Posted: 08th May, 2004 By: MarkJ
We were wondering how long it would take for this subject to be raised, especially in light of BT's grand new broadband coverage plans. Some fear that a wave of increased ADSL, while benefiting consumers, could hamper competing products:
BT, though, says that it is acting in the best interests of Broadband Britain. "BT is determined to help the UK become a world leader for broadband availability and we've been acting to support that determination for some time now. The plans for near-universal availability of broadband are good news for the country and a testament to the endeavours of local campaigners," said a BT spokesman.
Other companies, though, appear to be suffering because of BT's recent enthusiasm for ADSL rollout. Radiant Networks, a pioneer in mesh broadband technology, went into administration at the end of last year.
And local activists aren't all delighted by BT's rollout plans. Some groups have spent many months planning community broadband initiatives, only to find that BT had suddenly announced that a previously unviable exchange is now suitable for broadband. This has led to cynicism that the telco may be deliberately blocking the competition.Such criticism was inevitable and we, much like most of you, are stuck slap bang in the middle. On the one hand it's good to have choice and competition can help lower prices, while on the other - WE WANT BROADBAND. More @
ZDNet.