Free broadband on the cards
The project is estimated to cost the telecom’s company around 10 billion pounds and was originally scheduled for launch in 2009.
This new development from BT is well under way and according to reports from TMCnet it may even be ready towards the end of this year.
21CN differs from current offerings in that customers will have a broadband dialtone which means that they will be connected simply by plugging in a computer and paying a basic line rental.
There is no need to install a DSLAM or to send out costly technicians for installation.
Installation is currently an issue lying heavy on the shoulders of the South African telecoms giant, Telkom.
The new ADSL draft regulations set out by ICASA (the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) stipulate that Telkom must be able to install an ADSL line within 14 days of the order.
This is a big ask when considering that new subscribers can currently expect to wait anything from 4 weeks to several months for their installation.
BT’s innovative way of delivering broadband may be part of the answer to SA’s long wait for ubiquitous broadband.
BT is also branching out regarding their video-on-demand and their mobile phone offering, Fusion.
The telecoms company is considering offering video-on-demand to non-BT customers perhaps with the hope that they will move over.
Their mobile phone service, Fusion, will also benefit from this new project as the broadband dialtone will allow customers to switch their mobile calls to BT Broadband when at home.
According to TCMnet the company has sold only 13,000, but this summer sees the launch of handsets from major manufacturers that can use wi-fi, the radio system millions of Britons use to connect home PC networks.
BT had downplayed the reports of free broadband, but the new network will undoubtedly reduce the cost of broadband and improve service delivery.
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