August 22, 2001 - August 29, 2001
News - August 29,2001
WIPO Slaps AOL Over Domains
By:mark.j @ 9:38:AM -
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WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) is a group that also deals with disputes over domain names when related to intellectual property disputes.
In this case AOL had asked WIPO to try and grab the domains Nudescape.com and AOLfind.com from Canadian company, Media Dial. Unfortunately for AOL things didn't go quite as planned:
AOL, part of media giant AOL Time Warner, claimed the domain names were "confusingly similar" to the AOL and Netscape brands. It added that confusion was particularly likely with Nudescape.com because the porn site sported a banner stating: "Nudescape.com - The Site of Choice for AOL Users".
WIPO ruled that AOLfind.com should be transferred to AOL. But, surprisingly, it disagreed with the Internet monster over the other domain.
The Net body stated that "scape" and "nude" were common words used in English, and that the Netscape trademark should not prevent others from using these two words in their URLs.
For those still unaware, AOL now owns Netscape, hence their dispute with the domain name. More @ The Register. |
News - August 28,2001
MetroNet Launch Unmetered Offer
By:mark.j @ 3:33:PM -
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MetroNet have today been kind enough to inform us of their two new dial-up unmetered business packages, which have just launched. As usual the full press release follows:
Metro800 – The new Unmetered Internet Service designed for Business Users.
MetroNet are delighted to announce the official launch of our Metro800 Unmetered Internet Access service with 2 packages being immediately available - Metro800 Business Unlimited and Metro800 Business Gold.
Metro800 Business Unlimited offers free-call daytime access from 6am to 6pm weekdays and costs £10.99 + vat per month and from 1p a minute at other times.
Metro800 Business Gold offers 24x7 free-call access and costs £15.99 + vat per month.
Both packages have been priced aggressively in comparison with similar offerings from other ISP’s and are designed to offer more than just internet access with no call charges as each package comes with 15 POP accounts, 10Mb webspace, 24hr phone support and even a FREE .co.uk domain name to complete an all-round service.
“Metro800 forms just the start of a complete set of new internet products from MetroNet for the developing needs of SME’s and SOHO’s in the UK and is a direct response to the requests received from current and long standing customers for services that reflect the changing face of their business communication.” Paresh Morjaria – General Manager at MetroNet
Metro800 is a service provided in association with VIP Ltd (part of Affinity Internet Holdings PLC) one of the largest providers of branded Internet services in the UK.
A quick visit to their site shows that the 'Unlimited' offer has no cut-off during unmetered hours and that the 'Gold' one uses the standard 4hour cut off and 20minute inactivity cut.
These packages, especially the GOLD one, would at least 'appear' to be ideal for heavy usage. Ultimately there's not much to set them apart from others offering a similar service, although hopefully Metro's reasonably established image would help.
Update:- Unmetered ISP listings & associated Forums added/updated. |
BT Plans Major Broadband Upgrade
By:mark.j @ 3:24:PM -
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The broadband (ADSL) and Dial-up unmetered ISP and portal service provider, BTOpenworld, looks set to start a major upgrade in the near future.
BT is understood to be planning a multi-million pound upgrade for its local network in Britain to provide broadcasting and broadband services under the BTO banner to its 19m customers:
The company is understood to have received tenders to build the network from firms such as Alcatel, Cisco, Fujitsu, Marconi and Motorola. One source involved in the process said the contract was the hottest in Europe. "I have been around the industry for a while but what they wanted was the most comprehensive and advanced system yet."
The news is likely to infuriate competitors who have claimed that BT has been holding back opening up its local network to competition as it prepares its own new services.
It also puts in doubt two tentative offers made over the summer for BT's fixed-line infrastructure by financial buyers. Earth Lease, backed by structured financing group Babcock & Brown, and German financial house WestLB had made rejected offers to operate BT's network on an arm's length basis.
The item, as reported by 'The Guardian Newspaper' yesterday, states that Oftel has yet to be informed of the planned improvements. Typically BT is unwilling to comment on the subject.
On Sunday BT also dismissed suggestions that chief executive Sir Peter Bonfield is planning to leave the company a year early in order to move to the United States. BT described Mr Bonfield as "the man to restructure the company". |
Vispa Doubles Unmetered Capacity
By:mark.j @ 9:01:AM -
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Clearly happy with the success of their first 3 months operating an unmetered solution, Vispa have now opted to extend its already functional FRIACO system:
Vispa Extends Unmetered Packages
August 28th 2001
After 3 months of testing with unmetered based access services, Vispa
Internet Limited is delighted to announce that it will progress further with using BT based FRIACO wholesale solutions over the coming months.
The original planned high quality services from Vispa's have been maintained over our testing period via strict network monitoring, bringing new network and peering changes live, standing firm with package port contentions and adhering to our terms and conditions when required.
All this hard work is paying off. In the past 10 days, users have been getting an average 99.7% first time connection, however Vispa is intent on improving quality and will from September 1st be doubling it's FRIACO line capacity as well as maintaining it's £14.95pm price tag.
If you're looking for a quality freecall Internet service, then Vispa won't let you down. Trading for over 2 years and pricing our service correctly, we have no intention of offering poor services or disppearing without trace like so many upstart ISP's.
http://www.vispa.net
http://www.vispa.com
http://www.vispa.co.uk
In the past 'some' users have been concerned about Vispa’s higher price and slightly stronger service restrictions (combination), although clearly things seem to be paying off and improvements always help. |
MS Release Final IE6 Browser
By:rich.p @ 8:51:AM -
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A quick note to say that Internet Explorer (IE) Non-Beta (Final) v6.0 has finally been released.
You can Grab it HERE. |
News - August 27,2001
0800OnlineServe NOT Improved
By:mark.j @ 3:34:PM -
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Being a bank holiday weekend we're unlikely to see any kind of response from 0800OnlineServe until tomorrow, although it seems as if the service has failed to improve.
Despite last weekend’s announcement 'NOT' to suspend the service, problems have continued to remain. This is a feeling echoed in our 0800OnlineServe forum, where one member states (yesterday):
Its been like 5 days now, no dial nothing. Are they dead have they nicked our money and b**gered off? No email reply despite persistent threats of me going to Watchdog about it, no answering the phone, and..
There don't seem to be enough people complaining or discussing the ISP for us to accurately see what's going on, although clearly some people haven't seen any improvements. We'd hope to see some kind of official response tomorrow. |
New Reviews @ ISP Review
By:mark.j @ 9:53:AM -
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Meet More Old School Friends
By:mark.j @ 9:33:AM -
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One of our readers (Adam) let us know of yet another site where you can reunite with old school friends:
http://www.oldschoolmates.co.uk
It’s database doesn’t seem to hold quite as many schools and its ‘dark’ design is somewhat unattractive, but you might find people registered here that aren’t on the other. |
News - August 26,2001
ISP Review Weekly Update
By:mark.j @ 10:36:AM -
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Alas the sun of Saturday has faded into the ever-grey skies above, in other words we're down to the last few weeks of summer. Thankfully for ISP Review it's been a fairly busy week, lots of ISP news and many site updates kept things rolling.
On top of that we also managed to track down our new 'Readers Top 50' system author and things should now be progressing on that. We're hoping to bring it into operation during September, sooner the better.
Next up we need some help from you, our readers, in refining the unmetered ISP listings. We need to know the following for each ISP and any help is appreciated - please E-Mail one of the staff with required info.:
1) CLI / Caller Line Identification (Used/Not Used?) - Helps us see the providers that can be used as unmetered around the UK and not just from one 'set' location.
2) Operating Systems Support (other than Windows) - To show what operating system(s) an ISP 'SUPPORTs'. Note that they must say they support the O/S (help lines and all).
On top of that we're also planning to do an 'Officially Approved ISDN Petition' for those unhappy paying the high prices for BT's Home Highway service. Typically this would be submitted to Oftel for view and hopefully action. More on this soon..
Finally if anybody would like us to add a 'Normal Dial-Up ISPs' section to the forum then all you have to do is request an ISP not already listed (residential only, no business ISPs). Typically this would be any Subscription/Free Local Call Rate (0845) ISP, since we already cover all unmetered and broadband providers. |
Reunite With Old School Friends
By:mark.j @ 9:29:AM -
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Although not directly related, we feel this deserves a mention since for many of us (myself included) School is a long distant memory. Thankfully there's now a site we've just learned of that lists the UKs schools and allows people to register under them and see who else is around.
http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk is a weird place that brings back old memories of [Ed - Removed X-Rated Content]. The site lets users search for their old school from a list of 40,000 and read messages from nearly one million former classmates.
Computer programmers Stephen Pankhurst, 37 and wife Julie, 34, launched the site in July last year with no advertising at a cost of £3,000 pounds. It is now one of the most talked about sites in the country.
So if you don't have tarnished memories of a corrupted school system (hmm anybody?) then this is the place to visit and rekindle that corruption. I must admit to being shocked after receiving E-Mail from an old flame I'd known many years ago, wonderful and yet strangely eerie. |
DTI Requests E-Commerce Directive Feedback
By:mark.j @ 9:15:AM -
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The European Union (EU)'s new (proposed) E-commerce Directive, covering Spam E-Mails etc., has entered the public consultation stage. This is usually a time where ISPs and other industry related groups get their chance to give official feedback on the directive:
Guy Russell, of the Communications and Information Industries Directorate at the DTI, said there were a number of complex issues that had to be agreed upon, and feedback from the industry was very important for progress. He said one of the suggestions concerning the idea of flagging spam email in some way would be very complicated and would require input from ISPs and other industry members.
The E-commerce Directive is designed to boost e-commerce adoption and includes rules that will govern requirements for online advertising; the sending of spam email; contracting online; the role of national authorities; online dispute settlement; and services allowing online transactions. The directive was adopted on 8 June, 2000 and member states have until 16 January, 2002 to implement its requirements.
More @ ZDNet, we'd say more but it's a Sunday =). |
News - August 25,2001
UK Surfers Shun Sex Searches
By:mark.j @ 9:14:AM -
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^ Try saying that back ten times in rapid succession, not that it'd matter since according LemonAd (ad monitoring firm) we Brits like nothing more than to surf and search for almost anything but Sex. Typically this doesn't seem to be the case for the rest of Europe:
'Sex' limped in at number 37 for UK internet users, relegated by such sizzling and scintillating search strings as 'weather' and 'perfume'.
The top five keywords in each country were as follows:
UK - Formula 1, health, travel, MP3, cars
France - Sex, cars, employment, dating, property
Germany - Sex, travel, MP3, property, SMS
Italy - Sex, MP3, employment, webcam, cinema
Spain - Sex, women, employment, work, credit
The VNUNet item makes for an entertaining start to Saturday morning and seems to show the strange habits that surround our closer neighbours and yet lack in our home land. We've done our own Interpretation below:
UK - Country that likes fast cars, to stay healthy, travel a lot (Peckam anybody?), listen to music and look at more cars.
France - Sexually repressed bunch that like to look at cars, try to find jobs, enjoy forced dating rituals and look at other peoples houses.
Germany - Sexually overactive and like to travel, listen to music, look at other peoples houses and communicate through annoying little mobile phone messages.
Italy - We love Italy, rich country, no political corruption or any problems what so ever - [Ed - Is that ok Mr Mafia man?]
Spain - Sexually overactive group that like to look at women (make sense?), enjoy job hunting (not enough tourists?) while being happy to actually work and want more credit? |
Germany = EU's Most Active Surfers
By:mark.j @ 8:57:AM -
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Despite having the most advanced unmetered dial-up systems and one of the highest Internet penetration rates in Europe, the UK still falls behind Germany through active surfing (time online).
According to Internet research firm Nielsen/Netratings, a monthly study released this week claims Germans are top in terms of time spent online - seven hours 49 minutes (per month). This works out to 17 Internet sessions per user (connections) / 15.46 million active users.
In Europe, the top five most avid Net users came from respectively:
Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands and UK.
But they lag far behind the world's most avid Net surfers. That distinction goes to South Korea. Users in South Korea spent an average of 19 hours 20 minutes online in July.
The data showed that the most popular activity on the Internet was the use of search engines and portals followed by accessing sites relating to the Internet, technology or telecommunications.
Overall, the study found the global Internet population to have increased slightly by three percent to 426 million individuals in July compared with the previous month. |
News - August 24,2001
BeamT Satellite Broadband Hits UK
By:mark.j @ 4:24:PM -
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According to a new press release we've just received in the last few minutes, the BeamT broadband Satellite service has hit the UK ahead of rivals and is available NOW:
New BEAMT satellite broadband technology hits UK ahead of rivals
A Scottish based entrepreneur has stolen the march on Bt Openworld and NTL for the national roll out of satellite broadband technology thanks to an alliance with Onstar Europe.
Fraser Hay, CEO of Highland based Strategic Marketing Ventures (SMV), has signed the deal to introduce the new broadband service called BeamT to the UK and unlike its competitors it's available NOW.
This 2-way "always on" broadband Internet connection via satellite, http://www.broadband4uk.com provides businesses with fast, reliable and cost effective connection, without the need of land based cable or telephone networks so eliminating all call charges and slow uploads. BeamT is currently up to 10 times faster than a 56K modem, and over five times faster than a dedicated ISDN line.
The satellite is in orbit 22,300 miles (35,800 km) above the equator. It communicates directly with the earth-based hub, which in turn has a direct two-way connection to the Internet. No telephone connections, no dial-up accounts, no other Internet service providers involved, straight from the user to the satellite - it is accessible to everyone.
Businesses nationwide, from John O'Groats to Lands End, will reap the benefits of BeamT by visiting the online product information site - www.broadband4uk.com. Initially the product is available in the UK and Ireland, with discussions already underway for BeamT to be rolled out throughout the rest of the world.
Additional advantages to businesses include:
· A permanent "always on" internet connection
· Much cheaper than leased lines
· Connection which is 10 times faster than a 56K modem
· Cost effective video conferencing
· Fast delivery of page content, emails and files
"Whilst the government continues to battle with telecommunications and ADSL companies to extend our cable infrastructure to get the UK online by 2005, BeamT is live and ready now. This technology revolutionises how businesses will operate online, and makes broadband a feasible option for all businesses," said Fraser Hay, CEO of Strategic Marketing Ventures Ltd, owners of small business portal, www.hitsnclicks.com.
BeamT provides high-speed connection comparable with ADSL, yet with no limits, allowing all businesses to have faster access for the use of multi media content, video conferencing and real time video email. In addition, as BeamT is a permanent connection to the web it allows constant communication, eliminating the painstaking dial up process, which so many businesses are currently suffering.
On installation an elliptical BeamT Satellite dish on or near the required property, which simply needs an unobstructed view of the southern sky. Two cables connect your dish to your PC via a Beam satellite modem inside your property.
Hay continued, "Business users of BeamT also have the opportunity of subscribing to SMVs hitsnclicks.com, an online marketing resource centre dedicated to help drive traffic, value and revenue to SME websites. In addition, SMV's real time video email product, elive2u www.elive2u.co.uk is available allowing companies to communicate with voice and video over the Internet in real time."
Note that we’ve mentioned this service before as being provided by Onstar (see broadband ISP list), although the latest press release (above) gives more info. Sadly no change to pricing as the residential option still stands at an unaffordable £99.99 per month. |
X-Stream Draws Final Breath
By:mark.j @ 4:10:PM -
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Before Callnet0800 and IC24's truly free unmetered offers came the long forgotten X-Stream, later consolidated into LibertySurf and thus into Tiscali. Over the last few days Tiscali have been sending out 'final warning' letters to all whom had accounts with the ISP.
According to the letter, which we received this morning, all remaining X-Stream E-Mail accounts will be discontinued from 31st December 2001. Typically Tiscali have suggested signing up with their new (Worldonline) unmetered offerings in order to save the e-mails.
Thankfully you can also save any messages by using the 'Tiscali Classic' (0845 Local Call Rate) dialup as well. According to the letter, if you choose one of the commercial unmetered offers then they'll also give one months free access.
The 'special' offer can be accessed here:
http://signup.server.worldonline.co.uk/liberty
This also seems to apply to ex-members of LibertySurf as you can no doubt tell by the URL. Of course the chances are that in taking so long to sort things out, most people may have ended up forgetting their details. |
Broadband Football Broadcasts
By:mark.j @ 3:54:PM -
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New broadcasting rights allow football clubs to broadcast matches on the Internet, sadly the slow rollout and penetration of ADSL, Cable Modems and broadband wireless mean delays and problems:
Premier League football clubs are warming up to take advantage of their new online broadcasting rights, which will allow them to stream highlights of this season's games on their Web sites. But Internet analysts are warning that severe broadband delays will restrict the success of such a venture in Britain.
For the first time ever, top clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United will be offering subscription-based coverage of their matches a matter of hours after the event has taken place. Under the new rules, football clubs own the rights to video coverage of their matches, meaning that the exclusive broadcast period granted to TV companies will expire almost immediately in some cases.
Sadly ZDNet's item was to be expected and most clubs wouldn't have the money to invest in such services anyway. Hopefully it won't be too long before things pick up (rollout) following recent price decreases and future advertising campaigns. |
'Thus' Expands Internet Access Family
By:mark.j @ 3:47:PM -
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Thus, backers of Demon Internet etc., have yesterday announced the introduction of Ultra-High speed services. Full press release follows:
Ultra-High Speed Service Available Nationwide
Leading UK voice, data, Internet and contact centre service provider THUS is expanding its extensive Internet access portfolio with a new ultra-high speed service. This service is targeted at larger small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), large business enterprises and non-commercial organisations. The nationwide High-Speed Internet Access service initially provides bandwidth options of 34 Mbps and 45 Mbps over permanent, un-metered optical fibre connections. An option running at 155 Mbps is also in development.
Bill Allan, THUS Chief Executive, said: "This new service leverages our advanced data network and Internet services to provide high quality, high speed connectivity and e-business services to businesses throughout the UK. This service complements our hosting, network management and international Internet connectivity to major Internet locations in the USA."
THUS already offers a highly successful family of Internet access services. Existing THUS customers can access the Internet at a range of speeds from 64 kbps to 2 Mbps through Demon-branded leased line and DSL products. Demon is one of the UK's largest Internet Service Providers and the country's largest web hosting brand.
The new High Speed Internet Access service leverages the quality of service advantages that derive from being carried over the UK's most modern national fibre optic network. It is also a managed service, with an inclusive router located on the customer's premises. THUS further offers a range of add-on Internet services as part of the package, including IP address allocation and Domain Name registration. |
Gov Pressure Councils Over Mobile Masts
By:mark.j @ 3:38:PM -
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It looks increasingly as if the current British government are turning into a bunch of political Hitler’s (cronies), neglecting people’s needs.
This time they've been accused of giving into mobile giants (operators) by warning local councils against imposing restrictions on the siting of new mobile phone masts.
In other words the masts would find it easier to make their home in the back yard of residential or school areas, wonderful:
Under the latest planning rules, councils have been told that they should not ban mobile masts from their land, or refuse to allow masts to be built on or near schools or hospitals. Opposition MPs said the restrictions were wrong, and suggested that pressure from the mobile phone industry -- which is currently struggling through a slump -- had encouraged the government to draw up the rules.
Liberal MP Phil Willis claimed on Thursday that the government has caved in to pressure from mobile phone companies. They are thought to be concerned that more severe planning rules could make it harder for them to build successful 3G mobile networks -- a process that will require the erection of many tens of thousands of new masts -- even with mast sharing. Willis is a long-time opponent of the building of masts on sites such as school and hospitals.
According to Friday's Financial Times, the Conservative party is also unimpressed with the government's approach.
ZDNets full item goes into even more detail and is a good example of how politics can so easily be corrupted. Of course on the other hand we could let it happen and end up with future generations having extra or less body parts, could be useful? Perhaps Oftels new EMI (see below) regulations will help. |
Telcos Respond To Oftels LL Proposal
By:mark.j @ 3:27:PM -
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Following Oftels recent publication of new Service Level Agreement (SLA) and local loop unbundling (LLU) compensation guidelines for BT, Telco's have been quick to respond.
Specifically BT, whom typically doesn’t seem to know what one side of the company is saying from the other. BT spokespeople have already played the announcement down with, 'It's within our expectations'. On the other hand BTs director of regulatory affairs (Ian Morfett) claims it's 'heavy handed':
While BT struggles to find the same hymn sheet from which to sing, its rivals have viewed yesterday's intervention as a small victory. "We're delighted with this," Richard Greco, chief exec of Bulldog Communications, told The Register.
"It is a giant step forward. The introduction of service level agreements is extremely positive and a sign that Oftel is becoming more and more proactive."
And on the question of compensation payments, he said: "BT did offer damages but these were wholly unacceptable."
So according to The Register, BT is in two minds over the issue while their rivals are more than happy. Nothing unexpected there then. |
Oftel Announces Plans To Control EMI
By:mark.j @ 3:19:PM -
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EMI or electromagnetic interference is a natural part of the unseen spectrum in our ever-technological world. However the advent of broadband wireless technologies and DSL means there's potential for EMI to cause problems.
Today proposals to insert new conditions into telecom operators' licences to control the effect of EMI have been announced. The relevant part of Oftels press release follows:
Technologies that use radio frequencies to transmit high-speed data across networks, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, have the potential to interfere with wireless systems, for example radio broadcast services. These technologies can also cause interference between systems where a number of operators are using the same network, such as in local loop unbundling.
Oftel proposes to insert a new condition into operators' licences that will require them to take reasonable steps to reduce any interference being caused by their equipment.
Faulty equipment or poor installation of apparatus can lead to interference on other systems and services, although the roll-out of new technologies has not given rise to any significant interference issues to date.
The proposed licence condition is part of a package of measures, announced by the Government last year, aimed at reassuring radio spectrum users over the effects of possible interference caused by telecoms systems. |
Telewest Revolutionise Online Gaming?
By:Daniel @ 3:07:PM -
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Here's the full press release we have been sent from Telewest about their new blueyonder gaming service, as a note 60-70 servers will be introduced within the next week as an interim measure:
GAMERS are set to be wowed by the launch of Telewest's revolutionary blueyonder broadband web site this September - offering a unique, unparalleled experience to the customer.
The new generation web site will enhance the cable company's existing
blueyonder broadband service by combining ultra-fast internet access with dedicated broadband content and services. It will include unique features and content for online gaming, in addition to broadband-tailored music, entertainment, 'always on' local information services and enhanced applications.
Philip Snalune, head of marketing, blueyonder, said: "Games are central to the future of Telewest's broadband services. Through blueyonder, we have invested in a service that combines a fantastic portfolio of games, with state-of-the art infrastructure and a creative team including some of the most talented people in the UK's games industry."
Tom Cotter, head of games strategy, Telewest added: "This is an unparalleled combination of services that multiplayer gamers have been demanding from the market for some time. It has been developed by gamers, for gamers and will enable the community to enjoy games in the way they were always meant to be played - fast, stable, low latency, sociable and easy to set up."
The new MPG service will have free and subscription-based elements, allowing access to LAN-quality game servers. It will enable individuals or teams of people (clans) to compete against each other on separate PCs, with a high degree of network consistency. The service will also provide players with optional entry into leagues, ladders and online tournaments supported by blueyonder's dedicated team of community managers.
It seems that blueyonder have hired some of the old wireplay staff, for anymore updates check out http://www.pish.org . |
Businesses See Increased Internet Traffic
By:mark.j @ 9:38:AM -
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We're all aware of the ever-increasing load on national and international networks as they struggle to cope with the ever-growing Internet population. Yesterday Caspian Networks became the latest group to announce similar findings in one of their reports:
Traffic across key service providers' networks has been doubling every six months since the beginning of last year, and 80 per cent of the growth is from corporations, says Caspian.
The current growth rate is faster than the average of 2.8 times a year experienced since 1997, when consumer use took off, says Caspian chief technology officer Lawrence Roberts, who conducted the research.
A separate report from researcher Jupiter MMXI shows UK net usage has increased, with more than 60 per cent of the population regularly going online.
The VNUNet item shows just the latest in a series of surveys into online growth and its economic effects. Typically business may start finding it hard to keep up, although on the bright side now would be a good time for smaller ISPs to make themselves known.
The increased online activity can't be sustained by a small group of 'super ISPs' (size) like Freeserve, hopefully newcomers will have some sense to check out the lesser-know competition first; spreading the load. |
AOL = Least Trusted Company
By:mark.j @ 9:28:AM -
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AOL Time Warner may not be viewing itself as the 'consumers advocate' for much longer following the latest survey by Gartner Group. Out of nearly 2,000 people surveyed, a staggering 37% said they had a high level of distrust for AOL.
In short, this makes AOL the least trusted company on the planet among online shoppers, good going guys..:
The 1,250 adult surfers surveyed for the report - which compared AOL to banks, brokerages, credit card companies, e-tailers and retailers - also seemed wary of Microsoft.
Slightly less than a third said they were very distrustful of the software giant.
Meanwhile, at the other extreme, 17 per cent said they really trusted Microsoft and 15 per cent said the same about AOL - presumably none of these were AOL employees waiting to see if their job was about to be axed.
The Register reports that one of the key reasons for AOLs high distrust levels are because of all the solicitations people (users) get. We don't doubt the problems with security; hacking and their IM system have also caused some annoyance. |
News - August 23,2001
Madasafish Apologise For Problems
By:mark.j @ 4:04:PM -
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Originally one of the highest rated unmetered dial-up ISPs, recently Madasafish has slowly fallen from grace.
Thankfully today seems to be the day for ISPs trying to mend wounds as yet another provider says sorry and offers something in return:
A spokesman for Brightview, the new owners of Madasafish, told us that their support team has been doing their best to get everything running again. They were inundated telephone calls and emails and were unable to answer them all. With users not being able to get in touch with the ISP it just makes them even more disappointed with their ISP.
But the spokesman apologised for all the problems saying that all TimeZone customers will get a free months Internet access regardless of the fact that the service was only affected for a few days.
You can find more details over @ Net4Nowt, hopefully users will find an improved service as time goes on. |
Nutshell ISP Issues Appology
By:mark.j @ 3:55:PM -
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The popular dial-up unmetered ISP, Net In A Nutshell (Nutshell), have been good enough to issue their users with an apology following this mornings news item.
They've also sent us a quick explanation to clear things up:
We have seen your lead article this morning regarding the email Nutshell sent to ex BBS customers. We hold our hands up as an error occurred when emailing hence why all recipients names appeared on all mails. We have sent another email this morning to all concerned apologising for this error.
I would like to reiterate at this point that we are merely trying to give BBS customers the opportunity to sign to Nutshell with its excellent track record of service and affordability.
Again we apologise for the error but trust that the genuine attempt by Nutshell to provide all these customers with a high quality ISP, such as Nutshell, will be accepted with good faith.
While some customers will no doubt remain upset having seen their personal E-Mails drift into the unwelcome hands of any old Joe, it's equally nice to see an ISP keen to respond so quickly and actually apologise. |
Hotmail Through Mobile Phones
By:mark.j @ 3:45:PM -
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It was only a matter of time before Microsoft's MSN based Hotmail service struck upon the idea of special 'Mobile Phone' access to E-Mail accounts and now they've done it.
MS will give its 20 million e-mail users in Europe access to messages via their mobile phones, the company has said as it unveiled a new alliance with European mobile operators.
The initiative involving a joint venture between Danish mobile operator TDC Mobile International, and Anglo-Dutch CMG Wireless Data Solutions, is the latest step in Microsoft's strategy to bring its software products and Web offerings to mobile devices, including phones, pagers and handheld devices.
This is the first time Microsoft has made Hotmail accessible via mobile phones, the company said on Thursday. Users will be able to access their Hotmail account and send email messages via short messaging service, commonly known as SMS, Microsoft said.
The use of SMS is a clever idea and helps the service avoid some technical and market issues related to WAP, GPRS and 3G/UTMS. However in the near future SMS will soon be overtaken by such standards, but it's a start. |
BTInternet Cautions 400 For Abuse
By:mark.j @ 3:39:PM -
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BTInternet yesterday issued a special E-Mail to 400 of their unmetered 'AnyTime' customers, cautioning them over their Internet usage, or lack of?:
The email issued yesterday said: "After reviewing our records recently, we have reason to believe that your account has been active for online sessions during extended periods of time when it has not been used."
It suggests that this might be due to punters "leaving the Internet connection maintained whilst not using the service" or because "accounts have been compromised and are being used by people other than yourself".
Either way, BT hopes that this softly-softly approach will give a gentle nudge to people over their online activities.
Judging my the E-Mail it would appear as if 'service overuse' isn't so much of an issue as not using the service, yet still being online. This tends to imply the use of 'stay alive' or 'pinging' software, which is often associated with those that like to stay online in chat rooms, yet not actually use them.
Sadly the majority of ISPs do prevent such activity as those not using the Internet (active) clog services for others trying to get online. Either way users have been warned instead of finding themselves served with an instant notice of removal. More @ The Register. |
Oftel Determines SLA's For LLU
By:mark.j @ 3:30:PM -
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Oftel has today released yet another press release, this time it's designed to determine service level agreements for local loop unbundling (LLU).
The new proposals are designed to speed up the rollout of LLU and impose fines on BT should it delay any requests for exchanges. We've copied relevant parts of the press release below:
Oftel has today intervened to determine the service levels that BT must offer to other operators wanting to unbundle BT local loops and the compensation BT must pay if it fails to meet those levels.
In May this year, operators complained that though Oftel had earlier determined that BT must offer an agreement specifying levels of service, BT's offer had been inadequate.
Oftel has decided that much of the complaint was justified and that BT's offer did not meet the requirements of Oftel's earlier Determination. As a result, Oftel proposes a significant redraft of the contract between BT and the operators.
It is the first time that the telecoms regulator has formally intervened to set service level standards. Following a statutory consultation period, these standards will be imposed by requiring BT to amend its existing contract.
Oftel has also set out the levels of compensation BT must pay operators if it fails to provide services in accordance with these standards. For example, Oftel proposes that BT should pay £10 for each working day an unbundled loop is unavailable and £80 per operator for each working day's delay in providing co-location facilities.
This latest move is certainly to be seen as one of Oftels stronger stances against the disgruntled Telco. They will require BT to amend the 'access network facilities agreement' in order for the new changes to work.
As usual all the relevant groups have until 20th September to respond before Oftel finalises the new plan. |
Nutshell ISP Breaches User Security
By:mark.j @ 9:37:AM -
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The popular unmetered dial-up ISP, Net In A Nutshell (Nutshell), has today found itself the focus of customer anger following a very serious security breach.
Apparently Nutshell's latest mail sent to their customers, the one regarding BBS and titled - 'Nutshell to provide help for BBS customers', failed to secure users E-Mail addresses from open publication. One reader describes it best as follows:
The email that BBS and/or Nutshell sent to me contained in the 'TO:' header a long list of email addresses that appears to be a list of all of the BBS subscribers... from "ADRIAN" though to "ZVONMIR". The email was 259KB in size!
What a nice ready to use spam list this is for those who partake in such activities!
The email appears to be 'From:' "Nutshell Directors" (directors@nutshell.uk.com)
The message itself was dated Wed, 22 Aug 2001 19:15:36 +0100 and read as follows:
Dear internet user,
I am writing to inform you that Net in a Nutshell has confirmed this afternoon that ex- Big Blue Sky (BBS) customers are able to connect directly to the Nutshell service with immediate effect. In addition BBS has announced that they are terminating as an ISP provider with immediate effect.
Net in a Nutshell htpp://www.nutshell.co.uk is a fast growing ISP which has based its business on providing high quality internet connectivity at an affordable price. You may have read about us and the highly regarded service that we provide!
At Nutshell we are very aware of the problems you have incurred with BBS over the last few months. As a result all BBS customers can now
sign-up to Nutshell at the special price of £9.99 per month for a whole year. For this service you receive:
-No internet call charges
-Unlimited internet access 24/7
-No cancellation period
-5 email addresses
-5mb web space
-Helpdesk support from 8am-10pm Mon-Fri and 8am-5pm Sat&Sun
I would like to make it clear that Net in a Nutshell are an independent company whose only link with BBS is that we were going to provide their new internet platform had they continued as an ISP.
I hope you welcome the opportunity of joining a new provider with an exemplary track record. To Register now visit Here or call 0870 010 2550 for assistance.
Kind Regards
Jonathan Watts-Lay
Director
Sadly the security breach has clearly reached a large group of people whom may now find their details leaked into the hands of SPAM merchants. Hopefully Nutshell will soon apologise, not that it’ll make a difference, the information has now been released and it won't be coming back.
Currently Nutshell is quite a favourite among many of its users; it's interesting to see the effect on ISPs whom have ever associated with BBS (jinx?). |
BT Outage Took 1,000 Leased Lines Offline
By:mark.j @ 9:19:AM -
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It has emerged this morning that earlier in the week (Monday) BT saw a serious service outage with their leased line services:
A fault at BT's Megastream leased line service on Monday cut about 1,000 lines, some of which terminated in the City of London. At least one company is seeking compensation after the line it uses to connect its servers to the Internet was cut. The company, which asked not to be named, said it took BT more than 14 hours to fix the fault. Optical fibre had to be replaced at a key exchange.
As yet BT hasn't made any comments on the matter, although 1,000 leased lines is a colossal amount since many of them are primary connections carrying up to 155Mbps of bandwidth. Now wouldn't you like one of those? More @ ZDNet. |
Offshore Islands Allow Internet Casinos
By:mark.j @ 9:15:AM -
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Two of England’s most popular offshore tax havens and holiday resorts, Alderney and The Isle of Man, have opted to allow a big chain of online (Internet) casinos to operate within their borders:
Alderney, with a population of 2,400 and an economy dependent on tourism, is the first out of the gates. It will begin taking applications on Wednesday for six new e-gaming licences, said Moran Chapman, chief executive for the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
The Isle of Man will announce in the coming weeks that it has created three new e-gaming licences, a gaming official there said. Both jurisdictions, which are independent from British rule, passed the legislation last month.
"It's not a race," said Chapman. "It's a global industry. All sorts of people will become involved in in one shape or another."
So if you're sick and tired of loosing money on the lottery and want to find yet another ingenious way to loose even more money, check ZDNet's item. |
News - August 22,2001
Quick ISP Review Site Update
By:mark.j @ 3:52:PM -
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| Just a quick note to say that the ISP Top 10, Complaints page and Unmetered ISP Lists / Related Forums have all been updated this afternoon. |
Zen Bring R/ADSL Price Cuts Forward
By:mark.j @ 3:48:PM -
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Originally due to start on 1st September 2001, it would appear as if Zen Internet have chosen to take a leaf out of some other providers books and bring their forthcoming price cuts forward.
The following is a full press release received this afternoon from Zen Internet:
Zen Internet, one of the UK's leading providers of Broadband connectivity, are pleased to announce that the recently publicised price reduction of its ADSL services has been introduced today, ten days earlier than previously announced.
The £5 per month reduction, originally due September 1st, that covers all Zen's ADSL services, and equates to a saving of £60 per year, comes about as a result of upcoming reductions in BT Wholesale prices which we are passing on to customers immediately.
Other providers have been talking up the cost of ADSL in recent months, but Zen are committed to reducing the cost of Broadband in Britain.
Ross McWilliam, Operations Director at Zen, said: "ADSL has been a fantastic product for Zen and its rollout over the past year has surpassed all product launches carried out in the past. We hope that this price reduction will make Broadband more accessible and increase the take-up of ADSL in the UK."
Zen Internet provides a range of ADSL services. For further information, please visit our Web site at http://www.zenadsl.com. |
Nthellworld Sued By NTL
By:mark.j @ 3:42:PM -
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The customer built website, Nthellworld, has today found its site removed and NTL preparing to take legal action. Frank, Nthellworld's Webmaster, was quick to fire off an E-Mail in our direction regarding their response:
Special: NTL to start legal action against us
Aug 22, 2001
Today, when our website was taken offline temporarily by our hosts, we learned that NTL was headed our way with the legal heavies. The offending article in question this time around was the article about the ntlworld dialup. Apparently our article told of how to defraud NTL, which is why NTL are taking legal action against us.
NTL: We would just like to say to you:
1. We have taken down the page because we respect our hosts wishes, as they are a great hosting company.
2. The information in the article CAME FROM A SENIOR TECH IN YOUR COMPANY.
3. Read our terms of use. "We will endeavour to provide the nthellworld Site using all reasonable care. To the extent permitted by law, We exclude all implied warranties as to quality, accuracy or fitness and We do not warrant that the material contained in the nthellworld Site".
4. I think it a disgrace that we heard it first from our hosting company and not from you. So much for the "complete communications company".
5. I find the situation humourous. A massive corporate flexing their muscle against one guy. It's pathetic.
6. Tell me exactly WHERE it says how to defraud you. It says NOTHING of the sort.
For those still interested, you can read the offending item right HERE and it doesn't seem to be quite what NTL claim it to be.
In fact the item titled, 'Why ex-CW customers can't get on the free ntlworld service', was most likely removed because it appears to expose some of NTLs dirty laundry. No doubt NTLs harsh actions on the matter will only serve to raise more anger and questions. |
AOL Confirms 1,200 Jobs To Go
By:mark.j @ 3:29:PM -
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AOL Time Warner’s ISP division is to loose a massive 1,200 jobs (+200 from other areas) in order to improve their financial results and avoid losses due to the ever collapsed advertising market:
Analysts have been expecting the job losses as AOL Time Warner wants to prove the merger is a success by hitting financial targets. The deteriorating online advertising market forced management's hand.
"You don't like to cut jobs if you don't have to. My feeling is they're stretching to make their numbers," said Walter Price, an investment fund manager.
AOL chief executive Barry Schuler said that no more cuts are planned and that employees have not yet been told who will go and who will stay.
VNUNet's news comes shortly after AOL sacked a further 6,200 staff earlier in the year, no details on whether any losses will come from the UK wing of AOL. Perhaps not given the current tax issues with Freeserve =). |
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