities able to deploy it.
He said: “At this point, it's clear that PLC works. Where it works well, however, is a different question.”
Libby believes that beta tests scheduled over the next year “will be crucial to resolving outstanding technical hurdles, standardising equipment and deployment techniques, and building interest and partnerships with utilities.”
ISP Review has been reporting on Powerline since day one and charted its progress into active circulation, although it's still an infantile and slow-moving technology. Sadly price, speed, stability and various other technical and political problems remain to be sorted.
We're also aware that the UK is indeed keeping an eye on the progress of the technology in Germany since our own 'early' attempts ended in failure. More @ netimperative.com. |
News - December 27,2001
Ireland Still Waiting - Unmetered Dialup
By:mark.j @ 11:48:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] While it may not be our coverage, Ireland is one of the closest off-shore countries we can see and for them the prospect of a truly approved flat-rate dialup Internet system still seems distant.
The lack of unmetered Internet access is actually a step backwards for Ireland, at the beginning of 2001 Esat was offering its Surf No-Limits flat-rate package, which it discontinued during the summer because of overuse (typical).
Even broadband is still a problem for the Irish, having only just started to surface and costing upwards of £60 Per Month (PM) for the standard option (Residential!), it's hardly a choice purchase.
All of these factors have led to substantial resentment from consumers and SMEs which boiled steadily throughout the year, culminating in a November boycott. Not that it made any difference.
Thankfully 2002 could be a better year, Ireland is now under pressure from the EU, along with many other member states that have failed to introduce substantial competition into the market. In the waning weeks of 2001 the EU said it would consider a lawsuit to force the issue.
Whether any of this will actually help remains to be seen, although it's good to know that the UK still stands tall in this area, even if most ISPs still enjoy miss-treating their customers and falsifying service claims via advertising. |
Growing Internet Security Fears - 2002
By:mark.j @ 11:36:AM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Each New Year brings yet more people online and with them the number of Viruses, E-Mail worms and general security problems increases. It's now feared that after 2001's horrendous year for such things, 2002 could be far worse.
Experts are predicting that viruses and their cousins (self-propagating E-Mail worms) will find new and even nastier ways to attack computer systems, possibly even hitting mobile devices, pocket PCs (PDAs) and smart phones in the coming year.
Computer users should expect to see more viruses that try to dupe them into taking action that will execute the malicious code, said Vincent Weafer, senior director of Symantec's security response centre.
So keep an eye out in 2002, make sure you know what, who and why something is being sent or given to you online before taking any risks. Make sure you have a virus checker and even a firewall if you're planning to use chat systems on a regular basis – specifically live chat (IRC, ICQ etc.). |
News - December 24,2001
Wanadoo Accused Of Predatory ADSL Pricing
By:ross @ 12:36:PM - - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] Yes, would you believe it, the European Commission have decided to step in on France Telecom's Wanadoo Interactive accusing it of using price breaks from its parent to price high speed connections below cost, thus driving competitors out of business, reports The Register.
The Commission notes that competitor Mangoosta closed in August, allegedly because of predatory pricing by Wanadoo.
How different from the alleged home life of our own dear BT, which gets accused of pricing ADSL too high. A Commission statement issued on Friday claimed that ADSL competitors without backing from France Telecom similar to Wanadoo's "are unable to withstand the price and cost pressure imposed and are in practice forced out of the market. |
Virgin.Net Unmetered Goes Live
By:ross @ 12:27:PM - Comments (12) - SendNews [HERE] / PrintNews [HERE] After a very long wait - over 4 months in fact - Virgin.Net's FRIACO-based unmetered internet access package has launched. Full details follow:
Virgin.net 24seven
Virgin.net 24seven is our unmetered Internet access service. With this package you can be online as often as you like for as long as you like, all for £15 a month.
No additional call charges - you'll always know exactly what your Virgin.net Internet calls will cost each month.
You can pay the fixed monthly fee of £15 a month by Visa, Visa Delta or MasterCard.
You need to have a BT line which you will use to connect to the Internet and you will need to register this number with Virgin.net
You get all the benefits of Virgin.net access including great customer support, 5 free email addresses and 10MB of free webspace.
Its worth noting that the service does have a 2 hour cut off. So really, nothing special from Virgin. |
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