BT starts 'fast Internet' satellite trials

BT Wholesale is to start trials of a new satellite-based 'almost broadband' Internet service, which is aimed at small businesses and high-use residential customers. Users will be connected to the Web at up to 256kbit/s via a receive-only satellite dish providing always-on email and Internet, though return messages, such as outgoing emails and requests for Internet pages, will be carried down a conventional phone line. Speeds up to 4Mbit/s will be available on a pay-as-used basis as the trail progresses. ...more

THUS pulls plug on 118 service

ISP Thus plc is to close its 118 directory of enquiries service. The company says this is in response to a poor report by Oftel that claimed that only 61 per cent of calls to the Thus 118 service were answered correctly on business number enquiries and only 33 per cent of home numbers. Thus, which didn't take part in the advertising spree which accompanied the launch of 118 services this summer, says it handled around 25,000 calls a month. ...more

BBC bids for big increase in licence fee

The BBC has put in a bid to increase the licence fee paid by British viewers and listeners well above the rate of inflation. The corporation says it needs the extra funds in part to finance the rapid increase in its digital services ranging from the digital channels such as BBC3 and BBC4 and online services like the TV and radio programme download service currently under trial. The plea for a rise of 2. ...more

Toshiba and NEC launch High Definition DVD showcase

Toshiba, NEC and disc manufacturer Memory-Tech have highlighted their HD DVD format at a three day showcase in Tokyo. The companies are hoping High Definition DVD will become the de facto standard as the successor to today's DVD. Its rival is Blu-Ray, being developed by the likes of Sony, Philips, Samsung, HP and Dell. ...more

Pfizer, Microsoft crack down on 'generic' Viagra pedlars

Drugs giant Pfizer has carried out its threats to take legal action against spammers promoting 'generic' versions of its Viagra erectile dysfunction (ED) medication. It is joined by Microsoft and the two are filing parallel suits against two international pharmacy spam rings. The two operate websites - CanadianPharmacy and E-Pharmacy Direct - that allegedly sell illegal and purportedly generic versions of Viagra. ...more