ISP Review Looks Back @ 2002

Ultimately dialup is doomed, yet for now it will remain a good source of first and second tier income with ISPs. It’s difficult to know how long the technology has left, although we wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised to see some people still using it by 2010/2015.

The Broadband Agenda

2002 has seen Internet access evolve into a fast and affordable broadband form, the like of which many have only dreamt about for the past decade, yet nothing is ever perfect.

The year started with BTs R/ADSL access trailing far behind cheaper cable based alternatives from both NTL and Telewest. Others, such as Satellite and Wireless, were as yet largely unrealised, although much of this was about to change.

Early into 2002 BT suddenly dropped the wholesale price of its residential broadband ADSL services, among others, from roughly £25 to £15 +vat per month. It wasn’t long before UK ISPs, many of which had once charged upwards of £40 per month for home ADSL access, were now offering the same service at closer to £25 or £30. The year of broadband had officially begun!

Typically the change sparked a sudden increase in demand for broadband services and it wasn’t long before both NTL and Telewest followed suit with their own reductions. Sadly the greater demand born out by such changes also served to highlight another nagging problem, coverage.

In response to this, broadband Satellite and Wireless providers attempted to re-dress the balance, yet met with only limited success. The restrictions and high installation costs of Satellite technology combined with equally frustrating and limited wireless coverage had, at best, a negligible impact.

Unfortunately coverage has continued to be an issue throughout the year and the numerous initiatives from BT and others have failed to bring improvement fast enough. Rural (out of town/country) areas still remain the worst affected.

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