ISP Review interviews UK ISP Pipex

Today Pipex has grown, having acquired several rival providers (e.g. Nildram) and expanded into hosting solutions, it is now trying to cement its market position and prepare for the future. So what does that future hold? ISP Review went to find out:

1. Who are you and what do you do?

Dominic Crolla. As Managing Director of PIPEX Internet I am responsible for the performance of the financial and operational performance of the business.

2. How many UK broadband and dialup customers does Pipex have in total?

Just under 200,000.

3. It’s a well known fact that narrowband services have declined as existing users migrate over to broadband, yet many feel that uptake of higher speed technology itself may soon start to plateau. How long do you feel the current rate of broadband growth can continue?

The pace of growth of the broadband market will continue for at least another 18 months.

4. Will dial-up services still have a place in the UK market 5 to 10 years down the line?

Yes. Firstly there will always be internet users that have very limited requirements and may only need to send the occasional email or check the odd website. If they use a free dial up service and only pay for the few minutes a month to access the internet then there will be a strong financial incentive to remain on a dial-up service. Secondly, dial-up is available as a back up to broadband and will remain so, providing an emergency alternative in the event of a broadband service failure.

5. Some 30 to 40% of the population are still without an Internet connection; do you think it will ever be possible to reach these individuals since so many other attempts have failed?

Connecting 100% of the UK households and offices is a near impossible task and I do not expect it to happen. Many households cannot afford a PC, even at the low prices we are seeing today or even with the lower ones we will see in the future. In addition not everyone wants to have a PC or is computer literate – these are substantial barriers to take up. Lastly I remain to be convinced that we will see 100% availability across the UK as there is no universal service obligation and the economic case for reaching every single household does not stack up.

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