NTL splits in financial restructuring

Internet service provider NTL is to split into two following a restructuring of its $17 billion debt. The process should be completed in August or September. NTL's UK and Irish operations will form one new company - possibly called NTL UK and Ireland - and will get $500m of new financing. ...more

Easynet plans ADSL2+ services

Easynet plans to introduce ADSL2+ services up to 24Mbps later this year, following the completion of imminent trials. The local loop unbundler currently offers up to 8Mbps lines to ISPs - notably UK Online which has an 8Mbps residential broadband product - pushing ADSL technology to its limits. However the LLU kit that has installed at BT exchanges is also equipped with ADSL2+, smoothing any upgrade path. ...more

Cisco developing social networking software

Cisco has begun developing software to help create social networking websites that let groups communicate, chief development officer Charlie Giancarlo said on Tuesday. Cisco recently purchased Utah Street Networks, which owned the technology behind pioneering social network site tribe.net, and also bought Five Across, a company that provides software for building social networks on sites such as the National Hockey League's NHL. ...more

Forces shifting on the Broadband front

BT chairman signals shift of ground on ADSL pricing. It has been widely reported that BT intends to dramatically cut the cost of broadband services - with a formal announcement rumoured to occur on Thursday, when its quarterly results are released - and now the chairman Sir Christopher Bland has confirmed to MPs that the company is shifting its ground. With political interest beginning to focus on the state of 'Broadband Britain', The Guardian reports Bland's comments to a Commons select committee yesterday. ...more

Another broadband ad takes the ASA rap

BT is the latest broadband provider to fall foul of the Advertising Standards Authority over a TV advert that contained misleading price infomation. The advert featured a man buying lightbulbs who was asked by a shop assistant whether he would prefer the longer-lasting bulbs. 'No - I always get these,' he replied. ...more