 |  |
By Sam Smith Staff Writer
Friday, 3 July 2009
|
Broadband speeds examined but are less complained about in the news this week.
Government to Examine Broadband Speeds
THE Business and Enterprise Committee is set to launch an inquiry  into Lord Carter's Digital Britain report.
The report has been under close scrutiny since its publication two weeks ago, especially the notion of a broadband tax on copper lines in order to finance the roll out of next generation broadband access.
It does seem to be an investigation into the blindingly obvious. For instance, one of the issues up for debate is "Are companies are providing the speed of access which they promise to consumers?" Obvious answer: No.
A debate on the issues surrounding the Digital Britain report is of course welcome if it leads to constructive feedback. However, many will no doubt view it as another hindrance on the road to Lord Carter's Digital Britain.
Sky to BT: "Stop Whinging"
SKY has hit out at BT this week for being over reliant on government regulation and showing an inability to compete in a competitive market.
The stinging criticisms were made by Sky's chief operating officer Mike Darcey after Irish sports broadcaster Setanta's UK operation went into administration last week.
"There is nothing in Setanta's failure that can properly be used as a pretext to hand an advantage to BT or Virgin Media.
"The UK remains a nation of sports fans and the opportunity is there for a well-run business to come in and be successful" he said.
This outburst is timely as the communications watchdog Ofcom prepares to publish a report into pay TV.
BT Vision offers refunds after Setanta Collapse
SPEAKING of Setanta Sports, following its collapse last week, BT has said that it will refund all BT Vision customers paying for the Irish sports broadcaster.
The news comes as the American sports channel ESPN steps in to screen the 46 Premier League matches that were due to be shown by Setanta next season.
Hence, BT Vision is currently in negotiations with ESPN to bring these matches to BT Vision customers.
In a statement, BT said: "BT Vision are currently in discussions with ESPN with a view to bringing these matches to our customers for the coming season. In addition ESPN has also won the 23 games per season that Setanta were due to show for seasons 2010/11 to 2012/13.
"In the meantime please ensure you retain your BT Vision/Setanta Viewing Card.
"Any customers who were paying for Setanta Sports will see their charges stopped and any advance payments refunded."
Broadband Complaints Fall in the Past Year
THE communications watchdog Ofcom has revealed that it received fewer complaints regarding broadband and telephone issues over the past year.
On first appearance you would assume that fewer complaints equal better customer service. However, Ofcom is partially attributing the drop in the number of complaints to the recession.
In a statement, Ofcom said: "We believe some of this latest reduction in complaints may also be due to external factors, such as fewer people moving home during the current economic downturn.
"That's because problems sometimes occur when people switch their broadband and home phones as part of the moving process."
This suggests that complaints will rise again once the economy starts to recover. I sense a new social theory in the making: more money = more problems. Simple.
 Broadband Deals
Broadband Guide
Broadband News
|
Compare bundle packages from