Posted: 12th May, 2006 By: MarkJ
Doubts have been cast over HomeChoice's (Video Networks) expansion of its unbundled broadband (
LLU) network. Reports suggest that the IPTV operator has had difficulty raising the investment needed, allegedly putting everything on ice:
As a result of this and the increased competition in the broadband market, Homechoice has been speaking to industry players about selling its IPTV service on a wholesale basis, industry sources have confirmed.
A spokesman for Homechoice - which has been touted as a possible buy-out target by Sky and Google - said the company does not comment on "rumour and speculation". However, he said that plans were still in place for the nation-wide roll-out and that the firm was still working with CSFB. In an email toThe Register, CSFB "declined to comment" on whether it had raised the cash for Homechoice.
Whether Homechoice proceeds with its plan remains to be seen, However, it's clear that the telecoms industry is undergoing massive change as operators position themselves to become providers of multiple services such as TV, phone and broadband.The Register also highlights the various technical concerns that still exist with BT's ability to unbundled its own network.